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