Monday, April 28, 2025

4/28/25

 Dear family,  


 

               Blessings continue to abound even during hard times.  There are so many stories of people clinging to God even when it seems He is against them.  Job 13:15a says, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him.” (ESV).  Joni Earekson Tada said that her hard times have taught her to love God more fully.  Even if we don’t have any humans to interact with, the angels are watching.  Will we serve God in hard and in easy times?  I believe our time on earth is a test.  1 Peter 4:12 says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. “  It's hard to go through these times – so, so hard.  May you cling to Jesus when you face hard times as well.

               Youth group had some fun times.  Bobby is not above bribery.  The youth were a little too loud, so he said, “If you are talking when you aren’t supposed to, you might not get a treat.”  The person next to me had to comment, “Mind blowing!” with an extra layer of sarcasm on top. 

               Bobby handed out pieces of paper to those who wanted to read scriptures.  When it was one person’s turn to read, they were hesitant.  “What does . . . ummmm.”  Their sibling blurted, “You had one job.”

               Bobby’s quiz of the week asked, “What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?”  It mentioned going to the beach, camping etc.  But the last one made me laugh, “Lying in bed and doing nothing.  What are you, a slug?”  I had the perfect note to give him the next day.  It is pictured and makes me laugh.

               I enjoyed spending Easter with my parents.  It was a rock concert experience.  I used to believe heaven might be boring if we had to sing God’s praises all the time.  BUT, if heaven is like that church service – well, I’ll enjoy that very much. 

               Adriel stayed in Washington from Thursday till the next Saturday.  I was concerned she was overstaying, but my sister said Adriel was very helpful and a comfort to the family.

               Seth was willing to go to the Seattle area several times this month, but his willingness didn’t line up with the ride situation.  Seth did visit through FaceTime, and that was very special.  I am glad he reached out in his own way.

               I wish I could say more, but this week's story is not mine to tell.  Our family is going through a hard time.  Please pray for our unspoken requests.  Much love,

 

Cristy

 

Monday, April 21, 2025

4/21/25

 Dear Family,  


 

               I am so glad that good Friday is not the end of the Easter story.  God gives us hope that His power over death, sickness and sorrow will turn to joy.  We will rejoice with Him in spirit and new bodies.  That is very exciting to me.

               Youth group’s poll of the day asked what kind of Easter candy was peoples favorite.  I had to laugh when someone said, “Peeps taste like Windex.”  Another wanted us all to vote for Cadbury eggs because they, “Taste like your childhood.”  The funniest was that Rich made the vote sway his way again, like usual.   

               Thank you all for praying for safe travels as we traveled to the Seattle area.  I hadn’t spent Easter with my parents for years so it was very special to be there this year.  We had such tender fellowship, so many great conversations and long hugs.  I am blessed to have a sister who likes making lists and labeling things.  Going to her place is a picture of organized beauty and I am thankful she let me help with some chores.  Acts of service is one gift I enjoy doing when I am at a loss as how to help.

               It is good to be safely home!  I felt a deep connection with family this weekend but am quite exhausted.  Thank you so much for your love and attention.  Hugs,

 

 

Cristy

PS I took this picture of the sound board at the Mega church type service I attended.  Can you imagine six people?

Sunday, April 13, 2025

4/13/25

 Dear family,


               This week was a lovely time of hurried business, so much so that I didn’t write a thing down!  I did go out in the garden just now to take pictures of the flowers because they are beautiful.  Our cat followed me, and that made for some darling pictures.  I’ll share one.  I didn’t necessarily want yet another cat picture, so I asked Seth if he would mind me taking some pictures of him with the flowers.  He was not interested, so the cat it is.  At least they are not flowers alone 😊.

               I am thankful for politeness, that we don’t want to harm or hurt each other.  Some things I saw this week were yikes.  The reason we separate from jobs or other people is that we are done, we have had enough.  Some people are willing to cross the line of polite and share their discontent.  I am glad that I live a life sheltered from that.  You are all so kind.

               Youth group was fun.  I was not willing to run for the game so being roped in lead to some silliness.  One person on my team ran so much that he didn’t feel the need to do round two.  Even youths grow tired and weary sometimes.

               Seeing small children wave palm branches always fills my heart so much tears leak out of me, and I am bursting with joy.  Their cuteness is too much for me to handle.  I feel blessed and overwhelmed.  My cup overflows.  Did you experience this?  Wasn’t it delightful? 

               Pray with me for the persecuted church this week.  Easter might be a time bad guys are planning to attack or use dynamite.  Please pray with me that there are duds, misfires, inability to fulfil evil.  May God prevail.  May people feel that He is protecting them.  Thank you for standing with me in prayer.  I am concerned each year after 2019 that it will happen again.  Please Lord, protect your worldwide church.

 

Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy 

Monday, April 7, 2025

4/7/25

 Dear family,  


                How exciting to broadcast flower seeds into the garden and wonder how many will grow.  Potential has always been full of the unknown.  I love seeing things peek out of the ground to greet the sun . . and in turn . . me.  “Hello, baby flowers. I’m excited to see what you will become!”  Welcome spring, new life, and the knowledge that every day is a new beginning.

               Bobby spent some time mowing the lawn and cooking this week.  He is preparing for camp and excited about a new game he made up.  I was also blessed when he brought our garbage can out to the curb.

               One of our former youths made my day by asking if I liked his new tattoo and sending a picture of something quite hideous.  I hedged and was at work, so I didn’t say yay or nay.  I did ask clarifying questions.  Given enough time, I was happily surprised with, “APRIL FOOLSSSSSSSSS.  I didn’t actually get that tattoo.”  I had a great laugh and shared the story with coworkers who were also quite appreciative.  Ahhh – to laugh.

               I knew Seth wouldn’t appreciate a story, so when I got home, I bared my ankle and asked if he liked my tattoo.  When he looked and said, “I can’t see it,”  I said, “It’s very tiny.”  As he was looking closer, I whispered, “April fools.  I love you.”  I got a smile out of him, and that was super fun. 

               Tuesday night was a blast with the Middle School Group.  They are so fun.  Bobby cut cardboard into the shape of E’s and put one under each chair for the snack. One person even took a bite out of the brown E.  He said it wasn’t that bad.  Oh dear.

 The quiz of the night included, “What is the best-tasting baby food?”  One of the answers was, “I hope Bobby isn’t getting any weird ideas.”  I liked that answer the best.  One student said, “They all taste good.”  Ugh.  He is the one that liked the brown E.  At that age, some people will eat anything.

When Bobby said, “Raise your hand if you had a terrible spring break,”  Some people’s hands went right up. Bobby was like, “Wait a minute, some of you were with me.”  This brought some laughter and admittance that those days were good, but the others weren’t.

               During lesson time, one of the fill-in-the-blanks had to do with Isaiah 9:6-7.  “Jesus is the Everlasting Father: Timeless creator and P_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.” One girl had to mention that Princess fit and would work.  Bobby was not impressed.  What do you think it should be?

               The high school group was fun.  They have the coordination and patience to do difficult games well, and it was fun to see Bobby get out when the middle schoolers didn’t even come close. 

               Adriel is a year older as of this week.  Bobby, Seth, and I enjoyed eating dinner with her and going to a Portland Night market.  It was a very hopping place, and Bobby even found a special treat for the youth group.  I enjoyed being with Adriel.  She sure is a wonderful, sweet person.  I love her and enjoy her company very much.

               May you also love those who are your family.  May you enjoy them and delight in who they are.  Please let me know if you had any fun April Fools jokes played on your or that you played.  I LOVE those stories.

 

Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

 

 

PS the fill in the blank is Provider.

Sunday, March 30, 2025

3/30/25

 Dear family,   

 


               To have a youth group descend on our yard to place and rake 5 yards of bark dust was delightful!  Bobby was a bit overwhelmed because the team of 16 was so fast that they finished in an hour.  I have to say thank you to all of you.  I am very grateful, as this year I wasn’t even there.  I was at work.  (I didn't add faces because I didn't ask each family's permission.)

                Spring break was just another work week for me.  I enjoyed it and brought a co-worker to the ER on one of those days.  I am glad she is all better now.  That was a little scary.

               Bobby and I enjoyed some quiet evenings.  Seth and Adriel remain sweet and are both plugging away at school.

               The church workday was a success.  I didn’t last long because my back hurts when I pull weeds, but I saw many people happily working away.  The church looks beautiful now.  Not a weed or plant out of place, there are clean windows, dusted lights, and I don’t even know all the stuff that was done.    

               Just for fun, I’ll include the most bizarre conversation I had one morning.  I was getting up at 4 AM, my usual time, and Bobby said, “I dreamed you were scaring Seth.”  He sounded a little angry.  I said, “No, I dreamed I was helping him find a bee for homework.”  Bobby disagreed, “No, I dreamed I told you to stop scaring him, and you did it again anyway.” Now, I was getting a little frustrated.  “No, I dreamed it had to be a live bee, and I was helping him.”  Bobby ended the conversation with, “You are lucky I didn’t push you out of bed.”  I left, and I knew this would happen . . . guess what . . . Bobby doesn’t remember the entire conversation because he wasn’t awake.

               May you be way less combative while you sleep.  May you enjoy the people around you and find grace and forgiveness always.  May you find help with the garden if you need it, and may you be glad for the flowers.  I didn’t cry this year because of the weeds.  Yay!  The garden is under control with way less fruit and mostly bark dust that I can poison.  Yay!!!!

Love and Hugs,

 

 

Cristy

Sunday, March 23, 2025

3/24/25



 Dear family,

 

               Tuesday night youth group was fun.  When a youth was not singing during song time Bobby asked him to sing.  The young man mentioned, ”I’m actually deaf and mute.”  That was just silly.  When you know someone since birth, and their parents, and their entire family’s history – you know if they are deaf or mute.  He . . . is not.

               The snack that night was tiny burger-shaped gummies.  People were excited about these but it struck me as funny when Bobby mentioned that Rich was wanting more burger options and here, was one.  It was amusing to hear Rich laugh about that one.

               Bobby mentioned, “The Government tells me I need glasses to drive.”  A student had to say, “Don’t listen to the government!”  Bobby said, “I’m going to obey the government.”  As we should.

                I enjoyed talking with Adriel several times this week.  Her life is so interesting.  She definitely has a lot going on.

               I enjoyed giving away some free kittens with a youth.  It took about five minutes and there was so much joy in the process.  Holding a baby is special and I enjoyed sharing that joy with several people.  How precious new life is.

    Also, that pinwheel is a picture of God's future blessing.  While I'm at work tomorrow Bobby and the youth group will help spread barkdust wherever there is a pinwheel (ground showing).  How sweet of them.  The proceeds from that fundraiser will go toward youth group snacks (which anyone can also help with).  It's a win-win since they will also get pizza and a movie.  Yay, God.

               Bobby mowed the lawn some and I enjoyed spending Saturday with him.  May you also enjoy spending time with those you love.  Hugs,


 

Cristy  

Monday, March 17, 2025

3/17/25

 Dear family,


 

               Daylight Savings Time changed things so much!  I was bicycling in the dark again.  No shades this week.  And the rain was so intense that it turned to hail on Thursday.  The power went out at work, and they sent us all home.  By then the sun was out and it was nice to garden in the middle of the day.

               Tuesday night, we enjoyed a lot of youth gathering, but most of them were boys.  This brought out a very exciting idea.  Bobby said, “If we have 8 girls at youth group, I’ll order pizza.  I don’t know if this is a long-standing or limited offer, but one girl is brainstorming and is very excited and motivated to invite others. Food is a huge motivator.

               Bobby was making an illustration about how he would get nickels before going to the nickel arcade, but the coins were heavy and would weigh down his pocket.  A middle schooler interrupted with, “Wait, you used real nickels?”  This ended the entire story.  Yes, we are old, so old that we used actual nickels at the nickel arcade, not credit card-swiping machines.  Sigh.

               When Bobby made an illustration about not comparing ourselves to others, he mentioned that if someone got a little bit of ice cream but Sammy got a lot, the person might say, “Why is Sammy getting all the ice cream?” Sammy had no problem piping in, “Because I’m the favorite!”

               When Bobby mentioned that our sins are paid for because of “Him who has no sin,”  Someone had to add, “Sinless Steve?” No, it’s Jesus we are talking about, not sinless Steve.

                I enjoyed talking with Adriel and Seth this week.  They are both very loving and kind.  I am glad they respond when I reach out 😊.          Seth had pastor Ed shadow him on Friday.  I was praying they got to know each other better and good would come.  I loved hearing from our pastor that Seth was eager to please and responded well to any new feedback about the job.

               Saturday, Bobby and I enjoyed a Quinceanera.  It was lovely to celebrate someone so thoroughly and get to know her better. 

               I dreamed that our cat made the morning announcements at church on Sunday.  Many people were taken aback.  I had to admit that I hadn’t taught her how to talk.  That was all God.  But I did teach her to read, so when she stumbled on a word, that was my bad.  It was a fun dream and shows how important Skyra is to me.  She also loves meowing so much that I can see her doing the announcements at church.  Can’t you?

               May you enjoy your days and your dreams.  May your time on this earth bring testimony to God’s love, goodness, and grace.

Hugs,

 

Cristy