Monday, October 30, 2023

10/30/23

 



Dear Family,

 

            I am so glad Bobby cooks!  He made Empanadas and they were super tasty.  I enjoy coming home to an amazing meal.  He also mowed the lawn this week.  I thanked Seth but he said, “I didn’t do it.”  I am glad Seth is honest 😉

            Youth group remains fun, filled with laughter and great learning opportunities.  We were studying Luke 18:9-14 when these were fill in the blanks:  F--------- about what really M------ (We realize our great need for God’s help.)  The youth were finding the word for the letter that starts with f.  Bobby’s hint was, “Rich does this a lot.”  Someone shouted out, “Farting.”  Oh dear, that’s not true.  The words were “Forgetting about what really matters.”

            The game included twinkie wiener sandwiches.  If they lost musical chairs, they had the ability to keep playing given the choice to eat a bite cut from the sandwich.  Funny, several people liked it, cold though it was.  YUCK!

            Adriel continues to answer the phone and I am glad she is alive.  She did get another job so there is no more free time for her.  Working two jobs and going to school sounds so stressful!

            Please pray for me as I am also looking for a second job.  Please pray for wisdom, patience, and God’s will to be done.

            May you find joy in all God gives you to do.  May you feel His peace and grace as you look to Him for guidance and direction.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy


Monday, October 23, 2023

10/23/23

 Dear Family,

            Small interactions can make our day.  Monday at work I waved at a little person and his mom was so pleased.  She said, “He’s been waving at everyone, and you are the first to wave back.”  My heart was filled.  I recalled a time with mine were little and it was so wholesome.  How fun it is to relate as moms.

            I was walking next to a mother and her daughter when the daughter asked for a new toothbrush.  The mom said she had plenty.  The girl then asked for an electric one and the mom also said, “You already have one of those.”  The reply was, “But I cleaned the toilet with that one.”  I laughed out loud and the ridiculousness of that.  The mom’s immediate response, “You did not.”  I had to keep walking, but people are so funny.  And Bobby would totally say something like that just for fun.

            An older person was walking and about 5 feet behind another person was asking, “Do you need any bagels” in the first person’s direction.  I couldn’t tell who she was talking to but asked the person closest to me anyway just for fun.  When the initial person said, “Nope.”  The person behind mouthed, “Thank you.”  I smiled and walked away.  But then I thought, “What a random question from me, a stranger!”  I had to laugh at the ridiculousness and fun.  Life is good.

            A friend gave Bobby and me flower bulbs for our combined Birthdays!  Bobby planted them on the 15th and now we can anticipate new blooms in the spring.  You know I’ll completely forget them and be happily surprised when they pop up.  Just like online ordering – happy surprises because I forgot I ordered them.

            I felt blessed at work when “Jars of Clay” Flood played overhead.  It’s a God song.  I felt pure joy.

            Tuesday night the youth group was full of laughter, fun, and sweetness.  One person refused to play flick chess but taught me the real way to play.  My heart was warmed that he took an interest in my chess growth.  He was so sweet and patient!

            During prayer time Bobby asked, “Who are we talking to when we pray?”  They knew the answer to that.  The next question had everyone sitting up straight, “And what should your posture be?”  It was fun how the answer to that was not what they expected, “No, more humility”, he said, “What I mean is we should be respectful, heads bowed and not poking each other.”

            Lesson time also brought some fabulous fun.  Bobby asked what people might go after or follow instead of God.  Various answers came along with, drugs, power, and one person said in a deep voice, “The ladies!”  Most of the middle schoolers are too young for this so that was met with confusion and hilarity.  Also, when talking about what is sin one person answered, “It’s doing something wrong like fighting with our sister oooor punching our sister.”  His sister was sitting next to him and said, “That’s oddly specific.”

            The beautiful end of the lesson came with a fun sign language example of grace.  The leader explained and showed a hand clutching the air and then letting go toward the face like God giving the face grace and then pouring down to the body.  This was not taken too well because several people could only think of a face hugger that eats people and another said, “It’s when a puppet goes evil!”

            High school group was more mature and fun as ever.  Gutter ball may have a new sign posted.  A certain person can only face one way while playing.  He keeps throwing the ball so hard and fast that it hits the glass behind the playing area.  One comment during gutter ball was, “I’ve taught you guys well, hit nothing and throw hard.”

            Lesson time had us remembering the night before during that specific time when asked what things might be pursued instead of God.  The High schoolers went right for the jugular.  “Women, sex!”  There was only one female present that night and she was sitting next to me.  She said, “I’m feeling targeted.”  We moved on quickly to money and power but had to laugh about how blunt this crowd was.

            Friday Bobby made Salmon Bisque.  It’s amazingly tasty and I am so glad he loves cooking.  We also watched a movie called, “A Million Miles Away.”  I recommend it heartily.  It was “feel good”, amazing, and based on a true story. 

            Saturday was lovely.  It is so nice to have a day to rest, relax, walk with a friend, and enjoy the beauty God has given us.

            Seth and Adriel continue to plug away at work and school.  I enjoy talking with them when we have the chance.

            May you also enjoy walking and talking with those you love.  May you find peace knowing your salvation is secure.  May you delight in God’s nature, creatures, and yummy food 😊.  Much love,  Cristy

 PS The photo is from our Chicago trip because I have a lot of photos from then.  I don't usually take photos throughout the week.

 

 

 

Monday, October 16, 2023

10/16/23

 Dear Family,

            Getting away can be super fun.  Bobby and I decided that my Birthday week would be a good time to visit Chicago, Illinois.  Monday Bobby, Adriel, and I settled in and we’re constantly looking up.  The city of Chicago is built so high we were filled with awe.  Our Uber driver had lived here for years so he knew fun things to do and was full of interesting facts.   Finding our hotel ready was fantastic but the best part for me was eating lunch.  I love a good veggie burger and French potato fries at Smash Burger.  

            Tuesday we enjoyed walking around and were impressed by how clean the town was and how safe we felt.  There are no tents anywhere.  We enjoyed the Sears Tower.  It was full of photo opportunities and very high up.  

            Bobby and I enjoyed deep-dish pizza for dinner, and I created a great memory.  The pizza trays are metal with four legs.  One leg was bent so I used my strong muscles to unbend it.  I totally broke it off.  Bobby was mortified.  The server just chuckled and exchanged it.

            Adriel enjoyed the Sears Tower with us.  Later in the day, she enjoyed skating with an old friend and meeting new people.

            We enjoyed so many sights with the city pass and walking around.  I liked the architecture tour by boat because the person talking about the buildings was interesting especially because we got to sit for 75 minutes after walking all day.  

            Adriel’s company was so appreciated.  She is delightful, loving and caring.  She enjoys our company and the fun food.  Chicago hot dogs are special.  Bobby and Adriel both decided they liked them.  (I had a bite and they were good – just not my thing.)

            We enjoyed the fabulous weather most of the time.  We walked so much and it was fun to be together.  It rained Friday and Saturday which brought the most interesting entertainment.  People (in the windy city) with umbrellas.  So many turned inside out, or people walking against the wind unable to see.  We found it pretty comical watching the silly tourists. 

Seth held the fort down and we were blessed by his presence at home.  He wouldn’t have enjoyed the trip because it wasn’t staying home and as he said when I asked if he would come, “I think Seattle is enough of a culture shock for me.”

            I enjoyed a Birthday dinner supplied by my sister-in-law Caren.  It was so nice of her to call up and gift us an experience.  How sweet!  I loved all the Facebook Birthday wishes and when we came home Saturday there were Birthday cards in the mail.  How lovely!  Thank you, family! 

            May you also feel special when your day comes up.  May you find joy in all weather and fun in all of God’s creation.  May you know how deeply you are loved.  Sooo, much!

             Love and hugs, Cristy



OH, and I must add a praise!  The rat is no longer with us.  A trap was its demise.

Sunday, October 8, 2023

10/8/23

 Dear Family,

 

                What a blessing that Bobby spent his day off cooking something so fabulous as Chicken pot pie!  Yum!!  He was glad we liked it.  Seth says thank you by eating a lot 😉.

                Middle school group had so much joyous noise it was hard to hear each other.  I did engage in flick chess which was so much fun!  I can’t describe the entertainment value of making a thinking game into bold chaos.  Lesson time also had a funny moment.  Bobby had us read about the time when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet.  Next was time to fill in the blanks.  W_ _ _ _ & F _ _ _ _ _ Jesus’ E _ _ _ _ _ _.  (John 13:1-17). Bobby asked, “What starts with a w?”  Someone shouted out, “Feet!”.  (It’s Watch and follow Jesus’ example by the way.)

                High School group also had great times.  Before prayer time one student was being goofy and renamed everyone (the person to their left) loudly by saying so and therefore our ordering of prayer was using the wrong name.  This went on for a bit while most were a little confused and some were just laughing.  Bobby said, “We have an interesting youth group that’s for sure.”  Another student said, “I went to a normal youth group once, it was weird.”  So much laughter.

                There was talk about hearing well and somehow, they got to how Doctors got wax out of ears.  One person piped up with, “There’s irrigation now.”  Another laughed, “Ear iggation, ha!”  This went along with talk of the elderly and how Rich doesn’t remember things because he’s old.  Classically Rich said, “What?”  Ahhhhh ha ha ha ha.

                Thursday night Bobby brought me out to the  Happy Bibimbap House restaurant.  (Happy Birthday to him again!) I found a dish I truly enjoyed eating there even though it was a horrifying sight at first. It came hot and steaming in a bowl with a raw egg on top! RAW! I stared at it horrified for a couple of seconds and Bobby said if I stirred it into the rice and veggies it was so hot it would cook the egg. Sure enough, that steaming bowl cooked the egg before my eyes. How fun – it was delicious. The dish's name is Happy Bibim Bop.  We had a wonderful meal with fabulous music, the staff was so attentive, and I recommend this Korean restaurant to anyone who likes good food.    

Relaxing after a long day of work is so important and I love feeling like I earned some relaxation time.  I enjoy cuddling with my Bobby and I am so pleased to come home to amazing meals.  He takes time to cook things he watches on cooking shows and enjoys mixing flavors together. 

                Adriel continues to strive and grow.  She is planning on working two jobs and going to school.  Goodness.  

                Seth continues to plug away at school and work. 

                May you also find good health even in this weird weather.  May you find joy in yummy food, sun, or rain and in loving God with all your heart, mind, and soul.  Love and hugs, Cristy

 

                

Monday, October 2, 2023

10/2/23

 Dear Family,

                 

                Bobby made yummy beef stew and potatoes this week.  He enjoys cooking and cooking shows so much.  I enjoy eating, so we are a lovely pair.  He also made eggs and mushrooms just for me.  What a guy.

                Middle school group was fun and the people were delightful.  High school group though, they are so comfortable with themselves that they bring the comedy gold.  While writing out prayer requests one had to verbalize things.  He wasn’t writing but was pondering, “Pray that I get a girlfriend, pray that I get a life, . . .” on and on he went.  It was funny to hear all the things this individual might have wanted to put down.

                Filling in the blanks was also filled with great guesses and laughter.  Bobby said, “It rhymes with eetza.”  One person piped up with “Do I hear ‘La Hacienda?’” 

                Bobby took me out to eat with a gift card from his Birthday.  Thank you, friends!  His Birthday continues to bless 😊.  We had fun.

                Adriel not only answers calls but she merged me into a phone call with my parents and her on Monday.  It felt like a party.  I am glad to be part of her world.

                Seth started school this week.  I am still excited that he drives himself where he needs to go.  He also helped feed our cat while I was gone at the women’s retreat.

                Women’s retreat is a good time to be with other women and learn more about God.  I enjoyed the fantastic food, great conversations, fabulous lessons, and fun games.  I even had a nap each day.  Ahhhh, that was the life!

                Even rain, which some people hate, is a blessing.  We choose our attitude.  Choosing to view any weather as a blessing can be part of taking captive every thought.  Our attitude can make all the difference when it comes to relationships.  May you find your attitude is a reflection of the grace God has given you and not a knee-jerk reaction to your like or dislike of the weather.

 

Much love,

 

 

 

Cristy