5/30/22

 Dear Family,

 

We celebrated twenty-six years of marriage early last weekend at the Kalama McMenamins.  We enjoyed being leisurely, thrift store shopping, and my favorite part was the hidden rooms in the hotel.  That is such a cool idea.  I am willing to go to any hotel that has hidden rooms for us to find.  I read about the hidden rooms and was searching.  They were very hidden but Bobby pushed on a secret panel and there we were!  We had never found a secret room before 😁. 

When Bobby asked the youth group what their favorite gift was one person answered with her cell phone.  When asked why she said it helped her feel connected to friends.  It helped her feel connected to family and the internet.  Another student said, “It doesn’t help me feel connected, I just am.”  Bobby replied with, “OK, Neo.”

Bobby had a youth lead prayer one night.  Then Bobby acted like a squirmy youth which brought a bit too much enjoyment from Bobby and laughter from the leader.  Rich didn’t hear that he was the first to pray so it was very quiet when we were supposed to start.  Switching things up can be way too fun.

Homegroup was lovely.  I enjoy singing, learning about God, and studying His word more in-depth.  Getting to know our friends better is a fun added bonus.

Celebrating graduation comes early when your friend graduates with a Masters from California!  We enjoyed talking with a pastor friend, his family, and friends as we celebrated his freedom from future schooling.

Even though I hate ribs I am very glad Bobby made them for dinner because that means I don’t have to cook.  I love that he and Seth are happily eating food I don’t like.  When I used to cook I believed Bobby was such a picky eater.  What I truly believe now is that whoever cooks will make what they want – everyone has no problem knowing all the things they like.  It’s those they serve that are now the picky ones.  This is why I say, “Thank you for making dinner” even if I don’t want to eat it.  Yay, I didn’t have to cook.  Everyone who puts time and effort into a meal should be thanked.  It’s usually gone faster than it took to prepare.

Seth coughed and I said, “Do you want Cold Calm?” His response was, “I only coughed once mom!”  I had to retort with, “Take at the first sign!”  This conversation gives me joy because it reminds me of my mother who is also quick to hand out remedies.  It’s how we show love.

May you also love all those you encounter.  May you find joy in each person you meet.  May you be God’s light as you shine, sing and smile.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

 

Scare others?

 Dear Family,

 

            Did you experience the crazy spring weather like I did this week?  It was so sunny outside I didn’t bring my coat to work on Thursday.  By the time I drove there (a 15-minute drive) there was a downpour!  I laughed and ran to work.  I asked a coworker, “Wasn’t it just sunny?”  He said, “This is Oregon, you should know better not to bring your coat.”  He had a good point – I just laughed even harder.  Rain doesn’t kill people, it brings life and good smells.

            Ryland and Mariah’s Bridal Shower was very nice.  Our church tradition feels like we are ready to laugh so people were asked to tell funny stories on Ryland.  The only one Bobby could think of was when one of the youth was telling people how to pick up chickens (particularly babies).  Ryland became a bit agitated about the thought and said, “I just don’t know how to pick up chicks!”  Immediately after he said it there was blushing about the double meaning.

            Adriel was in the middle of school so wasn’t able to attend the Bridal shower.  I asked her if she wanted some of Christine’s flourless chocolate cake.  The immediate response was, “Yes!  1,000%.”  I love the extra 0 and Adriel got the last one.

            We have introduced 5^th graders into the youth group.  I am amazed at the physical maturity gap!  We have chipmunk voices again.  I love the newness of the youth group.  One student commented about the lesson, “Fill in the blanks.  There are blanks!?  I love blanks!”  Another student had to comment, “Well then you would love my mind.”

            When looking up a book in the bible a student said, “It’s in the New Testament I think.”  Bobby had to say, “No it’s the old.”  I chuckled at the quick, “Dang it!”

            One blank included how we can be good to those around us.  _ _ _ _ _ others.  One person guessed, “Smell?”  Another, “Scare?”  Silly gooses!  It was serve.  I enjoy the guessing and interaction.

            Bobby had us paint croquet balls in preparation for Crazy Croquet on Saturday.  This way everyone knew which ball was theirs.  Saturday was sunny all the way and for that I am thankful.

            Bobby made yummy Au Jus one night and enchiladas the other.  I am so glad he enjoys cooking.  I am also so glad we have figured out our chores and are content in doing them.

            May you find peace in the relationships you have.  May you delight in the beautiful flowers popping up everywhere.  May you find love in all your encounters and may you rejoice in knowing a loving God.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

 

The most important decision you will ever make.

 Dear Family,

 

We were created for a purpose.  We are loved.  We are not our own.  You have a choice to make about your purpose and identity.  Commercials say, “Our product provides you with identity, wear or drink this and you will be identified with us which makes you as beautiful and fun-loving as these models.”  If our foundation and identity are in brand names we will feel empty.  God created us with a longing to worship and be led by Him.  When we choose to follow and obey God we are choosing to let go of selfishness.  The message puts it like this, “Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way.  Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.” 1 Peter 4:1b-2.

            God created us, gave us rules, and set the earth into motion.  Humans push the limit on rules.  Every religion, country, and sports game has to have stipulations for what happens when rules are broken because of how often humans break rules.  The Old Testament provides rules, blessings for following rules, and curses for breaking them.  The Old Testament points us to Jesus because rules don’t work on selfishness alone.  It seems humans can’t make good choices even when motivated by selfishness.  Blessings may be clearly laid out as consequences of good behavior but we still have to try ‘our way’ first.

            When Jesus came he paid the price for our past, present, and future sins.  “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8.  God showed us that forgiveness is divine.  He sent forth an example of forgiveness, sacrificial love, and how to make good choices. 

            When we accept Jesus' death as a substitution for the punishment we deserve we are set free from the slavery our nature has to making bad choices.  We may still choose unwise paths but we do not have to anymore. 

            When we choose Christ as who we identify with we are choosing to be a child of God.  The joy that comes from forgiveness creates a thankful heart.  A full thankful heart is the best motivator for making good choices.  When Jesus said, “¹⁵ “If you love me, you will obey my commandments. ¹⁶ I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper who will be with you forever. ¹⁷ That helper is the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept him, because it doesn’t see or know him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17 God’s Word Translation)

            Jesus not only gives us forgiveness which results in a full and thankful heart he sent the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our paths.  Having this foundation means we can truly fulfill our purpose in life.  “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 New Living Translation.

            Choose to live life forgiven and for God.  It is the most important decision you will ever make over and over again.  (Sadly sin nature tries to crawl back to life and we do have to ask for forgiveness and recommit our lives daily – just like taking out the trash or defragmenting our hard drive.  Life can be messy.)

            This week at youth group I noticed some golden keys hanging from a youth's neck.  I couldn’t imagine those being house keys so I asked what they were.  His friend had to answer for him.  “Those keys are the keys to his soul which holds the weight of his sins.” 

            I enjoyed having lunch with Adriel.  She continues to push forward with her full-time job and full-time work.  I have never done that much in my life.  I have also never lived alone.  I am impressed by her independence and loving spirit.  I am amazed by her tenacity and beauty. 

            Watching a show with Seth baffles me and impresses me.  I can’t quite remember the jargon he uses but the gist I get are things like this: “Turn the sound up because audio levering is never consistent” (I think this means they didn’t make that particular scene loud enough).  “Why did they include that scene?  It has nothing to do with the plot development!”  “Whoever wrote that dialogue is a genius.”   He says other things but the gist of it is he is watching thru the eye of a producer.  He knows things I don’t and it’s delightful to hear smart things come out even if I don’t understand them.  Also when I am cringing about things he will point out to me, “You know that isn’t real right?”  I like that he is grown up.  I don’t have to worry about him having nightmares as I used to over scary scenes.

            Youth Sunday was truly enjoyable.  The teens did well greeting, singing, ushering, and serving in general.  Bobby’s sermon was fabulous and I had to chuckle when someone gushed about it but added, “Not that we expected anything otherwise, he always does a wonderful job.”

            After church, we went to Tapawingo for a meet and greet.  They are fundraising for the new dining lodge.  I expected to be bored but was delighted instead to feel so much love pouring out of Jane that it made me cry.  She was hoping I was OK but when I told her how beautiful it was that she can single people out for even a moment and pour God’s love onto them she felt seen and that created a moment.  I was impressed by a sign in their house that says it all.  “If you think our hands are full you should see our hearts.”

            So I leave you with this.  May you be so filled by God’s love, forgiveness, and joy that it spills out onto others.  “⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 4:4-7 NIV)

            Much Love :-) Cristy

5/9/22

 Dear Family,

     If any of you have any muscle pain I recommend a tens unit.  It delivers slight shock which confuses the area to reduce pain (and it strengthens the muscles around pain just like good physical therapy!).  Anyway, Bobby asked me, “What setting is your tens unit at?”  When I told him “Eight,” he replied, “That’s shocking.”

In light of May the 4^th be with you, Youth group had a Star Wars theme.  I recalled a love note I had written to Bobby and had to share the words with a teen sitting next to me.  ” I love you to Alderaan and back” is what it said.  The teen and I giggled because Bobby had to tell me the planet Alderaan had been blown up.

To make a trivia question more exciting Bobby started searching thru his wallet to find ones.  This was disturbing to me in that it looked like he was showing off how many other bills he had.  One teen had to tease me with, “You’re not going to financially recover from this!”

            The next youth group night a student leaned over towards me and said, “I haven’t watched a Star Wars movie in a year.  I’m telling you, not Bobby, because he couldn’t handle it.”

            Bobby put forth a quiz with pictures of star wars characters on it for people to name.  Several characters were hard enough that people were doubting they were even in star wars.  Others were obvious. When Bobby said, “I’ll take the name, ‘baby Yoda’ for Grogu,” there was loud hilarious outrage from one student in particular. 

            Bobby and I enjoyed going to a birthday party and wedding this weekend.  I loved one of the wedding vows, “You are kind, thoughtful, and extremely hot.” 

            I may love a good chuckle but what really touches my heart is when Seth puts away dishes or cleans the bathroom and when Bobby brings in a trash can.  Acts of service are a simple way to say I love you and I don’t want you to have to do this.  I appreciate my family.

            I enjoyed spending some time with Seth and Bobby for Mother's day.  Adriel has Covid so please pray for her to get better soon.

            May you find it in your heart to do for your family as well.  May you be kind, delight in those you love, and be purposeful about encouraging each other.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy  

5/2/22

 Dear Family,

 

Have you ever had a bad day when you think, “Everyone hates everyone!”  One of our teens said this out loud at youth group and this was met by another teen saying, “I don’t know about you but, I love all, you guys.”  An immediate ripple of, “Aww, we love you too!” came back and I was impressed by how immediate this feedback was.  Also how the entire mood of the night seemed to brighten.

Yet, the teens remain funny.  One burped and said, “Oh a lot more came up than I wanted.”  Goodness!

One of the fun parts of the youth group is introducing people who haven’t read much of the Bible to God and his word.  Sometimes the things we say are shocking.  “Jesus’ brothers thought he was crazy.”  (Mark 3:20-21 ²⁰ Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. ²¹ When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”)  Also, wait, “Jesus had siblings?”  “Yes, half-siblings – Mary didn’t stay a virgin forever.”

Another shocker was that there are other gods mentioned in the Bible.  “Wait, other gods?” Yeah, Dagon is the one they are talking about in 1 Samuel 5.  So a youth went on Amazon during youth group to buy a Bible.  Bobby was excited to give her one from his office.  How fun to see the stories we have grown up with new eyes. 

Bobby and I reminisced about how grown-up Seth is and how glad he has learned to navigate cleaning around so many different events going on for his custodial job at church.  (Awana on Monday, Bible studies, Youth Groups, etc., etc.)  It would make my head spin too when I wanted to clean the whole church but half the rooms are in use.

Bobby and I went on a day trip to watch our nephew play Baseball.  When Bobby drives we take his car. 

I missed mine and said wistfully, there’s a lot of awesome things in my car... Like gum, water, lotion . . .  Bobby came back with, “There’s a lot of things in my car also, Me!”

            My favorite part of watching baseball was the head games the pitcher and runner had about stealing bases.  Braeden’s team got two people out on that cat and mouse dance.  The most exciting thing to me was when a foul ball flew over the fence and various crowds would yell, “Foul!”  I wanted to yell “fore!” but Bobby wouldn’t let me.

            I loved chatting with Anita and hugging the two kids that came and Adriel.  Anita said the cutest thing.  I was trying to figure out how the bases stayed in place and she said there is a peg that goes into the ground.  “It’s like earrings for the ground.”  That was a fun analogy.

            I was delighted in seeing my sister.  May your family also bring you joy.  May you be blessed as you go and blessed as you come.  May you find joy in the sun and delight in the rain.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

Selfie taken by and with permission of Anita :-)