Monday, January 8, 2024

1/8/23

 




Dear Family,

 

          Back into the routine, newness, growth, purposefulness, and grace.  As we begin 2024 may we choose better paths, grow closer to God, and help others as well. 

          Monday Bobby spent the day making Mexican casserole.  It was an amazing recipe from our past that we haven’t had for years.  How wonderful to grow in strength and sustenance as we enjoy time together eating and reminiscing about our day.  I am so blessed to have my Bobby. 

           Tuesday night at Middle school group we had so many smiling faces.  I truly enjoyed game time.  When someone invites you to play with them it is heartwarming.  Prayer requests brought up a conversation from before.  Someone had just become and uncle.  How exciting.  When he mentioned he didn’t have any prayer requests I mentioned, “Oh, you can pray for the Baaaaaby!”  This brought stunned silence.  People hadn’t heard anything about a middle schooler having a baby at all.  I said, “Because you just became an uncle!”  Oh, the other teens were relieved, and laughed.  “What have you been up to??!!”

          After prayer Rich and I were wondering how Bobbys youth pastor friend was doing and asked.  Bobby was thinking of the computer not working when he shook his head and made the cutting motion.  Both Rich and I wondered if Bobby’s friend had died!  “Nooo, I was talking about the computer.”  Oh, that’s what being on the wrong page is like.

          Lesson time also had one fill in the blank that wouldn’t have worked at all but was humorous. ‘A great step for the new year is to S _ _ _ _ others.’  The corresponding picture had a lot of hands raised. A student and I both thought ‘slap’ kind of worked.    

 

         Wednesday was also filled with deep laughter, wonderful smiles and a thought-provoking lesson.  One of the fill in the blanks was (Mark 11:25-26): Be a F _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.  Someone shouted out “Failure.”  Nope, that was not the right answer.  It was Forgiver, and this brought a dissent.  “Fine, everyone can be forgiven except xxxx.”  This brought out some spiritual theology.  No matter how bad a sin is, no matter what has been wronged, even if the person is in jail for their wrongs. Forgiveness is something we must do.  Matthew 6:12 in the Lord’s prayer says, “forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.”  Not only is our forgiveness tied to us forgiving but it is part of our faith.  It may feel impossible.  This is why forgiveness is divine and we need God’s help to forgive.

          Thursday Bobby cooked several amazing dishes!  I was welcomed home with joy, and it was fabulous to sit with Bobby, reminisce about our day and talk about what the future brings.  How exciting that we can help our new pastor and his wife move in!  These are great days!

          Friday Bobby spent all day preparing Chili Verde for the church potluck.  He was tired and so was I after a full day of work.  I enjoyed sitting with him for a while before bed.  I am glad for his companionship and warmth.

          Adriel remains a beautiful, sweet answer when I call.  She is moving soon. I am glad to be of use in her future.

          Saturday, I enjoyed helping Leanne unpack her kitchen.  She even did some happy dancing which was super fun.  Enjoying a new friend’s company is the best!  I am so glad to have the Willis family in our lives.

          May you also rejoice with new beginnings, hope for a bright future and joy for God’s forgiveness, grace, and peace.

Much love,

 

 

Cristy

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