Prayerfully Pondering Life, Loss & Newtown

In the past few days (particularly in the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, CT), I have found it helpful to chew on these quotes and verses about life and loss.  I pray that it may be helpful to you also as you take your own heart and mind to the feet of Jesus for comfort, strength and wisdom.

"The world needed a suffering Sovereign. Mere suffering would not do. Mere sovereignty would not do. The one is not strong enough to save; the other is not weak enough to sympathize."  From How Does Jesus Come to Newtown? by Pastor John Piper. 

"We were talking about the shooting and how it is devastating. They reminded me of all the babies America kills daily in women's wombs, yet we do not mourn over that."  From my friend Nathan Haugen. 

 "The life that we live falls short of the life God gave us."  From Tis More Blessed to Receive 12.16.12 by Pastor Dan Johnson.

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Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 1:14

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 14:1
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

John 1:12
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

1 Peter 3:13-14
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled.

Luke 2:10-11
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

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I am empowered and comforted to FEAR NOT! No matter what circumstances surround us, God stands in authority and is the suffering Sovereign.

Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Merry Christmas 2012 from the Jamiesons!

When they saw the star (the way to Jesus), they rejoiced exceedingly with great Joy!  

Matthew 2:10

Life is an adventure and that certainly remains true in the Jamieson home.

LARRY is transitioning from part-time consulting into a position as the Minnesota Area Director for Nashville-based Christian Leadership Concepts (CLC) where he is dedicated to equipping men to provide God-honoring leadership in their homes, workplaces, churches, and communities.  His responsibilities include working with individuals (and sometimes in partnership with churches) to recruit co-facilitators, support small groups, build relationships and disciple men.  This is a donor-funded position so he is primarily in support-raising mode now and finding that experience both challenging and exciting.  We both see how God has uniquely gifted him and been preparing him for many years so we consider it a privilege for him to be doing something he loves and is fruitful doing.  Larry will also continue to serve on the Board for Walk Right In Ministries.

I (LISA) am still working from home — first and foremost as wife and mom.  Primarily a caregiver for Carly, I also do some part-time freelance writing and ministry work.  One of my passions is serving as executive director for Walk Right In Ministries where I get to come alongside people who are seeking resources and/or fighting the sense of isolation frequently experienced when facing challenges like chronic illness, disability, strained relationships, financial concerns, loss and caregiving.  With a discipleship focus, the WRIM team and I facilitate Christ-centered community through an organic process that includes prayer, education, advocacy and networking.

ALEX (19) is in her second year at Augsburg College but is a junior by credits as of January 1^st 2013.  She recently decided to do a double major — Music Business and Accounting.  She is loving the college experience with all of its challenges and opportunities.  She’s living in campus housing with 7 roommates, enjoys sports and games with her boyfriend, sings in both the main choir and a jazz ensemble, has discovered she loves crafting from Pinterest ideas and comes home once in a while to get her “Carly-fix.”  We had a quieter fall without all those soccer games (she retired last spring in lieu of more choir). Now we’re having fun taking her care packages whenever she has a concert.

ERIN (17) is graduating from high school in a few months — save the date for her party on June 9^th 2013!  She’s been accepted at her dream school of Belmont University in Nashville with a partial academic scholarship.  She’ll be studying something related to vocal performance and/or songwriting.  Last February, her CD (EP) called “Without the Dark” released on iTunes and with various other retailers.  You can check out her website (and order your CDs and t-shirts) at www.ErinJamieson.com!  She is learning a lot about being a music artist while enjoying a year of performing in Minnesota, Missouri and North Carolina.  She has also continued in voice lessons, the school musical, choir concerts, and worship leading with her church youth group. 

CARLY (14) is a 9^th grader who continues to teach, stretch and delight us. One highlight of her year was attending friend Taylor Stoa’s (now Barclay) wedding. The weekend with her friend Hannah, swimming in the hotel pool, eating at the “big kids” table, dancing and watching fireworks kept a broad smile on her face all day and sent her into wild giggles far into the wee morning hours of the next day. Biking with family (on her new tandem with front end recumbent-style seat) was another favorite activity this year.  She is also playing piano more often and sometimes letting us hear her "singing " voice.  She’s going to prove to me that the house will be only a little quieter next year with both of her sisters away.

We spent Thanksgiving celebrating Bud and Janet’s 50^th wedding anniversary with Lisa’s side of the family and we’ll be with the Jamieson side right before Christmas. We’ve been helping Bill and Judy (Larry’s folks) make some care adjustments based on their changing health needs. Larry and I will be celebrating our 25^th wedding anniversary in July 2013 and sending our second child off to college a couple of weeks later. 

We’re inspired by guys like Abraham and Joseph during this season. Both of them were prompt and thorough in following the call God placed on them to “GO.”  Matthew 1:24 tells us that, “When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded.” No hesitation, no hint of obligatory obedience.  These were men who responded in a straight forward way out of love and trust — embracing the relationship they enjoyed with God in faith.  It is our desire to live life like that and our prayer that our friends and family will also.  There is no more thrilling or valuable adventure to experience! 

Larry, Lisa, Alex, Erin & Carly