4/28/24

 

Dear Family,

 

               I am so glad Bobby mowed the lawn on Monday.  He’s has become interested in the garden, and I enjoy that!  He likes lilies (not daylilies).  It’s fun that he enjoys watching them grow.  Bobby also cooked a wonderful dinner with plenty of leftovers on Monday and we are still blessed with them now.

               Tuesday evening, I delighted in the middle school shenanigans.   The lesson was about Jonah and following God is the best idea (the first time God asks us to do something).  When Bobby asked, “What is a prophet?”  The first answer was, “It’s when you get out more than you put in.”  This is true when it comes to profit, but Bobby had to ask again, “What is a prophet in the Bible?”  Another student had to say, “It was me!  In the Bible my name is ____ who was a prophet.”  That was a closer answer.

               Later there was a youth who had a bloody nose.  As he walked to the bathroom he said, “I’m going to make it look like a horror movie in there.”

               The next evening High School group was also fun.  They are nice people, so the worst smack talk I heard about in games was, “Did someone drop you on your head when you were a baby?”  This brought up someone in our group who had and that was a whole other conversation.  Later, when we were talking about Jonah and Bobby mentioned he was in the whale someone said, “Like an air B & B!”  Another person had to pipe in with, “Not a four star one though.”

               By Thursday, staying up late for youth group and getting up early for work had worn on me.  So, Bobby and I agreed that I could go to sleep right after work.  He picked me up and that was very kind of him.  I can’t say how much I enjoy sleeping!  I needed that and enjoyed sleeping from 5:30 PM to 4:00 AM.   I was able to continue working the rest of the week 😊.  Yay!  Although I did hit my limit, we had enough recovery time to continue for a 55 hour work week.

               Seth picked me up after church last Sunday and I had forgotten that he drives a smaller blue car.  I was excited to get into the cute car and then looked over.  I mentioned how neat his car is and how super fly he looks with his glasses on.  Then I complimented him on his music and said, “I feel like I got picked up by the cool kid.”  I was rewarded with a shy smile.  He’s fun to be with, my son.

               Adriel went up to Seattle this weekend to celebrate her cousin (my nieces) Birthday.  I am so glad she represented us 😊.  My parents were excited to have her, and I heard joy in our phone conversation.  Yay, Adriel!

               Friday, I enjoyed some time just be with Bobby and Saturday he was at Tapawingo all day.  I feel so blessed to have a home with love in it.  Having a roof over our heads is a big deal.  I am thankful for the ability to work, the blessings of God and that we can do good works which he prepared in advance for us to do. 

               May you also feel as blessed as you are and find joy in the journey.  Much love, Cristy

4/21/24

 

Dear Family,

 

          I feel blessed that I can be helpful.  I enjoy working overtime always and am glad to be of service.  Yay!  I am enjoying 10 hour days and still have energy after that to help with youth group.  God is showing me so much about what I can handle and what does and doesn’t wear me down.  I am excited to consider a future where I have more energy!  Please pray with me as I interview for desk jobs.  I figured out my sitting pain is mostly because we have bad chairs and a wood bench at home.

          Youth group remains a great place to seek, learn about, and grow in God.  I was encouraged Wednesday night when several students came even though their friends did not.  One even told me that they are getting closer to God and felt called to come!  Yay!  God is at work all around us! 

          Funny things are also still said during group time.  I recall someone asking where so and so was.  The answer, “He’s probably annoying a small child,” was silly.  Also, when Bobby said, “Guess the theme for camp.”  Someone answered, “Pineapple.”  Sometimes random answers are the best.  When someone tried to answer a blank with, “Hellish” for We live in a H----- world.  Someone else had to mention, “It’s because he’s public schooled.”  I enjoy the laughter and fun we have.  Joking around and learning about God!  Bonus!

          Our children are working and in school.  They are productive members of society and I also get to hear from them an, “I love you,” or a, “Hello.”  How blessed I feel when they pick up the phone.  I am glad that there is some connection even in the business. 

          I enjoyed working 57 hours this week and look forward to doing it again next week.  My favorite thing is that Bobby mowed the lawn and took the garbage to the curb and back without me even mentioning it.  I am amazed that I still had energy to watch a play and am still enjoying life.  I thought I might be a lot more tired but life remains wonderful.  This is because of Bobby.  He’s thankful and loving 😊 Yay!  Also, the ability to keep on reminds me of Isaiah 40:31, “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  Because the kids no longer need me as a caregiver, I have opportunity to work and I am so glad I can.

          May you also find joy in your journey.  May you work as unto the Lord and find it a privilege to do the tasks set before you.

 

Much love,

 

 

Cristy 

By the way the answer to the fill in the blank is, “Hungry.”

4/15/24

 

Dear Family,

 

               Nice weather is so pleasant!  I have been glad to walk in my favorite weather – cloudy.  Sun hurts my eyes but cloudy is just right!  I have met interesting people, enjoyed that I am able and avoided paying parking fees.  I remain very thankful that Bobby drives me in the mornings.  Yay, It’s working out to have two jobs.  Buuuut, if any female is going from West Salem over the bridge at 6:15 AM, and wants to give me a ride to or near the Department of Revenue let me know.  It would be fun to chat with you as well.

               Both youth groups were fun this week.  My favorite part about middle school group was when Bobby was describing how we cast our cares upon God.  He was trying to illustrate throwing and seemed to not find the best word for “cast.”  He noticed I was smiling and asked what word I was thinking of.  “Yeet” was a fun word for “toss” and we did have a laugh about that.  A fun joke in High School group was when Bobby brought out some marshmallows that were in the shape of Bunnies, Chicks or Eggs.  One student yelled out, “Chicks, I love chicks!”  This brought some chuckles.  Later a student wanted to flick one of the chicks and call it a “Chick flick.”

               One blessing is the emergence of new life.  When someone gifts us a flower bulb, that is potential.  When the bulb is planted, watered by God and then starts emerging that is exciting.  Bobby and I are both anticipating new flowers and it’s fun to see that they didn’t die in the ground, no, they are alive and well!

               I am glad that there is fun everywhere we go.  May you enjoy those you encounter every day.  May you delight in new beginnings and things that spring out of the ground (flowers, not creepy bad guys).  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

4/8/24

 

Dear Familiy,

               The first day of a new job is always scary.  I wondered if I would like it!  I also wondered if I could sit for long periods of time without hurting too much.  So many questions.  And yet, when I get into a task nothing else matters.  I have pain no matter what I do repetitively.  I am enjoying the work and the people.  This is temporary, I don’t know if I would want to do the new job permanently.  Meanwhile Freddies lets me work Saturday only this month.  They will keep me on and I am so glad for that.

               Tuesday night youth group was filled with excitement and fun.  The group has gelled considerably, and they are so glad to be present!  I did have to chuckle when Bobby mentioned one supposition during the lesson.  “Imagine French fries with no salt.”  This brought such a fervent mixed review.  Some where saying they would love them, others that French Fries without salt would be the worst thing ever.  All this to talk about how we are the salt of the world.

               Wednesday night High School group had more fun guessing the fill in the blanks.  1 Peter 2:11-12 had this blank next to it, “As salt we add F _ _ _ _ _ with our lives.”  Someone shouted out Fortnite and that just tickled me.  Later the Sentence that went with John 4:13-15 was, “Help create T _ _ _ _ _ in others.”  Someone had to say, “Tension.”  I enjoy the banter.  Someone mentioned that they enjoy eating the end of a pretzel bag.  The salt on the bottom was amazing to him.  His friend said, “Then you get kidney stones.”  Bobby had to let us all know, eating the salt on the bottom of a pretzel bag does not result in kidney stones.  (Yay for not getting medical advice from youth group or YouTube.)

               I am so blessed that Bobby gives me a ride to work every week day.  The parking price in the middle of the city is not our cup of tea so I am blessed by his thoughtfulness and willingness to get up early for me.  I enjoy walking home except in the rain.  Bobby did drive me home from volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission store on Friday.  That was very kind of him.

               Adriel and Seth continue to be loving and sweet.  I enjoy seeing or hearing from them.

               May you also enjoy your loved ones.  May God bring you success, grace and love as you trust in Him for all your needs.  May he also give you wisdom as you cry out to Him for guidance.

               Much love,

 

 

Cristy

               PS The answers to the fill in the blanks are Flavor and Thirst.

4/1/24

 

Dear Family,

 

               Turkey made on a Traeger is amazing.  Bobby spent Monday cooking and it was tasty as usual.  I am so blessed that he loves to cook.

               Tuesday Bobby enjoyed a games day with the youth group.  I delighted in walking with friends.  We loved our day and rejoiced in chatting about it in the evening.

               Wednesday the youth group came over to help spread bark dust.  I am blessed by this yearly tradition.  I am thankful we can bless them financially and have a fun event at the same time.  They were so helpful even though it was pouring rain.  We also enjoyed the game of, “Things” and pizza.  A recurring theme ended up being, ‘Things that make Bobby’s life easier’ – Child labor.  We laughed about that so much it was great times.

               Thursday, we had dinner and a movie in the church gym.  30 youth came and it was very good food.  How fun to get together during spring break for an outreach event!  We saw old faces and some new. 

               Saturday it was fun to see Adriel and celebrate her Birthday early.  She is a lovely person, and I am so glad she is still in our lives.  We had a great breakfast at Jam on Hawthorn and enjoyed seeing Seth eat pepper intentionally for the first time.  This was a gift from Adriel who demonstrated adding salt and pepper to his hashbrowns.  Her comment, “You need to get out more!”

               Bobby mowed the lawn Saturday afternoon, and I am so blessed!  Then he cooked food for Easter.  Yay for wonderful celebration of God’s power over death.  May you also feel as blessed as we are by God’s choice to come to earth as a volunteer sacrifice.  “For the Joy set before Him he endured the cross scorning its shame.” (Hebrews 12:2).  May you accept the gift of salvation and feel His love and joy flowing through you to others.

 

Much Love, Cristy

3/25/24

 

Dear Family,

 

               We have so much fun!  Tuesday night youth group Bobby mentioned that Rich isn’t the only one to become a grandpa this month. . . . Our pastor’s daughter had their baby also.  How neat.  This brought some excitement as one student shouted, “And you are a grandpa too Bobby!”  Another student picked this up and said, “Yeah, Cristy, tell him the secret.  Tell him the secret!”  There were several consenting voices as the crowd was stirred up.  “Tell Him the secret!”  “Nooo, there is no secret!”  Neither of our children have made any people yet.  It sure was exciting to the middle schoolers.  They had fun with that one.  Later I enjoyed telling Seth how the youth group talked about him.  I love his smile.

               During the announcements, Bobby mentioned we will have dinner and a movie.  The movie is “Ratatouille” and Bobby is planning on making some ratatouille to go with the movie.  Bobby mentioned he felt he had to make the dish even though he doesn’t think anyone will eat it.  The students had to disagree!  We will eat it!  Bobby mentioned there are eggplants, squash, and zucchini.  The person next to me had been insisting that she would eat the Ratatouille. The entire youth group still said they would eat that.  Then Bobby said he would be making spaghetti, French bread, and salad.  The person next to me did look at me and say, “Oh, that sounds better, I don’t really like eggplant.”

               Because it’s free, Bobby tried a countdown program that has the timer on the bottom right of the screen and then rabbit/easter jokes in the center.  It had fake laughter, silly pictures, and dad jokes.  One student asked another, “What is this?”  The consensus, “Torture.”

               One prayer request was, “About the teacher strike.”  When another person prayed about it, the gist seemed to be that the student was for a strike.  After prayer, the person who wrote it had to mention they were hoping the teachers didn’t have to strike. 

               High school group has much more testosterone.  I enjoy their banter and they are so excited to be together.  I am glad there is laughter.  The girls that do come are so sweet.  We huddle together and are glad for each other’s company.

               Thursday a lovely family with acres of land and a love for kittens stopped by.  They will give the kittens a great home with freedom to roam and hunt.  I am excited for the kittens to have a place to be all they were created to be.

               Thursday Bobby also made pizza.  We enjoyed the smells and taste.  I had to chuckle when Seth came downstairs.  “You made food?”  Seth is a constant reminder that we are blessed with a son.  I truly love his presence.

               Bobby and I enjoyed a date on Friday.  We are so blessed to eat well, enjoy each other’s company, and bask in the love God has provided.  Without Him, we are nothing.  With God, we function amazingly.

               May you also feel God’s presence in your life.  May you be glad for His grace, love, provision, and peace.  He is sovereign, Lord and the provider of all good things.  May this give you confidence to share love with all you encounter.  Hugs 😊

 

 

Cristy

 

3/18/24

 

Dear Family,

 

The disruption of ones life for the benefit of another is hard work when it comes to people.  Cats on the other hand can hiss and scratch.  We are so thankful for your prayers!  Their spay date is April 9th but someone may want to take them before that so please pray for God’s will.  Crazy how two little critters can make such a big difference.

Adriel has started visiting us and I enjoy the time and attention.  She is delightful and has a lot of soul searching about vocation.   

Seth continues to do his job well and I had someone tell me how helpful he was.  When I passed the compliment on to him, he said, “Well, it’s my job to be helpful.”  So, there you have it. 

Monday Bobby made beef Bourguignon and it was very yummy.  Saturday he made some mac and cheese with tuna fish.  I love that he cooks!

Tuesday night youth group I had to laugh when I heard the chant, “Defense, defense.”  This was while people were watching a game of chess.  The youth are so fun to be with.  I enjoy listening to their trials and joys.

Wednesday night I mentioned that if you want to make Bobby mad just throw a cat at him and watch him get scratched.  The person next to me gave me a knowing look and said, “Duly noted”. 

               While Bobby was putting his guitar away someone mentioned, “We should pray!” with such force I mentioned to the person next to me, “I sense a type a personality.”  Then the person I was talking about said, “I’m in charge!”  As he took over and told who would pray.  It was comedic timing 😊. 

I enjoy time with our youth and am glad has brought us here to minister.  May you also be glad for the place He has put you.  Much love,

 

Cristy

3/11/24

 

Dear Family,

 

                

               I enjoy visiting with Adriel and she came to us this week.  She has a lot of decisions to make, and I enjoy being part of her journey.  I also delight in her enthusiasm, hugs and smiles.

               Seth was kind enough to leave the door unlocked for Adriel.  Unfortunately, even though I am the one who told him to do this, I came home and locked up out of habit before I left.  I enjoyed the transcript of Seth’s call when Adriel called him to unlock the door for her.  “Hey mom as I don Hear a beat flying unicorn I left the door unlocked Angels, texting me and saying it's locked You wouldn't happen to know why?  Oh, you're gone, you're not even close to home. All right I'm gonna drive home and get Israel…”  What he really said was that he would let Adriel in and that was fabulous because he did this in record time.  I was willing to leave youth group to let her in but didn’t have to.  What a great guy.

               High school group was entertaining as I played foosball with several youth.  We overheard someone say, “That’s a grandma color.”  This brought up a conversation with those I was with.  “What color do you suppose is a grandma color?”  One across from me piped up with, “Maroon?”  I looked down at my maroon coat and asked, “Is there a specific reason you think that?”  We had to laugh at the irony.

               During the lesson Bobby asked the High school group if they could see any animal at the zoo which ones would they like to see.  This brought out some jokes.  The friend sitting beside a person, “My brother and sister.”  We only got one serious answer and it was, “A flamingo because I like how their knees bend.” 

               Bobby mentioned that we are all sheep in God’s eyes and someone piped up with, “I’m a Ram!”  Another student exclaimed, “You can’t be a truck!”

               Middle school was also fun but I lost the paper I wrote things down on to remember and, like the wind, it’s all gone.  This is to remind us all – if we don’t make the effort to keep track, the beauty, joy and fun times are gone.  We can’t bring them back.  Record to remember my friends.  This life is so short. 

               I am blessed that Bobby made chicken pot pie this week.  The lawn is still mowed (not growing much in this awkward snowy weather).   Bobby cooked several more meals this week and I enjoyed eating with him.  Please pray with us as he is concerned for his best friend Rich’s healing.  Rich had foot surgery.  Also, Bobby’s Uncle is in the hospital and this is sad and scary. 

Please also pray with us as we have new kittens because they go in heat and one peed on someone’s room mate while they were sleeping.  This was an emergency situation.  So, we have these kittens I want to keep forever, locked in our bedroom.  Meanwhile our own cat is curious, jealous and wants to get in the bedroom.  Also, I know these kittens’ potential, they could pee on us – so we walking on eggshells to be their friends.  They have spay surgery scheduled for April 9^th.  Meanwhile, our house is a little chaotic and sleep has been hard to come by.  The kittens are mad at each other and want to rumble, meow, and scratch at the door as we are trying to sleep.

               Thank you so much for your love, attention, and PRAYERS! 

Hugs, Cristy

3/4/24

 

Dear Family,

 

               That Adriel lives close enough to visit is such a blessing to me.  And that I have time I can take is also lovely.  She bought me dinner so many times this last couple of months (through her Christmas gift card) I am glad to bring her out 😊.  I am glad to hear her heart and find out her plans.

               Bobby mowed the lawn and cooked amazing food this week.  I am so blessed that he enjoys helping at home.  Sometimes we watch “Fear factor” together.  I commented that one person was so thin, “She’s never had babies.”  Bobby said, well they don’t have 50-year-olds on the show.  Then he started joking about 50-year-old fear factor, “Cross the street!  Get up in the morning.”  It made me laugh – we aren’t that fearful.

               Middle School group had some fun silliness.  We talked about 1^st Corinthians 13:4-7.  When Bobby got to patient he said, “So if a person in youth group is doing really annoying things and we choose to be loving and patient that would be good.”  A student piped up with, “I’m right here!”  As though that comment has been about them.  It was funny the way they said it so fast.

               Several students were talking amongst themselves after the paper was handed out and Bobby was trying to teach but had to ask, “What are you doing?  Trying to fill in the blanks early?”  The student replied, “Of course.”

               When it came to love being hopeful someone mentioned, “I hope you will give me your wallet.”

               Wednesday night had another fun handwriting blunder.  Someone prayed for their friends Barbarian solo.  I was wondering if this was a dance or song.  Come to find out it was Baritone solo.  That makes more sense.

               A fun fill in the blank was “Selfless Love R----y S----- out!  Several guesses were “Reckless, Selfish!” and “Really Sucks” neither were right – it’s Really Stands out – Selfless love really stands out.

               1 Corinthians 13 may be read at weddings a lot but it was written for the church.  When Bobby came to “Not Envious” he mentioned that if Troys dad got a new van Bobby might be a little envious.  One student blurted, “How would you feel if it suddenly blew up?”  Another laughed with chagrin.  “What are you planning?!”

               It is good to have time to talk things out.  Getting a temporary second job will be stressful, and I am glad Bobby decided to support me by giving me rides into town in the mornings.

               Seth is willing to give me a daily hug and I love his presence.   He is fun to chat with and I am glad he responds.

               May you also be glad for the interactions you have with those you encounter.  May you have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.  Much love, Cristy

2/26/24

 

Dear Family,

 

               Holidays are fun.  Ice skating with the youth group is also fun.  I enjoy helping people learn new things and don’t mind holding hands as their balance is a bit off.  I felt we grew closer as a group.  Most of the group started on the wall as pictured but after about a half an hour most were getting around pretty good.  It was exhausting so several of us quit early and that was OK. 

               Tuesday night youth group brought out so much creativity.  I enjoy hearing how some of our youth think.  During gutter ball one person shouted, “I give you all my spicy powers!” to the person playing.  I laughed at such odd ridiculousness and said, “Not the spicy ones!”  This was met with, “Well, he doesn’t want our mild power.”  This was said so matter of fact I had to listen to their conversation more.  They had made up another system of life again and were rating each other on levels of spiciness.  (I almost wanted to ask about posh or scary spice but knew they wouldn’t get the reference.)  Anyway – an encouraging shout was, “Be the chipotle!”  I can’t make this stuff up folks.

               During prayer time I was sitting next to the person who had my prayers.  I asked if they needed help reading it because I was right there.  I was assured that it was OK, they read 2-year old’s handwriting.  I sarcastically thanked them for the comparison 😉.  Later during prayer, they couldn’t read it and prayed thanks for my happy dogs?  No, it was days.  I have happy days off.

               During the lesson Bobby was talking about God’s love and faithfulness.  He mentioned that God’s love isn’t permissive and talked about how Bobby used to steal things (but doesn’t anymore).  A youth asked, “Did you steal my training wheels because those have been gone a long time?”  I had to mention, “It was the training wheel fairy.”

                   Wednesday also had fun interactions but I had taken a nap and felt groggy, so I didn’t write anything down.  The highlight was when one person shared their testimony.  I enjoyed hearing what God has done in their lives and how youth group has helped them grow spiritually.

               Naps truly are the best.  Groggy is now a content, happy feeling I can enjoy.  I also enjoy working at 4 AM.  What an interesting time.  No traffic!  Yay!  Also, Bobby being gone on a retreat means I can go to bed at 7PM.  That has been nice.

               I am glad he is home safe now.  Adriel and Seth are also doing well.  It’s always nice to have everyone be OK.  May you also be glad when your family is safe and sound.  May you feel peace as we enjoy the flowers poking their heads out, reminding us that new life comes in it’s season and Jesus rose from the grave!  Yes!

Love and hugs, Cristy 

2/19/24

 

Dear Family,

 

               My heart was warmed to see an old friend at church Sunday morning.  I enjoyed walking and talking with her for years.  During greeting time, I had to bring Seth over so she would see how he had grown.  Although Seth didn’t remember her, he said, “I don’t remember much from my grade school years, but I know I was difficult to deal with back then so thank you for taking care of me.”  My heart melted and I felt so blessed that he was thankful.  (And is – Sunday school teachers, teachers, office staff – all of you – thank you for bringing Seth up with me.)  Seth is a wonderful, responsible, God-fearing young man and you all helped us through those years.

               Adriel has answered my calls, and I am so glad to know she is alive.  I can’t imagine working full time, going to school full time and volunteering, yet that is what Adriel does.  But wait, that is what Bobby did when the kids were little.  Both have amazing energy levels and I continue to be in awe of all they set out to do and then accomplish.  Wow!

               Tuesday night was so full of one-liners I am very glad I wrote them down.  Greetings are usually fun, joyful and may include a hug.  This time, as most of us were facing the wall because gutter ball is there.  One person came in and stole his friend’s hat.  This immediately brought a response of, “I have head lice, I swear.”  Middle school is the epitome of awkwardness.

               When the line needed to move, I sang, “Get a little closer. With Arid extra dry,” to someone tapping them to let them know which way to go.  Another person had to say, “Ooooooh, you just got Cristied!”  I don’t quite know what that means but it made me laugh anyway.

               To start the lesson out Bobby asked, “What’s the deal with Valentines?”  The most fun answer was, “It’s singles awareness day.”

               Bobby proceeded to talk about “True love in . . . . true friendship.”  He was speaking about how to pick good friends.  When he mentioned we should choose friends that are ‘loving.’ A young man said, “Ewwww, this is disgusting.”  Youth are so fun. 

               I don’t remember why Bobby mentioned the movie, “The Secretariat” But he gave the ending away when he said, “The horse had no problem running faster than any other horse and won.”  Rich had to add, “But the ending was so sad, they had to shoot the horse because it wouldn’t stop running.”  I had to mention, “Spoiler alert!”  And this brought much confusion, questions and pondering.   I can’t tell you what really happened.  You must watch the movie.

               The High schoolers were also fabulously awkward about valentines.  The boys wrote each other cards and then blushed when asked to share.  A youth even used AI to write a Valentine verse to a fellow classmate with rhyming, talk of undying love and asking his friend to be his valentine.  Blushing is adorable.  This time I took some pictures of the game Honey if you love me.  Permission was asked.  Aren’t youth fun 😊?

               Bobby did go to the Dr. for his cough.  It’s been a couple of weeks.  He doesn’t have pneumonia so that is good.  Please pray for him and Seth to get better and for me not to get this nasty cold. 

               My prayer for you is for God’s love to be evident in your life.  May you be so filled with His love that you shine like the stars in the universe.  This is from Philippians 2:14-15, “1Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”  Good stuff.  Love,

 

 

Cristy

2/12/24

 

Dear Family,

 

               When Bobby makes enchiladas, Adriel feels excited just thinking about it.  We mentioned he made them over the phone to her and she said, “Mmmm.”  This gives Bobby joy. He is glad when people want to eat his food.

               Tuesday night Middle School group had laughter, fun and joy.  We are a welcoming group, and I am glad when the kids are excited to see each other. When Bobby asked the group, “What is your favorite gift?”  There was much to say.  Bobby did have to mention that Rich is going to have a new name soon. It will be Grandpa! Someone had to pipe up with, “Now he’s officially old.”

               Wednesday night was filled with love, kindness, respect, and some funny moments. Because the lesson included 2^nd Corinthians 2:14-16 Bobby talked about how we are to smell like Christians. This brought up some interesting discussion. One person said, “I smell like nothing.”  Bobbys response was, “Well, nothing is better than the smell of death and decay.”  This could be taken two ways. I had to laugh when someone questioned if Bobby liked the smell of death and decay.

                Thursday, I enjoyed camaraderie with friends at home group. I like that people are praying with us and that we can discuss God’s word together. If you have not started a home group yet you might think about joining ours. It is fun 😊.

               Friday Bobby and I celebrated Valentines at Chiras. I am so glad we figured out that I need to celebrate love early or on the day of. I feel as though we prioritized us. This makes my heart sing. Valentines’ Day will be a fun day also, but we will be with the youth group so, not too romantic, and that is fine.

               I am glad for days when I can rest with Bobby and enjoy being. Saturday was a fabulous evening after a full day of work. I genuinely enjoy relaxing with Bobby in the evenings.

               May you also enjoy the simple happy feeling of relaxing after a long day. We are so blessed with a roof over our heads!  May you rejoice in being loved by God. Jesus loves you so much!

Hugs,

 

 

Cristy

2/5/24

 

Dear Family,

 

               Sickness is never fun.  Bobby came down with a cold Sunday evening and slept most of the day Monday.  I am glad he was feeling better by Tuesday because he rallied, made the lesson for youth group and led just fine.  Our youth are so loving, full of life and fun.  I truly enjoy their banter and company.

               One joke that fell flat was when someone questioned a blank.  A person said, “He thought it was hamburger!”  The word was totally unrelated to “Heart” but it was fun that people were interacting, learning and wrestling with the lesson and text.  I love it when we are engaged and learning about God.

               Wednesday night the High School group was fabulous and friendly.  Because someone was talking at the beginning of lesson time Bobby asked them to start the group off in prayer.  This worked quite well.  Later at the beginning of prayer time, requests were handed out.  We had more people willing to pray than requests.  This meant that we ran out.  There was a small outcry of sadness but the person who was sad reconciled with – “It’s OK, I opened the group in prayer.”   

Bobby mentioned he was at 80% capacity when he made a mistake at High school group.  This became a running joke as Bobby seemed a little off and people mentioned that now he was at 77%.  Oh dear, someone wasn’t helpful so now Bobby is at 72%. 

               Even though Bobby had a cold he made several yummy dishes on Thursday.  Bobby, Seth, and I enjoyed them.  I am thankful Bobby not only cooks but was thinking about us while he would be gone on men’s retreat.  He is very sweet.

               I am so glad Adriel rang me up and had me help with her FASFA which was due this week.  She helped me get Seth to do his.  Yikes – last minute things are best done immediately.  I am also glad she texts me when she doesn’t have time for a call.  I like knowing she is alive.

               May you learn to get things done as they are due.  May you prioritize tasks well.  May you find strength in knowing our Lord Jesus and His immense, wonderful love.  Hugs,

 

 

Cristy

1/29/24

 

Dear Family,

 

               I am so glad for cozy, snug feelings.  Pets, people and blankets are the best.  I enjoy working hard and then being cozy with Bobby and Skyra (our cat).  I want to say life doesn’t get any better than that.  I like the having and holding we share. 

               Bobby did cook chip beef and toast.  I am glad he and Seth like it.  I was able to make enchiladas and salads.  Yum!  Life is filled with amazing food and we don’t have to hunt or grow it.  What a wonderful concept.  I enjoy the barter system.  I don’t like gardening and might starve if my life depended on what I planted. 

               Tuesday night Middle School group was different because five minutes before start time, no one had come yet.  It felt empty.  God pre-ordained this so that Bobby would find the spider before anyone else did.  It was huge and he had the vacuum cleaner ready when the crowd started arriving.  The spider was gone before many knew it existed.  That could have been a really big deal.

               Prayer time was fun with someone having such bad handwriting that it gave the reader pause, a giggle and need for affirmation.  It is pretty funny how an extra space where it doesn’t belong changes everything.

               Wednesday night High School group was delightful.  I enjoyed the singing very much.  One song says, “Your grace is enough, I’m covered in your blood.”  Bobby sang, “I’m covered in your love.”  A student noticed the difference and brought it up.  Bobby was like, “Did I, well they are both the same.”  This made me comment, “Noooo, if you were covered in my blood it would look really bad.”  We did talk about the songs with blood running in Emanuel’s veins, ‘Washed in the blood’ and other such songs.  It’s an interesting concept. 

                How wonderful that Bobby cooked yummy stir fry on Thursday.  I enjoyed coming home to a warm meal after a full day of work.  I definitely feel blessed to have Bobby in my life.

               Friday Bobby began the work of making Tamales.  He made the meat in preparation for Saturdays work of making the rest.  After he was done making them he shared with some friends.  How fun that he could bless people we know with his yummy cooking 😊.

               Seth says, “I love you” on the way to school or work.  He blesses us with his sweet constant steady presence.  Seth is a joy to have around. 

               Adriel usually answers the phone and I am glad she continues to strive for her best life.  She works hard and plays hard.  Reminds me of Bobby.

               May you find peace in the cuddles you have.  May you find joy in your work and God’s love in your interactions.  Hugs,

 

Cristy

1/22/24

 

Dear Family,

 

            My car was stuck in the snow overnight.  Getting it unstuck took the help of Bobby and Seth.  I was so thankful for their help!  It was a blessing that I then drove to work.  So many people called in (sick) that our grocery manager had to do a 24-hour day!  Many people were happy to get overtime (as was I).  When I got to work (after Bobby and Seth helped get the car out) I texted a thank you.  Seth’s response was fabulous, “Good luck getting back.”  I love him so much!

            God has been providential in my safety as I worked several days this week.  I am glad for a warm car and a job I enjoy doing. 

            Seth helped me get my new laptop set up to the printer.  I am excited that I can now get rid of the old computer.  Bobby said I should give it to Seth to wipe the hard drive.  Seth said he will use a spare USB to wipe it.  Although Seth did say, “The best thing to do would be to burn it with Thermite.  That is not a joke.”  I had to laugh anyway.  It’s nice he won’t take a gun or chemicals to a perfectly good computer.

            Seth is sharing his Christmas candy.  I think that is sweet 😉.

            Friday night Bobby and I enjoyed Pho Keizer again.  Their soup warmed my body and our conversation warmed my heart.  It is good to share life with those we love.

            I am glad I could bring Adriel to a baby shower on Saturday.  She was a pleasure to be with and it is fun figuring out adult life together.  She is a great listener.  I am blessed to have her in my life.

            Yay, we survived an ice storm!  May you be glad for God’s love, provision and grace.  May you go forth with love in your heart and a smile on your face.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy