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