5/10/26

 

Dear family,

               As I read over my notes from youth group I get to smile all over again. Bobby mentioned a person who was strong in the faith that he knows. “His name is Linus. And no – he’s not names after Charlie brown.” One youth was quite invested and sad about this, “Dang it!” Then Bobby said, “He’s older than Charlie Brown. This brought a common, “Ohhhhh” from the crowd. They found that fascinating.

               The above illustration was lost on both groups. When Bobby asked, “What does that picture remind you of.” Most people said, “A fart?” Oh dear – apparently people aren’t gag sprayed by friends or clowns with fake flowers any more. If you want to revive this tradition, please do it on Youth Sunday. They might get a kick out of it next week.

               Seth wanted more lasagna, so it was fun to have him be part of the thawing process for one of the three that we made a while back. It thawed well and he cooked it while I was at work. Yum! We still have some to eat.

               Bobby mentioned he would take over the raspberry row when I said I was going to tear it out. He has successfully taken over mowing the lawn. I am glad for that. It’s not in my head space. The raspberries are still there though – I try to walk that path. I’m guessing he does look at it and is fine with how it is doing. Me mentioning it means he’s winning somehow. The only way for me to “Win” at letting go is to forget they exist. Just like a game the high schoolers asked me if I wanted to play. You must forget the game. And if you remember then say, “Oh I remembered” and you lose – but then everyone you say it to will loose also because they will remember. I won for that night (so did everyone else???) but today – by writing about it – I Just lost. LOL.

               My coworker has informed me that I sometimes look like the eagle on the Muppets. Apparently saying that makes it funny when I scowl. And – it is, don’t ask me if I’m pregnant – I’ll give you that look too. I’m too old for making babies even if that’s where I pack my fat.

               Sunday school prayer requests were delightful simply because our youth impulsively say the most interesting things. One student asked us to pray for his grandma’s flight. Bobby asked where she was going and another student had a follow up question, “To heaven?” Umm – hopefully not – that’s apparently what we are praying about now (and no – she was going to visit her dad).

               Another student was praying that their healing process would go smoothly. His friend asked, “Do your legs work yet,” and “No” was the answer – for now.

               When Bobby asked for prayer about the sermon he will be doing for youth Sunday next week I gave him an encouraging word, “You can do it!” His answer was, “I have to.”

               Our little family hasn’t gone to Portland yet, so Mother’s day is still ongoing. It’s a much easier day when the kids are grown. Bobby is mowing the lawn. Seth stayed home still a little sick with a cold. When he saw what they had the men do (sing up front to the ladies) he was glad he stayed home.

                I anticipate a lovely reunion with Adriel – it will be fun seeing her 😊. May you also feel joy when you get to visit with loved ones. May your time with family and friends give you delight 😊 Warmly,

 

 

Cristy

5/3/26

 

Dear Family,

 

               I’m so thankful for fun friends, pretty flowers, cats in general and our cat specifically, but most of all I’m thankful for you – those who care to listen and enjoy the treasures God gives us. May you find strength in knowing how very, very much you are appreciated and loved 😊.

                I continually enjoy the fun things our youth say. Sometimes they are so invested in filling out Bobby’s blanks it comes out as a whine, “Bobby, I was just going to say that!” There is a bit of glory – kudos if you will - when we figure out what the blank was going to be before Bobby says it. If Bobby beats us to the punch it’s a sad moment. He gave our youth a chance after that. “Sorry, what’s the next blank?” The whining continued. “I don’t knowwwww.” Such a mournful evening for this tender heart.

               Bobby mentioned, “I have a youth room update.” Someone said, “Did it flood again?” Thank goodness it did not. Repairs are underway, yay!!

               The middle school group also has some fun incidents. This is an age when smells seem to erupt out of people and we are not talking about good smells. This was evidenced after they were playing games a bit. Either way social distancing really helps. When Bobby mentioned that God uses earth as his footstool a teen had to say, “Ooof! The smell of that would kill people.” Yes, feet can smell very bad.

               I had to laugh about the difference between my two grown adults. I texted both of them and asked if we could take them out to dinner for mothers day. Our sweet daughters response was, “Of course, it’s your day, we can do whatever you want.” Our practical son had a question, “What time?” When I told him he said he would have to cancel his Sunday evening plans with friends. In the end, if he’s healthy Seth will join us, yay.

               May you delight in those you know – that they can be family and still be so different from each other. May you enjoy everyone you encounter 😊 May your life be full because God loves you so much 😊.

 

Hugs,

 

Cristy

4/26/26

 

Dear Family,

 

               I may never lose the delight I feel when I hear funny words, irony or a well-timed joke. I believe this is what I live for. I mean – of course to delight in God and the people He has given us, right? I think anyone can be hilarious. OK I’ll illustrate some older ladies this week. One made a mess and another told her she needed to clean it up. Then a third chimed in and mentioned they didn’t have fruit flies until this person started being closer to them. Oh, this infuriated my friend, so she started cleaning her area with fervor. She made some angry sounds and I interceded with, “Fight, fight, fight, fight.” The mess was cleaned, the people were appeased and all was good natured fun. When I told Bobby the story later on, he said, “Why would you egg those old ladies on?” I’ll admit – the story does make me sound bad but there was light hearted fun in the midst. You have to know your audience.

               Middle school group was also enjoyable. Bobby mentioned how we are to be molded to resemble Jesus. He was talking about ice cube trays and how it might spill because it’s full, but he gets it in the freezer OK. One student was aghast. “It’s my job to do that and I DON’T spill.” Well, now we know.

               The High Schoolers didn’t say much that was funny but they sure were fun when it came to a game. Hands on heads and walk in a circle. Grab a cup when the music stops. It’s much harder than it sounds – kind of like musical chairs and they loved it. How fun.

               In Sunday School the ice breaker was, “What is one thing on your bucket list?” Three people mentioned they would like to take a trip to various places. Next someone wanted to go to, “Malaysia”, This person’s brother had to quip that his sister, “Wants to meet hot Malaysian guys.” Several girls including the person who had this wish, were instantly not OK. Some of these tweens are not ready for anything like that!

               One person seemed stuck, “Bobby then asked them where they might want to go and I was not OK with this. “Bucket lists do not have to be about going somewhere. Maybe this person wants to become a famous artist or have five kids.” Rich came in at just that moment and was confused. Someone piped up with, “You are Just in time for Bobby’s great news!” Bobby had to say, “Cristy wants 5 kids! Yay, we are adopting!” Heavens to Betsy NO – I was simply suggesting that’s what someone else might have as a goal. I’m quite happy with being an almost empty nester.

               When it came time for my bucket list item I mentioned I would like to meet our sponsor children in person in Africa. Bobby mentioned he would like to meet the sheep named after him. Rich had to say, “Sorry, the sheep has already been eaten.”

               I love some conversations and that one was hilarious. May you also delight in those you get to interact with. May your times with friends, family and volunteer opportunities bring you great joy.

               I am blessed to interact with so many great people. Let me know, what is on your bucket list? Hugs,

 

Cristy

4/19/26

 

Dear family,

               I feel so blessed again and again to have you in my life. My church, relatives, and friendships are truly a blessing. Your impact on me is great and I feel thankful. Each season has its beauty, hardships and joys. Spring can bring excitement for new life, the joy of seeing perennials and hardy plants come back is expected but still a surprise. Oh that’s where you ended up at. Oh, now there are two of you! How fun.

               Weeds also grow in this weather. How many years of angst I have cried about this. So far this year I have only had a grumpy hangry morning about weeds. No tears this time. Bobby came out to help find a tool I had lost in two steps time. Literally – I pruned a bush, two steps away I dug up some weeds from the vinca minor and poof – the pruner disappeared. How frustrating! Thank goodness Bobby is good at finding things. It didn’t take long – he just had to listen to about 3 or 4 sentences of complaints. “The weeds are taking over our garden (no, the world) and my life is over etc”. Then poof, there the pruners were, laying on top of the vinca minor. Sigh, Bobby agreed we could poison everything. We don’t need vinca minor at all. This was a viable choice. But my body only lets me do 15 min of yard work a day and it was time to go inside.

               Tuesday night Bobby asked the middle schoolers what they thought a picture was. The only guess was a, “VHS thing?” – our youngsters may never know what a cassette tape is – and that’s OK. Using a pencil on those was rough. Although, purposefully taking the string out just for fun, was entertaining. Hopefully no one will die from some odd chemical that came out while we did that.

               Yet I digress 😉. The lesson had a fill in the blank that included who people think Jesus is today, “Prophet, historical figure, - - - - - teacher, crazy lunatic.” The guess for this blank did include a “math” teacher. Although they did get it right eventually (moral) one person did say, “Math makes the most sense.” No, I don’t think Jesus came to earth to teach math. Sorry professors and other math teachers – Morals are more important to God. Prove me wrong if you think otherwise.

               The high school group was also fun. Bobby found a creative way to say, “Don’t talk while I am talking,” Bobby said, “We really love your tongue, but please keep it in your mouth.”

What really warmed my heart to overflowing with tears was the Sunday school presentation from one of our high schoolers and his mother about their school mission trip to Guatemala. Hearing about God working, man, He really is at work all around us – their stories – the mom was like, “OK, guys, you gotta stop crying.” How can we help it? Those are happy tears.

               And then the baptism service, two of our youth were baptized by Bobby – such tall young men! And I couldn’t believe my ears, they are 12 and 13 – so young, so tall, so spiritually mature. How fun to watch as their faith grows, is tested and matures. I am so blessed to be part of that. Yet, we will have to help them as the weeds grow around them too.

               Thursday after work I went to do my 15 min. of yard work. Bobby helped and even grabbed a bunch of weeds out of the vinca minor with the statement, “I don’t want you to have to kill the vinca minor.” I felt very cared for. We reminisced that the original vinca minor came from his dad’s old place. I mentioned we could give dad some back but Bobby said he’s in a different climate so probably wouldn’t want any he has to water (in the Bend area). It was still a blessing though – having some help.

               May God bless you with help when you need it, a hand when you are down and a boot when that would be appropriate. God knows our hearts, our wills and our ways. May we find peace in knowing Him and doing His will.

               Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

4/13/26

 

Dear Family,

I must admit a disturbing conversation I had with Seth on the way to Portland. I asked him to promise to never get a mullet hair cut. Seth refused. He wants autonomy for this simple act. I still feel a little nauseated thinking about it.

Celebrating is fun and can be dangerous. Bobby Seth and I enjoyed going to Portland to celebrate Adriel turning 25 and graduating from college. She thought turning 25 was a huge deal. College – meh, she’s just glad it’s over and the diploma came in the mail. I remember feeling the same way. It was funny.

The danger started when Adriel wanted to get food from a restaurant and then sit on a pier. I started applying sun screen after we ordered and before we left. I asked Seth, “Do you see any white on me?” and pointed to my skin. Seth was not impressed, “Mom, you are white, I don’t think I can help you with this one.” I smiled and took some more sun screen and smeared it on my neck without rubbing it in. “How about any white like that?” Seth replied, “Oh.” He looked more analytically and then, “No, I don’t see any, you are good.”

I believe Adriel was sharing a favorite, special place with us. Boy was it scary. We walked past many people who don’t have homes and several who were bathing in a water fountain. We went down a narrow ramp to a pier that was broken in several places. It was a beautiful view as long as we didn’t look behind us to those poor people – humans – who are unfortunate. I was very glad to get back to Adriel’s apartment before sundown.

               While in Adriel’s apartment one thing we entrusted Adriel with were her medical records. Interestingly she went through the documents page by page and reminisced about each incident. “Oh, this is when I bit the dentist.” Immunizations had a comment from me, “The look of betrayal in your baby eyes was so traumatic dad had to take you to the rest of your immunizations. Seth’s were also all handled by dad.” Adriel even mentioned, “So that’s how much it cost to have a baby back then.” She looked at prices, events and then commented how fortunate she is to have such a small file. She used to look through medical records as a paralegal for insurance. It sure was interesting to go through them all again. It was like reliving her life. Frame by medical frame.

               The next day was middle school group. Bobby spoke about how Onesiphorus found Paul in Rome and how it isn’t easy to find people in new places. This brought up a story about how he found my Uncle in Italy while we were there on vacation. One student thought that was very creepy. Bobby had to mention he did know the name of the building they were staying at so that helped. The student insisted on their first take – still creepy that Bobby found a person – stalker like.

               Since we were talking about Italy a story of how my desire to be frugal, my lack of the language and my desperation led to a misunderstanding. I wanted water from the tap. I didn’t want to pay $3 for a bottle. The waiter did not understand. Finally I mentioned, “Toilet water?” That only brought a huge look of horror on the waiters face. Bottled water it was. Sigh. Our youth enjoyed that story.

               The game time was fun as well. “Will you be my friend?” “No, all my friends . . . . wear black, have crocks on. . . and my favorite . . . all my friends aren’t as cool as Rich.” We all knew to jump up and grab a new seat – it was unanimous and fun.

               The high school group was also enjoyable. When Bobby asked, “Does anyone know where Ephesus is?” One person shouted out, “Japan!”

               Later when Bobby mentioned we were going to talk about “Onesiphorus.” Someone said, “I love that name, I’m going to call my kid that!” Another countered with chagrin, “No, you can’t name your kid that! Everyone will nickname them ‘Onsie!’”

               And a favorite of mine – the fill in the blank. The answers came rapid fire for this one, “Onesiphorus visited Rome while Paul was i_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.” The firs answer seemed right to me “Incarcerated” but it didn’t fit. Next was, “In jail” but that’s two words. Imprisoned was the right word. l

               It’s really fun to watch people grow. Today Seth took some time out to cook lasagna with me. He wanted to get a ruler out and do precise measurements. He was OK with my – pouring ½ of this and 1/6^th of that. He would do it differently though – but since we were cooking together (and we already know he likes my lasagna) he was fine with my ways. If he does this alone though – he will do it more precisely.

               I’m so thankful for friends and family. Thank you for your love and interest. May God’s words always be a gentle guide for your actions and words. Hugs,

 

Cristy

              

4/5/26

 

Dear family,

 

               Words are so fun. I enjoyed several mis – sayings and for some reason it’s – I don’t know. Maybe you can delight with me in how fun things can get when I am well meaning yet misinformed. Adriel told me this week what she wanted for her Birthday and Bobby and I were happy to oblige. I mentioned to co-workers that I was excited to buy my daughter something she wanted. “Oh, What does she want?” I lack details so I mentioned, “Something for water boarding.” My friend said, “That’s torture.” I had to reply, a little chagrined, “Well, water sports aren’t that bad.” “No,” my friend insisted, “Water boarding is torture – you must mean something else.” I looked into my purchase history, “Oh, it’s a pump for paddle boarding.” This made more sense to my friend but set me into a fit of laughter. No, Adriel doesn’t torture people for fun.

               But the word play doesn’t end in the family, our youth are fabulous at this as well. Bobby’s lesson was about God helping us out. He asked the youth, “What’s the definition of ‘Providence?’” One student had to say, “It’s a health care.” And technically, they are right. Sometimes Bobby hand’s out prizes for right answers. One student got it right but Bobby had to ask, “Can you have bubble gum?” The student was like, “Yes?!” Bobby had to add, “Sorry, just trying to be respectful.” And this is for all those poor souls who have braces and are restricted in a great many foods.

               While reading a verse a student read Romans 12:13 this way, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hostility.” No one snickered or laughed. Bobby and I just mentioned, “It’s hospitality.” But later, on Saturday, I did have to mention to Bobby as he was heading out, “Remember to practice, ‘hostility.’” He mentioned how he loves his job – said that 2 or three times this week. We truly do enjoy our youth.

               During High school group when it was time to fill in blanks a student wanted to add, “Watermelon,” to this blank.  “Lydia was a God w_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.” Watermelon doesn’t fit at all but worshiper does 😊.

               I also must mention my new to me favorite label printer. Its name is “n” after my friend Ian who was on a mission trip to the inner city. He said his name and a young person asked, “N, is that your name? Just a letter?” I love that story and n’s little nose is an “n” so it fits perfectly.

               Easter was fun and good Friday was meaningful. We are so blessed to worship a RISEN savior. May you delight in your life and don’t forget to practice hostility.

Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

3/22/26

 

Dear family,

 

Happy Spring! I love how the cherry blossoms decided to make it in time for the festival. It seems the world is bursting with color and new life. Speaking of, I went to a birthday for a two-year-old and half the women there were large with child. It was exciting to see that people are willing to bring new ones into the world. Bobby and I don’t miss that stage of life, but it was fun to be around everyone for a while. And it was really fun to give a book written by me and illustrated (mostly) by Adriel. I delight in that.

Bobby had to share with me that he dreamed half the sanctuary collapsed. I replied, “Oh yeah? I dreamed our cat would only eat Cheetos.  She refused to eat cat food anymore.” We agreed dreams are weird and left it at that.

               Other lovely and fun occurrences. The middle school group was sitting with boys on one end and girls far on the other side of the room.  Bobby said, “Why don’t you mingle.” This was met with incredulity. “Why would we do that? Boys have cooties and might wipe their boogers on us.”

               I have this habit of enjoying talking with Adriel then putting a bit of news into the prayer requests that are handed in and passed out to pray about. After Bobby heard, “Adriel was in Hawaii and for safe travels back home,” He mentioned, “I don’t like hearing news about my daughter that way.” A High schooler got it, “Yeah, but now we know who the favorite parent is.”

               Sunday morning prayer requests had many family members sick. Bobby was concerned and said, “Agh, I’m surrounded by sick people!” One student had to pipe in with, “I caught my brother blowing his nose! Only sick people blow their noses.”

               A funny thing about spring break is that Bobby is keeping, “Dinner and a movie night” a secret. Youth want to know so badly! One even said, “What if someone has allergies?” Bobby asked, “What allergies?” The student went on to say, “Shrimp.” Bobby assured them dinner would not include shrimp. The student insisted, “But, my friend is allergic . . . to . . . . the unknown.” Bobby said that friend could bring their own dinner.

               I delight in our youth and in our kids. Some friends from work came over Friday evening and commented how polite Seth was and how clean our house was. I am so blessed for both of those facts. It takes work and God gave me just enough to do my part in cleaning, but he also provided a son and husband who do their part as well.

               May you continue to be productive in society. May you find strength in knowing our Lord and may you find delight in how Spring is popping out of the ground all around us.

 

Love and Hugs, Cristy

PS the picture is, bowling . . . with humans.