Monday, May 1, 2023

5/1/23

 Dear Family,

            When we all pull together, things get done!  Bobby blessed me on Monday by cooking Teriyaki Salmon, rice, and veggies.  He also mowed the lawn and went with me into the garden after dinner.  We shared excitement over how many sunflower starts exist all over the garden.  Bobby also likes the blue bells, and we have a lot of those everywhere.   Spring is a time of anticipation, potential and beauty.  Some Columbines have bloomed because they receive more sun.  some are still coming in and some are babies.  How fun to see all three stages in one garden.

            Middle School group was filled with laughter, fun and good times.  Bobby starts out youth group with outdoor games in the warmer months, so they were throwing balls with tails back and forth.  One foxtail (ball with a tail) got stuck in a tree and then we saw the jackpot.  So many things were already in that tree!  We found out who is good at climbing trees!  So many things came down.  Basketballs, a soccer ball and the two fox tails from our group.  There is still treasure for later.  That tree holds so much.

            After outdoor games we went downstairs and the announcements had a picture that had me say, “I see candy corn.” 

 


This brought chuckles and, “I do too!  Now I’m hungry.”

            The lesson was about a mis-quoted phrase, “God will never give you more than you can handle.”  This is disproved in 2 Cor 1:8 when the apostle said he despaired even to death.  (This is also disproved every time a person dies!)  Bobby had to mention school pressures and how teachers load people up with homework.  “Don’t they know you have games to play?  Stuff to do?”  Then Bobby asked a student, “How do you goof off?”  After a bit of thought there was, “By laughing.” 

            High school group was also filled with laughter, smiles and good-natured ribbing.  One poor student made a decision he immediately regretted and will never make again.  Eating the hottest chip in the world is not for everyone.  It gave the poor person a nosebleed and discomfort that lasted into the night.

            During the lesson Bobby asked what are some ways people deal negatively with pressure?  The answers came at a rapid pace, overeating, undereating, over sleeping, under sleeping and on.  Then Bobby asked, “What are healthy ways to deal with pressure.”  One said, “Exercise” another, “Unless it’s overexercising!”

            Thursday night was homegroup and I sense with this group a deep desire to share life together.  The conversation flows and we find strength in sharing our stories.  God is as work, and we are growing closer to Him as we discuss His word and how it applies to our lives.

            Friday night our Youth Group pitted against Englewood Baptist in Nerf Wars.  It was an adrenaline filled night that brought joy to many.  I had fun taking pictures and chatting with several people who delighted in the shots they took, and the zombie attacks they survived.  This was an outreach as someone walking by had to ask how to start attending youth group.  How fun!

            Seth gave me a hug Tuesday night at church because he hadn’t on his way out the door.  He even said, “I love you” to go with it.  Yay, not embarrassed to hug mom in front of the youth group, my heart is full.  He also cleaned the bathroom and chatted with me a bit.  I am blessed to have him close still.

            Adriel continues to let me know she is alive.  I am so glad she answers the phone.  She remains deep in my heart as one of my very favorite people in the whole world.

            She said she was excited to see me for lunch on Friday and I enjoy her company.  She is so focused and determined it inspires me to consider my plot in life and how I can better myself as well. 

            The cherry tree has blossomed beautifully, the raspberry and grape vine have buds.  God preserves seeds that were thrown out into the garden last fall.  He deepens their roots and gives them motivation and grace to grow.  May he also do this with us.

 

Much love, Cristy

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