Christmas Letter 2017

Dear Friends and Family,

It looks like it’s almost Christmas time again.  I’m not sure why I’m surprised every single year!

How about some stats since we last wrote:

Phil and Lisa celebrated 20 years of marriage in August.  Phil continues to work for USPS, which means we haven’t seen him in weeks, since everyone… everywhere… orders all of their Christmas presents online!    L accepted a new position as Director of Family Ministries at Asbury UMC in Portland, IN, in July.  So we moved to a house located in the middle of a pig and chicken farm.  Life is funny.  She has also enjoyed being a part of the editing team for the book, Uncontrolling Love, which was released this summer.  As part of the book launch tour, she traveled coast to coast and her feet touched both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in the same week.  That was a highlight!  We are looking forward to “sacred days” between Christmas and New Year’s, when the whole family will go “missing” for awhile from everyone except each other…  

      

 Seth turned 17 in September.  He remains involved in teen Bible quizzing and continues to enjoy Lego, art, reading, and baking, which is a very good thing, because someone has to feed us in the midst of our busy schedules!  Seth is a Junior in high school, this year.  He is very helpful with generally keeping everyone on track from day to day, and he is looking forward to finishing up his school curriculum as quickly as possible! 

Grace, also a Junior, turned 16 in October.  She fills our house with piano music and teaches piano lessons, as well.  We have come to realize that it is a great asset that she learned to play guitar, because that means we have mobile live music and can throw her into all kinds of random and spontaneous predicaments.  She also continues to quiz and writes even more than her mom.

Caleb is in 8^th grade and launched us into the “families with three teenagers” category when he turned 13 in May.  Following in his siblings footsteps, he made two all star quiz teams this year.  He has recently developed an interest in drafting and architecture, which means Grandpa is bringing him all of his equipment, like drafting tables and such.  He is helpful with tech related stuff for children’s Sunday School, and he remains the “go to” guy when his younger siblings need anything (even in the middle of the night). 

At age 10 (almost 11), Ian continues to be the spice of life at our house!  He is in 5^th grade and has begun to tell people that he plans to be a theological paleontologist when he grows up, which apparently means he intends to discover the back-story of the history of the world.  If anyone can do it, it’s Ian.  He is thrilled to have his own room for the first time ever, and we have discovered that he has definitely always been the source of the mess.    

Miah turned 7 in March and is technically in 2^nd grade, although she likes to tell everyone about her third and fourth grade schoolwork.  She is so full of life and love and keeps us all on our toes!  We are continually amazed at just how much we needed this bringer of all things rainbows, glitter, and unicorns into our lives!  She loves Lego, wants to be an OBGYN when she grows up, and moonlights as “Pastor M Squared,” preparing sermons and worship services for which only my (L’s) mini-me #2 could be responsible.

We’ve had an incredible year of travel, heartache, blessing, tears (happy and sad), and decisions.  It’s the stuff real life is made of.  Somewhere along the line, I heard a quote about how, in this age of social media, we are all comparing our practice tapes to everyone else’s highlight reels.  Christmas letters are highlight reels, too, friends, but rest assured.  This year has been just as real for us as it has been for all of you.  Because of this, we ask that you continue to pray for us as we navigate life, day after day.

 

May love overwhelm you in the coming year.

Phil, Lisa, Seth, Grace, Caleb, Ian, and Miah Michaels

 

Ecclesiastes 3:12:

“I know that there is nothing better

for people

than to be happy and to do good while they live” (NIV).

Christmas Letter 2017

What I Should Have Written All Along...

Or, "When You Just Don't Want to Lie in the Christmas Letter"...

Dear Friends and Family,

2015 was the worst year we have ever had.  Over the past twelve months, I have begun so many conversations with the words, "We're having a rough time, right now..."  To be honest, at some point I started having less conversations, because I got so sick of saying those words.

Early in the year, we dealt with multiple people who were content to take shots at our family and our children, over... and over... and over again.  I cried a lot.  I cried a lot in public.  I hate that.  Eventually, I managed to throw up the thickest walls I could build and stopped crying, altogether, but that hasn't been too healthy, either.

In March, Phil and I came clean with each other about pretty much every frustration we have had in (then) almost 18 years of marriage.  This moment was precipitated by the realization that I had almost completely checked out on him, so there didn't seem to be much to lose.  We fought harder than we ever had for a couple of months, often well into the early morning hours.  Then we fought a little less hard for awhile, because we were exhausted, but we picked it up again from time to time, all the way through November.  There were days when neither one of us thought we would see our anniversary in August (it was super appropriate that year 18 marks the "porcelain anniversary", because there were quite a few days we would have liked to just flush...), but we did see that day.  There were still other days when we didn't think we would make it to the end of the year, but we're almost there.  I realize this paragraph sucks.  Let me make it a little bit better by saying that right now, as December draws to a close, we love each other as much as ever, neither one of us is going anywhere, and it looks like we might even be able to do life together better than before.  Does that make it worth it?  I don't know yet.

Vocationally, things weren't any better.  We muddled through seven months of service in an abusive employer/employee relationship, because walking away at any given time presented a threat to Phil's ordination (which did take place in July, oh look... there's a bright spot).  In the meantime, I applied for numerous positions, but nothing panned out.  In September, I faced the worst vocational rejection, ever, and thought I might just stop trying, but that's not really who I am, so another batch of resumes went out in mid-December.  Looks like everybody is currently closed for the holidays, though. 

Another phrase I've used a lot, this year, or at least I've used some variation of it, is, "Well, at least our kids are beautiful... wonderful... smart... amazing... still alive at the end of the day... whatever..."  And they are all of these things and more.  So there's that.

I wasn't going to write this letter.  Is there any question why?  But then someone sent us a letter, and I knew I had to do this...

In the midst of Christmas craziness, we received a beautiful handwritten note that said that the Scripture we included in our letter, last year, had inspired some very dear and beautiful relatives of ours to give generously (even more so than usual) to those in need.  This was overwhelming to me, to say the least.  It hit me hard, because I feel as if I have failed at almost everything this year, but even in the midst of that, God was using something I penned (well, cited) to bring about some good in the world, all year long.  If God can do that, I really can't avoid sharing our story.  Maybe there is even something redemptive about 2015.  Maybe I can live with it if that's true.

If I had sent a Christmas letter this year (and I did write one, but this one is better), I would have included this verse:

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" (Isaiah 43:2, NIV).

In the last few weeks of 2015, I had been gearing up for kissing it good-bye and starting over.  I'm not even ready to get into all of the details of what happened next, but the truth is, we are still right in the middle of the waters and the fire.  I am far more afraid than I would like to be that 2016 is going to be another series of, "We're having a rough time, right now..." moments.  A well timed phone call or two could put that worry to rest, but even if it doesn't work out that way, it will be OK, because God is still with us.

I was thinking, just yesterday, about how we might not be certain of much of anything, but we have a roof over our heads (even if it is a small roof, and the rent just went up... again...), we have a refrigerator and freezer full of food, and the kids are always able to find socks (even if they don't match).  We have certainly been abundantly blessed in unexpected ways (see: did we manage to take a three week vacation to Florida in the midst of this mess), and God seems to come through even when we can't see how things could possibly turn out alright.  I'm going to hold on to that. 

I'm not going to lie.  I might hold on to it while listening to loud, angry music; screaming into my pillow; taking long walks; or kicking a kitchen stool or two (although I wouldn't highly recommend that, because it hurts).  But sometimes holding on is about all we can do.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention, at this point, that there has been a pretty good group of friends who have stepped in and held up our arms, even when they haven't really known it.  Some of them have been around for most of a lifetime, and others have caught us by surprise as people we didn't expect to have this kind of presence in our lives.  As often private people, it has sometimes been a challenge to remember which friends know which part of the story, but the sharing has been good.  I hope they stick around.

Before I finish this thing, there were a couple of quotes that caught my eye, this morning:

"What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family." -Mother Teresa

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." - Mother Teresa

If we ever needed anything, right now, it's peace.  And that's it, for now, friends.  Life is hard.  God is near.

L.

Christmas Letter, 2014...

December 12, 2014

Dear Friends and Family,

Well, here we are again.  Another year has gone by, seemingly faster than the last one.  For our family, 2014 has been blessed and busy.

I (Lisa) graduated from Northwest Nazarene University in May with my Master's Degree in Theology/Spiritual Formation.  I am currently spending most of my time homeschooling the kids, working with a youth worship band, leading our local quiz program, and trying my hand at writing fiction. 

Phil is the Associate Pastor at Durand Church of the Nazarene.  He has been busy working on curriculum development and upcoming small groups, preaching, and being actively involved in the spiritual formation of youth and young adults.  In his spare time, he fixes our vehicles, which break down at the most inopportune times, and plays life sized Tetris and Jenga, with our possessions, in the garage of our "temporary" rental house, which has less than 1,000 square feet of living space!  

     

We didn't take a vacation this year, but Phil, Lisa, Seth, and Grace spent a week in Nashville, this summer, for Q2014, and we've done plenty of traveling for other quiz related events, as well.  This fall, Caleb joined us in his first year of teen Bible quizzing, and, as a family, we took first place at the Tennessee Decades Quiz in September, which was amazingly fun!  We also traveled to Ferguson, MO, for the all star quiz in early December and are just enjoying the time we have with our many friends from all over the country, whenever we have a chance to spend the weekend with them! 

Seth turned 14 in September, which is a little surreal.  He is becoming such an incredible person, often putting the needs and wants of others ahead of his own and definitely focusing on serving others whenever possible.  He continues to excel at Bible quizzing and art, and he is happy as long as there is a steady supply of video games, pizza, and donuts!  We're not sure how much longer we will be able to afford to feed him! 

 

Grace released her first EP, "This is Grace," in October.  The whole process was incredible, and it's pretty amazing to have a professional recording under her belt at age 13.  Yes, 13.  That propels us into the "household with multiple teenagers" category.  I can remember when the kids were little and people would offer sympathy, knowing that the teenage years were coming.  I didn't understand it then, and I don't understand it now.  We wouldn't trade our teenagers for anything in the world.  They are a joy to us.  Grace also continues to excel at Bible quizzing and spends much of her time composing music and enhancing her piano and vocal skills.  And she checks her Facebook account... a lot...

Caleb continues to keep us all in line.  He turned 10 this year.  He is still playing piano and also began taking guitar lessons this fall.  Caleb has had a couple of top 10 finishes at district Bible quizzes, and he is a very valuable part of the team when he travels with us to invitationals!  It can be a little tricky to be "in between," not a teenager, like his older siblings, and not a little kid, like his younger siblings, but he actually says that he likes being in the middle!  We think it's because he gets to enjoy the best of both worlds! 

Ian will turn 8 the day after Christmas.  He continues to be the spice of life at our house, reminding us that not everyone in the world is an introvert, and there are some people who simply need to talk to others all day long, every day!  Ian is remarkably creative and is always coming up with new games and ideas.  He is invaluable when it comes to keeping Miah entertained with his natural rhythm and comedy.  Ian loves animals, and especially dinosaurs, and is likely to share random facts, regardless of the context.  This is sometimes awkward (does everyone really need to know about how to determine whether a mosquito is male or female), but mostly endearing.
      

Princess Miah is 4 1/2 now.  How time flies!  She is so sweet and loveable, and she really brings our family together, particularly since she is practically royalty in this house.  Miah spends her time reading stories, drawing, and planning spectacular, fancy balls (which really means we all show up in her bedroom and eat plastic food and dance).  She dreams of going to Disney World, since that's where Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins live.  She makes us smile, a lot.

We hope that as Christmas approaches you will all have some time to share with family and friends and to reflect on the reason we celebrate, and may the coming year be one of the best ones yet!

Much Love,

Phil, Lisa, Seth, Grace, Caleb, Ian, and Miah

Romans 12: 9-13

"Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves.

Never be lacking in zeal,
but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.
Practice hospitality" (NIV).

Christmas Letter, 2013...

***This letter is what we would ordinarily send out to everyone at Christmas time.  This year was a little unusual, as the letters were printing when an ice storm hit and we lost power for the next 7 days!  Needless to say, they did not get sent out in time.  I am still sending a few to relatives, friends who don't have FB accounts, and those who have specifically requested a hard copy of the infamous Christmas letter, but for the vast majority of people we know, here it is... in electronic form!  If you need new contact information for us, please feel free to make a comment with an e-mail address at which to reach you!  Love you all...  L.***

Dear Friends and Family,

As we come to the close of another year, we are feeling amazingly blessed and maybe even a little bit surprised at where God has brought us.  After twelve years, we have essentially returned "home" and are adjusting to life a little closer to grandparents and with a new church family at Durand Church of the Nazarene, where Phil accepted a call as Associate Pastor in September! 

      

Seth turned 13 in September, thrusting us into a new era of life!  It's really hard to wrap my mind around the fact that we now have a teenager.  Seth is very busy, these days, programming video games on his laptop, creating pieces of art, and working hard at Bible Quizzing.  Seth is enjoying making new friends in the neighborhood and in Durand, and he really likes living closer to his grandparents!

 

   

Grace turned 12 in October, so the countdown to the teenage years is on for her, too!  This past year, Grace's world has revolved around music and Bible Quizzing.  She has won numerous awards and scholarships and continues to amaze us with her dedication and hard work.  Grace loves being a part of a bigger youth group, and she is making friends quickly.  Grace continues to be a huge help, at home, especially with Miah.

    

Caleb turned 9 in May.  This year he participated in Upward Basketball and has continued to play piano.  It was a huge highlight for him when he and Grace did a duet, together, for Fall Festival and were declared "winners".  Caleb has also been tagging along in the quiz world and likes to keep track of statistics!  He works hard at everything he does and never gives up!  

     

Ian turned 7 the day after Christmas!  He is enjoying learning to read, and he likes to make messes in his free time!  We're thankful for a nice playground, because now at least some of those messes have moved outdoors!  Ian loves playing with dinosaurs and Lego and snuggling down to watch movies.

     

Miah is 3 1/2, going on 13... at least...  She continues to be "the queen" around here, and we all love playing with her!  Miah enjoys singing, dancing, reading, and having adventures with her My Little Ponies and Strawberry Shortcake dolls.  As of late, she is also having a lot of fun watching Disney Junior (this is the first time in years we have had any television channels, and Miah can't get over how easy it is to "push the red button" when she wants to watch something)!

Phil and I (Lisa) celebrated 16 years of marriage in August!  It's a really fun time of life for us, since the kids are getting older and more independent, and we have more options for spending time together, just the two of us! 

As we head toward another new year, may you be blessed beyond what you could ever imagine!  You are in our thoughts and prayers often.

  

Love,

Phil, Lisa, Seth, Grace, Caleb, Ian, and Miah
"The Lord said... 'Go back the way you came...'" (I Kings 19:15)