1/27/2020

Dear Family,

                Hearing my son helping someone learn warmed my heart this week.  He was online, training someone to play a game co-op.  He was patient and kind.   May God bless Seth as he grows.  I love it when he prays with me before I go to bed.          Seth mowed the lawn this week and we have a beautiful yard because of his hard work.

                Adriel’s invitation to talk was a blessing to me this week.  She said, “You can come over to talk while I clean bathrooms if you want to.”  Hearing how her life is going was great.  She is doing well, working full time and going to school full time.  Under pressure, Adriel seems to thrive. 

                Adriel and Chris took a trip to Seattle.  How wonderful to know they enjoyed a visit with my parents.    Yay for safe travels!

                Bobby was thankful that I joined him and the youth group ice skating on Monday.  I am glad to help.  I also enjoy it when youth talk.  The funniest thing I heard on that trip happened when a teen wanted to share a drink but was contemplating the germs involved.  His friend said, “I don’t have STD’s, I’m a virgin.”  This did it – the drink was shared.  I also learned something valuable.  I do not want to be a bus driver.  I felt that the trip was God’s confirmation and a door slamming.  As I go through this process of desiring a job I am learning more about myself.  What is my dream job?  What would be a good fit?  Please pray with me as God calls me in a direction I never expected.

                Bobby cooked a wonderful dinner this week.  I am glad he puts his heart and soul into providing for us.  We are blessed.

                May you find God at work in your life as you go, grow and be.  Much love, Cristy

               

1/20/2020

Dear Family,

                ‘Sneaker Cell Comedian’ is my friend’s definition of Seth.  You do not know he is there.  You do not know he was listening to every word.  Out comes a hilarious comment spot on in the conversation.  I love Seth’s sense of humor.  Bobby was concerned about a lost bone in the dish he made.  He was warning us for the third time while we ate.  Seth made a loud choking sound – it was perfect!

                Bobby amazes me with his joy of cooking.  He can spend hours, stay home all day and love it.  I enjoy our wonderful dinners together!  We also had a lovely time out because of another Christmas gift certificate.  I am thankful for families that love us.

                Adriel continues to be sweet when I see her.  I enjoyed spending some time teaching her boyfriend Chris how to drive.  He is a great driver.  He just needs more time and confidence.  My heart only stopped once when I expected us to turn left but he went straight.  Oh, the angst of not being in control. 

                I am praying for God’s will as I wait for an answer from my dream job.  May he direct my steps.  May he also direct yours as well.  May we feel peace and joy as we trust and obey the one who loves us most.  We had a great sermon on Sunday.  I was reminded that power comes from our active dependence and petition to the Lord.  Much Love,

Cristy

PS in another dimension I know angels are watching over us.  In yet another dimension Pokemon are out there - everywhere.  I really do enjoy playing the game and see the spiritual significance.  Battles are being waged.  Territory is being taken, sides are winning.  Are we part of the fight?  Are we on a side?  Do we even notice?  (I'm not talking about Pokemon I'm talking about spiritual warfare - prayer is our biggest weapon - crying out to God gives us power against temptation.)

Also - in honor of one of God's Warriors I copied this from the Dear Abby of today: Today we remember the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who in 1968 was martyred in the cause of civil rights. In that time of insanity, his was a voice of reason when he eloquently preached, "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."

1/13/2020

Dear Family,

                Feelings are interesting.  This Sunday morning I was overwhelmed with love and joy as I looked around at friends and family.  Seth was in the back, preparing to use “Easy Worship” Bobby was out in the Foyer socializing.  I was looking for a friend I had a card for.  God’s gift to me Sunday morning was joy, love, and excitement knowing we are in the right place at the right time.  We are so blessed!

                Seth and I figured out how to use a car trickle charger all by ourselves.  We are thankful to Rich for letting us borrow it.  Seth is learning not to leave the lights on the truck he uses.  We are blessed that it’s not a horrible emergency if he does.

                Bobby thanked me for helping at youth group and I am glad for God’s gift of time.  Bobby and I also enjoyed playing a new game.  Azul in a different version.  It was even better and will be more fun with more people.  Bobby and I enjoyed walking together and it will be more fun to walk when the weather is better.  Rain, rain go away!.

                Adriel let me treat her to lunch once this week.  We enjoyed great conversation and a little walk.  She held my hand because she was so cold.  How sweet my girl is.  She asked if I would teach her boyfriend to drive and I would love that.  Now to see if he is up for it.

                May God give you peace in all circumstances.  May His joy overflow and fill your spirit.  May you know how deep and how wide is the Love of Jesus for you.  Hugs,

Cristy

1/6/2020

Dear Family,

                I do not torture myself even once a year.  I greet the new year the next day.  Sleep is wonderful.  I do not like staying up late.  Happy New Year – we welcome you 2020!

                In the nursery, on Sunday a mother said, “Watch this – Hayley, what do we say when we are scared?”  Her little one didn’t perform but at home, she says, “In Jesus' name, Satan, go away.”  This is because of the book, “Star’s Big Fight.”  How fun to know a book I wrote is influencing a family.  If I am tickled by this how do you think God feels when we quote his book?  How fun!  Thanks, Herndon family for reading and loving the message God gave me for little ones.

Adriel paid her car off and owns it outright.  How exciting!  Good for her.  I love seeing our darling daughter.  She is always kind and loving.

                How fun to see Kirsten Newman become married.  She was a beautiful bride and I enjoyed their smiles.  Bobby and I gave them congratulations, hugs, and well wishes.  Fun fact about weddings with youth group kids.  We see old friends and that is super fun.

                Bobby and I enjoyed some walks, some amazing board games, and a wonderful date.  I am thankful when people give us gift cards for going out.  How fun!  Gifts that keep on giving J.

                Bobby thanked me for attending the youth group games day.  We never know how many people will show up to these events.  It can become hectic.  Board games are very fun.  I enjoy the time I have with our youth.

                Saturday morning I looked outside and said, “Uh, oh, one of our fence boards fell down.  Bobby left his breakfast and fixed it.  Just like that.  What a great husband.

                Seth is so sweet.  I love his hugs and quiet presence.  Rich wondered out loud where Seth was while playing games at our house.  Rich, he’s right there at the computer.  “No!  Was he there when we got here?”  Yes, Seth has been here the whole time.  I have to laugh – that’s how it is.  Seth is just quiet.

                Seth likes quiet.  He told me to be quiet because he was doing homework.  Can do!  I can definitely do that.  I love that guy J.

                May you find this time of new beginnings to be exciting and full of potential.  May 2020 be the best year yet.  May God be the center and may your heart be filled.  Much Love,

Cristy