I am now 50 years old

 

Dear Family,

                Celebrating is so much fun.  I am glad for time to enjoy family when my Birthday came around this year.  Thank you also friends, for your birthday wishes. You are so kind 😊.

               Youth group continues to be fun.  During lesson time, when a leader asked, “Do we need to be saved just once?”  A teen had to tell his story.  He’s been saved six times (prayed the prayer) and baptized four times (once professionally).  This young man brought up that he’s baptized himself the other three.

               I had to crack up when the kids pushed Bobby several times with,  “Are we your favorite youth group?”  Finally, he said, “Yeah, sure, whatever.”  Then had to mention that one of the kids has now turned 40 from our first youth group.  We have a lifetime relationship with some people.  We can’t say anyone is our favorite really.  But it was funny when the youth said, “Yes!”

               When Bobby said, “Tell me something that is better when old. We had answers varying from movies (better than the remake), house “It has memories”, coins, and Bobby’s favorite was, “Rich”.  We didn’t know him when he was younger but we do know we like Rich now – especially in his Ripe old age, LOL.

               When Bobby mentioned our youth can volunteer during the church Candy Fest the youth had questions especially regarding “No scary Costumes”.  One person wondered if they could dress as a Llama.  Bobby said that was, “OK.”  The youth agreed, “Yeah, I’m sure no one has PTSD over llamas.”

               During High school group a while back, Bobby switched the candle numbers on Rich’s treats.  This was a silly joke saying Rich is 65 not 56.  One youth said, “It doesn’t matter.  You guys are all pretty immortal to me. . . Anyone over 40 is.”  Old is old right?

               I enjoyed turning 50 this week.  Bobby and I took some time to rest in Eugene.  We also joined our kids and my parents in Portland for a meal.  I love the hugs, laughter and smiles we share.  It is a blessing to gather and be together.

               May you also enjoy your Birthdays large or small.  May gathering bring happy memories and good time.

Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

10/5/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               I felt so overwhelmed this week I poured Ranch into my cereal Thursday evening.  I am so glad Bobby was patient with me.  I left early from Middle school group and he didn’t bat an eye.  Having a full month ahead gave me “deer in the headlights” feels.  So, instead of just resting like we normally do on a Thursday he was OK with me finishing up our month end financials and creating a snack for the women’s retreat.  I am glad he didn’t pressure me to sit with him. 

               Tuesday night was fun even with the stress.  I enjoy the laughter we share as the youth try to figure out Bobby’s fill in the blanks.  He wanted us to S_ _ _ _ _ to l _ _ _ like Jesus (Phil 2:3-8, Eph 5:1-2).  His hint about the S word was, “This is one of the things we do here.  It starts with an S.  Someone shouted out, “Cookie.”  Well – that was hilariously random.  I’ll share the answer at the end.

               As he was trying to make a point about “Growing in Christ.” He said, “Imagine Rich, old as he is, dressed in baby clothes.”  Bobby was trying to talk about how as we mature it shows.  What made me laugh is the groups reaction to the thought and one person’s verbalizing it, “I don’t want to,” about using our imagination that way.

               The High School group also had some fun moments.  Bobby does all this work setting up chairs, Bibles, prayer cards, clip boards and pens.  Then a majority of the youth sit to the side on the ground.  They do make me laugh.  When Bobby mentioned, “God has given us grace – which in Greek is Charis like Charisma.”  They took this and ran – “He has given us Rizz!”  This is a buzz word for being cool and they got quite excited about that.

               Women’s retreat was special this year because I brought a friend.  The food is always amazing.  The speaker had great wisdom and wonderful insights about the Bible.  We enjoyed so much time in nature and felt blessed, loved and filled.  My friends favorite thing was a large swing that holds four people.  I loved sharing time with her and our other church ladies.

               May you also love spending time with those around you.  May our Lords nature fill your heart and mind with how truly amazing He is.

Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

The answer for the fill in the blanks was, “Strive to live like Jesus.”