Monday, April 28, 2025

4/28/25

 Dear family,  


 

               Blessings continue to abound even during hard times.  There are so many stories of people clinging to God even when it seems He is against them.  Job 13:15a says, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him.” (ESV).  Joni Earekson Tada said that her hard times have taught her to love God more fully.  Even if we don’t have any humans to interact with, the angels are watching.  Will we serve God in hard and in easy times?  I believe our time on earth is a test.  1 Peter 4:12 says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. “  It's hard to go through these times – so, so hard.  May you cling to Jesus when you face hard times as well.

               Youth group had some fun times.  Bobby is not above bribery.  The youth were a little too loud, so he said, “If you are talking when you aren’t supposed to, you might not get a treat.”  The person next to me had to comment, “Mind blowing!” with an extra layer of sarcasm on top. 

               Bobby handed out pieces of paper to those who wanted to read scriptures.  When it was one person’s turn to read, they were hesitant.  “What does . . . ummmm.”  Their sibling blurted, “You had one job.”

               Bobby’s quiz of the week asked, “What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?”  It mentioned going to the beach, camping etc.  But the last one made me laugh, “Lying in bed and doing nothing.  What are you, a slug?”  I had the perfect note to give him the next day.  It is pictured and makes me laugh.

               I enjoyed spending Easter with my parents.  It was a rock concert experience.  I used to believe heaven might be boring if we had to sing God’s praises all the time.  BUT, if heaven is like that church service – well, I’ll enjoy that very much. 

               Adriel stayed in Washington from Thursday till the next Saturday.  I was concerned she was overstaying, but my sister said Adriel was very helpful and a comfort to the family.

               Seth was willing to go to the Seattle area several times this month, but his willingness didn’t line up with the ride situation.  Seth did visit through FaceTime, and that was very special.  I am glad he reached out in his own way.

               I wish I could say more, but this week's story is not mine to tell.  Our family is going through a hard time.  Please pray for our unspoken requests.  Much love,

 

Cristy

 

Monday, April 21, 2025

4/21/25

 Dear Family,  


 

               I am so glad that good Friday is not the end of the Easter story.  God gives us hope that His power over death, sickness and sorrow will turn to joy.  We will rejoice with Him in spirit and new bodies.  That is very exciting to me.

               Youth group’s poll of the day asked what kind of Easter candy was peoples favorite.  I had to laugh when someone said, “Peeps taste like Windex.”  Another wanted us all to vote for Cadbury eggs because they, “Taste like your childhood.”  The funniest was that Rich made the vote sway his way again, like usual.   

               Thank you all for praying for safe travels as we traveled to the Seattle area.  I hadn’t spent Easter with my parents for years so it was very special to be there this year.  We had such tender fellowship, so many great conversations and long hugs.  I am blessed to have a sister who likes making lists and labeling things.  Going to her place is a picture of organized beauty and I am thankful she let me help with some chores.  Acts of service is one gift I enjoy doing when I am at a loss as how to help.

               It is good to be safely home!  I felt a deep connection with family this weekend but am quite exhausted.  Thank you so much for your love and attention.  Hugs,

 

 

Cristy

PS I took this picture of the sound board at the Mega church type service I attended.  Can you imagine six people?

Sunday, April 13, 2025

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 

Monday, April 7, 2025

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.