10/26/25 NAB retreat

 

Dear Family,

 

               I must admit, my favorite blessing this week made me wiggle with joy at first but then cringe a bit as I became saturated.  McDonalds Monopoly is happening and I still have about 10 free items to claim (from using digital entries).  Yet, I will have to admit, there is too much of a good thing even from my favorite restaurant.  I can only eat so many free apple-pie pastries before I’m done.

               Ahhhhh, but youth group always has so many fun instances of silliness and learning about God in the best ways. Several new people came, and I loved that during lesson time one young person was eager for their friend to hear the gospel message. Bobby asked, “What is a reason we can rejoice?”  Their answer was, “We can rejoice that being saved only means you have to believe.”  There it is folks, grace. Our salvation is through God’s grace.  Bobby did take that and run with the explanation of Jesus dying for our sins.  Yay!!

               Bobby then talked about how happiness is external – about something you just got (like my free McDonalds food) and joy is internal.  Joy lasts.  His illustration was, “How do you think Rich would feel if I gave him a new truck?”  Rich said, “Uhhh, awkward.”  I piped in, “Because he would be wondering what your wife thought of this purchase.”  I was not shy about my disapproval.  Bobby’s retort, “You are ruining my example.”  I think our youth did understand what he was talking about though.  He went on to say that if the new truck was scratched the joy might be lost. 

               The illustration went over much better during High School group when Bobby mentioned, “What if I was to buy Everest a new truck.”  Now that person, he lit up with evidence that this action would give him much happiness.  It was fun to watch.

               Sometimes Bobby’s fill in the blanks are such big college words people say, “I don’t like that word,” or, “Stupid word!”  Bobby countered with, “I’m rejoicing in your presence – even though you are wrong.”  I am glad we have fun with the youth.  They are a blast to be around.

               This weekend was the Seaside pastors retreat.  Rainy thought it was we praised God in heartfelt worship, soaked in God’s word and even had some fun private aerobics early in the morning.  Also, the picture above was a lovely time with the pastors of West Hills.

               During the conference I enjoyed hearing how other churches are doing, what God is doing in their places of ministry, AND what God can do with missions and NAB.  God is truly at work, and I am excited to be part of it. Also, it was fun to play Azul with friends.  They loved the game and so did I.

               May you find that each adventure God gives you is a blessing.  May your life reflect how much God loves you.  May you enjoy life, be a giving person and find strength in knowing you are loved quite dearly.

 

Hugs, Cristy

10/19/25

 

Dear family,

 

Being over the hill isn’t that bad at all.  I can still ride my bicycle over hills, and that is a big deal to me.  When I lose that ability, I will be sad.  For now, I feel blessed.  I am very glad for that mode of transportation.  It saves us $100 of gas a month, and who knows, in parking.  I also enjoy the commute.  I am thrilled to see the changing weather and the beautiful town we live in.

Middle school group had four new faces.  It was fun to greet a Corban student while trying to figure out her fit.  I thought I got it when I said, “You are not a middle schooler, you are a parent!”  Nope, someone figuring out if helping out would be a good fit.  Ohhhh, how fun.  We also had three wiggly boys.  They were super disruptive but so endearing as well.  Bobby’s estimation of the night: “That was fun.”

Bobby mentioned a story during the lesson about being wanted.  God chooses us.  Bobby remembered a time when he was playing football with a new group of people on Thanksgiving Day.  They chose teams like middle school, and he was picked last because he was older and smaller.  That brought back some feelings.  The next year, though, he was picked first (which was fun for him).  The man who picked him said, “I just picked you because I don’t want to ever be tackled by you again.”  This brought some comments.  “That is real,” which also meant, “I don’t want to ever get tackled by you either.”  Some of our students are smaller, but one thing they do know.  Bobby has force, energy, and strength, and that is just his personality!

One more interaction made me smile.  One person asked another, “Why don’t you like your face getting wet?”  The answer was said firmly stated as the obvious.  “Autism.”  And that makes moms of people with Autism smile.  Yes, that would do it.  Sensory issues are a thing.

High school group also has some fun times.  When Bobby asked us to write down three characteristics of our personality, he didn’t expect to hear this one from one of our older males, “I start listening to Christmas music in September.”  This was hard for Bobby to comprehend.

There was a point when Bobby couldn’t find his phone.  He looked around, and I asked if he wanted me to call him.  Rich mentioned it didn’t matter since it was on silent.  Lo and behold, it was right next to Rich.  The thief, who was chuckling. 

I enjoy shenanigans.  I love laughing.  May you also enjoy when people give you that interesting kind of attention, and may your joy be complete when your life is still OK, especially since it will not matter in five years. 

Much love, Cristy

And that picture?  Well I found a friend that wants plants so instead of having to put them free on the sidewalk she gladly took them.  Yay!

I am now 50 years old

 

Dear Family,

                Celebrating is so much fun.  I am glad for time to enjoy family when my Birthday came around this year.  Thank you also friends, for your birthday wishes. You are so kind 😊.

               Youth group continues to be fun.  During lesson time, when a leader asked, “Do we need to be saved just once?”  A teen had to tell his story.  He’s been saved six times (prayed the prayer) and baptized four times (once professionally).  This young man brought up that he’s baptized himself the other three.

               I had to crack up when the kids pushed Bobby several times with,  “Are we your favorite youth group?”  Finally, he said, “Yeah, sure, whatever.”  Then had to mention that one of the kids has now turned 40 from our first youth group.  We have a lifetime relationship with some people.  We can’t say anyone is our favorite really.  But it was funny when the youth said, “Yes!”

               When Bobby said, “Tell me something that is better when old. We had answers varying from movies (better than the remake), house “It has memories”, coins, and Bobby’s favorite was, “Rich”.  We didn’t know him when he was younger but we do know we like Rich now – especially in his Ripe old age, LOL.

               When Bobby mentioned our youth can volunteer during the church Candy Fest the youth had questions especially regarding “No scary Costumes”.  One person wondered if they could dress as a Llama.  Bobby said that was, “OK.”  The youth agreed, “Yeah, I’m sure no one has PTSD over llamas.”

               During High school group a while back, Bobby switched the candle numbers on Rich’s treats.  This was a silly joke saying Rich is 65 not 56.  One youth said, “It doesn’t matter.  You guys are all pretty immortal to me. . . Anyone over 40 is.”  Old is old right?

               I enjoyed turning 50 this week.  Bobby and I took some time to rest in Eugene.  We also joined our kids and my parents in Portland for a meal.  I love the hugs, laughter and smiles we share.  It is a blessing to gather and be together.

               May you also enjoy your Birthdays large or small.  May gathering bring happy memories and good time.

Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

10/5/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               I felt so overwhelmed this week I poured Ranch into my cereal Thursday evening.  I am so glad Bobby was patient with me.  I left early from Middle school group and he didn’t bat an eye.  Having a full month ahead gave me “deer in the headlights” feels.  So, instead of just resting like we normally do on a Thursday he was OK with me finishing up our month end financials and creating a snack for the women’s retreat.  I am glad he didn’t pressure me to sit with him. 

               Tuesday night was fun even with the stress.  I enjoy the laughter we share as the youth try to figure out Bobby’s fill in the blanks.  He wanted us to S_ _ _ _ _ to l _ _ _ like Jesus (Phil 2:3-8, Eph 5:1-2).  His hint about the S word was, “This is one of the things we do here.  It starts with an S.  Someone shouted out, “Cookie.”  Well – that was hilariously random.  I’ll share the answer at the end.

               As he was trying to make a point about “Growing in Christ.” He said, “Imagine Rich, old as he is, dressed in baby clothes.”  Bobby was trying to talk about how as we mature it shows.  What made me laugh is the groups reaction to the thought and one person’s verbalizing it, “I don’t want to,” about using our imagination that way.

               The High School group also had some fun moments.  Bobby does all this work setting up chairs, Bibles, prayer cards, clip boards and pens.  Then a majority of the youth sit to the side on the ground.  They do make me laugh.  When Bobby mentioned, “God has given us grace – which in Greek is Charis like Charisma.”  They took this and ran – “He has given us Rizz!”  This is a buzz word for being cool and they got quite excited about that.

               Women’s retreat was special this year because I brought a friend.  The food is always amazing.  The speaker had great wisdom and wonderful insights about the Bible.  We enjoyed so much time in nature and felt blessed, loved and filled.  My friends favorite thing was a large swing that holds four people.  I loved sharing time with her and our other church ladies.

               May you also love spending time with those around you.  May our Lords nature fill your heart and mind with how truly amazing He is.

Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

The answer for the fill in the blanks was, “Strive to live like Jesus.”

9/28/25

 

Dear family,

 

Ah, the beginning of school, new starts are always fraught with the unknown.  I remember dreaming of going to the wrong class or forgetting to wear pants.  I am so glad I don’t have to go to school anymore.  Yet I am glad our children persist even in their college years.  Paying to learn is terrible but it’s tradition in our family so I am glad Seth and Adriel continue to strive towards a degree. 

Middle school youth are so fun.  During the message Bobby mentioned that a bad combination would be ice cream and ketchup.  One student became very excited, “I would eat that!”  Oh dear.  Another student laughed so hard soda came out of his nose.  Poor guy, his quote of the night was, “It burns!” 

The High schoolers also focused a bit on the soda.  On the way down to the youth room a student was saying how soda machines at school are  over $2.  The machine in the youth room is stuck at $.50.  She said, I think of that price and then say, “I’ll wait.”  One young man has a habit of spilling soda so he put the can far from his chair – between where Bobby sits and we do.  Another student followed in suit and this resulted in many people pretending they would kick the full can or tip it over in some way.  Bobby was chagrined.  “Why would you put it that far out?”  And the answer, “Because it will spill when I put it under my chair.”  Well, the inevitable happened, one did spill anyway.  Such is life.  Later . . . during the lesson . . . Bobby had to mention that, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God like people who spill drinks on our carpet.“ The young man piped up, “Bobby I’ve been clean for a while!”

I delight in the antics of those I have the honor to spend time with.  Our youth are so fun.  May you also find joy in the people around you.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

 PS I am working on a new book.  This time with some of Adriel's drawings and some AI.  How fun.

9/21/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               Youth group has started up again!  Hooray!  Bobby is explaining how we can grow in our relationship with God and it’s great.  He also explained that being a baby Christian only lasts so long.  He had us imagine four chairs; the left one was smaller and the ones to the right got bigger as people matured.  He said, “We don’t want to stay in the baby chair our whole lives.”  One student moved a chair to the right which was funny.  He proved his desire to grow by hopping a seat.

               Two lovely middle school girls sat next to me, and I felt so special and chosen.  I do have relationships with them already but, that they came to my assigned seat was lovely.  I sit behind the rowdy boys so I can “flick their ears” if necessary.  LOL, don’t worry, I don’t actually do it, just threaten.

               High school group was also delightful.  I enjoyed the people so much and yet it was sad.  One of our families moved to another state so that was their last week.  We will miss them very much.

               I have to mention this because I think it’s hilarious. In an effort to comfort myself about being cheap I posted a picture of my cut finger on “Next Door”.  This is a place I felt anonymous and yet could get some advice (scorn if needed) if it was that serious.  I mean if all your neighbors tell you to see Urgent Care . . . Well, most people said I should be fine and gave over 40 posts of advice which cracks me up.  My finger has a following.

               Adriel and Seth remain a loving example of how great a parents we are.  LOL it’s true but funny how I had to make it about me right?  Anyway, Adriel convinced me not to use Temu (Yes, I spelled it wrong on purpose) because of child labor.  When I looked it up it wasn’t just child labor it was forced child labor that was a risk.  I can’t shop when someone shows that to me so blatantly.  I am sad, they have adorable, cute, items that are cat themed. ☹.  Above is a picture of our cat to soften the T blow.

               May you also find wisdom from the young, strength from our Lord and grace from His forgiveness flowing in and through us.

               Love and Hugs, Cristy 

9/14/25

 

Dear Family,

 

I enjoyed phone conversations the most this week.  One day I called Adriel and she didn’t answer.  I then called Seth because if I can get them both on the phone that can result in a fun conversation.  Seth was, “In the middle of something.”  When I alluded that a lot had happened since our last talk he just said, “Um, I don’t think I can do two things at once so, sorry, I’m going to go.”  Adriel then called back.  She was in the middle of planning a BBQ, working from home, talking to me and several other people.  She eventually did hang up after some pleasantries.  I had to laugh because both of my children are and have been so, so different all their lives.  How fun.

Tuesday night youth group had a BBQ for the middle schoolers and Wednesday night for the High School group.  It was amazing food, great fun and “The game of things”.  I love that game!  One question said, “Things that take too much time. . . “ Answers included, “Talking with Bobby, deportation, training a spouse,” I am NOT saying any of those are true but I am saying there was a lot of shock and laughter.  Another was, “Things I have too much of,” Answers ranged from, “Opinions, to clothes.”  We were supposed to guess who said clothes and a boy pointed to the girls, “One of their kind.” Was his guess.  Another was, too much, “Rizz”  When people guessed a certain person he said, “Not me (I didn’t write it), but I do (have too much rizz)”, Also, “boyfriends”, and “dresses in my closet” were some pretty funny answers.  I enjoy the laughter.

We had a special guest appearance and the toddlers antics were much appreciated by all.  Especially when Ronan took some lavender and ate it – just – raw.  This brought curiosity and several of us had to try it.  I did later from my own garden – how interesting lavender tastes pretty good, all by itself.

I asked for and received a very short hair cut.  I love it because it bugs me when hair gets into my face or eyes.  Bobby isn’t very happy – he did pray that it would grow fast.  Seth doesn’t care but I told him he could at least say, “Nice haircut.”  Bobby said, you can say, “You are still pretty.”  It’s funny how our outward appearance does affect others.  Care or not we can notice and be nice about it or mean.  I mostly don’t care about what it looks like.  My hair is going to be crazy no matter what kind of cut I have.

One incident did make me smile every time I remembered it.  Music day is once a year.  I remember being a host when Adriel was in band.  I was bringing band kids door to door to ask for cans, cash or check.  Many a youth was terrified to talk.  I enjoy being prepared so we had a check ready and taped to the inside of the door.  They rang the doorbell at 9:30 AM which felt quite early for a Saturday.  Yet, there they were in full band uniform.  Before they could say their not yet memorized talk I handed them the check and the response was fun, “Awesome!”  I still smile, thinking of all the times there was so much angst.  I can support the music program.  I believe it’s good for people to train their brains in that way.

May you also delight in supporting causes you believe in.  May you find joy in knowing you are loved, cared for and cherished by your creator.  Hugs, and love, Cristy