1/29/18

Dear Family,

                Sometimes we look back on a week and are glad it is over.  I had a beautiful week, but the kids had finals and are delighted to be free especially since we had no school on Friday.  That was nice.

                Seth informed me that he was not worried about finals.  He also asked me to take away the controllers to our gaming system so that he would be forced to study.  I had no problem with that and found it encouraging that he was studying.

                Last Wednesday I told Seth we would be leaving for youth group in 25 minutes.  After 5 Seth was ready to go.  Wow!  I wasn’t that ready!  It is neat that Seth enjoys his time there especially since his Dad is the leader.

                Seth was able to take some time on Saturday to help a neighbor with her computer.  I believe this was his first paid computer job and I enjoyed visiting with Dell & Donna afterward.  (Thanks, guys J!)

                Seth was throwing a bell for our cat, and I heard a thunderous noise.  Thank goodness Seth had caught my computer monitor as it fell towards the ground.  I guess Ripley had knocked it over somehow.  Goodness!

                Adriel took a lot of time doing test corrections for a class called A-push.  I heard it was a hard class and I am glad she is willing to give time to this.

                Adriel continues to draw and fix drawings for my book.  They are looking great and better than I could do.  I am glad we can pay her and that she is willing to do them.  Please pray with me that she enjoys her work and continues to be motivated when friends and video games are also crying out for attention.

                Bobby and I were able to enjoy a date.  It is good to spend time together and eat yummy food.  Bobby continues to be thankful I help out with youth group, and I am glad to be useful. 

                One night this week Bobby cooked Beef Stroganoff.  It was very yummy. 

                Bobby was able to spend Saturday morning with his dad.  They enjoyed each other’s company, and in the end, dad gave us a truck!  We are excited to have and use it since I spent years borrowing from friends and neighbors.  Wow!  Thanks, dad! 

                As time passes and I look back on the good, the hard, the challenges I feel God is working for good.  His hand is in our lives, and we are blessed when we rest in him and choose to grow where we are.  May you find this same peace as you reflect and develop. 

                Much love,  Cristy

                

1/21/18

Dear Family,

                Isn’t answered prayer a blessing?  Being heard, knowing God cares enough to listen when we talk with him is such a great blessing.  It is beautiful to be able to tell someone who knows all, loves all and owns all, my concerns.  I have bathed our youth group in prayer for about a month now because I knew they were going to do something potentially dangerous.  During Christmas break, I walked with friends, and one has sustained two broken arms.  YIKES!  She is managing and will heal, but her life is on hold for about six months.  Oh, I pray for her healing and you can also pray for Stacy. I came to find out this injury happened at the Ice Skating rink on River Front, where our youth group planned to go January 15^th.  Every time a group wanted to pray, my request was about the Youth group going ice skating.  Goodness!  Gods answer, Not only did the kids not break anything but they had a good time.  I stood on the sidelines, took pictures and cleaned spills.  To me, the danger was not worth it.  Praise God – no injuries!

                Bobby skated around the ice rink over and over again.  I enjoyed hearing a youth tell me, “Bobby is such an amazing skater!  How does he do that!? 

                I also enjoyed reading some about Martin Luther King.  His faith in God and devotion to peaceful protesting was beautiful.  God’s people help bring Justice.  I am glad for Martin Luther King as we celebrated a day without school.

                Bobby usually does not like anything white and creamy; bananas, sour cream, cream cheese, mousse, or anything with banana flavor or cream cheese in it.  I found it funny that he created and ate something he has never tasted before.  Bobby did a great job, his eggs benedict from scratch was delicious.  I just found it funny that he made something I wouldn’t expect him ever to try.  What a guy.

                Bobby didn’t mind driving to McMinnville at night in the rain.  His Uncle had a world premiere showing of a movie he had made.  I am impressed by Bobby’s love for his family.

                Bobby also got up with me and drove over the bridge to get Adriel’s car after some repairs.  I am glad he is willing to help out with these things.

                Adriel enjoyed hiking with friends on Martin Luther King Day.  I like that she gets out there, exercises, and has fun. 

                Adriel was very kind to me before her hike.  She told me how good I am at sewing.  Much better than her.  I know she was buttering me up to sew for her, but it was kind of her to say such lovely things.

                Poor Adriel.  Wednesday night she became sick.  She called to let me know.  I don’t understand why she called, but I was at prayer group so I let her know we would pray for her.  24 hours later she was all better.  Yay!

                Adriel is excited to drop a class for the next semester.  She has decided she doesn’t want to be a coroner anymore.  She is leaning more towards being an elementary school teacher.  I can see her enjoying that.

                Seth cracks me up.  He has told me he likes the acne on his face because it keeps the girls away.  In that case, I like it also.  Seth did share a concern that it might not be working though.  Three girls shout his name with excitement when he comes into a classroom.  Seth said this is disturbing.  (But I did notice he smiled at the recollection.) 

                Seth has the amazing ability to eat an entire Freschetta Cheese Pizza.  Such loss!  Bobby brought home a pizza, and I warned him about Seth’s ability.  Seth came over and said, “The toppings don’t look too disgusting.” 

                My heart warms because Seth is sharing his gaming computer with Adriel.  Adriel’s broke, she will probably have to wait until after finals to fix it.  I find it super that they get along in this way.

                I asked, and Seth said he likes cats better than dogs.  Cats are less annoying than dogs even though we both agreed cats are much more annoyed. 

                Seth said yes to a ministry opportunity!  Bobby and I were so proud of him for doing an excellent job with the power point during the Sunday morning service.  Yeah J.  Go, Seth.  He’s only 14, but he’s got this J.

                Life is so very precious!  As I am thinking of this – the right to life – the gift of life, I feel blessed to be alive.  On the other hand, I am excited about Heaven.  Heaven is going to be so amazing compared to this beautiful life!  So, with the time I am given I will focus on the good, choose to do what God tells me to do, enjoy the temporary place I dwell. 

                May you find peace and joy wherever God has you.  May you bless those you encounter.  May we never take anything, even our breath, for granted.

                Much Love J Cristy

                

1/15/18

Dear Family,

                Sometimes it’s the simple, peaceful, quiet things that bless me.  I enjoyed coming home to Seth on the couch petting Ripley.  I joined them.  Adriel came home a minute later and joined us.  We were all gathered petting our kitten, and it was utterly joyful.  Adriel exclaimed it was a kitten petting party!  Ripley kind of liked all the attention.  It was fun to be in that proximity together, loving life.

                Another day I was watching undercover boss, and Adriel came home.  She asked me to turn it up.   I was pleased to share a moment while she still lives at home.

                Praying with the kids at the end of the day blesses my heart.  I love that they are willing to hold my hand and give a hug at the end.

                I was driving both kids home, and Adriel mentioned that the reason her computer isn’t working is that the internal clock is overwound (or something odd like that).  I remembered aloud about Y2K and how everyone was worried all computers would die because the date was turning from 1999 to 2000.  People stocked up on food and water.  Seth said, “That is dumb.”  Then I mentioned how people thought the world would end because the Mayan calendar ended.  Such terror.  Seth said, “Isn’t that just a brand?”  Silly Seth.

                We visited a friend, and Seth was holding their cat making it purr.  But cats can only handle so much of Seth, so he was chasing it and picking it up.  He mentioned that he would lose weight taking care of a cat like that.  It was heavy compared to our kitten.

                The kids were a little snarky one morning.  I like to console myself with the thought that a few grumpy words are much easier to deal with than dirty diapers.  I mentioned this to another mother of a teen and continued to be glad that not only is that season of life over BUT the future includes them changing our diapers.  HA!  I mentioned this to Seth, and he said he would run away to Canada to avoid this.  I think he forgot my connections.  This is where my relatives live.  I can find him!

                Bobby cooked several delicious meals.  He continues to make the bed, and we enjoyed Rebecca and Jacob Young’s wedding reception at the church.  They are such a sweet couple!  We are so blessed to know them.  They played a newlywed game.  Bobby and I enjoyed answering the questions to each other (not onstage).  It’s funny how I forgot what my favorite movie is and he forgot his favorite color.  We each knew the others – silly us. 

                Adriel has been working hard to keep her grades up.  She is grateful that we don’t bug her as other parents do.  B’s are considered good for us.  Her friend's parents make their kids do straight A’s.  Goodness – I tried my hardest and ended up with B’s.  Adriel mentioned that she knows she can do better than that.  Good for her.

                Adriel drew her first picture for my book.  I am excited to see how the rest turns out.  It’s going to be incredible.  This book I feel called to publish!  May God do what he wants and bless others J.

                May you find joy in the little things.  May peace fill your life in abundance.  May you choose God’s way and live in his grace.  Much Love,

Cristy

                

1/8/2018

Dear Family,

                Have you ever noticed that sometimes life shifts on you?  I remember thinking I wanted to be a Bible Translator in Africa.  I had watched Ee-Tau, a fantastic missionary movie by New Tribes Mission.  I saw an entire tribe dance (they said for two hours) and lift the missionaries upon their shoulders!  That looked amazing, and I wanted that.  Then I took Greek.  I also met the handsome and fabulous Bobby.  My mind decided I would be much happier with more relationships and less hard studies.  For the most part, I am glad with the life decisions I have made.  On some levels, I wish I had thought things thru better.  New Tribes doesn’t translate the Bible – they do skits to show the Bible.  Translation with Wycliffe is an entirely different agency than New Tribes Mission.

                This story is to bring up a request for prayer for my Adriel.  For years she has said she wanted to be a Coroner.  I have been skeptical since she likes good smells.  Now she is taking a class she hates (that has to do with naming body parts).  It may merely be the teacher, but these are formative years.  At the same time, Adriel is starting to draw for my book.  She has also been commissioned by someone else to be an artist for pay.  Adriel mentioned she didn’t know Art could make money.  I will be proud no matter what Adriel does.  I just want her to live with no regrets.  For all I know, she could end up being a teacher.

                Adriel is enjoying putting together a gaming computer.  She bought some more parts and spent hours fiddling with it at her friend from Kindergarten’s house.  My sister has friends from way back.  It’s fun knowing people their whole lives.  I feel that kind of loyalty is beautiful.

                Adriel brought the garbage can in from the sidewalk.  She is truly helpful.

                Adriel has always loved people.  On Sunday a preschooler wanted to show her his stuffed Animal.  She was talking with friends and didn’t notice him.  I said her name, and she looked over at me.  When I pointed down Adriel’s delight at talking with him was genuine.  When I mentioned to her how much I appreciate her care for little ones she said, “Oh, Oliver?  Yes, I adore him.”

                Seth cracks me up.  He LOVES grandma’s rolls.  She left a bunch, and he’s just eating them up.  He said, “They are sooooo good.”  I also noticed I have 12 boxes of cereal on my shelf.  Having that much cereal is very odd.  Those grains used to just fly off the shelf.  I find out – Seth and I were the only ones eating it.  Goodness.  But it still goes on sale!  How can I pass up such good deals?  I can’t.  Now we have seventeen boxes of cereal.

                Seth can do his school work and talk with his teachers to keep his grades up.  I am glad because one class looked terrible.  It is good that Seth can work with teachers to get the results he needs. 

                Seth has a fantastic singing voice.  People can’t help but comment on how great he harmonizes.  He enjoyed the story of where this came from.  Grandma and Grandpa Leng both sing beautifully.  They were going to tour the world in their green velvet suits.  Alas, grandma loves classical music and grandpa hard rock.  Seth laughed when I said, “So that didn’t work out.”

                I did something very uncharacteristic. My phone did not have enough memory to store an audiobook from the Library on it.  I had to download in pieces, and it was getting tiresome.  I started looking for phones.  At just the same time my friend asked on Facebook if anyone would buy hers.  It is much fancier than I would usually purchase but I love it.  (Thanks for the Christmas money, Mom Webb.) What I also cherish is that Seth was helpful setting it up.  He may have been more excited about this than I was.  Seth certainly has tech skills.

                Bobby texted me saying, “I’m making French soup is there anything else you want me to make with it?”  I had to reply with, “French bread, French dressing, French Fries.”  Bobby was tickled with the Better Off Dead reference and mentioned it several times. 

                Bobby noticed I was having a hard time with my dollar tea diffusers.  They were breaking.  He out of the blue ordered me some nicer ones.  They are darling!  That was very thoughtful and kind!  I feel blessed.  Bobby also bought our family pizza the other day, and it was super yummy.

                Our sanctuary remodel has begun.  Bobby was sore from the switch to manual labor.  It’s going to be amazing.  One week of volunteer labor and the sanctuary is ready for the pro’s to move in.  How beautiful and exciting to have everything ready to go!  Please pray for safety and that the workers feel blessed by our church.  Even this can be an outreach opportunity.  It has been in the past.

                May this season of dark, rainy and dreary not hinder you from feeling the newness of the year.  May you feel the excitement of new beginnings and may you be able to make goals and rely on God to keep them.  Hugs and love J Cristy

Happy New Year 1/1/2018

Dear Family,

Happy New Year’s day!!  As we reflect on the past and get excited about the new, may our focus be on Gods will.  May we find peace in our decisions, discretion in our heads.  As we reflect, may we see how we grew.

Right now, this New Years Day morning I feel so very loved by God.  He woke me up at my usual work time (3:30 AM) letting me know He is giving me the gift of “time.”  I don’t feel tired even though I went to bed late for me (9:30 New Years Eve).  I have all day.  If I need to, I can take a nap.  But when I consider . . When I wonder, . . . “Will I be able to wake up at 3:30 am my first workday back tomorrow?”  I feel God saying, “I’ve got your back.”  I don’t have to worry; He already proved Himself today.  And here is the amazing thing – I don’t remember the last time I used an alarm to wake up.  God has been waking me up for years.  My job is to get to bed 8 hours before I’m supposed to wake up.  That is all.  That’s what I do.  I know that if God wants me to have time to pray and read His word, He will wake me up. 

Psalm 127:1-2

Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.

² In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for He grants sleep to those He loves.

I believe resting in the Lord and being able to give him all worries is the key to the best nights sleep.  He even takes care of waking us up if we let him.

How delightful it is to be adopted into a family that loves us and invites our family to enjoy Christmas day (and New Year's Eve) with them.  We enjoyed games, fellowship, and fabulous cooking.

Bobby cooked stuffing for our Christmas Duvall gathering.  It is still fantastic as leftovers.

Seth enjoyed himself so much Christmas day that he even joined in on a game of Scum.  He watched for about a half an hour.  I remember my sister was like this.  She didn’t talk for years then came out with a full sentence.

Seth always laughs when I make a cat fighting sound.  He’s so fun!

Seth gave some computer parts to Adriel.  I do enjoy that they share this same love for computers, computer parts and switching things out for new ones. 

Seth is excited about a tablet and phone that he has bought.  Both at low prices with low price tags.  He’s smart.  I am noticing that he shuns apple for their high price tag.  There is a big part of me that would love to abandon my phone for a cheaper one with better specs, but, convenience wins out – they let me transfer all my stuff too quickly.  Maybe later.

To all who gave Adriel and Seth money – thank you!  They were able to think harder about what they wanted and then buy it at slashed prices. 

Adriel was excited to get a $5 widescreen monitor from the Union Gospel Mission.  I am delighted that we can support the UGM every time we shop.  We didn’t know if they would have one.  In the parking lot, I prayed for God’s will.  When they had the perfect screen at such a low price, it was fabulous!

Adriel had me drive her to Gresham on Saturday to buy a computer part from a guy named Scott at a fantastic price.  I enjoyed reviewing the year with her as we had several hours to be acquainted.

Adriel has enjoyed several days where she went over to friends houses to exchange gifts, or play video games or just enjoy.  I love, love, love that she can drive herself!  She was even happy to come home and clean one day!

Bobby leads the youth group well, and I enjoyed joining them for lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings.  I found it fascinating that the demographics included “youth” from days of old who are past college and married now, some that are in college, some that are family of youth leaders, and three youth.  It makes sense that having followers wouldn’t stop if they graduate – people still want to be with Bobby even when they have moved on from the High School stage.

Visiting biological family is always a privilege.  We enjoyed having Nicole and her kids over.  I loved watching Adriel and Bobby sort thru legos with Bill and Jack.  Nicole (my cousin) even joined in after a while.  It was funny seeing the combinations that Star Wars, the Hobbit, and Pirates of the Caribean can make.  Mermaids with Alien Heads cracked me up.  I just wish I remembered to take pictures of our gathering. 

Bobby made delicious tacos, and I just love that he does make enough for leftovers.  I could eat soft tacos every day!

A big shout out to Sarah Duvall.  She recommended the movie, “Spare Parts.”  We checked it out from the local library.  The DVD was a hit with the whole family.  Delightful!

My entire family was eager to clear the downstairs area when I had some ladies over to play board games.  I didn’t even ask them to!  Adriel decided to draw upstairs (which I am excited to see!).  Seth and Bobby were just up there!  We had several hours of quiet.  Maybe I should do this more often.  It was very nice!

May your thoughts turn towards the goodness of God as you can.  May you feel his love, grace, and warmth.  Much love,

Cristy