4/13/25

 Dear family,

               This week was a lovely time of hurried business, so much so that I didn’t write a thing down!  I did go out in the garden just now to take pictures of the flowers because they are beautiful.  Our cat followed me, and that made for some darling pictures.  I’ll share one.  I didn’t necessarily want yet another cat picture, so I asked Seth if he would mind me taking some pictures of him with the flowers.  He was not interested, so the cat it is.  At least they are not flowers alone 😊.

               I am thankful for politeness, that we don’t want to harm or hurt each other.  Some things I saw this week were yikes.  The reason we separate from jobs or other people is that we are done, we have had enough.  Some people are willing to cross the line of polite and share their discontent.  I am glad that I live a life sheltered from that.  You are all so kind.

               Youth group was fun.  I was not willing to run for the game so being roped in lead to some silliness.  One person on my team ran so much that he didn’t feel the need to do round two.  Even youths grow tired and weary sometimes.

               Seeing small children wave palm branches always fills my heart so much tears leak out of me, and I am bursting with joy.  Their cuteness is too much for me to handle.  I feel blessed and overwhelmed.  My cup overflows.  Did you experience this?  Wasn’t it delightful? 

               Pray with me for the persecuted church this week.  Easter might be a time bad guys are planning to attack or use dynamite.  Please pray with me that there are duds, misfires, inability to fulfil evil.  May God prevail.  May people feel that He is protecting them.  Thank you for standing with me in prayer.  I am concerned each year after 2019 that it will happen again.  Please Lord, protect your worldwide church.

 

Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy 

4/7/25

 Dear family,  

                How exciting to broadcast flower seeds into the garden and wonder how many will grow.  Potential has always been full of the unknown.  I love seeing things peek out of the ground to greet the sun . . and in turn . . me.  “Hello, baby flowers. I’m excited to see what you will become!”  Welcome spring, new life, and the knowledge that every day is a new beginning.

               Bobby spent some time mowing the lawn and cooking this week.  He is preparing for camp and excited about a new game he made up.  I was also blessed when he brought our garbage can out to the curb.

               One of our former youths made my day by asking if I liked his new tattoo and sending a picture of something quite hideous.  I hedged and was at work, so I didn’t say yay or nay.  I did ask clarifying questions.  Given enough time, I was happily surprised with, “APRIL FOOLSSSSSSSSS.  I didn’t actually get that tattoo.”  I had a great laugh and shared the story with coworkers who were also quite appreciative.  Ahhh – to laugh.

               I knew Seth wouldn’t appreciate a story, so when I got home, I bared my ankle and asked if he liked my tattoo.  When he looked and said, “I can’t see it,”  I said, “It’s very tiny.”  As he was looking closer, I whispered, “April fools.  I love you.”  I got a smile out of him, and that was super fun. 

               Tuesday night was a blast with the Middle School Group.  They are so fun.  Bobby cut cardboard into the shape of E’s and put one under each chair for the snack. One person even took a bite out of the brown E.  He said it wasn’t that bad.  Oh dear.

 The quiz of the night included, “What is the best-tasting baby food?”  One of the answers was, “I hope Bobby isn’t getting any weird ideas.”  I liked that answer the best.  One student said, “They all taste good.”  Ugh.  He is the one that liked the brown E.  At that age, some people will eat anything.

When Bobby said, “Raise your hand if you had a terrible spring break,”  Some people’s hands went right up. Bobby was like, “Wait a minute, some of you were with me.”  This brought some laughter and admittance that those days were good, but the others weren’t.

               During lesson time, one of the fill-in-the-blanks had to do with Isaiah 9:6-7.  “Jesus is the Everlasting Father: Timeless creator and P_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.” One girl had to mention that Princess fit and would work.  Bobby was not impressed.  What do you think it should be?

               The high school group was fun.  They have the coordination and patience to do difficult games well, and it was fun to see Bobby get out when the middle schoolers didn’t even come close. 

               Adriel is a year older as of this week.  Bobby, Seth, and I enjoyed eating dinner with her and going to a Portland Night market.  It was a very hopping place, and Bobby even found a special treat for the youth group.  I enjoyed being with Adriel.  She sure is a wonderful, sweet person.  I love her and enjoy her company very much.

               May you also love those who are your family.  May you enjoy them and delight in who they are.  Please let me know if you had any fun April Fools jokes played on your or that you played.  I LOVE those stories.

 

Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

 

 

PS the fill in the blank is Provider.

3/30/25

 Dear family,   

 

               To have a youth group descend on our yard to place and rake 5 yards of bark dust was delightful!  Bobby was a bit overwhelmed because the team of 16 was so fast that they finished in an hour.  I have to say thank you to all of you.  I am very grateful, as this year I wasn’t even there.  I was at work.  (I didn't add faces because I didn't ask each family's permission.)

                Spring break was just another work week for me.  I enjoyed it and brought a co-worker to the ER on one of those days.  I am glad she is all better now.  That was a little scary.

               Bobby and I enjoyed some quiet evenings.  Seth and Adriel remain sweet and are both plugging away at school.

               The church workday was a success.  I didn’t last long because my back hurts when I pull weeds, but I saw many people happily working away.  The church looks beautiful now.  Not a weed or plant out of place, there are clean windows, dusted lights, and I don’t even know all the stuff that was done.    

               Just for fun, I’ll include the most bizarre conversation I had one morning.  I was getting up at 4 AM, my usual time, and Bobby said, “I dreamed you were scaring Seth.”  He sounded a little angry.  I said, “No, I dreamed I was helping him find a bee for homework.”  Bobby disagreed, “No, I dreamed I told you to stop scaring him, and you did it again anyway.” Now, I was getting a little frustrated.  “No, I dreamed it had to be a live bee, and I was helping him.”  Bobby ended the conversation with, “You are lucky I didn’t push you out of bed.”  I left, and I knew this would happen . . . guess what . . . Bobby doesn’t remember the entire conversation because he wasn’t awake.

               May you be way less combative while you sleep.  May you enjoy the people around you and find grace and forgiveness always.  May you find help with the garden if you need it, and may you be glad for the flowers.  I didn’t cry this year because of the weeds.  Yay!  The garden is under control with way less fruit and mostly bark dust that I can poison.  Yay!!!!

Love and Hugs,

 

 

Cristy

3/24/25

 Dear family,

 

               Tuesday night youth group was fun.  When a youth was not singing during song time Bobby asked him to sing.  The young man mentioned, ”I’m actually deaf and mute.”  That was just silly.  When you know someone since birth, and their parents, and their entire family’s history – you know if they are deaf or mute.  He . . . is not.

               The snack that night was tiny burger-shaped gummies.  People were excited about these but it struck me as funny when Bobby mentioned that Rich was wanting more burger options and here, was one.  It was amusing to hear Rich laugh about that one.

               Bobby mentioned, “The Government tells me I need glasses to drive.”  A student had to say, “Don’t listen to the government!”  Bobby said, “I’m going to obey the government.”  As we should.

                I enjoyed talking with Adriel several times this week.  Her life is so interesting.  She definitely has a lot going on.

               I enjoyed giving away some free kittens with a youth.  It took about five minutes and there was so much joy in the process.  Holding a baby is special and I enjoyed sharing that joy with several people.  How precious new life is.

    Also, that pinwheel is a picture of God's future blessing.  While I'm at work tomorrow Bobby and the youth group will help spread barkdust wherever there is a pinwheel (ground showing).  How sweet of them.  The proceeds from that fundraiser will go toward youth group snacks (which anyone can also help with).  It's a win-win since they will also get pizza and a movie.  Yay, God.

               Bobby mowed the lawn some and I enjoyed spending Saturday with him.  May you also enjoy spending time with those you love.  Hugs,

 

Cristy  

3/17/25

 Dear family,

 

               Daylight Savings Time changed things so much!  I was bicycling in the dark again.  No shades this week.  And the rain was so intense that it turned to hail on Thursday.  The power went out at work, and they sent us all home.  By then the sun was out and it was nice to garden in the middle of the day.

               Tuesday night, we enjoyed a lot of youth gathering, but most of them were boys.  This brought out a very exciting idea.  Bobby said, “If we have 8 girls at youth group, I’ll order pizza.  I don’t know if this is a long-standing or limited offer, but one girl is brainstorming and is very excited and motivated to invite others. Food is a huge motivator.

               Bobby was making an illustration about how he would get nickels before going to the nickel arcade, but the coins were heavy and would weigh down his pocket.  A middle schooler interrupted with, “Wait, you used real nickels?”  This ended the entire story.  Yes, we are old, so old that we used actual nickels at the nickel arcade, not credit card-swiping machines.  Sigh.

               When Bobby made an illustration about not comparing ourselves to others, he mentioned that if someone got a little bit of ice cream but Sammy got a lot, the person might say, “Why is Sammy getting all the ice cream?” Sammy had no problem piping in, “Because I’m the favorite!”

               When Bobby mentioned that our sins are paid for because of “Him who has no sin,”  Someone had to add, “Sinless Steve?” No, it’s Jesus we are talking about, not sinless Steve.

                I enjoyed talking with Adriel and Seth this week.  They are both very loving and kind.  I am glad they respond when I reach out 😊.          Seth had pastor Ed shadow him on Friday.  I was praying they got to know each other better and good would come.  I loved hearing from our pastor that Seth was eager to please and responded well to any new feedback about the job.

               Saturday, Bobby and I enjoyed a Quinceanera.  It was lovely to celebrate someone so thoroughly and get to know her better. 

               I dreamed that our cat made the morning announcements at church on Sunday.  Many people were taken aback.  I had to admit that I hadn’t taught her how to talk.  That was all God.  But I did teach her to read, so when she stumbled on a word, that was my bad.  It was a fun dream and shows how important Skyra is to me.  She also loves meowing so much that I can see her doing the announcements at church.  Can’t you?

               May you enjoy your days and your dreams.  May your time on this earth bring testimony to God’s love, goodness, and grace.

Hugs,

 

Cristy

3/9/25

 Dear Family,

               The crocuses are happily blooming with so much sunny, warm weather!  May we also delight in our Lord and shine forth happy, pretty faces towards the sun.  I have had to bring sunglasses on my bicycle rides now.  The ugliest glasses I could find!  And I am glad to have them – that way, no one wants to take them (Yes, my kids were the worst swipers, but it’s been a long time with these glasses).

               Tuesday night was a great crowd of energetic love and bounciness.  It was just Bobby and I, so when Bobby began tilting his head during the songs, I wondered if his hair was getting in his face.  The thrashing of his head became so pronounced and frantic that I almost thought he had developed a twitch.  Then the poor guy had to stop the music and tell me, “Two people went to the bathroom and I don’t trust them together – go check on them.”  “Ohhhh! We have got to work on our communication.”  Everything was fine – I’ll know what Bobby’s erratic head nods mean next time.  That was pretty funny.  We were down three leaders.

               The kids were a delight. Bobby talked about temptation and how the world pressures us to become soft, like a pressure cooker makes hard potatoes and meat softer. One student had to mention, “Yeah, you push a button on the pressure cooker, and that’s where the steam comes out. Then you put your face in the steam.”  Noooo, I had to let the youth group know that is NOT what we do with steam. 

               The lesson included a part about “Removing yourself is the best solution.”  One student joked about, “Leaves now,” and walking out.  That would have been funny, but I am glad they didn’t do that.

               Another student had an interesting desire.  They were biting the bottom of the water bottle.  Bobby had to insist, “Don’t bite water bottles and drink like a gerbil.”  Others had to insert, “Or like a badger . . . or racoons.”  That was an interesting rabbit trail.

               Bobby enjoyed throwing marshmallows into the air.  Students wanted to catch them.  This was fun for all and a very short game time.

               High school group had a more interesting twist.  When someone says, “I have the verse,”  Bobby becomes suspect.  “What version are you reading from?”  One favorite – and a version that makes everyone smile – is the Y’all version of the Bible. Good times.  I’m glad for the Bible app.

               Bobby mowed the lawn before taking a trip with friends.  That was nice of him.  That way, if he gets lost on the mountain, at least some work on the home is done 😉.  I’m glad he had fun and bonded with some guy friends.

               May you also enjoy time with friends, family, or anyone you encounter 😊.  May your joy bring a smile to everyone’s face around you.  Much love,

 

Cristy

3/2/25

 Dear Family,

 

               I am so delighted by how funny our youth are.   The things I overhear crack me up.  “Why did you bring a golf ball?” “For safety reasons.”  No other explanation was given!  Also, Bobby let one person hand out flyers.  That person started charging $.05 each.  That did not go over well.  Can you imagine?

               Before the message, someone approached me privately to ask how to become a Christian.  This was fun because “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved!”  This person agreed to all that but was going to wait until they got home to pray (possibly with a parent) because the three people talking with her mentioned we were with a parent.  It was a serious discussion, but it was beautiful and profound at the same time.

               The High School group is always less rowdy yet so much fun in their own right.  During the lesson, Bobby mentioned that one of the blanks was a big word.  An essential part of praying to God was modeled in the Lord's prayer.  The verse was 1 John 1:9, “As we seek the c----------- of our own sinful debts, we must offer the same towards others.”  A person asked if the big word that started with a C was “Carbohydrates?”  Nooo, I’ll share the word at the end of blessings.

               I enjoyed several conversations with Adriel this week.  She is getting things done but is still excited to enjoy skateboarding in the sunshine with friends.  Please continue to pray with me that she stays injury-free.

               The stories at Genny’s funeral were such a blessing.  She was a lovely lady and will be missed.  I enjoyed warming Bobby’s hands for a change.  He was cold from sitting while I was warm from running around and volunteering at the UGM mission store.  I LOVE that thrift store. 

               I also must say how delighted I am with ingenuity.  My water bottle handle is perfect for wrapping around a Bicycle!  Check this picture out.  I may have had a flat tire in the morning, but we have two bicycles.  I am so blessed that I could electronically pump up the tires of the other bicycle and ride that one to work.  I made it on time.  After some thought, I am glad that a YouTube video showed me how to take the flat tire off and that my backpack has straps to hold a broken tire as I rode to work again.  Then, after work at Northwest Hub, the tire was fixed.  Ta daa!  So much to be thankful for in Salem.  We are so blessed!  Yay God!

               May your life reflect the one we love the most. May you be a blessing to all you encounter, and may you find joy in doing God’s will.

Much love,  Cristy

PS The word was cancellation.

2/24/25

 Dear Family,

               Having a day off to spend time with Adriel was so pleasant!  She is fun to be around and I enjoyed meeting her roommates.  As she continues to work hard and do her best, I am glad to be part of that for a snippet of life.  It’s incredible how much we can love another person.  I enjoy seeing her, conversing, and her hugs.  She was so sweet when she picked my favorite restaurant for us to eat and then even bought me something on our shopping trip.  I feel like she is growing up and maturing every day.  I enjoyed some of her outrageous in-city stories and how, “This is just normal,” there.  Goodness.

               Middle school group had definite excitement about a donated duck egg.  It was black under the shell!  Blegh!  That sounded very yucky, which meant much excitement and trepidation.  Bobby promised a free soda to anyone who could down a fourth of the egg.  More excitement.  He was going to do this at the end of youth group just in case it made the whole room stink.  Bobby had concerns.  Prayer time had several requests for the health of those who would later consume the egg.  It went off well, no huge smell, lots of excitement, and fun.

               As part of the middle school lesson, Bobby used people from the crowd for his illustration.  Let’s say Rich is beaten up and lying on the side of the Road.  So and so is a Pharisee and sees Rich.  He chooses to cross on the other side of the road.  He doesn’t even want to look at Rich.  Later another youth also sees Rich.  He too doesn’t want to watch a man die.  He crosses on the other side to pass by.  Then Lucas, who is a hated enemy sees Rich.  He is concerned and Rich might die and he magically has a donkey!  So, Lucas, he uses his superhuman strength to lift Rich onto the donkey, bring him to a hotel, and give the hotel person money.  Then he says, “I’ll be back to pay more if this man needs it”.  That is the story of the good Samaritan.  After this delightful rendition the person next to me asked.  “Rich, do you remember that?”

               High school group has an interesting weekly ritual for some.  They sit on the cold hard ground.  I do not know why.  Anyway, that group sat and Bobby said, “We do stand for the songs.”  They said, “We know, we always do.”  For some reason, Bobby mentioned, “But so and so is very tall.”  This made me laugh.  Is it harder for tall people to stand up?

               Several things have been endearing with Seth.  I do have a perpetual popcorn bowl that I like to keep full.  One day Seth texted with, “I think I ruined the popcorn.”  This interested me and he responded that he had added butter.  I immediately thought of how popcorn sometimes melts when you pour butter on it and assured him he was fine.  I just thought it was sweet of him to be concerned.

               Another incident was his concern about fraud on his card with an Amazon purchase.  “Mom, did you use my card on Amazon yesterday?”  I had not so I thought he should report the fraud.  Later that day, “False alarm – it was a return.”  There are so many firsts in life.  It’s interesting to be part of Seth’s as he is a young adult. 

                 May you also delight in being part of your family’s life.  May you enjoy your interactions, keep lines of communication open, and do God’s will in all things.  Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

PS The picture is of Wallace Marine Park Bridge.  Part of my commute that I delight in.

2/16/25

  Dear family,

               Bobby cracks me up.  He was describing how each person gets one candy at the Middle school Youth Group.  “You are one person, when you come in and find a treat under your chair it is for you.  If you move chairs and think, ‘Oh, look, the Lord has provided!’  No, you just get one, that’s how it works here.  You are one person no matter how many times you change chairs.”

               Later when we were going to do game time Bobby mentioned, “We are going to do something dangerous.”  The person next to me said, “Like eating, expired yogurt?” No, that is not what we did, we used bows and foam tipped arrows to knock down cups.  This is dangerous in Bobby’s mind.  We could poke an eye out.

               The High school group had some fun answers for Bobby’s fill in the blanks.  Bobby chose to talk about Jacob and Rachel’s courtship which brought up a lot of things wrong with the world.  Either way Bobby wanted to highlight their similarities as stated in Genesis 29:1-13.  Jacob finds someone from his r_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ with a similar o _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.  What made me laugh was when someone said, “They had a similar Orthodontist?”  You can look below to find the right answers.

               After talking about how Laban switched Leah for Rachel, Bobby asked if the youth could find anything wrong with this situation.  One student had to say, “If it’s OK to marry your cousin then why not have more than one wife?”  Such a yikes situation – all of it.  Let’s not mention that finding the wrong person in your bed the morning after your wedding wouldn’t be a crazy feeling.

               Thursday brought excitement and joy with the snow.  Bobby also felt high in demand with someone asking for him at 8:45 AM.  Bobby was excited to walk to someone’s house, board games in tow on a sled behind him.  I enjoyed taking pictures.

               Hopefully you might have enjoyed a day or two of snow.  I finished a book, enjoyed relaxing more and didn’t feel a need to go out in the snow at all.  We even enjoyed Valentines Day together.  How fun.  May you delight in God’s mighty hand with snow, sleet, hail.  May the heavens declare the glory of God, and may we marvel and delight in all He has for us.

               Love and hugs, Cristy

 

 

The right answers were Jacob finds someone from his relatives with a similar occupation (not orthodontist).  

2/10/25

 Dear Family, 

 

               Sickness can ruin everything.  Last week I stayed home from Sunday church, Monday work, and Tuesday night youth group with a cold.  I thought it would take me weeks to get better. With prayers from you all (our youth especially)  and Cold Calm, God healed me, Yay! 

               My heart was touched Tuesday night when one of our youth texted me and let me know they were praying for me.  Earlier during our drive to the Ice skating event over an hour away, this person was kind enough to ask if they could rearrange my Glove box and armrest storage.  Now whenever I want to find something in my car I text them because she knows where it is.  Kind of disconcerting but, now I know how it feels to have my items arranged differently than I am used to.  I do this often to Bobby so he laughed when I mentioned what happened.

               Wednesday night at High school group Bobby was trying to teach our youth how to be Humble and kind.  He mentioned if they had the luck to be in line after someone who paid a drink forward at a coffee shop they could also pay for the next person’s drink.  This was met with a lot of pushback and incredulity.  “No, that means we just got a free drink.  Sometimes It’s OK to be a little selfish.”  They probably won’t be paying anything forward for a couple years now. Maturity, it comes with age.

               One student mentioned they didn’t come to youth group last week because they went to see an opera.  When asked for more details they mentioned that it was called, “Rigoletto”, and “I almost fell asleep.” 

               Prayer time was hard for me because the request I had was for snow which I’m not really wanting.  I mentioned that I was praying for this against my will but because I loved x sooo much I prayed for it.  The next prayer request was similar, “Dear God please help it to snow but not till next week because I have a jazz recital.”

               Adriel continues to answer the phone and I enjoy chatting with her.  Sometimes she is so whimsical and fun.  I am glad we have open lines of communication.

               May you also keep bridges open, lines clear and hearts soft even when you disagree about what to pray for, politics, how to stack the dishwasher, or the temperature of your house.  May God’s grace flowing in, through, and over you make this possible.  Love and hugs, Cristy

2/3/25

 Dear Family,

 

               As I marveled at the interesting differences between our friend and Bobby I was so struck, so significantly that I completely forgot to focus on the funny and fun things our youth were doing during middle school group.  Bobby was in California this week on a Youth Pastors retreat.  Our friends and fellow Youth Group volunteers took over and I was so glad that it worked out well.  The kids were the same, fun, giggly, talkative, but the leadership styles were so starkly in contrast.  Where Bobby is loud, boisterous, and energetic our friends are soft spoken, peaceful and calm.  Even the songs became a worshipful feeling of kumbaya instead of a raucous joyful proclamation of God’s goodness.  Same songs, completely different feel. Amazing!

               High school group had Ryland Duval lead music and he is definitely a professional.  That was special, having him come back to his home roots.  Rich led the lesson time very well.  It was good to consider how we can filter the world through God’s word.  One interesting conversation piece was about Psalm 199 being so long.  Rich asked, “The Psalms are what?”  One student said, “A paragraph.”  The right answer was, ‘Poetry’ and Rich went on to mention that Ps. 119 is an Acrostic.  When he asked if anyone knew what and Acrostic is someone asked, “Is that in the newspaper and you have to fill in the blanks?”  No that’s a crossword puzzle. 

               One student mentioned she was excited to turn 16.  I asked if that is because she would get her license? “No, it’s when I get to date.  But now it’s getting closer and I don’t think they like the idea of me dating anyway.”  Ah yes, I remember when our daughter turned 16.  She was allowed to date, but not any person she mentioned that Bobby knew.  No one was good enough for his daughter he had specific reasons for each one but in all reality he did not want her to date at all.

               Please pray for me as I have developed a cold that makes me feel very germy.  I am glad my immune system is updating itself and the virus will die.  For now please pray this happens quickly. 

               May you find joy in serving our Lord.  May His grace flow through you that you can shine for Him and do good things which we are prepared in advance to do.

Love and hugs, Cristy

1/27/25

 Dear Family,

 

               Ice skating with the middle schoolers this year had much less hand-holding than I am used to.  There was a similar amount of shoe-tying though. Several fun quotes had me laughing and saying, “I must write that one down.”  Someone announced, “My dirty clothes have ants in them,” loud and proud with no chagrin whatsoever.  I found that random statement to be hilarious.  How about you?

               We enjoyed an all-you-can-eat pizza/salad buffet at Pappa Pizza’s in Eugene.  It was amazing.  Two great foods and most of us didn’t overeat.  One boy did mention he ate 15 slices!  After that Bobby’s surprise was visiting a doughnut shop.  This was tasty and since Bobby was spacing things out – again – possibly not too much on the belly.  As the girls and I were waiting in my car for the van full of boys to start moving one said, “That man over there smoking really creeps me out! He’s just standing there.”  I did mention that’s what people do when they are smoking. Another person had to ask, “Do you think that guy that creeped you out tastes like vinegar?”  This ended up being a serious discussion. 

               We arrived early at the ice skating rink so Bobby had some group games and races.  In one race a boy gave up.  His friend announced, “You have five seconds of stamina!”  I thought that was silly.

               A game of Simon Says lead by a youth had us rocking a pretend baby and then tossing it in the air away from us.  When Rich refused he was asked, “Why didn’t you toss the baby?”  He simply said, “No, I don’t want to.  I love the baby.”  How sweet – he’s a new grandpa and I am glad for his loving care of even pretend babies.

               Tuesday night youth group was enjoyable and the High School group was downright fun.  I enjoyed taking some pictures of our youth during game time and have shared one with you.

               Sunday school had a funny moment.  Bobby mentioned he was going to spoil the coming story about Saul.  “Spoiler alert, he ended up being a bad king.”  Our Church regulars had to go with that, gasp, and holler that they also have a “Spoiler alert!” Jesus rose from the grave!

               Chatting with Adriel is so interesting woman to woman.  The relationship is good and feels kind of weird at the same time.  Our jobs are similar enough that we can chat about that and her other job is with youth so that parallels. How interesting.  I enjoy hearing how she is doing and sharing my life.  I am glad we carve out some time to connect.

               Seth’s car wouldn’t start and Bobby thanked me for buying a Huge CAT battery that charges cars, pumps up tires, and the like.  I was glad to be of service.  Yay, Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store for having such a great product for me to buy.

               Seth received a dean's list award.  Bobby made such a big deal of it when we saw the paper on Seth’s desk that I also feel proud of our son.  He’s doing this on his own without our help. 

               Adriel and Bobby teamed up to decorate my desk for Valentine's.  I am so blessed that they were both willing to give me Valentine's gifts early.  I feel loved every time I look at my seasonal shelf display.  Yay!

               Bobby made several amazing meals and mowed the lawn this week.  I am so blessed that he is invested in our well-being and took the time to keep our yard up.  That was very kind of him.  He also folded my laundry while I was out doing errands 😊.  He sure is a treasure.

               May you also treasure those you encounter daily.  May you find joy in knowing them, holding them in your arms, and lifting them up in your prayers.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

1/20/25

 Dear Family,

               Because I have delighted to tell this story several times, I decided I must add it here for time, eternity, and your pleasure.  Last Sunday morning I was privileged to be a Sunday School teacher for the 3-5 year olds.  They are a delightful group, full of energy.  Our lesson was on being the salt of the world.  I thought it would be fun to have part of our lesson be the air popping of popcorn.  CE director brought the air popper and bowl into the room.  Sure enough, lesson time became very exciting when the loudness drew their attention.  They all brought chairs up to the counter and watched the kernels go round and round.  When the popcorn started popping there was delight and uncontrollable laughter.  I was privileged to hold a three-year-old up high.  His laughter was so endearing to me, I laughed and became teary-eyed.  How fun!  Delight soon turned to disgust.  This popcorn had no flavor.  Most of them said, “I don’t like it!”  (Only one out of six was happily munching away at the unsalted kernels.)  This is where our lesson took a new turn.  Salt was added and we let the younglings know that our actions can make living on this earth better for those around us just like salt makes popcorn yummy.  I don’t know how much the lesson stuck but I do know when I told one mother about the joyous laughter she said, “Oh yeah, he’s never seen popcorn pop, we just use the microwave kind.”  How fun to be part of someone’s first.

               Middle school group had so much entertaining banter.  I loved the lesson time when Bobby was trying to help people figure out which friendships are the best ones to have.  He mentioned that if someone isn’t reliable, they might not be a good friend.  His example was, “I’m sorry, I can’t pray with you right now.  I’m playing a video game.”  I had to chuckle when a youth said, “That happens more than you think.!” 

               High school group, Bobby had to talk about school lunches for some reason.  I don’t quite know the context, but he mentioned he would bring a bag of chips daily and that was his lunch.  No school lunch, no veggies or fruit.  When he was met with incredulity he said, “And I’m still here – it’s all the preservatives.”  Oof, at least he’s not trying to be an influencer when it comes to health.

               One fill-in-the-blank was good but had a silly side answer.  It is B------- Q------ people (Proverbs 22:24-25).  Can you guess what it was?  I’ll post it at the bottom and the silly answer as well.

               Bobby mentioned how good friends will bring each other chicken noodle soup if they are not feeling well.  Then he realized these people are young and might not drive.  He said, “You guys probably don’t do that.”  A youngster said, “No, we bring pepperoni pizza.”  Bobby then proceeded to pretend he was sick, “Cough, cough, I don’t feel so well.”

               Oh, the joy ministry can bring.  Our interactions with each other are fueled by love, common interest, and a desire to grow closer to God.  May you also learn the best place for your skills and talents.  May you find volunteering to be a wonderful way to give back to God all that he has given us.

               Much love,

 

 

Cristy

 

Bobby's fill-in-the-blanks were Befriend quality people.  The silly answer was befriend questionable people.  Yikes!

               

1/13/25

 Dear Family,  

 

               I delight in how fun and playful our youth are.  They are silly, like the girl who put her long hair under her nose and said, “I grew a mustache” or the young man who played swords with our pens.  They are our children – but going through so many changes, voices, stature, and thoughts.  Their thoughts are expanding as their world does and I am privileged to be part of that.

               High school age people are also enjoyable.  One person was frustrated that they didn’t have a prayer request to pray about.  When they voiced their chagrin a sibling said, “They ran out, deep breaths.”  Bobby saved the day when he mentioned the person could pray for Rich and his son who were home and not feeling well.  That worked.

               Another time I had to chuckle was when Bobby mentioned how it might sound a bit awkward to, “Put on the new man” if you are a girl.  This is why we talk about the meaning of our Bible.  Searching deeper than the words is very good, especially in that instance.

               One student had never heard of Billy Graham.  This brought some outcry from me.  Oh dear, not knowing about those who are doing God’s work in the world right now! (Well Franklin his son is carrying on his work.)  The horror.  It became even worse when the student mentioned they did know of “Billy Joel.”  Bobby said, “No, they have different goals.”

               Adriel is still delightful to chat with on the phone.  I enjoy her cheery voice and repetitive, “I love you.”  She mentioned she plans on graduating this spring and I am glad for her. 

               Seth remains a lovely constant.  I enjoy greeting him and an occasional hug.  He is there for our repair people and I am very glad for that.

               As the weather is cold but the sun is coming back earlier may you remember our Lord who gives us rain for the flowers, sun for our enjoyment, and beautiful sunrises just because.  Much love,

 

Cristy

PS The picture is from my commute to work this week.  The sunrise can take my breath away and I enjoy stopping to snap a picture of it.

1/6/24

 Dear family,

 

               May the fresh start of a new year bring you renewed joy and desire to do God’s will more and more.  May you also feel His strength flowing through you so that you can just do it.

               I enjoyed sleeping through the new year and waking up to a day filled with absolutely nothing planned.  We need days like that don’t we?  I enjoyed cleaning, doing the bills and relaxing.  Seth and I sat side by side for hours and may have said 10 words to each other.  And it was good.  I enjoy his company.  I would say, “Introverts unite!” but, well, it might just not happen.

               Bobby is getting better from a cold so that is good. 

               Adriel had the travel bug and ended up in Arizona for a couple of days.  I can’t even imagine.  I do hope she is having a fun time and I’m glad for her.

               I chuckle every time I look at my bicycle.  People can see me.  I’m a light show.  😊.  I also delight in the path I take.  It’s so beautiful.  So sometimes I take a picture and the above is one of them. 

Sunday morning Bobby asked for prayer requests during Sunday School.  Someone said, “Everything”.  Bobby asked them to be more specific. When they hemmed and hawed Bobby said, “Do you want us to pray for your enemies?”  They said, “No” too quickly and then, “Wait, yes!” 

               May you enjoy the desires of your heart and may you seek God always.  Much love, Cristy