If asked what was the defining characteristic of Hap Carlson, most who knew him at Crossroads Covenant Church in Concord California would say it was his grin. Hap loved life, loved to sing and loved to laugh. My life intersected with him as a newlywed when we joined a bible study group with he and his wife Mary. Hap loved to study the bible and then to put it into practice by serving. He served the church as a builder, as a member of the choir, and as an encourager. I will not forget his singing “Children of the Heavenly Father” as our son Brian was dedicated.
Children of the Heavenly Father
Safely in His bosom gather
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given
God His own doth tend and nourish
In His holy courts they flourish
From all evil things He spares them
In His mighty arms He bears them
Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever
Unto them His grace He showeth
And their sorrows all He knoweth
Though He giveth or He taketh
God His children ne’er forsaketh
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy
Lo their very hairs He numbers
And no daily care encumbers
Them that share His ev’ry blessing
And His help in woes distressing
Praise the Lord in joyful numbers
Your Protector never slumbers
At the will of your Defender
Ev’ry foe man must surrender.
Children of the Heavenly Father
Safely in His bosom gather
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given
He sang with joy and with his ever present grin on his face. His love for God and His children could not be contained.
The painting of Hap that hangs in the education wing that he helped to build.
Oh yes how we remember happy hap! It was always such a joy to be around him. We sang in the choir with him and also was in a bible study at their home. Don remembers so much the night that he sat with hap as he was dying. He always had a sweet spirit even in the pain he was experiencing. Thanks for sharing this.
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