4/5/26

 

Dear family,

 

               Words are so fun. I enjoyed several mis – sayings and for some reason it’s – I don’t know. Maybe you can delight with me in how fun things can get when I am well meaning yet misinformed. Adriel told me this week what she wanted for her Birthday and Bobby and I were happy to oblige. I mentioned to co-workers that I was excited to buy my daughter something she wanted. “Oh, What does she want?” I lack details so I mentioned, “Something for water boarding.” My friend said, “That’s torture.” I had to reply, a little chagrined, “Well, water sports aren’t that bad.” “No,” my friend insisted, “Water boarding is torture – you must mean something else.” I looked into my purchase history, “Oh, it’s a pump for paddle boarding.” This made more sense to my friend but set me into a fit of laughter. No, Adriel doesn’t torture people for fun.

               But the word play doesn’t end in the family, our youth are fabulous at this as well. Bobby’s lesson was about God helping us out. He asked the youth, “What’s the definition of ‘Providence?’” One student had to say, “It’s a health care.” And technically, they are right. Sometimes Bobby hand’s out prizes for right answers. One student got it right but Bobby had to ask, “Can you have bubble gum?” The student was like, “Yes?!” Bobby had to add, “Sorry, just trying to be respectful.” And this is for all those poor souls who have braces and are restricted in a great many foods.

               While reading a verse a student read Romans 12:13 this way, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hostility.” No one snickered or laughed. Bobby and I just mentioned, “It’s hospitality.” But later, on Saturday, I did have to mention to Bobby as he was heading out, “Remember to practice, ‘hostility.’” He mentioned how he loves his job – said that 2 or three times this week. We truly do enjoy our youth.

               During High school group when it was time to fill in blanks a student wanted to add, “Watermelon,” to this blank.  “Lydia was a God w_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.” Watermelon doesn’t fit at all but worshiper does 😊.

               I also must mention my new to me favorite label printer. Its name is “n” after my friend Ian who was on a mission trip to the inner city. He said his name and a young person asked, “N, is that your name? Just a letter?” I love that story and n’s little nose is an “n” so it fits perfectly.

               Easter was fun and good Friday was meaningful. We are so blessed to worship a RISEN savior. May you delight in your life and don’t forget to practice hostility.

Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

3/22/26

 

Dear family,

 

Happy Spring! I love how the cherry blossoms decided to make it in time for the festival. It seems the world is bursting with color and new life. Speaking of, I went to a birthday for a two-year-old and half the women there were large with child. It was exciting to see that people are willing to bring new ones into the world. Bobby and I don’t miss that stage of life, but it was fun to be around everyone for a while. And it was really fun to give a book written by me and illustrated (mostly) by Adriel. I delight in that.

Bobby had to share with me that he dreamed half the sanctuary collapsed. I replied, “Oh yeah? I dreamed our cat would only eat Cheetos.  She refused to eat cat food anymore.” We agreed dreams are weird and left it at that.

               Other lovely and fun occurrences. The middle school group was sitting with boys on one end and girls far on the other side of the room.  Bobby said, “Why don’t you mingle.” This was met with incredulity. “Why would we do that? Boys have cooties and might wipe their boogers on us.”

               I have this habit of enjoying talking with Adriel then putting a bit of news into the prayer requests that are handed in and passed out to pray about. After Bobby heard, “Adriel was in Hawaii and for safe travels back home,” He mentioned, “I don’t like hearing news about my daughter that way.” A High schooler got it, “Yeah, but now we know who the favorite parent is.”

               Sunday morning prayer requests had many family members sick. Bobby was concerned and said, “Agh, I’m surrounded by sick people!” One student had to pipe in with, “I caught my brother blowing his nose! Only sick people blow their noses.”

               A funny thing about spring break is that Bobby is keeping, “Dinner and a movie night” a secret. Youth want to know so badly! One even said, “What if someone has allergies?” Bobby asked, “What allergies?” The student went on to say, “Shrimp.” Bobby assured them dinner would not include shrimp. The student insisted, “But, my friend is allergic . . . to . . . . the unknown.” Bobby said that friend could bring their own dinner.

               I delight in our youth and in our kids. Some friends from work came over Friday evening and commented how polite Seth was and how clean our house was. I am so blessed for both of those facts. It takes work and God gave me just enough to do my part in cleaning, but he also provided a son and husband who do their part as well.

               May you continue to be productive in society. May you find strength in knowing our Lord and may you find delight in how Spring is popping out of the ground all around us.

 

Love and Hugs, Cristy

PS the picture is, bowling . . . with humans.

3/16/26

 

Dear Family,

               Sometimes we make our own joy. I have a friend who gifted me fingernail polish. Normally I don’t bother but I have another friend who said, “It only takes five minutes.” By golly, this is my St. Patrick’s celebration! I hate cooking but painting my nails didn’t take long and it’s fun to look down and see a bit of color. Finding four leaf clovers on the other hand.  That’s one of my hobbies. I’ll give this one to my Irish friend. Maybe she will like it as much as the youth who called one I gave him, “Epic.” How fun to have joy and then to spread it.

               I have been contemplating what gives me joy. What makes me thrilled inside. I’ll list a few and would love to hear yours. My cat purring is a big one. I truly enjoy petting her and getting the instant gratification of the best sound on earth. “Purrrrrr.” I also delight when I win yet another phone game level. They are easy (for the most part) and cute characters dance on the screen for a bit with delight, “Good job!” How fun. When someone decides they want to follow Jesus, that’s very special. I enjoy seeing God at work. I also enjoy looking at pretty landscapes, people smiling, and laughing with others (Just for laughs is on YouTube). I am delighted when I call someone and they pick up with a desire to chat. I enjoy cuddles, little people are sweet but for now Bobby is the only one who is there for that. Good food, yes that’s huge. Seeing others be happy and visiting people I love. I may hate travel but it’s worth seeing family. What about you? What gives you joy?

               I also delight in the youth of our church. When they say fun things, I love laughing with them. Our lesson this week was about the Roman Centurion and how Jesus healed his servant. An interesting concept is how the “Jewish elders” were advocating for this man. They were asking Jesus to help because the man helped them out. Bobby posed the question, “What are Jewish elders?” On student answered with a question, “Old Jews?” And Bobby said, “Yes.”

               Another interesting question Bobby posed, “Did Adam and Even have belly buttons?” He mentioned churches could split over that one. The youth were intrigued but Bobby moved on with the lesson anyway. What do you think?

               Also, when the youth are on scoot boards holding onto a rope – it was fun to see “Bowling, with kids.” They loved it.

               Sunday morning Bobby gave an illustration from driving but mentioned, “Most of you can’t drive though.” There was a general outcry, “I drive!” Many wanted Bobby to know they have these skills. Bobby asked a young 12 year old, “How do you drive?” The answer was, “Illegally.” Nice.

               I am continually blessed when I talk with friends, Bobby, Adriel, Seth and my parents. I delight when they pick up the phone or lean in. Family is delightful and I am glad they are in my life.

               May you also delight in those you love and are around. May you find peace and joy in God’s will and may you delight in the little things – fun though they are. Happy St. Patrick’s day! Google St. Patrick – it’s a great story.

               Also, please pray for our church. The youth room flooded again last night. I think this is very stressful for everyone involved.

 

Much love, Cristy

3/8/26

 Dear Family,    

                I enjoy consistency and the beauty of people echoing each other. The connections we make in life can be quite beautiful. One of our leaders was out sick on Wednesday night. When Bobby finished the ending prayer someone sang, “Amen.” Just like Rich usually does with a similarly nice baritone! I had to turn around and see if Rich actually was there.  No, one of our youth now has a deeper voice and there you have it. A beautiful echo of a leader passing on mannerisms to the younger generation. It warmed my heart.

               When Bobby mentioned, “Soda will be there still,” about our youth room one student mis-heard. “Soda will be spilled?” Another student piped in, “Well, if you will be there – yes, soda will be spilled.” Indeed, that person does spill soda. We unraveled the original message eventually.

               Also on Wednesday night two of our young people were talking about their hobbies and I said, “You should share phone numbers with each other.”  They did and I am so glad for them. New friendships forged in youth can be lifelong friends.  Also one of our youth has signed up to help with Azimuth our upcoming Saturday night service. How exciting and timely – God is at work in Salem Oregon.

               Please pray with us as the Easter launch is coming up soon. 

 

Love and hugs,

 

Cristy 

3/2/26

 

Dear Family,

 

Sometimes disaster strikes. This is our time to show people what Christians are really like. Do we crumble, do we grumble, do we stumble? Or can we lean on God’s grace, carry on, and share His love anyway. This was a hard week for Bobby because the youth room flooded. He has been creative in the use of different rooms, and I have enjoyed seeing him shine even when his heart is heavy and his mind is whirling.

               Last week a student started promoting their small, crocheted animal Kenneth. They are nominating this Triceratops to be the Youth Group mascot. This student was bringing a petition around asking people to sign it. When one student hedged, she became insistent. He said, “I need more information. Does Kenneth read the Bible every day? What is his testimony?” When the answers weren’t coming in as rapidly as he was asking, she insisted anyway. He signed. As she happily left, he told me secretly, “I didn’t use my real name.” Oh my. These questions have now been answered. Kenneth had no family when he was young and he had to live in stores or even on the street. She found him, took him home to his new home and cleaned him. She introduced him to the Bible, church, and camp. Now Kenneth is a strong Christian with a personal relationship with the Lord and would like to help others come to the point that he has reached. Kenneth also reads the Bible daily but hasn’t finished the Song of Songs because he’s too young. Kenneth will represent joy and happiness as the Youth Group Mascot. What do you say? Do you vote yay or nay?

               Bobby was talking about having a mentor and how it’s important to listen to people that are older. When Bobby said, “Take advantage of old people.” I did have to chuckle. I knew what he meant. Anyway, many of our young people may be learning to drive soon and Bobby said a certain someone would be a good to person to ask about driving. He is now retired from driving long haul so he would be perfect. One student piped up with, “He would be ‘Glad’ to help us.” It took me a little bit – Oh the man’s last name is Glad. That was a good one!

               May you press on, with God’s help, even when you have hard times. May you find joy in the journey and may God’s love fill your heart. Love and hugs, Cristy

2/23/26

 

Dear Family,

 

               Rainy days are good for reading a book and feeling thankful for a roof. So many people do not have shelter, and this is quite sobering. May we be the type of people who give financially when we can. I am also blessed to have time for volunteering at the UGM (Union Gospel Mission) thrift store. I enjoy posting things for them on Craigslist (https://salem.craigslist.org/search/sss?userpostingid=7915203150#search=2~gallery~0) . One employee says they get a flurry of calls after I post and then sometimes things sell. Yay!! So if you are looking for a commercial fried ice cream maker or rooftop car storage hamburger case for $200. UGM is the place to go. When you do buy from the thrift store you are helping the men’s mission and Simonka the women’s shelter.

               Tuesday night middle school was truly worth the trudge through the long rainy driveway. The youth are delightful and I enjoy watching them grow. Also hearing the interactive lessons gives me great joy. Bobby brought up the verse about Jesus being the vine and us being the branches. Bobby went on to explain with stories about our raspberry vines and how when I prune them – the branches that are pruned wither up. One student had to point something out with such high brow superior knowledge, “Uh, Bobby, those aren’t grapes.”

               Bobby asked middle schoolers if they would like to go to the new Mandalorian movie coming out. I mentioned to a female next to me that I’ll never go to a theater again. She was surprised. “Why not?” My answer, “I can’t do laundry, play on my phone, or pause the movie when I need to go to the bathroom” had a strange effect. She said, “I’m done with you.” This is from someone I like and I believe she also likes me. Youth, they pull no punches.

               The high school group was full of delightful banter. One student felt chagrined during the lesson time. “Bobby, that’s harsh”. Bobby said, “You’re an Eagle Scout, you can handle it.” The student playfully said, “I’m gonna cry.” He did not cry but it did make some of us chuckle.

               I had the privilege of teaching a smaller group for Sunday morning. The lesson included Jesus’ parable about the first being last in Matthew 20:25-28. I mentioned being a good leader meant we would have to let go of something. People looked at me with question marks. I said, “It starts with a S and ends with elvish”. One person got it, “Selfish!” the rest mentioned, “Ohhh, that’s not what I was thinking”. Some people thought we might have to give up shellfish to be good leaders.

               Either way, one youth did not hesitate (before the lesson) to ask, “Why doesn’t Bobby come back from the retreat to teach Sunday school? He’s so much better.” Luckily I have a thick skin – they don’t even know that could be taken as an insult. I just enjoy them.

               May you also enjoy those you interact with.  May you find strength in our Lord, and may you love simply because you are so very loved.

 

Hugs,

 

Cristy

2/16/26

 

Dear Family,

 

God’s abundant display of beauty consistently fascinates me during my bicycle commute. The sun shining in my path was a bit disconcerting. I couldn’t see a thing. Thank goodness, as a bicyclist, I could go five feet over and be in the tree lined sidewalk. Ah, I could see! That light was so bright and so there, I did have to take a picture. Believe me, it was brighter than a picture could ever convey.

               Both middle school and high school were delightful evenings. One evening a student’s prayer request was for the concerts they would be performing in. A leader asked, “What kind of Concerts?” The student replied, “Music” There was enough laughter and I got the giggles. Our leader paused then, “Choir, Orchestra?” The student replied, “Yes,” And that’s meant they had both.

               Bobby and I enjoyed a relaxing Saturday Valentines day. It rained, so no need to garden. We went out for lunch and simply enjoyed each other’s company. I truly enjoy parallel play. We also watched 50 first dates which has two of my favorite actors in it. Yeah 😊.

               May your delight be in the little things. May you find strength in knowing you are truly loved. May you find peace in your heart and in the world around you. Hugs,

 

Cristy

              

2/9/26

 

Dear Family,

 

               If your highlight of the day is, “Seth said goodbye to me today.” Well, it’s a funny day. I laughed when Bobby said that. This is how much Seth communicates with us. My family is somewhat similar. We didn’t consider something Bobby and his family think is a necessity. “Let me know when you get there (a different town) so I know you are safe.” I thought that was the most ridiculous ask ever. “When I get there, I won’t be thinking of you at all, I’ll be with the people I am with. Why in the world would I call you? It’s not going to happen” (This is before texting.) Anyway, now that we have a son who doesn’t see the need to let us know if he’s coming or going, maybe now Bobby understands how the other side lives. Does your family think this is something you should do?

               Tuesday and Wednesday night were both quite pleasant. Believe me, bicycling from work, showering and getting into cozy sweats is a great end to a day. Getting up and going out to youth group must be rewarding enough to leave home again. And our youth are fabulous people, lovely, fun, sweet and learning. Also, they crack me up sometimes. We have one person who usually likes to read out of the “Y’all” version of the Bible. I’ll admit, I love it. The whole concept of plural being so out there tickles my funny bone and it seems to make the words jump out of the page. Bobby had several people read and was chagrined. What version are you going to read out of? The young person said, “Y’all shall see.” Read 1^st Peter 1:1-2 and understand what happened next. “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are living as foreigners scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be multiplied to y’all.” We all burst out because it didn’t sound like a different version, but it was. How fun.

               Sunday morning was more of the same. One person who usually says, “Everything” for a prayer request mentioned a praise. “I want to say that something I was hoping to happen did happen and I’m very glad.” The way this was so eloquently put everyone clapped, except Bobby. He was frustrated. “Can you tell us what it was you wanted to happen?” “No.” Bobby doesn’t like praying for unspoken requests. Another person asked, “Was it, ‘EVERYTHING?’” No, it wasn’t.” This just had the crowd mesmerized. Rich had to pipe in with, “I also have an unspoken request.” This time Bobby knew that one was a joke and he was able to let things go.

               Another student mentioned, “Pray for my pregnant mom.” Bobby said, “Can you put that in the form of a prayer request? Because this could go so many places.” Well, the student named their new brothers name and said, “That the baby comes out this month.” Oh, we had a name (Sadly I completely forgot it because), the youth said, “Want to hear names I have been suggesting?” I most definitely did. So, with the last name of Holmes the baby should be named, “Sherlock.” I said, “Yes! That’s how I remember your last name in the first place.” Or another suggestion was, “Robin.” Ha, ha, that one is just silly. But I still like it.

               I do have to mention I enjoy having a coworker back. She was gone for a month and I missed her shenanigans. Sometimes she will lay hands on the printer that acts up and pretend to speak in tongues over it. (Usually while turning it off and on.) This reminded me of the above far side. Good times. I enjoy people with a sense of humor.

               May you also be delighted with those around you. May you find joy in those you live with, work with and play with. May God grant you wisdom with everyone you encounter. Much love,

 

Cristy

 

 

              

2/2/26

 

Dear Family,

               Life without Bobby is so much calmer.   It’s interesting how both youth groups were mellow; I would even call it a groovy vibe.  And that’s OK.  Jeremy was practicing music as people came in.  So, as people were drawing, playing gutter ball or practicing checkers they were singing along.  It created a feeling of camaraderie and was lovely.  Then during singing it felt like everyone sang, at least everyone around me.  And while we were writing prayer requests, we just kept singing the last song.  It was so peaceful and fun.

               During the lesson I was struck by how Romans 3:24 describes God.  “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished —  he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”  He’s outside of time and space.  It’s just a deep thought and was described to our middle schoolers.  That was pretty cool.

               The High school group was also subdued.  They were super sweet and during lesson time it was funny how they tried to figure out a fill in the blank but then gave up.  Romans 8:29-30 – Our C _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ isn’t upon ourselves.  Someone blurted out, “Chicken”, another, “Chipotle!” I’ll tell you the answer at the end.

               I must admit being a Sunday School teacher for the 3–5-year-olds can be exhausting.  Thank goodness for young helpers.  I mentioned to one that we would start the lesson as soon as the youngsters got all that energy out.  He said, “That will be take a year.”

               Although there are many upsetting things happening in the world, I can have peace because I know God is in control.  I am glad He cares about us; he gives us power to love each other and grace to be kind in all circumstances.  May you also find your strength in Him.

 

Love and hugs, Cristy

 

The answer to the fill in the blank is confidence.  Our Confidence is not upon ourselves 😊. (It is in Jesus.)

1/25/26

 

Dear Family,

               Seeing likeness can be comical.  I had worked out in the guest room and left the blackout curtain aside.  Light was streaming in, so I went in to close it and noticed Seth.  “Oh, Hi Seth, do you mind if I close the curtain?” He didn’t care so I did but then I noticed the room was dark.  “Seth, do you want me to turn a light on?”  He said, “Only if you want to use electricity.”  Well, when he put it that way, I left him in a dark room.  I was chuckling to myself when I saw Bobby.  He asked what was so funny and I told the story.  Bobby said, “You two are so alike!  It’s funny that you both were thinking, “Got to save electricity.”

               Tuesday evening with the middle schoolers was pleasant.  Part of Bobby’s message was about not living recklessly.  He picked on a student and said, “XXXXX, let’s say you stole my credit card.  How much of it would you spend?”  XXXXXX was like, “Uhhh, I don’t know, thousands?”  Bobby said, “That’s not the right answer.  The right answer is all of it.”  Meanwhile our volunteer and father of the young man was laughing and feeling chagrined.  “You do know who you are talking to right?”

               Wednesday night was full of joy and fun.  Nothing really stood out but I am blessed to be able to go and enjoy our teens. 

               I still enjoy my commute and hope you enjoy the picture of the Wallace Marine park pedestrian bridge from our foggy days.

               Bobby cooked several amazing dinners, and it was delightful to eat with him and see how much Seth liked the food as well.  Bobby also mowed the lawn and was lovely to be around.  I enjoy his company and, all in all, this was another great week.

               May you enjoy the day’s God grants to us.  May your strength be filled by Him and may you find grace to do what he wills for you.

 

Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

1/19/26

 

I dropped my car key in the bottle drop at Fred Meyer accidentally.  I went to the desk to say, “I think I may have dropped my keys into the bottle drop.  Can you please have some people look for me?”  The person was kind enough to send several workers to clean up the bottle drop area and look for my key.  Then I said.  “I may have locked them in my car.  I definitely locked my phone in there.  Can I please use the phone to get my son to come rescue me just in case?”  She was also kind enough to let me call out.  I left this message for Bobby since I haven’t memorized Seth’s number, “Hi, Bobby, I might have locked my keys in my car at the South Salem Freddies.  Can you please have Seth come and rescue me?”  I then went to the bottle drop area. 

The wonderful young men found my keys!! Yay.  I unlocked my car, got my phone and called Bobby to leave this message, “Disregard the last message. I’m fine.  I don’t need to be rescued!”  I then called Seth to say, “You don’t have to rescue me anymore. We found my keys in the bottle drop.”  Seth sounded a little confused and said, “OOooK?? Be well?” Then I noticed I had a message.  I had called myself from Fred Meyer.  I had left a message to myself to tell Seth to rescue me.  Needless to say both Seth and Bobby were a bit confused last Sunday afternoon.

               The week could only get better and it did.  Monday was blissfully uneventful.  I had wanted to take Seth out to “Bag O’ Crab” because it has a robot serve the food and that sounded super fun.  Seth was too busy (on a weekly basis he has meetings with friends online).  I couldn’t tempt him enough.  I finally gave up and told Bobby, “I guess I’ll have to take you out to the Bag O’ Crab.  Seth doesn’t want to go.”  Bobby didn’t mind being my second pick at all.  He said, “How about Saturday?”  Well, OK – Saturday it was.

               Tuesday evening at the Middle School group I was reminded of a comment I made about someone’s sequined item hanging off their purse.  When I asked, “What’s that?”  She mentioned, “It’s broccoli.  I have told you once before.”  I did mention that I might even ask again because I do forget things.  A fun comment from her friend, “Because you are so old.”  I fit in the ancient category for them.  It was fun to laugh with them, even though the joke was on me.

               I did enjoy bringing some Valentines cards, random stickers and card stock for making cards in general and Valentines for next month.  The comments were, “Isn’t is a little early for Valentines?”  My reply, “Well, this is what’s in the stores.”  After a pause they got into it and I heard, “I’m going to make this for my _ _ _  or other people they had in mind.  It was fun to see them get creative and think about sharing love even though it’s a little early.

               The group on Wednesday night was enjoyable.  They started trying to do origami with the cardstock I brought.  I thought they were done with origami!  I made a mental note to bring some thinner paper. 

               During the lesson time Bobby said, “Tonight we will be talking about sin, but it’s not all bad.”  That made me chuckle.  I’m sure he meant the talk wouldn’t be bad, but it still sounded silly.

               Saturday at Bag O’ Crab was an experience I will never do again.  My favorite restaurant is McDonalds because it is fast, tasty and  . . . did I mention fast?  OK, OK I LOVED the robot with cat ears, whiskers and an adorable voice – that was fun.  But I had a project for lunch and giving me a bib and plastic gloves just made me leery.  It was messy, it was yummy, it was not for me.  Bobby enjoyed himself and I was fine for about 15 minutes.  Then I was just making it so the leftovers didn’t include outer shell.  Seth enjoyed the leftovers.  But I did have to clean the microwave after that.  Yikes.

               Well, in light of that – even though I didn’t like it that much may you also be willing to try new things.  May your heart be filled with the people that are willing to spend time with you.  May you find strength in being loved and loving others and may God fill you with gratitude and peace always.

 

               Love and Hugs,

 

Cristy

PS, the picture was taken by Bobby :-).

1/11/25

 

Dear Family,

 

               I am thankful for God’s love, provision, care and active participation in holding our earth together.  I know that without him we would literally fall apart.  This week my Dad’s surgery went well, he survived a lumbar puncture to drain fluid from his brain.  While this wasn’t a huge surgery and didn’t involve a knife I was still very, very glad for all your prayers, love and encouraging words.

               One of my co-workers quietly retired.  They gave one day’s notice and slipped away without any fanfare.  Last month we had a party for another co-worker (who gave months’ notice).  It’s interesting to see how different individuals are.  I on the other hand plan to never retire.  I love being productive way too much.  I’ll get to heaven and say, “How can I help” 😉.

               Tuesday night youth group has so many fun sweet people.  I admit, after bicycling home in sleet and taking a shower, it is hard to want to go out in it again but it’s worth it.  A fun thing about the lesson was when Bobby was talking about never having chicken pox.  A youth mentioned there is also, “little pox” and he said, “Yeah, smallpox.”

               Bobby wanted to illustrate how God’s wisdom helps us see clearly.  He showed a 3d picture and had the teens agree it was blurry.  Paper 3d glasses were hidden in the Bibles under their chairs.  He had us turn to the passage where he had put them and there was much excitement.  The person next to me exclaimed, “Yo! Legendary find!”  I love their words.  There were so many, but they came so fast.  Later when we were looking at several 3d pictures my neighbor said, “3D is rough though.”

               The High school group was also delightful.  I enjoyed coloring Far Side comics before the lesson and then how fun they are while processing the lesson.  Bobby asked, “Where does wisdom originate from?”  A youth piped up, “Spain!”  I don’t even know if Bobby heard it – he just kept on teaching.  Another part of the lesson was when Bobby said most people think they are pretty great.  Somone asked Bobby, “Who do you think is genuinely nice?”  Bobby paused to think about it. . . “Well. . I think I am.”  There was enough of a pause that someone had to make the “BZZZZZZT” sound.  This met with laughter as it illustrated the point perfectly.

               I enjoyed chatting with my mom on her Birthday and Adriel through the week.  Bobby has been busy with planning a sermon and hanging out with friends watching football.  I’m so glad he does this.  People start yelling about plays and I don’t want to be around the loudness.

               May you also find joy in the rhythms of your life.  May you sense God’s leading and follow it.  May your heart be glad for each day God gives us.  Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

1/4/25

 

Behold my newest creation!  I went to the goodwill bins looking for two different materials.  Something warm and soft to put next to my cold wrists while I bicycle and something iridescent or reflective to put on the outside of my arm warmers.  When we entered, I immediately found a 18-month-old Pegasus costume that fit the bill.  Normally I am not all about bling, but I need to be seen while bicycling.  I believe these will do the trick and am contemplating a Pegasus backpack to complete the ridiculousness of my outfit.  Let me know if you think I should do it.

               Last week was different simply because youth group happened during the day while I work.  They went out to lunch and shopping.  They also had a souper board game day (many soups included).  I did miss out from those, but I thoroughly enjoyed visiting and shopping with my friend on New years day.  How fun and exciting to be paid for a day off.  Holiday pay will never lose its thrill.

               Speaking of thrilling – I am delighting in the Bible Project’s devotionals through the Bible app.  I’m all about keeping a streak going and their devotions are not only engaging bug informative, and I learn new things even though my degree is in Biblical Education.  His words are alive and active and can even be fun.  Have you tried the “Y’all” version of the Bible?  I am enjoying it immensely.

               Adriel, Seth and Bobby are almost over their colds.  Yay!  I managed to find a coupon book Adriel made while in grade school.  It warmed my heart how in the end she said, “I love you mom and you know I’ll always care, no matter what.”  She really is a delightful individual.

               Seth has been plugging away at work, and I am thankful he will continue to do school until he is finished.  He’s a steady person and I appreciate that about him.

               Thank you for indulging me in this quiz – I really do want to know if the shiny backpack is the way to go.  So far, I have two middle schoolers who think I should definitely do it and one who is voting no with a very sad shake of their head, “Just, no.”  What do you think?

 

Love and hugs, Cristy