8/25/25

 Dear Family

               Last week was pleasant. It feels like there isn’t much to write about, but God brought to mind several things.

               Our friend Adam preached a Sermon a while back that had Bobby featured in it.  The first illustration had me completely grossed out but by the end of the sermon I was crying so – that was neat.  The interesting thing is that although I feel I might have heard these stories – they were presented through Adam’s eyes, so they took on new profound meaning.  And that’s how it is when we read the Bible or hear it through sermon as well.  If you would also like to listen to the sermon it’s at https://branches.tv/messages?sapurl=LythY2FhL2xiL21zLyszMnBocWR6P2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZSZyZWNlbnRSb3V0ZT1hcHAud2ViLWFwcC5saWJyYXJ5Lmxpc3QmcmVjZW50Um91dGVTbHVnPSUyQmZ0bjNoNGs=

(You will have to search for Adam Pinkston’s name and if you want to skip the music it’s about a half an hour in.)

               The youth group did go on a trip to get ice cream on Wednesday night.  I enjoyed our chats.  Watching people grow up is such an honor.  They start so small.  Then they are taller than I am, and I love that.  Sometimes they are silly and sometimes our talks are serious.  How fun to enjoy a deep conversation with someone you have known for years.

               Adriel and I enjoy talking on the phone.  She plans on moving soon so please pray for her wisdom as to where to move and with whom.  The destination has been iffy, but I think she may have found a friend of her roommate that will fit the bill – someone responsible.  Yay!

               Seth has almost run out of housework because he has been so diligent AND because not watering in the summer means less weeds.  The garden is manageable and that is an amazing blessing.  Last week he cleaned cobwebs off outside lights and did some weeding in the lawn.  I feel so blessed that he works hard and is helpful.

               I have felt motivated to add my latest book to the Shutterfly archives.  It’s an expensive way to get a book printed but because I want my books to be hard cover it’s worth it to me.  I don’t have any visions of grandeur, desire to travel the world selling my books or thoughts I might become famous any more.  The books did not sell themselves. Even so I do want a way to get them printed for gifts and I only have two of the latest book left.  I’m on page three and it’s pretty tedious.  Please pray with me that I stay motivated if God wants me to do this.

               May you also find strength in doing what you think He wants you to do.  May you enjoy His blessings, His love, His comfort and any AC you find.  Love and hugs, Cristy

              

              

8/17/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               Color wars was the highlight this week.  Bobby planned for everyone to have white shirts and this made everyone want to participate more.  That is the first time I have received any color at these events.  Usually, I stay clear and feel respected.  This time I had some hugs and felt loved.  Interesting.  Either way, we have new comers who are curious what kind of church does a color extravaganza and that is fun.

               Seth continues to help with the house, this week he washed the outside windows.  I really appreciate the help.

               Bobby has been home and I have enjoyed his presence immensely.  We did have a date night this week and it’s fun to just be together.  I enjoy that he cooks and love that he makes our house smell good. 

               Adriel made it home safe from her second week of camp and I am glad for that.  She is constantly on the go but sounded healthy and tired.

               I am excited for the future and glad for the past.  May you have memories to warm your heart and plans to give you hope.  Much love, Cristy

8/10/25

 

Dear family,

 

               The latest person I have enjoyed watching learn to drive is four years old.  She was backing out of spaces, possibly running snakes over and enjoying the good life.  It’s funny to see a youngster in a toy car.  There are many similar concepts to learn; what way does the vehicle move when backing up and turning the wheel, not running grandma over, driving while turned backwards.  (Well, maybe not that last one.)  I enjoy my adopted family and was so glad when they decided we don’t really need candles to be on the cake for blowing out.  Candles on cake was a pretty yucky tradition if you have Covid in your thought processes.

               Either way I am so glad for my church family.  You are my friends and I am glad to enjoy your company while Bobby takes yet another trip.  He was home for a couple days.  There was enough time for water balloon volleyball.  There is more skill than you would ever guess for throwing a water balloon out of a beach towel.  It’s a skill that we probably won’t have to use . . . ever. . . so no one practices during the year.  I enjoy watching and the kids have fun every time.  We have a great group of lovely people.  Each one is a blessing to see when we do have youth group. 

               Seth continues to do beautiful landscaping and I appreciate his efforts so much.  Our yard is manageable this year, yeah!!  Since Seth has done so much work I haven’t cried once because the yard was overwhelming.  Seth even swept our sidewalk.  It’s so beautiful!  I then had time to take my wheel barrel and clean up two or three other blocks on Wallace that were trashy.  I bicycle every day and want to live in a clean neighborhood.  During that task I saw a lovely lady from church and had several amazing interactions with neighbors.  I felt so loved, blessed and happy to live exactly where I live.  Seth’s efforts made my Saturday morning amazing.

               Adriel has embarked on a journey of being a camp counselor for a couple of weeks.  Please pray with me for her to have good health, good times and energy for the tasks she has to do.  I don’t know what hours she is there but I am guessing she is tired.  She did have an amazing week last week and has a new appreciation for caregiving and camp in general.

               Bobby came home early from his 100 mile hike for an entirely different reason than past hikes.  No tent malfunctions, fire, or extreme mosquitoes.  This time they simply hiked faster than expected. How fun.  Bobby was home just in time to help Seth spread gravel.  He was so excited about that. 😉.

               May you enjoy God’s gifts, know how loved you are and delight in the sun, rain, stars and beauty that we are surrounded with.

 

Love and hugs, Cristy