Dear family,
Here’s hoping you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day and that you felt as loved as
you are. Throughout the years I have learned that if something isn’t in
the plans (either before the day or later) then I cry on the day of (Valentine’s
Day, Anniversary, or Birthday). Nobody wants me to cry – especially
me. So, I have learned to prepare in advance. Yes, there would be a
youth group on Valentine’s Day, but we had already decided to celebrate our
Valentine’s love on Thursday. Phew! So that meant Tuesday night
during youth group I was happy to be with the youth. And what a great
group they are! The excitement they show in greetings, gameplay, and
interactive learning are delightful.
As Bobby was playing the guitar and leading worship, I marveled at how precious
this time was. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Yes, my feet
hurt from standing all day, but I was happy to stand for songs. I may
have been tired but hearing their laughter and playful banter was so
enjoyable. I can’t quite describe how glad I was to serve. Also,
playing, “Honey if you love me won’t you please, please smile?with middle
schoolers is one of the most fun games ever.
During the lesson, a theme verse was James 3:6 “6 The tongue also is a
fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole
body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on
fire by hell.” So, Bobby said he was going to put their “Tongues on
fire.” This brought excitement. Ohhh spicy things, “Bring it
on!” There were many volunteers, and they were entertaining. Yes,
they felt some heat.
For some reason, someone’s advice during gutter ball struck me as funny.” Just go like this and then let go of the ball.”
That they included, “let go of the ball.” Had me chuckling. Yes,
you do have to let go for the ball to end up on the other side.
I was excited to go experience all the fun again on Wednesday with the High
Schoolers but went home early from work with a slight headache. I took a
nap at 3:30 but woke up at 4:30 PM with a bad headache. I took two Aleve
and went to bed again. When I woke up at 9 PM I felt a little confused as
to which day it was. Then I was sad because I had missed youth group.
Bobby was sweet about it. He had been a little worried. We spent
some time together then both went to bed around 9:30. I slept till 4:30 AM
(which is a little late for me) and was ready for the day about 11 hours of
sleep later. I must have needed it.
Thursday, we had our Valentine's date. I enjoyed being with Bobby at
Chira’s and the good food. 26 years into marriage and we are settled into
routines that include kindness, grace, and flexibility. It is very nice
that we get along. We have worked thru a lot of issues and God has worked
in our lives enough that we can bug each other, laugh, and enjoy the
camaraderie.
Friday Bobby was off to a High School retreat. He will be back Monday so
please pray for safe travels home.
Adriel answers the phone to let me know she is alive, and I continue to love
that. Bobby went up to bring her lunch and was glad he had some time to
visit her.
Seth remains a loving constant. A vendor at work liked my attitude enough
to ask why I was so cheerful all the time. When I told him it was Jesus
in my heart he respected that and even came around to ask if I would work for
him. It came up that I have working-age children and he gave me his card
to see if Seth might join the Coke workforce. How interesting – I didn’t
think Seth is looking for a job but have the person's card anyway. Life
sure is interesting.
May you find interest in the life God has given you. May you find joy in
even your trials because the perseverance this produces is good, beneficial and
God's will. Much love,
Cristy
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