This conversation just took place and I had to share it.
Mom: Lukas, get yourself ready for bed.
Lukas: Can you please brush my teeth?
Mom: No, you can do it tonight.
Lukas: Can you get my pajamas?
Mom: I would like you to get yourself ready for bed, please.
Lukas: But you're not helping me with anything.
Mom: You're a big boy now. You don't need my help.
Lukas: The Bible says to help each other!
Out of the mouths of babes. Guess what Mom is doing now?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Lukas' List
Lukas brought this home from school today. I am going to spell everything exactly as he spelled it, then in parentheses I'll put the correct spelling in case you can't figure out what he meant. It took me a minute on the first one.
Five things I need to thank God for are:
- My burthver (brother)
- My pets
- My peerints (parents)
- My God and Jesus
- My ferends (friends)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
No More Santa Claus
We've reached a milestone in our household.
This year, our boys are asking for bigger, more expensive toys for Christmas. "It's fine to ask for those things," I explained, "but they do cost more money, so I want you to understand that if you get those things, it will mean you won't have as many presents under the tree on Christmas morning."
"Okay," Stefan said in his getting-down-to-business tone of voice. "So what you're saying is that there really isn't a Santa Claus." It was a statement, not a question.
"Well I can tell you one thing," Lukas chimed in. "Santa's just a man in a costume."
I think they have known it for a year or two, but they weren't quite willing to fully embrace that reality. This year, they are. The childhood years are quickly dwindling. They are growing up.
The whole idea of Santa Claus was something Lars and I discussed when the boys were little. My siblings and I didn't grow up believing in Santa. He and his brothers did. I didn't want our kids to grow up thinking they only get things for Christmas if they're good boys all year long. I wanted them to understand that they receive gifts from us because we love them unconditionally. Lars didn't want to deprive them of the excitement of waiting for Santa to arrive.
So we compromised. Half the presents under the tree were from us, the other half appeared early Christmas morning from the man in the red suit. We have always taught the boys that Christmas is a celebration of Christ's birth, and Jesus was God's gift to us.
A few years ago, Stefan defined Santa as a special man God chose to give gifts to everyone as a way of remembering how God gave Jesus to us on the first Christmas. He is the kind of kid who needs to have a logical explanation for everything. That was how he explained Santa's ability to make it around the entire world in one night and get into people's houses without ever being seen or heard: God gave him those powers so he could do the job God had given him.
He is a deep thinker, that boy of mine. And he has the gift of believing God can and will enable us to do anything He wants us to do. Sometimes I wish I had his faith - to look at something that seems impossible and simply say, "If God wants me to do it, He will give me the power to do it."
I tend to be more like Moses. "I can't do that, God. I'm just not good at that. People will laugh at me." The truth is, sometimes God expects us to do things that appear to be impossible. In and of ourselves, they are impossible. When I say "I can't do that," I am half right. I can't do it on my own.
It was in all conceivable ways impossible for Moses to lead the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. So God sent plagues to show His power. He parted the Red Sea so His people could walk across on dry land, then drowned the Egyptian soldiers who were in hot pursuit. He guided the Israelites in pillars of cloud and fire. He made food appear and caused water to flow out of rocks. None of that was possible for Moses to do on his own. But look what God did through him when he relied on God's power and allowed himself to be used!
When I look at all the miracles I see in Scripture, including raising Christ from the grave and claiming victory over death, it is so exciting to remember that I serve that same God! And He is never changing. In fact, Ephesians 1:18-21 tells us that as a believer in Jesus Christ, I have access to that very same power that is "like the working of his mighty strength."
Do I believe God could give someone the power to fly around the world in one night, gain access to every home and leave gifts, undetected? I better believe it! Because if I don't, I am placing limitations on what God can do.
I certainly understand that just because God can do something doesn't mean He will. Still, I firmly believe that He will call each one of us to do the impossible and then give us the ability to accomplish His purpose. That's how His glory will be revealed in us. Am I ready? Are you?
This year, our boys are asking for bigger, more expensive toys for Christmas. "It's fine to ask for those things," I explained, "but they do cost more money, so I want you to understand that if you get those things, it will mean you won't have as many presents under the tree on Christmas morning."
"Okay," Stefan said in his getting-down-to-business tone of voice. "So what you're saying is that there really isn't a Santa Claus." It was a statement, not a question.
"Well I can tell you one thing," Lukas chimed in. "Santa's just a man in a costume."
I think they have known it for a year or two, but they weren't quite willing to fully embrace that reality. This year, they are. The childhood years are quickly dwindling. They are growing up.
The whole idea of Santa Claus was something Lars and I discussed when the boys were little. My siblings and I didn't grow up believing in Santa. He and his brothers did. I didn't want our kids to grow up thinking they only get things for Christmas if they're good boys all year long. I wanted them to understand that they receive gifts from us because we love them unconditionally. Lars didn't want to deprive them of the excitement of waiting for Santa to arrive.
So we compromised. Half the presents under the tree were from us, the other half appeared early Christmas morning from the man in the red suit. We have always taught the boys that Christmas is a celebration of Christ's birth, and Jesus was God's gift to us.
A few years ago, Stefan defined Santa as a special man God chose to give gifts to everyone as a way of remembering how God gave Jesus to us on the first Christmas. He is the kind of kid who needs to have a logical explanation for everything. That was how he explained Santa's ability to make it around the entire world in one night and get into people's houses without ever being seen or heard: God gave him those powers so he could do the job God had given him.
He is a deep thinker, that boy of mine. And he has the gift of believing God can and will enable us to do anything He wants us to do. Sometimes I wish I had his faith - to look at something that seems impossible and simply say, "If God wants me to do it, He will give me the power to do it."
I tend to be more like Moses. "I can't do that, God. I'm just not good at that. People will laugh at me." The truth is, sometimes God expects us to do things that appear to be impossible. In and of ourselves, they are impossible. When I say "I can't do that," I am half right. I can't do it on my own.
It was in all conceivable ways impossible for Moses to lead the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. So God sent plagues to show His power. He parted the Red Sea so His people could walk across on dry land, then drowned the Egyptian soldiers who were in hot pursuit. He guided the Israelites in pillars of cloud and fire. He made food appear and caused water to flow out of rocks. None of that was possible for Moses to do on his own. But look what God did through him when he relied on God's power and allowed himself to be used!
When I look at all the miracles I see in Scripture, including raising Christ from the grave and claiming victory over death, it is so exciting to remember that I serve that same God! And He is never changing. In fact, Ephesians 1:18-21 tells us that as a believer in Jesus Christ, I have access to that very same power that is "like the working of his mighty strength."
Do I believe God could give someone the power to fly around the world in one night, gain access to every home and leave gifts, undetected? I better believe it! Because if I don't, I am placing limitations on what God can do.
I certainly understand that just because God can do something doesn't mean He will. Still, I firmly believe that He will call each one of us to do the impossible and then give us the ability to accomplish His purpose. That's how His glory will be revealed in us. Am I ready? Are you?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
True Worth
The last few weeks I've been watching The Biggest Loser on Tuesday evenings, mainly because we got rid of DIRECTV to save a few dollars so I can't watch my HGTV shows anymore. It comes on right after Jeopardy, which I like to watch while I run on my treadmill because when I'm focused on something else it seems to make the time go faster. The Biggest Loser motivates me to finish those last few minutes after Jeopardy is over.
Tonight, though, I started thinking about the premise of the show. All of these people are competing to see who can lose the most weight. I certainly see the value in a little competition because it can help keep you accountable when you're trying to get healthy. But what I noticed on tonight's episode made me wonder if these types of shows are really good for us.
One of the most important details of the show is the revelation of the numbers on the scale. Every time they interview someone, they post the total amount of weight lost. Believe me, I understand the importance of eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting to and maintaining a healthy weight. Encouraging people to make that kind of lifestyle change is the concept of the show I really enjoy.
What frustrates me is when they base their self image on how they look. Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to look good, as long as you keep it in a proper perspective. It can be dangerous, though, when it becomes an obsession, and I think that's why we have so many young women and girls today who struggle with eating disorders.
We live in a society that has defined beauty in terms of swimsuit models and celebrities who spend hours in the gym with their personal trainers. Teenage girls are striving for a standard no average woman can possibly achieve. It's no wonder they starve themselves and feel like they don't measure up.
I am learning to look at myself and see a woman of true beauty rather than zeroing in on what I see as flaws. And it has nothing to do with the numbers on the scale or the size on the tags of my clothing. It has everything to do with a God who sees me as His treasured possession.
When I was pregnant for Stefan, my mother-in-law said to me, "The first thing you'll think when they put that baby in your arms is, 'Oh, my goodness, I can't believe my parents love me this much.'"
When Stefan was born and they placed him in my arms after an emergency C-section, I understood why she said that. For the first time I knew the love between a mother and her child. But I also thought, "Oh, my goodness, I can't believe God loves me this much!"
There are a few people I would give my life for - my husband and my kids are among them. But I would not give my sons' lives for anyone. And that's just what God did for me. He loved me so much that He was willing to give His only Son to die an awful death so that I could be called His child.
When I think about that, I know my worth is not at all about how I look. God created me in His image, and He loves me just as I am! No, my true worth comes from my identity as a child of God. My prayer is that more and more young women will discover this amazing truth that can set them free from the bondage of feeling inadequate.
Tonight, though, I started thinking about the premise of the show. All of these people are competing to see who can lose the most weight. I certainly see the value in a little competition because it can help keep you accountable when you're trying to get healthy. But what I noticed on tonight's episode made me wonder if these types of shows are really good for us.
One of the most important details of the show is the revelation of the numbers on the scale. Every time they interview someone, they post the total amount of weight lost. Believe me, I understand the importance of eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting to and maintaining a healthy weight. Encouraging people to make that kind of lifestyle change is the concept of the show I really enjoy.
What frustrates me is when they base their self image on how they look. Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to look good, as long as you keep it in a proper perspective. It can be dangerous, though, when it becomes an obsession, and I think that's why we have so many young women and girls today who struggle with eating disorders.
We live in a society that has defined beauty in terms of swimsuit models and celebrities who spend hours in the gym with their personal trainers. Teenage girls are striving for a standard no average woman can possibly achieve. It's no wonder they starve themselves and feel like they don't measure up.
I am learning to look at myself and see a woman of true beauty rather than zeroing in on what I see as flaws. And it has nothing to do with the numbers on the scale or the size on the tags of my clothing. It has everything to do with a God who sees me as His treasured possession.
When I was pregnant for Stefan, my mother-in-law said to me, "The first thing you'll think when they put that baby in your arms is, 'Oh, my goodness, I can't believe my parents love me this much.'"
When Stefan was born and they placed him in my arms after an emergency C-section, I understood why she said that. For the first time I knew the love between a mother and her child. But I also thought, "Oh, my goodness, I can't believe God loves me this much!"
There are a few people I would give my life for - my husband and my kids are among them. But I would not give my sons' lives for anyone. And that's just what God did for me. He loved me so much that He was willing to give His only Son to die an awful death so that I could be called His child.
When I think about that, I know my worth is not at all about how I look. God created me in His image, and He loves me just as I am! No, my true worth comes from my identity as a child of God. My prayer is that more and more young women will discover this amazing truth that can set them free from the bondage of feeling inadequate.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Small Enough
By Nichole Nordeman
Oh, Great God, be small enough to hear me now.
There were times when I was crying
from the dark of Daniel's den
and I have asked you once or twice
if you would part the sea again
but tonight I do not need a fiery pillar in the sky
just wanna know you're gonna hold me if I start to cry.
Oh, Great God, be small enough to hear me now.
Oh, Great God, be close enough to feel you now.
There have been moments when I could not
face Goliath on my own
and how could I forget we've marched around
our share of Jerichos
but I will not be setting out a fleece for you tonight
just wanna know that everything will be alright.
Oh, Great God, be close enough to feel you now.
All praise and all honor be
to the God of ancient mysteries
whose every sign and wonder turn the pages of our history
but tonight my heart is heavy
and I cannot keep from whispering this prayer:
"Are you there?"
And I know you could leave writing on the wall
that's just for me
or send wisdom while I'm sleeping,
like in Solomon's sweet dreams
but I don't need the strength of Samson
or a chariot in the end
just want to know that you still know how many hairs
are on my head.
Oh, Great God, be small enough to hear me now.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
I Was Tagged
I was tagged by my friend Pam, so here are my answers...
1. What is your husband's name? Lars Edward Carlson
2. Who eats more? Probably Lars, unless it's chocolate we're talking about.
3. Who said, "I love you" first? Honestly, I don't remember. It just feels like we've loved each other our whole lives.
4. Who is taller? Lars by about 10 inches
5. Who is smarter? I think we're both smart and very different. Lars has the technical/scientific smarts. I am better with the English/grammar/writing.
6. Who is more sensitive? Definitely me. Sometimes I get jealous of his ability to take things in stride.
7. Who does the laundry? I do, although he would if I asked him to.
8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do.
9. Who pays the bills? I do.
10. Who cooks more? Again, I do.
11. Who is more stubborn? I think I might win this one.
12. Who is the first to admit they are wrong? We don't have too many disagreements but when we do, it's usually because I'm being too sensitive about something (see #6) and so I have to admit I'm wrong.
13. Who has more siblings? We both have 2; Lars has 2 brothers and I have a sister and a brother.
14. Who wears the pants in the relationship? Lars is the head of the household, but we make major decisions together and he always takes my thoughts and feelings into consideration even in the smaller matters.
15. What do you like to do together? Music is the biggest thing. He plays drums and I sing, and we love to serve together at church. We also like to watch movies together. We're very different in many ways so we don't have a lot of the same hobbies.
16. Who eats more sweets? Lars. He likes all kinds of sweets, whereas I'm partial to chocolate.
17. Guilty Pleasures? Coffee & dessert or Orville Redenbacher's Pour Over Movie Theater Butter Popcorn on movie nights
18. How did you meet? Our freshman year of high school at Lansing Christian
19. Who asked whom out first? Well... he was letting my friend Carol look at his class ring and I took it from her so he let me keep it. We've been together ever since. :-) As far as our first actual date, he asked me out.
20. Who kissed who first? Lars kissed me, right in front of his mom. I was totally embarrassed!
21. Who proposed? Lars proposed to me on his 20th birthday.
22. His best features and qualities? He loves the Lord and is committed to serving Him. He is an amazing father and husband. He is a great leader at Youth Haven and also musically gifted. Whatever he puts his mind to, he does well. He has a great sense of humor and really great eyes.
I tag Jean!
1. What is your husband's name? Lars Edward Carlson2. Who eats more? Probably Lars, unless it's chocolate we're talking about.
3. Who said, "I love you" first? Honestly, I don't remember. It just feels like we've loved each other our whole lives.
4. Who is taller? Lars by about 10 inches
5. Who is smarter? I think we're both smart and very different. Lars has the technical/scientific smarts. I am better with the English/grammar/writing.
6. Who is more sensitive? Definitely me. Sometimes I get jealous of his ability to take things in stride.
7. Who does the laundry? I do, although he would if I asked him to.
8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do.
9. Who pays the bills? I do.
10. Who cooks more? Again, I do.
11. Who is more stubborn? I think I might win this one.
12. Who is the first to admit they are wrong? We don't have too many disagreements but when we do, it's usually because I'm being too sensitive about something (see #6) and so I have to admit I'm wrong.
13. Who has more siblings? We both have 2; Lars has 2 brothers and I have a sister and a brother.
14. Who wears the pants in the relationship? Lars is the head of the household, but we make major decisions together and he always takes my thoughts and feelings into consideration even in the smaller matters.
15. What do you like to do together? Music is the biggest thing. He plays drums and I sing, and we love to serve together at church. We also like to watch movies together. We're very different in many ways so we don't have a lot of the same hobbies.
16. Who eats more sweets? Lars. He likes all kinds of sweets, whereas I'm partial to chocolate.
17. Guilty Pleasures? Coffee & dessert or Orville Redenbacher's Pour Over Movie Theater Butter Popcorn on movie nights
18. How did you meet? Our freshman year of high school at Lansing Christian
19. Who asked whom out first? Well... he was letting my friend Carol look at his class ring and I took it from her so he let me keep it. We've been together ever since. :-) As far as our first actual date, he asked me out.
20. Who kissed who first? Lars kissed me, right in front of his mom. I was totally embarrassed!
21. Who proposed? Lars proposed to me on his 20th birthday.
22. His best features and qualities? He loves the Lord and is committed to serving Him. He is an amazing father and husband. He is a great leader at Youth Haven and also musically gifted. Whatever he puts his mind to, he does well. He has a great sense of humor and really great eyes.
I tag Jean!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Life Goes On
This morning we woke up to the news that Barack Obama had won the presidential election. As I started getting ready for work and listened to the news reports, I wondered what it meant for our country and our families.
Then I heard Stefan coughing in his room and the national news was quickly pushed aside in the bustle of the morning. After a few minutes I decided he should probably not go to school today.
Lars had a meeting for Youth Haven this morning at a school in Jackson, so that meant I had to take Lukas to school. Stefan stayed in his pajamas and wrapped up in a blanket in the car, and we headed up to Lansing.
Just before I got on the highway, a 6-point buck ran right in front of my car. I know it was a 6-point because I had an amazing close-up look at him about two inches from my headlights. I was grateful for good, responsive brakes in that moment!
Well, we did make it to school, but as Lukas was getting out of the car he realized he had forgotten his backpack. Since we live 35 minutes away from school, there was no way I could go back and get it. I walked him to his class and he would not go in. He wrapped his arms around my neck and would not let go, crying the whole time because he didn't have his homework to turn in. He had a substitute teacher today, and fortunately she was able to calm him down and cheer him up.
That didn't solve the fact that he now had nothing to eat for his mid-morning snack. I promised him I would run to the gas station and bring him something. He asked for animal crackers or mandarin oranges.
Do you think gas stations sell animal crackers or mandarin oranges? Fortunately, there is a Quality Dairy on the corner by the school. No animal crackers, but they did have a jar of mandarin oranges and a box of plastic forks. I bought them and headed back to the school, knowing I would need to open the jar before I put it in his locker or he would never be able to get it open. Naturally, when the lid released, juice squirted all over the front of me. Stefan found an old Wendy's napkin in the back seat and I wiped it off as much as I could, then headed inside, put the oranges and the forks in his locker, and back out to the car. (Stefan sat in the locked car with his blanket over him the whole time.)
Finally, as we were on the way home, I took a deep breath. And I realized something important. Life went on as usual today, even though our country elected a new president last night. At this point in my life, my most important role is as a mother, and I am doing the best I can in that role. That doesn't change as a result of last night's election.
More importantly, it is not the help of Barack Obama or John McCain that I need as I strive to raise my children to be followers of Christ. It is only God Himself, the Name Above All Names, Who can give me the guidance, wisdom and strength I need for the task at hand.
I don't know what the future holds. But I know that God is able to do even greater things than we could ever ask or imagine. The early church flourished in spite of enormous persecution and opposition. Praise God we are not at that point in our country. I may not agree with all of the things Barack Obama and a Democratic Congress hope to accomplish. But I celebrate the fact that I live in a nation where I have the freedom to serve, worship, and seek the One True God. And that is what I will continue to do with all my heart.
In the midst of our harried morning, we did have one special moment together in the car on the way up to school. The boys and I agreed that we need to pray for Barack Obama, that he would accept Christ as his Savior and that God would help him to do what is right for our country. I hope other Christians will resolve to pray the same way.
Then I heard Stefan coughing in his room and the national news was quickly pushed aside in the bustle of the morning. After a few minutes I decided he should probably not go to school today.
Lars had a meeting for Youth Haven this morning at a school in Jackson, so that meant I had to take Lukas to school. Stefan stayed in his pajamas and wrapped up in a blanket in the car, and we headed up to Lansing.
Just before I got on the highway, a 6-point buck ran right in front of my car. I know it was a 6-point because I had an amazing close-up look at him about two inches from my headlights. I was grateful for good, responsive brakes in that moment!
Well, we did make it to school, but as Lukas was getting out of the car he realized he had forgotten his backpack. Since we live 35 minutes away from school, there was no way I could go back and get it. I walked him to his class and he would not go in. He wrapped his arms around my neck and would not let go, crying the whole time because he didn't have his homework to turn in. He had a substitute teacher today, and fortunately she was able to calm him down and cheer him up.
That didn't solve the fact that he now had nothing to eat for his mid-morning snack. I promised him I would run to the gas station and bring him something. He asked for animal crackers or mandarin oranges.
Do you think gas stations sell animal crackers or mandarin oranges? Fortunately, there is a Quality Dairy on the corner by the school. No animal crackers, but they did have a jar of mandarin oranges and a box of plastic forks. I bought them and headed back to the school, knowing I would need to open the jar before I put it in his locker or he would never be able to get it open. Naturally, when the lid released, juice squirted all over the front of me. Stefan found an old Wendy's napkin in the back seat and I wiped it off as much as I could, then headed inside, put the oranges and the forks in his locker, and back out to the car. (Stefan sat in the locked car with his blanket over him the whole time.)
Finally, as we were on the way home, I took a deep breath. And I realized something important. Life went on as usual today, even though our country elected a new president last night. At this point in my life, my most important role is as a mother, and I am doing the best I can in that role. That doesn't change as a result of last night's election.
More importantly, it is not the help of Barack Obama or John McCain that I need as I strive to raise my children to be followers of Christ. It is only God Himself, the Name Above All Names, Who can give me the guidance, wisdom and strength I need for the task at hand.
I don't know what the future holds. But I know that God is able to do even greater things than we could ever ask or imagine. The early church flourished in spite of enormous persecution and opposition. Praise God we are not at that point in our country. I may not agree with all of the things Barack Obama and a Democratic Congress hope to accomplish. But I celebrate the fact that I live in a nation where I have the freedom to serve, worship, and seek the One True God. And that is what I will continue to do with all my heart.
In the midst of our harried morning, we did have one special moment together in the car on the way up to school. The boys and I agreed that we need to pray for Barack Obama, that he would accept Christ as his Savior and that God would help him to do what is right for our country. I hope other Christians will resolve to pray the same way.
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