Merry Christmas with Love from the Carlsons!Lars, Amy, Stefan and Lukas
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Like Mary
Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love my Christmas decor-ations, so I seem to "jump the gun" every year and put them up the first week of November. I just want to make sure I have plenty of time to enjoy them! At least I wait until after Halloween.As I sit here looking at the colorful lights on our tree, I am amazed at how quickly another year has gone by. Although there haven't been a lot of big changes in our lives, looking at my kids brings a realization that they have certainly grown and changed.
In fact, as I sit writing this, Stefan is playing "Angels We Have Heard On High" on the piano. Not just plucking out the melody a finger at a time. Playing it. It feels somewhat like a scene from "It's a Wonderful Life." He started taking piano lessons in September and I can't believe how he has progressed. He has a great teacher, but it is also evident that he has a God-given talent. (By the way, if you're looking for an amazing piano teacher, check out www.diazschoolofpiano.com.)
The boys are both at Lansing Christian again this year, and we are grateful for the ability to provide a Christian education for them. Stefan is in 3rd grade and doing very well. He loves science - he must get that from his dad! Lukas is in 1st grade and is also doing great. His great love is reading - after his mother's heart.
Lukas is our little charmer who seems to attract the attention of every single girl in the elementary school. He is constantly bringing little notes home with pictures of hearts that say, "I love you Lukas." He gets annoyed by all of this attention now, but I think he'll grow to appreciate it in about 10 years!
When I look at my children, it amazes me to realize what a precious gift from God they are to Lars and me. I can see pieces of each one of us in them. In Stefan I primarily see Lars, but he has a few tendencies to be like me, too. He is a scientific, logical thinker who easily understands technological things like his dad. But he is also sensitive and worries about things, which is more like me. I see both of us in Lukas, too. He is more laid back and less prone to worry, like Lars. At this point, he appears to have more of the "artsy" temperament like I do - quick to respond to things emotionally rather than logically.
I love both of my kids so much, I just want every moment of every day to be filled with happiness for them. And then I think of Mary, and how she must have felt when she held her precious firstborn in her arms. Those of you who are moms understand the unique love that exists between a mother and her children. Our worst fear is that something bad might happen to them.
Mary was an Israelite who was undoubtedly familiar with the prophecies of the Messiah. When the angel of the Lord came to her and told her she would bear the Son of God, she knew what that ultimately meant for that child - and for her. While there was a lot she didn't know, I'm sure she knew she would live to see the day her son was crucified. Yet she willingly accepted God's calling on her life. I wonder if I would have done the same.
So this Christmas, as I enjoy the pretty decorations and remember the birth of Christ, I will remind myself that I have truly been blessed. God has called me to be a mother to two great kids, a wife to an amazing husband, and a servant at Youth Haven and Trinity Church. Someday, though, He might call me to something I don't want to have to endure. I pray that if that happens, like Mary I will willingly accept God's calling on my life, no matter what that might bring.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A Heavy Heart
My heart is heavy. A dearly loved family friend unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord today. And although I know I can celebrate the fact that he is in heaven with the Savior, it is hard to say goodbye.
I first met Dr. Hill when I was a freshman in high school and my family moved from Saginaw to Lansing in the middle of the school year. He was the superintendent at Lansing Christian at the time, and my parents enrolled my younger brother and me there. Dr. Hill's father had been a pastor at the same church my dad had pastored in Saginaw, years earlier. As a pastor's kid himself, he understood how hard it could be. He said to my dad, "I'll look after her." It was nice to know he cared.
Even after Lars and I had graduated and Bob had retired from his position at the school, we kept a special friendship with his family. He and his wife Joy were always bright and cheerful, friendly and encouraging. They often opened their home to us and our staff, and we grew to think of them as part of our extended family.
Several years ago, Bob joined the Board of Directors at Youth Haven. He and Joy volunteered many hours at the Ranch and were devoted to helping the children as much as possible. He was a true friend and mentor to Lars, affirming him in his role at Youth Haven and lovingly sharing his wisdom. Bob was someone we always knew we could count on.
Two years ago, Bob served as the general contractor who built our house. He and Joy were filled with such genuine excitement for us as we built and moved into our first house. We knew things would be done right because Bob was a man of integrity. But it was the personal connection, the chance to spend time with him and Joy, and the feeling that we were doing this together that made the process such a delight for us.
What I appreciated most about Bob was his love for God that spilled over into every aspect of his life. He often had the opportunity to share a devotional with our staff, and his insights and knowledge of the Bible always challenged and inspired me. But more than that, I saw everything he talked about evidenced in his life.
I am grateful that, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we know we will see Bob again in heaven someday. But it's still painful to think that he is gone from this earth. I grieve for Joy and their children and grandchildren. We will surely miss Bob.
I first met Dr. Hill when I was a freshman in high school and my family moved from Saginaw to Lansing in the middle of the school year. He was the superintendent at Lansing Christian at the time, and my parents enrolled my younger brother and me there. Dr. Hill's father had been a pastor at the same church my dad had pastored in Saginaw, years earlier. As a pastor's kid himself, he understood how hard it could be. He said to my dad, "I'll look after her." It was nice to know he cared.
Even after Lars and I had graduated and Bob had retired from his position at the school, we kept a special friendship with his family. He and his wife Joy were always bright and cheerful, friendly and encouraging. They often opened their home to us and our staff, and we grew to think of them as part of our extended family.
Several years ago, Bob joined the Board of Directors at Youth Haven. He and Joy volunteered many hours at the Ranch and were devoted to helping the children as much as possible. He was a true friend and mentor to Lars, affirming him in his role at Youth Haven and lovingly sharing his wisdom. Bob was someone we always knew we could count on.
Two years ago, Bob served as the general contractor who built our house. He and Joy were filled with such genuine excitement for us as we built and moved into our first house. We knew things would be done right because Bob was a man of integrity. But it was the personal connection, the chance to spend time with him and Joy, and the feeling that we were doing this together that made the process such a delight for us.
What I appreciated most about Bob was his love for God that spilled over into every aspect of his life. He often had the opportunity to share a devotional with our staff, and his insights and knowledge of the Bible always challenged and inspired me. But more than that, I saw everything he talked about evidenced in his life.
I am grateful that, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we know we will see Bob again in heaven someday. But it's still painful to think that he is gone from this earth. I grieve for Joy and their children and grandchildren. We will surely miss Bob.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Welcome to Our World
It has been a while since I had a chance to sit down and write anything. Things seem to be far busier than I like right now. I will definitely be grateful for Christmas break!
It seems that, especially during the Christmas season, life can be a blur of one event or activity after another, and by the time Christmas actually gets here we are exhausted. In all the bustle it's easy to lose sight of the real reason we celebrate. And it's not just a baby in a manger, either.
Our worship leader at church this evening referenced a song called "Welcome to Our World," written by Chris Rice, and I wanted to share these lyrics with you. You've probably heard this song before, but I would encourage you to just think about the words and what they mean to us.
Tears are falling, hearts are breaking,
How we need to hear from God,
You've been promised, we've been waiting,
Welcome Holy Child,
Welcome Holy Child.
Hope that You don't mind our manger,
How I wish we would have known,
But long awaited, holy stranger,
Make Yourself at home,
Please make Yourself at home.
Bring Your peace into our violence,
Bid our hungry hearts be filled,
Word now breaking Heaven's silence,
Welcome to our world,
Welcome to our world.
Fragile fingers sent to heal us,
Tender brow prepared for thorn,
Tiny heart whose blood will save us,
Unto us is born,
Unto us is born.
So wrap our injured flesh around You,
Breathe our air and walk our sod,
Rob our sin and make us holy,
Perfect Son of God,
Perfect Son of God,
Welcome to our world.
When I think of the baby who was born so long ago, I remember what it was like to hold my newborn sons in my arms. Their smell. The softness of their skin. The little noises they made. How tiny everything was!
As mothers, I think we all look at our kids and know in our hearts they are destined for greatness. Imagine cradling your firstborn and knowing He was the Son of God! Awesome. Tragic. Those fragile fingers were sent to heal us. That tender brow was prepared for a crown of thorns. The blood that beat through that tiny heart would be shed on the cross to save us from our sin.
Let us not forget what a precious gift God gave us that night His Son was born in human flesh. A gift we certainly did not deserve, and yet He gave it freely.
One more thought: it was a pretty meager welcome, the stable. But I love that God chose a place like that for Christ to be born. Because I seem to be really good at making messes of my life, and a Savior who was willing to be born in a stable is a Savior who willingly comes into my mess and makes me holy.
This week will still be busy, but that won't keep me from remembering a baby, a man, a cross, and an empty tomb. Someday I will see Him face to face in heaven! And that is why I celebrate.
It seems that, especially during the Christmas season, life can be a blur of one event or activity after another, and by the time Christmas actually gets here we are exhausted. In all the bustle it's easy to lose sight of the real reason we celebrate. And it's not just a baby in a manger, either.
Our worship leader at church this evening referenced a song called "Welcome to Our World," written by Chris Rice, and I wanted to share these lyrics with you. You've probably heard this song before, but I would encourage you to just think about the words and what they mean to us.
Tears are falling, hearts are breaking,
How we need to hear from God,
You've been promised, we've been waiting,
Welcome Holy Child,
Welcome Holy Child.
Hope that You don't mind our manger,
How I wish we would have known,
But long awaited, holy stranger,
Make Yourself at home,
Please make Yourself at home.
Bring Your peace into our violence,
Bid our hungry hearts be filled,
Word now breaking Heaven's silence,
Welcome to our world,
Welcome to our world.
Fragile fingers sent to heal us,
Tender brow prepared for thorn,
Tiny heart whose blood will save us,
Unto us is born,
Unto us is born.
So wrap our injured flesh around You,
Breathe our air and walk our sod,
Rob our sin and make us holy,
Perfect Son of God,
Perfect Son of God,
Welcome to our world.
When I think of the baby who was born so long ago, I remember what it was like to hold my newborn sons in my arms. Their smell. The softness of their skin. The little noises they made. How tiny everything was!
As mothers, I think we all look at our kids and know in our hearts they are destined for greatness. Imagine cradling your firstborn and knowing He was the Son of God! Awesome. Tragic. Those fragile fingers were sent to heal us. That tender brow was prepared for a crown of thorns. The blood that beat through that tiny heart would be shed on the cross to save us from our sin.
Let us not forget what a precious gift God gave us that night His Son was born in human flesh. A gift we certainly did not deserve, and yet He gave it freely.
One more thought: it was a pretty meager welcome, the stable. But I love that God chose a place like that for Christ to be born. Because I seem to be really good at making messes of my life, and a Savior who was willing to be born in a stable is a Savior who willingly comes into my mess and makes me holy.
This week will still be busy, but that won't keep me from remembering a baby, a man, a cross, and an empty tomb. Someday I will see Him face to face in heaven! And that is why I celebrate.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
13 Years
Yesterday Lars and I celebrated 13 years of marriage. They have been 13 happy years, and I am so blessed to be married to my very best friend.
In one of our conversations together, we talked about how much has changed over the past 13 years. College. A move from Kalamazoo to Youth Haven in Rives Junction. Babies. Toddlers. Homeschool. Loss of grandparents. Lansing Christian Elementary. New opportunities to serve at church.
Our lives have changed dramatically since those carefree days when we were 20 years old and had fewer responsibilities. Children undoubtedly add a new dimension to a marriage, and as their needs become more and more prevalent, it becomes more difficult for a husband and wife to make each other a priority.
At least that's what our experience has been. Between school, work, piano lessons, homework, laundry, meals - we find that there is not a lot of time left over for each other. And that's not good.
I have to admit, it's a real struggle for me to balance my roles as mother and wife. The time between the end of the school day and bedtime seems so short. There just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish all that needs to be done.
Perhaps that is the problem. I have hard time differentiating between what needs to be done and what I would like to get done. I would like to go to bed in a clean house. I would like to cook fancy meals like Paula Deen. But my husband doesn't care if there is dust on the coffee table, and my kids certainly don't care if I serve them chicken nuggets and broccoli instead of a five-course meal.
Even after 13 years of marriage, I am still learning what's important and what isn't.
We have decided that what is important is spending time together - both as a couple and also as a family. So here are a few things we're doing to make sure we have enough time together in the midst of a sometimes crazy life.
13 years have gone by quickly. The next 13 will be just as quick, I'm sure. I love my husband and my kids with all my heart. I want every moment together to be a treasure.
In one of our conversations together, we talked about how much has changed over the past 13 years. College. A move from Kalamazoo to Youth Haven in Rives Junction. Babies. Toddlers. Homeschool. Loss of grandparents. Lansing Christian Elementary. New opportunities to serve at church.
Our lives have changed dramatically since those carefree days when we were 20 years old and had fewer responsibilities. Children undoubtedly add a new dimension to a marriage, and as their needs become more and more prevalent, it becomes more difficult for a husband and wife to make each other a priority.
At least that's what our experience has been. Between school, work, piano lessons, homework, laundry, meals - we find that there is not a lot of time left over for each other. And that's not good.
I have to admit, it's a real struggle for me to balance my roles as mother and wife. The time between the end of the school day and bedtime seems so short. There just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish all that needs to be done.
Perhaps that is the problem. I have hard time differentiating between what needs to be done and what I would like to get done. I would like to go to bed in a clean house. I would like to cook fancy meals like Paula Deen. But my husband doesn't care if there is dust on the coffee table, and my kids certainly don't care if I serve them chicken nuggets and broccoli instead of a five-course meal.
Even after 13 years of marriage, I am still learning what's important and what isn't.
We have decided that what is important is spending time together - both as a couple and also as a family. So here are a few things we're doing to make sure we have enough time together in the midst of a sometimes crazy life.
- Date nights - just the two of us
- A family project: for us, it is a 10' x 12' HO model railroad. We're just in the beginning stages, but it will be fun to work on as a family.
- Family movie night (even though I'm always outnumbered when it comes to the movie choices)
- Exercising together
- Sitting down at the table for dinner together every evening
- Family vacations
13 years have gone by quickly. The next 13 will be just as quick, I'm sure. I love my husband and my kids with all my heart. I want every moment together to be a treasure.
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