6/29/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               I was guessing this week might be a little lonely.  Bobby being gone at camp is one thing.  No youth group is another. I tried to be proactive and asked three people to pick raspberries with me (none did this week).  Yet, I have fabulous co-workers, an amazing prayer group to go to and of course, I’m never alone, there is always God.  I enjoy singing praises as I bicycle to and from work.  I have also really been enjoying devotionals from the Bible project (https://bibleproject.com/).

               Sometimes I see Seth.  It’s very nice that he helps with yard work.  God grows it and these days, we are pruning and cutting things back.  I put out free daisies and Lambs ear on the curb twice this week and they are gone.  If anyone wants some just let me know, I can either point where to dig or dig with you if you are available at 5:40 AM on weekdays.  I do 5 min a day 5:40-5:55AM.  (Except Saturday -Saturday might be later and I take more time).

               I did get to bring Adriel medicine and frozen raspberries.  She has a cough and wasn’t feeling well this week.  It was good to see her and enjoy her company.  She has always been such a wonderful person.  Her gifts are exploding in so many ways.  She gave me some gladiolas a couple of years ago.  I divided them into three spots in the garden.  Now they are coming up in all three! 

               Bobby came home on Saturday, and I enjoyed seeing him.  He is tired but this week should be rejuvenating.  Yay, a four-day work week.  May you enjoy it as well – (Happy Canada day to my Canadian relatives).  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

6/22/25

 

Dear Family,

 

          How fun it is to gather with family!  I would love to share a photo of our father’s day excursion to “Por que no” but I was informed that it wasn’t mother’s day so no one was willing to pose.  Go figure.  Well, Bobby, Seth and I went to Portland to have lunch with Adriel and we enjoyed it immensely.  Boy was I full – no dinner necessary that night.

          The rest of the week was different than normal.  Summer schedule doesn’t include regular weekly youth meetings.  Bobby spent a lot of time getting ready for camp. 

I did water our one unbroken Lilly and tied it up.  It then rejoiced into bloom and that was fun.  It’s pictured above.

          Bobby and I enjoyed catching up with old friends from Gold Beach.  We hadn’t seen each other for maybe 18 years.  Our kids used to play together, well, kind of, Seth was little and their youngest hadn’t been born yet.  But, we had mommy time while caring for our children together.  Anyway, it was nice seeing them.

          The next night Bobby and I enjoyed a date.  The calm before the – well – even calmer for me.  Bobby will be at camp a lot this summer so I’ll load up on library books or invite myself over to your place.  😊.

          May you enjoy the summer days we have coming.  May your heart be full and your pets be sweet.

 

Much love,

 

 

Cristy

6/16/25

 Dear Family,

 

               When we choose to celebrate even in hard times, we are glad we came.  And that is what Seth said about his uncle’s celebration of life.  How drastically sad that my brother-in-law has passed away and yet how beautiful that we saw his life on the screen.  We found out so many things we didn’t know about him.  We love him more for that and we find joy in knowing that his memory will go on and his children will be his legacy.  They are such amazing people.  We are blessed to know them.

               Bobby drove both ways and chatted with Adriel so much I was amazed that they really had that many words.  But they did!  I am glad Adriel kept him Awake because the drive was late at night. I dozed most of the way home.

               We socialized with my parents while in the Seattle area and it was interesting to find out why dad has decided to use a walker.  First, he did fall six times in two weeks.  That probably hurt, but even more than the peer pressure everywhere he went were the testimonials of friends who fell and broke body parts.  That would be a cautionary tale.  My dad is good at crumpling instead of slamming into things.  Dad falls with style.  We talked about how that was good and Seth teased by pretending to fall while saying, “This was plaaaaned.”  I thought that was pretty funny.  I am glad we can laugh about growing older.  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  James 1:2.

               One of the many things Bobby is good at is throwing a party.  Our end of the school year bash went off quite well!  He had chicken, steak, rice and noodles.  One rice was tasty fried rice.  We have watched enough “Uncle Roger” on YouTube for him to know the rice had to be refrigerated overnight.  I enjoy comedy, Bobby enjoys learning things – it’s both!  Yay.  And we didn’t run out of food even though over 50 people came.  The above picture is from that event.

               Bobby made yummy food other nights for our family.  I feel so blessed to be his.  I kind of wish I had his stamina when it comes to socializing.  I want to love people more but run out of energy and my body just hurts.  He went to three parties last weekend.  Then he went to three more this last weekend.  I only lasted at one this weekend.  I wanted to go to the other one but I pooped out.  Maybe I should find some vita-vita-vegamin.  As it is, I have my own prescription pain killer and that helped me recover from the one party.  Some of our youth are so special – I want to honor and celebrate them but goodness.  I only have so much energy.

               May you also enjoy the people you are surrounded by.  May you find grace and love to be kind to all.  May you have enough energy to find joy in all God has for you.

 

Much love, Cristy

6/8/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               A normal week can be so nice sometimes.  No shoes dropped, work went fast and oh dear, now that I think of it something a little overwhelming is happening.  Raspberries and cherries are ripe at the same time.  Saturday morning included a lot of pruning to set a watering hose down for the raspberries.  Bobby helped pick one day and Adriel said she would help if she lived here.  That was sweet of her – I remember she used to help the first week when fruit was exciting and new.  So . . it . . . begins.  Abundant blessings to come.  Thank goodness I only have one row of raspberries now.

               Bobby cooked several times and I enjoyed the food.  He also mowed the lawn and is kind to me.  I enjoy his company.

               Tuesday night at middle school group one of our youth went towards the fridge for filtered water.  Bobby mentioned that they would need a cup.  Then he thought about it and said, “Do you suck on the water spigot at home?” The youth and their father affirmed that this person indeed does.  Bobby mentioned, “You are just a giant hamster aren’t you?”

               When Bobby asked, “What is an example of bad fruit in youth group” someone had to say, “Bananas”.  That was funny but Bobby had to explain that he meant spiritual fruit – “So gossip would be an example, not a banana.”  This even though they just played catch with bananas at game time.

               The High school group had a special night with one of our visiting missionaries.  Oliver Haumann spoke about being a physical therapist and how that is a wonderful inroads to introducing the gospel to people through prayer.  Our youth were attentive and asked great questions.  I enjoyed trying different foods that Oliver brought.  I was inwardly super excited because I believe several of our youth want to help in the medical field so seeing their minds expanded with the possibility of using their talent for God was wonderful.

               May you also be given wisdom about how your talents and ability can serve God where you are.  Warm love and hugs, Cristy

              The Photo was from last week just for fun.

6/1/25

 

Dear family,

               Being married 29 years has gotten way easier than it used to be.  I think we have trained each other quite well.  We are thankful for each other and say it often in words and deeds.  I am very glad for this.  We enjoyed a weekend getaway and delighted in a fun zipline tour at Skamania Lodge.  How fun to enjoy time together and use earned paid vacation days from work.  Yay!

               That didn’t stop us from enjoying youth group earlier in the week.  Tuesday night, Middle schoolers were super fun.  Bobby was talking about how three people were thrown into a fiery furnace in the book of Daniel, but another person appeared with them!  One student said, “May the fourth be with you.”  That cracked me up.

               During the application time, the question was asked, “What areas of your spiritual life do you struggle with?”  Bobby said, “Is it listening in youth group?  Because Mr. and Mrs. Tape Roll can help you.”  This was said in jest.  Although, back to taping someone on the wall – that has been a fun thing to do.

               During High school group, one young man said, “I would like to go into a lion's den if they are all females.”  This brought out cries of, “Don’t you know the females are the ones that hunt!?”  So the quick answer was, “Oh, never mind, I would like to go with all the males.”  And yet, lions are lions – without God, it’s just dangerous – let’s just not desire any of that.

               On our way home from our adventures, we stopped by Portland and had lunch with Adriel.  She is sweet as ever and such a delight to be with.  She listened patiently to all our stories.  (I later recalled when I was struggling at college and my parents were out having fun.  I was glad for them, but still had school to do. Ugh.)

               Thank you for praying with us for safe travels.  It was lovely to come home to our mewing kitty.  I enjoyed asking Seth, “Can I have a hug?” After asking, “Why?” He obliged, and I was glad.  I at least want one hug a day.

               May you also get your hug or two.  Warmly,

 

Cristy

5/26/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               I appreciate your love and well wishes.  Thank you for your prayers as it seems like health is a big deal right now.  This makes me glad for the good health God has given us so far.  There are no guarantees in life.  Sometimes I look at my canker sore medicine and thank God that I am free from them for now.  Yeah, for less pain!

               This week I enjoyed chatting with Adriel several times.  She remains one of the kindest people I know and is delightful to chat with.

               Seth continues to be a blessing and is still good for hugs.  I enjoy when I see him.

               Bobby mowed the lawn and made several yummy meals.  I am glad he enjoys what he does.  His mind is always spinning on the next game, next camp activity and next sermon.  He is quite amazing.

               Middle school group had several fun moments.  A student was collecting prayer requests and his friend kept saying, come over here for mine.  The hand was empty because the request had already been taken.  But I enjoyed saying, “He has an air request.”

               During lesson time Bobby was talking about how we need each other and how a cord of three strands can’t easily be broken.  His illustration was about a time in middle school when he was riding his bicycle home and a group of teens stopped him and were going to beat him up.  One even brought out a knife!  He felt very scared and wished he had friends with him at that precise moment.  This brought great reaction from our youth.  “What happened?”  “Were you OK?”  Bobby said, “I was OK, of course, I’m here now.”  One student said, "Oh good, because you are my favorite character!”. 

               The High school group has an interesting flavor to it.  Some youth like reading from different versions on their Bible app.  I love it when they read from the, “Ya, all” version or KJV.  The only problem is that sometimes there are giggles.  Bobby’s new rule is, “If you can’t read God’s word without laughing you should pick a more serious version of the Bible.”

               Another new fun fact Bobby had to instill.  “Fortnight baptisms aren’t real.”  This is a virtual game so it would only be a virtual baptism.  No water.

               I enjoy the back and forth at youth group.  There are so many new things to learn and fun concepts to master.  Virtual baptisms?  Well – maybe if you want to announce your faith to those online. 

               As you consider your outreach potential may you be wise with how God leads you to tell others about Him.  May you feel His prompt and do His will.

               Warmly,

 

Cristy

We also thoroughly enjoyed Emily and Tim Stone’s wedding.  I loved the part in their vows where he said he would take care of all her caffine needs.  It was special that we were invited to the intimate gathering later.  The person announcing that only special people were allowed to go said, “I don’t know how to say this but, try harder next time.”  So much fun and so many funny moments.  I loved that her father put so much effort into a gift only to have the head fall off at presentation. Good times.

5/18/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               Are you glad God put you on this earth?  Many days I am, others I have asked Him to take me home.  So far he has me here.  Then I must find purpose for why He has me here.  So far, I believe mine is to support my husband and children the best I know how.  May you also find your purpose.

               Mothers day was fabulous.  I enjoyed that the family did whatever I wanted which was go to the Good Will bins in Portland.  No one balked and Seth bought all of the stuff everyone wanted for less than $11.00.  not bad.

               Then we went out to a Baba Mediterranean Grill where I was sad to find out that I wouldn’t be getting Boba.  I picked it out so I had to live with my consequences.  BUT the hummus was amazing and I enjoyed it that night and later as left overs.  Yay for fun times with family.

               Middle school group had some great times.  Bobby was trying to get participation for youth Sunday when someone said, “I thought youth Sunday was on Monday.”  I’m pretty sure they were joking but the next question was AM or PM when Bobby asked people to come at 9:30 on Sunday morning. 

Later Bobby was talking about how he wanted to make healthy food for the upcoming BBQ.  A youth offered their mom’s service with, “My mom makes really good Mack and peas.”  This was surprising to Bobby.  What?  Yes, they really did say, ‘Mac and peas.’

One of the fill in the blanks from Daniel 1:9-10 had a silly answer when Bobby gave a hint.  Here is what it should be: “We make e _ _ _ _ _ _ for our circumstances.”  The hint was, “What do we make that starts with an e.  Like if someone hit and you hit back?  Someone shouted out, “Revenge”.  That does not start with an e.

               I am glad Bobby has the 5^th graders come early so they can start getting the feel of what youth group is like and receive the calendar for the upcoming summer events.  They are so sweet.  We had prayer requests ranging from “I would like to see my dad this year” to “I would like to get a massage.”  Quite a range.

               Handing out verses is supposed to make things easier.  Sometimes people forget by the time it’s their turn.  It’s funny when there is a long pause.  “Oh, I have that verse!” And then the rebuttal from another student, “Kids these days.” 

               Daniel 1 talks about people eating only vegetables and looking healthier than other people.  Bobby (who likes to live off meat and candy) thinks this is a miraculous act of God.  Another student disagrees.  When the fill in blank for Daniel 1:11-17 was: We can find s _ _ _ _ _ _ when we stick to a plan.  People had some various answers.  One was “Soap opera” the other was “That vegans have a point.”  I tried to bring up the belief that there won’t be meat in heaven as we were going to game time but the focus was on games.  What do you think?  Is there Biblical evidence for meat in heaven or will we be vegetarians? 

               Adriel remains sweet on the phone, I am glad we choose to have several conversations during the week.  Seth seems to be still doing very well in school. 

               Thank you for your concern, love and prayers this month.  They mean a lot.

 

Warmly, Cristy

 

The answers are We make excuses for our circumstances.

We can find solutions when we stick to a plan.