Growing up

 Dear Family,

 

            No matter what, God is with us.  This was the resounding theme I heard this week from devotionals, messages, and Bible reading.  Be reassured – we are not alone in this hard struggle.  We are loved, cared for, precious, and not guaranteed an easy life.  This is how it is, hardships come.  Struggle result in strength.

            Seth continues to do his school work and enjoy the extra time saved from commuting and class changes.  He is doing well in school and his job.  Seth also had senior pictures done.  Wow, he is a senior already.   I am thankful to Wendee Schmitke for the great pictures.

            Adriel is having friends over which delights me.  She enjoys skateboarding outside.  She said it is a great core workout.  She loves to show off her bruises, scrapes, and gore.  Adriel keeps at her job and school work.  I am proud of her strength in adversity.  She hates online school but has no other option so she does it.

            Bobby cooked an immense amount of chicken and dumplings for our family and his mom and sister.  Mom is recovering from shoulder surgery so it makes sense that a food delivery would be kind of him.  He made so much I thought he hadn’t brought it yet.  Thank goodness Seth loves chicken and dumplings.  It’s almost gone now.

            The youth group continues to engage our church youth.  They come, sing, listen, and chat.  Bobby will stop the online youth group in November.  This is good, meeting in person is better.  We also had a fun youth group event where he had amazing rice with pineapple meatballs.  YUM.  He even had pineapple dole whip for dessert.  How fun.

            If you have ever woken up to an immense amount of skittering in your bedroom at 4 am you might have a cat.  At first, we were going to sleep through it but Skyra gave up the chase and began to meow at us. There are a lot of items under our bed.  Ugh.  I brought items all out one by one and then the rat decided to run into the closet! 

I did the rat dance and jumped onto the bed.  I tried to catch it in a box but I am not that fast with putting the lid on.  UGH!  Finally, Skyra had it cornered but then she began to love on it!

Bobby took over.  He is very fast and my hero.  He had it in a clear organizer box.  But what to do with a live rat?  I couldn’t kill it.  So, I put it on Craigslist free with directions on where it was.  I put the clear box under a light on the corner of Hemlock and Holly.  No one picked it up.  No one wanted a wild rat for their new pet.  Sigh.  I kept checking on it.  By about 1 PM the box was open.  I can only imagine the surprise.

            Oh family, may you be careful when opening random things on the street.  May you find peace in your everyday life.  May you enjoy every breath God gifts you – especially now that the air is clean.  God bless you!  Much Love,

 

 

Cristy

Blessed Birthday 10/12/2020

 

Dear Family,

 

            Thank you for your over the top love, affection, and wonderful Birthday wishes.  You gave me blessings and I feel blessed.  Truly, God's blessing to me is you.  I am thankful and filled with joy.

            Bobby initiated a trip to visit my parents.  He asked if I would like to, booked the hotel, and drove me.  I have been so busy with work I would have worked through my Birthday if it hadn’t been for his forethought.  I am so glad Bobby wants to drive.  I can sleep the time away and this is a huge blessing.

            Bobby cooked several meals this week and we ate happily.  I enjoyed several wonderful walks with Bobby and am glad he remains good company. 

            Homegroup was enjoyable.  Bobby leads well and we enjoy meeting in small groups.  The youth group was also pleasant.  I enjoy Bobby’s teaching and felt very glad that my friend was prayed for in both groups.  Emilio is having a hard time and my heart goes out to him.  I truly believe that the job I have now is for such a time as this.  I enter into businesses, reach out, and help.  I truly believe praying for people is helpful.  I am not just selling credit card processing.  I am helping people by bouncing business ideas back and forth regarding COVID and in general.  Also, referring to people is the most fun.  I know a guy who does what you need and is good at it.  This is great for everyone.

            In the Bothell area, Bobby was chagrined that he forgot his mask.  At first, he was borrowing a light teal one.  Lucky for him I had borrowed a star wars mask earlier and found it tucked in my coat pocket.  His words of appreciation, “Now I feel like a man.” 

            My parents were tickled to have their first visitors in their new home.  We sat in the living room (which hadn’t been used much since they moved in last month).  We enjoyed chatting with them.  We also went out to eat with them several times and played 12 rounds of dominoes.  We had a blessed cameo appearance by my sister and her kids who are only four blocks away.  The socially distant meeting was sweet and lovely.

            Seth saw a game Bobby bought and mentioned that any EA game is trash.  Later he was playing it with joy.  “Well, it’s not that bad.  Games are better when I don’t have to pay for them.”  Isn’t that the truth J?

            Seth is complying with senior pictures and even said he wouldn’t mind being in the rain.  “Rain is nice.”  He shaved his face and looks great.  He even signed the Birthday card Adriel had for me. 

            Adriel gave a sweet card, gift, and cleaned the house for my Birthday while we were gone.  She is a blessing to me!  What a sweet, wonderful woman!

            May you find joy in love and relationships.  May your joy be so full it spills out onto others and may you be a light this world so much needs.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

We are blessed 10/4/2020

 Dear Family,

             Do we have a roof over our heads?  Do we have food?  Do we have a purpose?  If you answer yes, you are blessed.  Numbers in accounts are just numbers.  We will all die – it’s a matter of time.  God’s love is present in hard times and in good.  We are loved even when disciplined.  Is our nation turning to God?  Are we seeking Him?  Or are we distracted, worried, thinking of other things?  I have to smile when people compliment me on my clothing.  (I only care if something is comfortable.)  God says not to worry about such things – and I don’t.  Most of my clothes are second hand.  I look at retail prices and it pains me that anyone would buy new (except underwear). 

            I noticed most of my excitement this week was focused on yummy food.  God continues to give people talent when it comes to preparing food.  Talent in growing, shipping, receiving, preparing, and even presentation.  Phew!  As a former food service worker – I know some of what goes on behind the scenes.  Food goes through so much just to get to our table.  Are we thankful for the people who made harvesting machines?  Do we praise the driver who delivers?  The manager who trains and is trained in safety?  We took clean air for granted.  Let’s thank God for our food.

            I am also thankful for the Youth Group.  As a teen, I enjoyed being part of a group that loves Jesus.  As a leader, I am blessed by the singing and sweet teens that come.  I know God is at work and I am blessed to watch and participate.

            Bobby prepared three meals this week, yum!  He enjoys the process and I am glad.  I enjoy cleaning up and reclaiming the kitchen.  We have found our rhythm (after over 20 years together) and I am blessed.

            Adriel is recovering well from having four wisdom teeth removed.  She is still on softer food but enjoys going out with friends and skateboarding.  She is tough! 

            Adriel carved a pumpkin with friends and put it on our porch!  How fun!  I appreciate Adriel’s efforts.  Her kindness inspired me to put up our decorations just now.   Adriel continues to prioritize our hug of the day and I am blessed when I see her.

            Seth plugs away at school and is then happy to do what he wants.  He did mow the lawn this week and I am very glad he helps out.  Seth says, “Good luck” as I head to work.  This makes me feel loved and appreciated.  I do tell him I need prayer more than luck and he assures me he will pray.  Yay!

            May you enjoy the clean Air God gave us.  May you find peace in your innermost being.  May we all put God first, give Him our worries and find joy in His love.  Hugs,

 

 

Cristy

 

9/28/2020

 

Dear Family,

 

            Never in my wildest imagination did I guess I would have married someone excited to buy cookware.  He bought it out his own personal – not our combined finances.  He knows I am all about thrift store purchases.  I think fancy, non-stick dishes are nice.  I don’t cook much so dishes do not matter to me.  I am so blessed that he loves to cook. 

            He made several wonderful meals this week and I love eating as a family.  Bobby was also a love when he stayed home with Adriel for a day and tolerated watching what she wanted to after her surgery. 

            Saturday I worked very hard on my job.  I am still learning as I go.  Figuring out how to make quota was my top priority.  I was so tired the kids brought me things so I didn’t have to get up.  It was very nice.  God continues to provide and I believe I am put in a job where I go into businesses for a reason.  I meet people where they are (sometimes in despair) and may pray with or for them.  Or I simply bring joy because with God I can rejoice.  Please pray that I continue to keep God first as I learn to sell.

Adriel was scared to have all four molars pulled at the same time.  Mid-Valley Oral Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery did a great job.  Adriel was an adorable drugged person.  The comments I can mention are, “I’m so beautiful” as she took selfies, and “Why do I have hiccups?” 

            I just coughed.  Seth’s sarcastic comment, “I don’t have Corona Virus.”  Goodness – can’t even have a tickle these days.  Seth was surprised to find out that wearing or not wearing a mask is a political statement.  He thinks it’s just common sense.

            Seth continues to work at church and sub more hours as needed.  He also weeds and is sweet to us.  Seth is fine with his online learning.  He does not find it hard but again, “It’s harder for the teachers than for me.”

            May you find these trying times to be a time God picks you up, carries you, and gives you comfort.  May your heart be glad for each day God gives.  Hugs, Cristy

9/20/2020 Will it ever end?

 

Dear Family,

 

            Who knew the beauty of blue in the sky would be so exciting!  I am so glad our smoke problem was temporary.  I took clear skies for granted.  Did you?  A friend had me write 50 things I was thankful for four weeks in a row.  It took about ten minutes a day (I was allowed to repeat but not to look back and write the same thing).  If you do this it is refreshing, eye-opening, and helpful.  We take so much for granted.  Forcing ourselves to be thankful, write down what we are thankful for – this is purposeful rejoicing – what God calls us to do in Philippians 4:4 when he says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

            I took every clean breath for granted.  What about every breath?  Our very existence is from God and for Him.  May we bless those we love with pure thankfulness that they exist.

            Adriel was very sweet this week.  I love her hugs and when I told her I missed her she admitted she felt the same way.  I love her hugs.  We went thrift store shopping and it was fun to be together.

            Seth has started school.  He is content with his schedule and classes.  I heard of all the headaches and crying that other families experience.  Seth said, “Don’t worry about me mom, worry about the teachers.”  Seth also pulled weeds.  They keep popping up.  My Seth is a blessing.

            Bobby cooked several amazing meals this week and remains my true love.  He also prayed with me for wisdom and I desperately needed that. 

            Bobby was very happy to lead the youth group this week.  He is glad to serve, excited to have people come, and remains a wonderful leader. 

            I feel sad that my teens have fear for the future.  They do not believe they are invincible like I did.  They wear their masks dutifully and want everyone to (especially their grandparents).  We are each taking COVID in our way. 

            In the midst of all this, may you find your foundation to be God’s love, his promises, and his Peace.  May you feel his loving arms wrap around you.  May you feel His Spirit comfort you.  May you be glad for every breath and may your heart soar as you smile even if no one else can see it.

Hugs, Cristy

PS Seth was happily holding Skyra and I had to take a picture :-).

9/14/2020 Oregon is burning

 

Dear Family,

            Please pray with me for the small creatures affected by the smoke.  The birds, squirrels, cats, and dogs.  I can go inside, purify the air with a crockpot and be OK.  Those poor little guys don’t have that choice.  Well, the birds can fly but what about the beautiful deer, cougars, foxes, and wildlife.  Oh Lord, please protect them.  And the humans who have no houses.  We thought we had a homeless problem before this?  Goodness.

            One of my mom’s favorite verses in Habakkuk sums it all up, “17 Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, 18 yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!”  True faith is knowing that this world is not the end, it is the testing grounds.  There is no reason to expect ease on earth.  This verse sums it up, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”  2 Timothy 3:12 

            I have wondered why my life is so easy.  With verses like that in the Bible . . . what do I expect?

            Yet here I am, blessed indeed.  Labor day, Bobby and I bought a car.  The mini had enough issues.  Bobby refrained from visiting people far away because he was concerned the Mini would not make it. 

            Bobby cooked three meals this week.  He had his annual staycation and enjoyed making food from “scratch.”  This is in opposition to a recipe my friend thanked me for on Facebook.  Lunch lady enchiladas are frozen bean and cheese burritos covered with Enchilada sauce and cheese.  Super easy and people loved it.  Bobby, Seth, and Adriel on the other hand have scorned this recipe.  I laughed at the internet sensation.  Bobby had to make them his way just to keep sane.  Yum!  I love both recipes!

            Bobby and I were blessed to be part of the El Vaquero Restaurant opening in Keizer.  I love the owners and have enjoyed working with them.  They are wonderful people and the food is amazing.

            Seth was surprised at the orange sky this week.  The smoke has been so bad it’s been beautiful.  He said, “This is worse than any computer game I have ever played.”  There you have it, folks.  Dystopic game developers couldn’t make something as eerie as reality.  This fills hearts with uncertainty, angst, fear, and sadness.  Yet we serve an almighty, all-powerful ever-present God who comforts us in times of trial.  We are loved and can hide in the shadow of His wing.  This is not our home, we are only here for a short time.

            Seth has continued to pull weeds and I am grateful.

            As Seth plays online games we hear the most interesting utterances.  His soul shines forth and we smile.  “I don’t know how to make snow except to pray.  It’s worked better than anything else I have ever tried.”  I love our son.

            Adriel has enjoyed bringing friends over.  She is very sweet and so are they.  She continues to gift me with one hug a day and I am blessed.

            As I write this please pray with us for Bobby’s mom and sister.  They fled home from the fires and were staying with friends in Hillsboro.  Thankfully they were able to return home Sunday. 

            May you find joy in your heart because that’s where love starts.  May your smile brighten the room and make flowers bloom.  May you feel God's love like a bright warm hug.  And may you know deep down God is watching our towns.

Much love, many hugs! 

 

 

Cristy

No filter used on picture

9/7/2020

 

Dear Family,

            If our hope is in God and our focus is on eternity we can have peace during turmoil.  If our focus is on comfort and our hope is in finances we may have internal turmoil.  Have you ever chosen to not think about one thing and purposefully chosen to think about another?  Taking captive of thoughts is what the Bible tells us to do.  2 Corinthians 10:5-6 has fighting words.  The battle we are waging in the mind is not for the weak.  Here is how it reads, “⁵ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ⁶ And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.”

            If you feel depressed in these hard times my friends, my family – please see this as a call to action.  It is time to fight those thoughts with the power of prayer.   God has already won, may we align with Him and fight!

            On another note, I have been so consumed with work I almost forgot Bobby’s Birthday.  He is so gracious and kind.  He did not take it to heart.  To him, it was just another workday.  COVID made it so we did not have a gathering.  No gathering, no party – and, since I didn’t have that on my calendar I was jolted when Pastor Marcus announced the date in his morning devotional.  I am blessed that Bobby is forgiving.

            This week Bobby cooked three times.  Our family loves this.  Bobby also took Seth with him to deliver our old couch to its new home.  He bought the kids In and Out Burger, brought me to Lime berry for a Western Christian Fundraiser, and is very ecstatic with the meal he made for his Birthday.  I am so glad Bobby is content and glad for the life we are blessed with. 

            The youth group was very fun this week.  Bobby had Kona Ice come out and had water balloon games.  The youth were thankful and happy.  God’s blessings abound.

            Adriel was sweet with a gift to Bobby for his birthday.  She also chatted with me a bit and gives us wonderful hugs on the go.  I am very glad Adriel lives with us still.  She is saving and I am proud of her.  She also helped with bark dust and continues to be sweet.

            Seth helped with moving the couch, moving bark dust, and does janitorial work at the church.  He enjoys being paid and remains kind in general. 

            May you also remain kind to those you live with.  May God fill you with love and may it splash out, so that you are a blessing to others. 

 

Much Love J Cristy