8/13/18 fast

Dear Family,

                As I am breaking a three day fast (8/9/18), I want to share what God has taught me.  So many things! 

#1.  We don’t need that much food.  It was a water fast, no food involved.  I was able to continue doing my daily tasks a little slower, taking more breaks as I worked out, and my body still worked.  I understand why the Israelites complained.  Less food hurts.  Less food can FEEL frustrating and like we aren’t taken care of.  Oh goodness – this reminds me of our early marriage.  I remember one road trip before kids.  Bobby said, “You need to be nicer.”  I said, “You need to feed me.”  We both said I will not meet your needs until you meet mine.  Sigh, I have choices.  Usually, when I am hungry, that is all I can think about.  I don’t care WHERE we eat; I want to shove anything in.  It’s pretty ugly. 

#2.  I can choose my attitude.  I’ll admit it; I like being the boss.  I am highly organized.  I know how to lead a team.  I feel respected when people obey.  If I am hungry and not eating is not my choice I can have a very bad attitude.  Seriously.  I choose to join a friend in her three days fast, and my attitude was OK.  Good enough that no one even knew it was happening.  I need to choose to have a good attitude even if my belly is rumbly.

#3.  I’m noticing a huge disparity between what I want and need.  I don’t need food that much at all.  Want is a whole different thing.  As God gives us what we need may we give praise and be thankful.  I can choose to “Rejoice in the Lord Always.” (Phil 4:4)  I can look to Him and focus on the positive.  My outlook is my choice.  I could have said in that car ride a long time ago, “I’m hungry, but I married you and promised I would love you – I’ll be nicer with my words.”  And we all know that’s exactly what I did.  (LOL)

#4.  We are all pretty self-centered.  I would have broken the fast if my husband had made dinner on the 7th and had us all sit down.  I would have broken the fast if my friend had come over for a breakfast date.  Neither happened, and that was OK.  God wanted me to focus on Him and seek His face.  I noticed my hunger, no one else knew, and that is OK.

#5.  Even hard things are MUCH better with a friend.  God put her in my life at just the right time.  No one has ever fasted with me secretly before.  I haven’t fasted that long in over 20 years.  Have you ever noticed that it is more fun to clean your room or house when someone else is helping you?  I know my daughter doesn’t mind the hard work of Marching band so much simply because of the camaraderie of teamwork.  Every team does hard work to spur each other on.  I am very glad for friends.  In light of this – if you want me to fast with you – shoot me a message, and I will do this with you.  We can encourage each other.

#6. Blessings are so sweet when I have been without them for a while.  I just ate some leftovers.  Nothing special.  And yet, those were the best bites ever.  God has made eating and other bodily functions enjoyable.  Doesn’t it feel wonderful to make it to the toilet finally?!  Oh dear.  We experience such sweet relief when we can care for our bodies.  Even joy at the finish (or in the middle) of a workout.  When we take care of ourselves, we can rejoice that we are able.  Reunion with a loved one, that first hug of meeting.  How sweet it is to enjoy what God has given us.  We can choose to take for granted our blessings – or we can choose to stop our restless fast-paced business and look into the eyes of those we love and say how appreciated they are.

#7. I noticed that I feel full easier.  My stomach shrank, and that is a really good thing.  I don’t want to pack it in.  I want to take my time and focus on food less.  I know that I can choose to fill my belly and stretch it out again.  I do not want to do that.  I want to follow true hunger and true full.  I want to listen to my belly and God more than listening to my eyes.

On to the family!

Bobby did make a great dinner after they came home from their trip.  I did enjoy being with him Sunday after church.  I chose to socialize (since I have been a bit lonely) and enjoyed painting with him.  I also enjoyed his company, and we had a great talk.

 Adriel worked several long days this week to make up for her vacation later on in the week.  Her boss said, “You have to earn those days.”  I like it that Adriel didn’t simply loose working hours.  She is a good worker, and they want her there. 

Adriel was willing to hike over a hundred miles with her dad.  WOW!  I am not.  Their trip did not go as long as anticipated; I am glad they had a couple of days together.  The smoke was bad, a tent pole broke, and they ended up hiking out.  It was OK.  They are sad but fine.  I am very glad they are safe.

Adriel is hungry for independence and willing to pay for it.  Last year her only desire was to go to Hawaii with the marching band.  She stipulated that she wouldn’t do marching band next year.  She was willing to pay all she had.  We didn’t make her pay all; we had her pay half.  It was a good trip, and we were glad she would have an easy senior year.  Then she heard the music.    Some people called her . . “Mom, I want to do marching band again.”  My response was, “Nooooooo.”  “Mom, you have to support me.”  Still, in shock, I quietly said, “Nooooooo.”  So Adriel is doing marching band again.  And this year she is prepared to pay for all of it.  She is putting forth %75 of her paycheck every two weeks.  Thank you to those who responded to her support letter.  Our girl has always saved half of her paycheck, and now she’s putting most of it towards Marching band.  This is how much she wants to participate!  Wow, just, wow.

Seth is very happy with some late Birthday money.  He was able to buy a new graphics card and is enjoying getting it set up.  Bobby said he was never brave enough to reinstall operating systems.  It’s pretty fun watching our little one turn out so smart and so specialized.  Seth always did have a fascination with computers.

Also, it’s funny that I call him little.  Seth slept in so late one day I said, “Either you are sick or growing,” as I put my hand on his forehead.  He replied with his deep rumbly voice, “I’m not sick mom.”  So I had him stand up to be measured.  He grew 1.5” in 1.5 months.  I wonder if the sun also helps kids grow.

Seth is also happy with the simple things in life.  He enjoys pretzels and doesn’t mind going out to get blackberries.    We enjoyed going to the Duvalls house, and I loved seeing Seth interact with the teens, a golf cart, and grandma’s motorized scooter.

I also loved playing Mancala with Sam who is now ten years old.  He is the only person I have met who can beat me soundly.  I love that game.

May you enjoy those you encounter and may your hearts be glad that you are a part of a free country and a beautiful heritage.  Much love J Cristy

8/6/18 Annual Rummage Sale

Dear Family,

                What blessing stuff can be!  This week our church had our annual rummage sale.  The rummage sale is more than junk trading hands.  I heard stories from people; “I cried and praised God.” “Tell the church how blessed we are.” “I started going to this church because of the rummage sale.”  “We have been looking for a church.”  There is more going on here than just money and things.  There is a beautiful, lovely letting go and letting God.  People give time, money, things and themselves.  I truly enjoyed the time I was helping.

                Our whole family spent some time volunteering at the rummage sale.  I loved seeing them interact and I truly enjoy the strength of Seth.  Seth used to be little; now he is taller than his dad!  Seth is strong and doesn’t mind lifting things I can’t!  I am so pleased by his willingness to help. 

                Bobby leads teens in helping.  He was able to drive them, buy them lunch and redirect when their silliness seemed distracting.  Bobby also thanked me when I got lunch for some kids and gave another a ride home.  I am glad to help.

                Adriel is fun to watch and beautiful.  Adriel had work, so she wasn’t able to give as much time to the rummage sale, but I am proud of her for working hard in whatever she does.  She did mention a person threw a banana at her at work.  When I asked why someone would do that, she said, “I don’t know.”  Sometimes working with the elderly can be exciting.

                I enjoyed a talk with Adriel this week.  Although she does want to move out, she expressed appreciation for all we have given her.  I had moved out before I was 18 so I understand her desire to leave.  We will miss her whenever she does go.  I am glad she can say she loves and appreciates us.

                Bobby made dinner several times this week, and I love that.  I also like that when he drives, I feel safe.  He’s a great driver.  When I mentioned this to him, he said he is very glad to drive.  He becomes nauseous otherwise. 

                Bobby and I were able to take a trip to Sisters this week and enjoyed hiking, the Town of Sisters and a visit with Bobby’s Dad and girlfriend Sandy.  How fun it was to enjoy ourselves and to know the kids are fine.  They are safe, and we trust them.

                I also had the privilege to visit my cousin Nicole and her family.  It was fun to celebrate Jacks Birthday and see that he is surrounded by friends and loved ones.  How fun to see a young boy excited about presents and playing in the park.  How wonderful to visit with family.

                May you find God is the best provider ever.  May you feel safe knowing He is at the wheel.  May you let go of all and see what God does with it.  Much love,

Cristy

                

7/30/18 Hot sun and Soccer camp

Dear Family,

            What a blessing it is to have air conditioning!  And yet reports say that in other countries only 8% of people have it in their homes.  (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/15/climate/air-conditioning.html).  Usually, for us, I get up early enough to open the house up so that we only feel the need for air conditioning a couple of days a year.  Not this year!  This year our window unit is blowing daily.  Goodness!  Sometimes we are just too blessed with the beautiful sunshine beating down on us!  Funny, now I just imagined with joy – maybe the apples and grapes will be ready early!!  Maybe I will be able to harvest before school starts.  That would be wonderful!  So this is a Romans 8:28 moment, “In all things God is working for the good”! 

            Adriel is adorable!  She noticed it is blackberry season and decided she wanted blackberry pie!  She invited friends, and we had four boys over helping pick and create blackberry pie.  It was so tasty!  I am very impressed!  I have given up on pies simply because the crust is too hard for me.  They did great, what wonderful teamwork! 

             Adriel cracks me up sometimes.  This week she was online gaming and yelled, “Gamers, Rise Up!”  I started laughing and then she did.  She knows she was a little too excited.

            I am amazed at Adriel’s good attitude.  She worked a long day on Saturday serving, then, she babysat.  She was then up and ready Sunday morning to go to church.  I am very glad she has amazing stamina.  I could not do what she does.  When I get overtired, I get weepy and cry, just because.

            Bobby cooked dinner several times this week, and it’s so fun when he makes food and we all like it!  Well, Monday he made three different things.  I am very glad he enjoys cooking. 

            Bobby also worked hard this week at Soccer camp.  Pastor Sorin said on Facebook, “A big thank you to all volunteers, in spite of the heat we had a fantastic Soccer Camp. Over the week we had 40 kids praying to receive Jesus, this has been an impact in our neighborhood.”  How wonderful!  I am so glad God is at work.

            Bobby was able to go to a friends Birthday party.  He was very glad he went because, sadly, only four people showed up.  This means Bobby had great talks and, goodness – he brought home a HUGE Costco size sheet pan cake with four slices out of it.  I am so glad he brought it to Sunday school!  We just finished eating the German Chocolate Cake I won.  

             I love how Seth obeys.  I tell him to do something, and he gets up and does it.  No complaining, just OK, and then he’s done, going back to what he wanted to do.

            Seth was excited to eat some pizza I brought home.  I said, “You have to sit at the table and eat it.”  He stepped back, “Oh, that’s a deal breaker.”  Apparently, “If I’m not active online my friends might leave.”  But he eats fast, so I am glad his friends were still there by the time he finished.

            Seth asked for a haircut, and I am glad I can give him one.  He likes a simple buzz cut.  I asked him to check in the mirror for any stray hairs.  He said, “I look good,” with a matter of fact tone.  I love the self-esteem that shows.  “Yes, yes you do J.”

            Seth mowed the lawn and did a great job.  I also love that he’s strong and big now.  How wonderful that he does what he’s told and gets out there.  What a guy J.

            May you find joy even with the sun beating down on you.  May you see where God is at work and be able to join Him.  May your life reflect how truly loved you are.  Hugs J

Cristy

7/23/18 Skyra in the oddest places

Dear Family,

            I have to admit that I was encouraged because someone was encouraged by my encouragement.  Sounds like a tongue twister but I’ll share the details, and you will understand.  I enjoyed a joke in Sunday school and had to include it in a letter to a sponsor child we have in Africa.  He is 17.  He said “I am constantly blessed by the letters that you send to me.  I am happy to hear that your husband Bobby preached great even though he doesn’t like to preach.  You should know that this all happened because of the Holy Spirit who was with him.  I am also grateful to hear that Bobby is the Youth Pastor and he has worked hard in organizing all the youth volunteers. I am also one of the youth leaders in our Church since I am the chairperson of the Junior youth.”

Next, he references a joke I sent to him which I got from Hal Washburn, and this is the joke:  A professor asked the class to look out the window.  “Do you see the birds?”  The class replied affirmatively.  “Do you see the trees?”  The class also said, “Yes.”  Then he said, “Do you see God?”  The class responded, “No.”  And the professor said, “That’s because there is no God.”  A student responded with, “Do you see the professors tie?”  The class said, “Yes.”  “Do you see his shoes?”  The class also said, “Yes.”  Then he said, “Do you see his brain?” 

So Samuel says about this: “The Joke that you heard from the Sunday School is so much amazing such that a small student can prove that God exists even though we can’t see him.  Your letter has really inspired me a lot.”

Then he shares a verse and says, “Much love, Samuel.”  Isn’t that sweet?  This helps me understand why my mom spends so much time writing letters to people from other countries.  We can influence people one on one and not even have to leave our house.  I’m inspired by Samuel’s inspiration, how fun!

Our kitty Skyra has learned to use the cat door!  No more litter box!  I love how she follows me everywhere.  Inside or outside – that is truly fun. I also love that she sits in the oddest places!

            I enjoyed a visit with a friend Jenn Fenn. She came over for coffee and muffins (I baked muffins, she brought coffee drinks).  It was fun to get to know her. 

            I have an interview for an Administrative Assistant job Monday the 23^rd.  Please pray for God’s will as I explore this opportunity!  I’m excited for the privilege to interview.

            Adriel was playing online games, and she said to a friend, “You can’t say that!  Those are sinner’s words.”  She doesn’t have to talk to me so much; she’s loud enough to just let me know everything that is going on in her and her friend’s lives.  She is adorable.

            Bobby and Seth came back from Camp tired and happy.  God worked during camp, and five people accepted him while many others chose to pursue God more than they did before.  I love hearing their stories and knowing that they enjoyed themselves.  I also love that when I asked Seth if he wouldn’t mind being at camp all summer, he said he would like that.  I did dig further, and he’s not willing to be a counselor or do any kitchen work.  He just likes being a camper.  Either way – he has no computer there, and that’s pretty neat that he likes camp enough to give up computers!

            My heart is full!  May God bless you, may his face shine upon you, may your heart be filled by his loving sunshine and beautiful breezes.

            Much Love,

Cristy

            

What if Marriage is like making a garden?

What if Marriage is like making a garden?

I’ll admit, I have cried at weddings, my thoughts are, “They don’t know what they are getting into.”  I know this sounds bad but bear with me – I’m hoping to turn it positive in a bit.

What if the plot of land you buy starts out with weeds (like my garden did).  I see those weeds as hopes, dreams, expectations, imperfections and human frailty.  We bring into marriage ourselves.  We are full of hopes, dreams, expectations, imperfections and human frailty.

What if after just sitting and dreaming in the garden for a while the next step is to either pull out all those weeds or rototill them all in.  What if that hurts?  During the process of getting rid of our imperfections, God also dashes our hopes and dreams. 

What if we look at the barren, dry, empty ground and think of our choices:

This is too hard; I give up.

Since you refuse to meet my needs, I refuse to meet yours.

Because this is hard and looks fruitless, I don’t want to put any more into it.

What if brokenness is part of God’s plan?

2 Corinthians 12:10 For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Instead of giving up, what if we go to God, give Him everything, admit we can’t do it, give up on doing it ourselves and choose to do what he says.  What if we decide to plant seeds – add things that look dead to the already dead ground.

What if we decide to work hard even though there seems to be no return.  We water and wait.  Sometimes waiting is even harder than the tilling.  The not knowing – not being in control, not having a plan.  Ugh!

What if we do have flowers.  Some of them are beautiful and fun.  But there are also weeds, and it’s still hard work.  Also, it seems like we are constantly babying this plot of land.  Other people walk by and compliment your work.  And then, after all that hard work, what if everything dies or seems to die anyway. 

It’s the fall.  It’s the winter.  Things look dead.  Trials are hard.  The glass is half empty.

What if seasons come and seasons go, and the work only seems to stop when there is a feeling of dead.

What if even the harvest, even the good times seem like work that is overwhelming.  Kids can be a constant, draining presence.  Yet a beautiful and fun joy as well.  Like ever bearing fruit, we know they are a blessing, but the care seems to be never-ending.

What if we feel tired and drained?

We can choose to sit; we can choose to enjoy, we can stop the business and look around and take it in and smile.  And we might.

What if God says, “Stop, enjoy, don’t work so hard.”  I did feel that call seven years into my garden.  God said, “Take a year off, take a year of jubilee.”  I felt pretty anxious.  Up until January, I prepared.  I pruned all I could, buried the strawberries had the garden hunker down.  I didn’t water or prune or harvest to freeze for one whole year – January to January.

Some things did die, but most didn’t.  I felt pruned – but I was amazed at the freedom!  No more watering!

What if the hard work pays off!?

What if you can enjoy the fruits of your labor even if it is overwhelming!  Now I am having other people pick because we have so much fruit.  I still work at it but not as much as I used to.  The flowers still bloom because they are perennials, they multiply, they grow.  The garden is happy!

What if I was wrong about how hard marriage is? 

I even sell plants because they are just going to make more.

What If that’s what having grandchildren is like?

What if we really do reap what we sow?  Even in relationships?  What if we choose to work hard and in return, we are blessed with love.

What if the hard work is worth it!

One of the laws of harvest is you reap at a different time than you sow.  What if the harvest is wonderful!

Galatians 6:9

New Living Translation
So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.

7/16/18

Dear Family,

            I am considering the power of words and what they do to us.  It’s like my lower belly.  I do want to get rid of it.  I exercise daily and eat pretty good.  I went to the gym to interview them for prices.  In the process, they asked my exercise goals, and I mentioned the lower belly area.  He said that isn’t a workout issue, that is something taken care of in the kitchen.  What he meant was, I need to eat better or less.  I have decided to change my workout goals.  Sometimes it’s just not worth it!

Anyway back to words.  I feel they are truly powerful.  I know it says that “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:25.  I also know that God’s words are compared to a double-edged sword in Hebrews 4:12.  “¹² For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  Please pray with me as I ponder these things and seek God’s wisdom.

On to blessings which are also powerful in my life.  I believe blessings are a part of the discipline of giving God thanks as in, “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23  I can only hope that the things I say and the attitude of my heart furthers God’s kingdom.

Adriel continues to work five days a week.  Monday she was bemoaning that the only significant thing she did that day was going to work.  I told her, “Welcome to the club.”  I like it that Pastor Marcus’ sermon was on working hard for the Lord.  I truly believe that to be true.  I believe work is a blessing.  That we CAN work is truly a blessing.

Adriel’s friends stopped by on free slushy night.  She was at work, but I had to let her know she is loved.  It was sweet of them to come by.

Seth is amazing at interconnectivity with computers.  I enjoy watching him get his games or other things on the big screen.  I don’t know how he does it, but I think it’s cool.

Seth also has a repeat customer.  It was fun to hear him explain over the phone how to do something and resolve a computer issue remotely.  I am proud of him for doing that.

Also, at church, there was a small emergency.  No one was manning the power point.  Pastor Marcus started doing it for song time but several people poked Seth on the shoulder, and he finished up the rest of 2^nd service.  He’s a hero in my eyes, yay Seth!

Seth packed himself for camp this year, and it was fun to check his work.  He’s got this J.  He’s going to a week of camp, and I know God will work in his heart and life.

I enjoyed visiting with the O'Neill family as they had the youth group over to their house.  They have an impressive obstacle course with a zip line and everything.  I truly enjoyed talking to Nancy and serving ice cream with her J.  What fun!  And Bobby even thanked me for joining them. 

Bobby also helped me a little with training our kitty to go through the cat door.  I’m very glad he said I could get another cat.  It was nice we could have a date this week and that we could also enjoy a game night with friends.  Bobby is good company, and I am glad for that.

I am very glad everyone helps pick raspberries and friends as well.  God blesses sooooo much sometimes!  Now I have even opened it up to facebook strangers (part of the Buy Nothing West Salem group).  Maybe God can even use the Raspberries as an outreach.

An acquaintance asked if I would mind hosting a pampered chef party and I was excited about the word “PARTY!” so I had a couple of ladies over this week and we had fun eating and talking about all the new kitchen gadgets out there.  It was her first person to person party (I guess they are usually done online now).  I invited Bobby, Adriel, and Seth, but they all hid in various places.  I don’t mind them – they didn’t want to join.  More food for us.  And no, we didn’t have any ice cream left over.

With so many blessings and so much to be thankful for may you also feel God’s love pouring out on you.  Hugs J Cristy

 P.S. I'm glad Skyra has used the potty litter box, now if she would just learn how to use the cat door!

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