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.  

 

5/12/25

 Dear Family,  

 

               God allows hard times.  Reading the, “Voice of the Martyrs” magazine sometimes makes me weep for the trauma people endure.  God has the power to stop abuse yet he walks with us through it and helps us understand that forgiveness is His way.  Imagine if he dwelt on how we hurt him over, and over again.  God gives free will and is willing to step down from his high and lofty place to cry with us in the darkness. 

               I’ll admit – two weeks ago was very hard.  I do not like watching death but it is the inevitable end to us all.  What joy there will be on the other side of that door.  I can’t imagine the reception we will have at heavens gates.  "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him" is in Job 13:15.  May our faith deepen in the hard times.

               Going through pictures to share for my brother-in-law’s celebration of life brought back so many fun memories.  He always loved children and he met my sister as they were working in a day care.  Now their oldest follows in their footsteps working with young children.  This is beautiful.

               This week had many blessings as well.  I enjoy our middle school group so much.  Bobby mentioned that he is preparing for youth Sunday and had sign ups.  It was mentioned that Bobby is more fearful of adults than teens.  A student was taken aback.  “How could you be scared of nice old people?  It’s the teens that are so judgmental and harsh.”  Many people would echo that sentiment but Bobby continues to relate well with our youth.

               Bobby was a little flustered so when papers with verses to read were handed out the person handed out doubles.  Oh dear, people didn’t want to fight over reading the Bible so there was a rock paper scissors moment.  I enjoyed that.

               One of the fill in the blanks was, “Jesus D _ _ _, B _ _ _ _ _, R_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.  (1 Corinthians 15:1-8 One person guessed Didn’t Bring Rice?  I’ll let you know the right answer at the end.

I enjoyed how the high school girls circled up before youth group and we chatted together.  They are a sympathetic, lovely group and I am privileged to know each individual.

Bobby was excited to serve smores with spray marshmallow topping.  He saw this at the Portland night market when we were celebrating Adriel’s Birthday and had to get it.  I enjoy smores no matter how they are served but it sure was fun to see the fantastic presentation at youth group.

Bobby mowed the lawn a couple times in the last two weeks and keeps cooking food frequently.  I enjoy most meals and can even incorporate some into salads for my week to come.

Adriel has been very sweet on the phone and yet she said, “You better make this good, I had to cut a call with my cousin short.”  I am so glad she has such a great relationship with her cousins.  They are adorable and we love them so much. 

Bobby and I enjoyed a very cute play Thursday night.  The youth were so fun to watch!  I enjoyed the play and was glad I went.  It is hard to resist when someone personally invites me.  I am blessed that she wanted me to go see her.

               May you enjoy God’s blessings and patiently endure the hard times.  Much love

 

 

Cristy

Jesus Died, Buried, Resurrected is the correct answer for that one.  Have a lovely week friends.

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

 

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?

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