2/20/23

 Dear family,

            Here’s hoping you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day and that you felt as loved as you are.  Throughout the years I have learned that if something isn’t in the plans (either before the day or later) then I cry on the day of (Valentine’s Day, Anniversary, or Birthday).  Nobody wants me to cry – especially me.  So, I have learned to prepare in advance.  Yes, there would be a youth group on Valentine’s Day, but we had already decided to celebrate our Valentine’s love on Thursday.  Phew!  So that meant Tuesday night during youth group I was happy to be with the youth.  And what a great group they are!  The excitement they show in greetings, gameplay, and interactive learning are delightful.

            As Bobby was playing the guitar and leading worship, I marveled at how precious this time was.  I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.  Yes, my feet hurt from standing all day, but I was happy to stand for songs.  I may have been tired but hearing their laughter and playful banter was so enjoyable.  I can’t quite describe how glad I was to serve.  Also, playing, “Honey if you love me won’t you please, please smile?with middle schoolers is one of the most fun games ever. 

            During the lesson, a theme verse was James 3:6 “⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”  So, Bobby said he was going to put their “Tongues on fire.”  This brought excitement.  Ohhh spicy things, “Bring it on!”  There were many volunteers, and they were entertaining.  Yes, they felt some heat.

            For some reason, someone’s advice during gutter ball struck me as funny.” Just go like this and then let go of the ball.”  That they included, “let go of the ball.”  Had me chuckling.  Yes, you do have to let go for the ball to end up on the other side.

            I was excited to go experience all the fun again on Wednesday with the High Schoolers but went home early from work with a slight headache.  I took a nap at 3:30 but woke up at 4:30 PM with a bad headache.  I took two Aleve and went to bed again.  When I woke up at 9 PM I felt a little confused as to which day it was.  Then I was sad because I had missed youth group.  Bobby was sweet about it.  He had been a little worried.  We spent some time together then both went to bed around 9:30. I slept till 4:30 AM (which is a little late for me) and was ready for the day about 11 hours of sleep later.  I must have needed it. 

            Thursday, we had our Valentine's date.  I enjoyed being with Bobby at Chira’s and the good food.  26 years into marriage and we are settled into routines that include kindness, grace, and flexibility.  It is very nice that we get along.  We have worked thru a lot of issues and God has worked in our lives enough that we can bug each other, laugh, and enjoy the camaraderie.

            Friday Bobby was off to a High School retreat.  He will be back Monday so please pray for safe travels home. 

            Adriel answers the phone to let me know she is alive, and I continue to love that.  Bobby went up to bring her lunch and was glad he had some time to visit her. 

            Seth remains a loving constant.  A vendor at work liked my attitude enough to ask why I was so cheerful all the time.  When I told him it was Jesus in my heart he respected that and even came around to ask if I would work for him.  It came up that I have working-age children and he gave me his card to see if Seth might join the Coke workforce.  How interesting – I didn’t think Seth is looking for a job but have the person's card anyway.  Life sure is interesting.

            May you find interest in the life God has given you.  May you find joy in even your trials because the perseverance this produces is good, beneficial and God's will.  Much love,

 

 

 

Cristy

 

2/13/23

 Dear Family,

 

                Bobby made bean soup out of a frozen ham bone from Christmas time.  I was incredibly happy he used that up.  One of my main concerns is to have first in first out and get rid of things from the freezer.  Yay!!  I love all the good food Bobby makes.  He works hard and I am blessed whenever he puts effort into our meals.

                Middle school group was loud and fun.  They enjoy being together as evidenced by people showing up ½ an hour early.  Goodness!  I enjoyed playing Leng checkers and later, the lesson was fabulous.  I guessed all the blanks before they were announced so – success!

                High school group was grand.  During the lesson, Bobby was talking about being kind with our tongues.  He mentioned, “What if someone was showing off their baby and another person said, ‘That is the ugliest baby I have ever seen!’”  This brought up much speculation and laughter.  “That might not be mean if the parents agreed.”  It could be worse if the mean person said, “And the baby looks just like you!”  Yes, it is very easy to be mean with words.  So, it is good Bobby is teaching about how to be helpful, encouraging, and positive.

                I do find it interesting that practice makes me more proficient.  I used to have a swearing problem in fifth grade.  People would laugh and I love an audience.  I had to be purposeful about changing that habit.  Later I found sarcasm would also bring laughs.  But this was at the expense of another and that also didn’t work out, so I started being purposeful about good words and writing down the good in life.  I don’t struggle like I used to with swearing or being hilariously sarcastic at the expense of others.  I have been purposeful about remembering good things to write here and it has changed me for the better!

                Homegroup was delightful.  Interacting with adults is so peaceful and calm.  We chewed on the text and learned more about how going to God first is the best recourse in trouble. 

                Friday Bobby cooked ribs.  My favorite part for both of us is that he is fine with me eating something else.  More for him. I really enjoyed leftovers from his cooking on Thursday, and we had peace.  I am glad we have matured and are not offended like we used to be.  He might have been sad I did not eat what he cooked; I might have been unhappy that he cooked something I didn’t like.  Who cares, there is plenty of other food.  Yay!

                Seth continues to be a loving and ever-present joy.  I enjoy his company and hugs.  Sunday morning he inquired about some cereal and then said, “Well It’s obviously not healthy so I’ll eat it.”

                Adriel and I had a great chat Tuesday on my drive home before youth group.  She is a lovely person and I do miss her.  I am very glad when she answers her phone.  I never answer mine – it doesn’t even ring because it’s always silent.  This makes it special whenever anyone answers the phone when I call.  She also answers my, “Are you still alive texts.”  I am very glad she is still alive 😊. 

                May you find joy in knowing that those you love still live (here or in heaven).  May you enjoy the beauty of nature and the stillness of the morning.  Love and hugs, Cristy

 

 PS, fun games, laughter, yes.  I enjoy youth groups.

2/6/23

 Dear family,

 

            Date night at ‘The Yard’ was especially fun because Bobby and I were able to see one of our former youth in action.  We get to watch people grow up and it is so fun to keep in touch.  The guy that baptized his friends in the river for fun and scared people with a gorilla suit has become an entrepreneur actor, comedian, and dad.  He cares deeply about his children, and I love that.

            Middle school group had great conversation and fun times.  One student explained to me what a ‘sneeze dive’ is.  Apparently in the halls someone will try to swing their binder at him, so he sneezes and then dives to the ground which alerts others.  This brings concern and sympathy.  While lying on the ground the other person who usually gives him a hard time has no chance for smacking.  Genius.

            I brought a game of checkers to teach the group how to play with Leng rules.  It’s hilarious to see the shock when I jump my own man.  What is this new way to play?!!  I enjoy the chaos and confusion just as much as the people who put all 15 balls onto the foosball table again.  Such joy!

            During lesson time a student couldn’t figure out how to make the faucet water cold.  Another student jumped up and helped.  It was fun when Bobby acknowledged how great the group was and how, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”  Later another student collected prayer requests without being asked to.  They are growing up and it is fun to watch the dynamic shift through the years. 

            The High schoolers were in full form on Wednesday.  A new fun fact is that “If you give Bobby your used popsicle stick he will eat it.”  Another student said, “Ewwww, gross, never bring that up again.”  Later, during the lesson about taming the tongue Bobby mused, “I wonder if people would lie more or less if their nose grew when they lied.”  A student answered with an ‘of course’ tone, “More!  Because they would use their nose to poke holes in the wall and climb with it.”

            Bobby brought home and baked Pizza for us Thursday night.  It was very sweet of him to wait for me.  He didn’t eat much all day, so he was really hungry.  I enjoy his company and that he is purposeful about reading a couples devotional every other Thursday (when we don’t have home group).  It gives us something to think about that’s for sure.

            Visiting Adriel in Portland filled my heart.  Her coworkers were delighted to meet me.  They wanted me to know they are taking good care of her.  She is well loved, and they want her to “thrive.”   She was surviving that day as her apartment had no power, but she indeed had a good lunch.  My coworker insisted I had to get food from “Montage”, and it was very good macaroni and cheese.  I enjoyed the food cart garbage station.  Art can be so fun and whimsical.  The Tree farm building I saw on the way to visit Adriel was amazingly fascinating to behold.  Portland has character and a lot of beautiful art.

            Adriel said Seth touched her heart when he wistfully said, “I didn’t know that when you moved to Portland it meant you wouldn’t come over to do laundry anymore.” 

            I did dream she visited.  We had a great chat with hugs.  We miss her dropping by.

            Then she did visit Saturday.  What great fun it was to see her shortly and find out she didn’t have green hair (which was cute, and I did like it) like in my dream. 

            Seth has a lot of mysterious presents.  I looked up national Custodian Day and that’s in October, so I was confused.  His Birthday isn’t till June, so I had to ask.  The answer was, “They are from the Upwards Basketball program.”  How nice.  He is appreciated for what he is doing when he cleans up after them and for when he lets people in.  He does a good job, and I am glad people show appreciation for it.

            May you find that your good deeds go rewarded.  May you feel God’s love as you worship and enjoy those around you.  May your joy be complete when you give out of His abundance to others.

            Hugs,  Cristy

1/30/23

 Dear Family,

 

                The middle school group was so fun.  They truly delight in being together and I am blessed to be part.  Game time had fast-paced foosball and cheers for the winner of gutterball.  Lesson time had its own game but Bobby had to stipulate if there were to be prizes, “Raise your hand if you will be OK if you don’t win candy in this game.”  Most everyone raised their hand.  I did see one smiling with no raised hand.  She eventually did but I loved the kidding and shared a smile back.

                The High School group was hilarious this week.  Changing the rules of gutterball brought giggles, laughter, and general merriment.  Try throwing 4 of your own balls to see what happens.  No one won.  They almost forgot which balls were theirs.  I enjoyed the camaraderie and joy.  There was also throat singing to help a player do better.  It was beautiful. 

                During the lesson, Bobby mentioned that he had walked on water.  The students responded that to walk on water, “Jesus wore massive platforms.”  If you want to know about the time Bobby walked on water ask him.  It’s a fun story.

                Later Bobby told a student, “Your dad gave me the best compliment this week.  He called me young.”  The student was unfazed, “Well, he’s just stating facts.  You are so much younger than he is.”  When the student found out Bobby is his dad’s age this was funny.  “Oh, I thought you were in your mid 30’s.”  The compliment just kept on going.  This is opposed to the lady who asked Bobby if he wanted the senior discount at a store lately. 

                Adriel continues to text and let us know she is OK.  She did have her first car break-in while she wasn’t present.  Welcome to Portland.  I told her I wasn’t telling dad because he wouldn’t sleep at night.  She had already told him.  He seems to be sleeping OK.  She had it fixed on the same day and didn't even have to leave the office.  How amazing.

                Seth plugs away at school and helped with dishes.  I enjoy his company and am glad he is willing to text me the shopping list whenever I ask.  I like having him at home base.

                Being part of a family truly is a blessing, silliness, and all.  May you feel as blessed as you are.  May you find joy in sunshine and rain.  May you be glad for all that God provides.  Love and hugs, Cristy

1/23/23

 Dear Family,

 

            Holding hands and tying shoelaces.  This is what helping the middle school group ice skating is like.  I enjoy it.  Seeing everyone go from wall huggers to wobbly middle-lane skaters is fun.  Everyone is learning a new skill and some even soar.  The group were troopers even though it was hard.  I delight in helping others grow whether it be spiritually (my favorite), mentally, or physically. 

            Bobby tied shoelaces but broke one with his strong muscles.  He skated by with encouragement, took pictures, and counted heads repeatedly.  He creates events that he will enjoy because he is amazing at knowing what will be fun for the whole group.

            A funny quote from Monday's excursion is, “If you were a hamburger, you would be one made out of plants.” 

            Also, I enjoyed several students' new head-boggling “Fred math”.  1 + 1 = 11.  You can have more than one best friend because, “Fred math,” dictates it is so.  Several students played with numbers and made-up ridiculous rules which will probably become an amazing new code for secret messages.  For now, it’s a fun way to bond as their excitement over a group think answer ends with an adorable dance that brings joy and excitement.  People who want to join the group?  Well at first it was boys only, but I called them on sexism.  So, the rules for becoming are to become a Frederica.  A Fred must “fart on me and give me pink eye.”  Ahh, middle school.  I’m out.  I don’t need to do the dance or math that badly.  I am delighted by their creativity, imagination, and fun.

            High school group is fun and wonderful.  They have a retreat coming up, and it’s interesting hearing about how they will take work off.  I am impressed by their loyalty and desire to be together.

            Adriel visited for a bit, and she was full of stories, love, and hugs.  I relish our time together and enjoy every moment we bask in her presence.

            Seth cleaned the bathrooms and his room this week.  It is nice to have the place cleaner because he is around.  I don’t see him much.  But I see what he does. 

            Bobby and I enjoyed dinner with neighbors this week.  The Johnsons are kind and lovely people.  I enjoyed getting to know them better. 

            Bobby Spent all day Friday cooking tamales.  He made a lot and we will be blessed for days. 

            Bobby and I enjoyed a walk on Saturday.  Our work schedules don’t always correspond, so I was glad to get off work at 3 PM and walk with him for a while.  I am glad we still enjoy each other’s company.

            May you also find joy in those you have chosen.  May your delight bring smiles, hugs, and love.  May God’s presence give you peace in your heart and overwhelming calm that gives you the ability to spread kindness everywhere you go.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

 

1/16/23

 Dear Family,

 

            Because Adriel is texting us daily to let us know she is still alive I feel much better about her moving sooo far away to Portland.  My praise in youth group was that, “Adriel has moved to Portland and it is in a safe neighborhood.”  This brought pause as the youth was praying for her.  He even said, “Sounds hard to believe about Portland,”  In the prayer.  It’s a jungle up there.

            Adriel did stop by Wednesday to bring back our tubs from her move.  We are blessed to have them from Mom Webb.  Go Adriel go!

            Our middle school group is full of delightful people who are kind and don’t want to leave even when Bobby is shouting that their parents are ready across the gym.  It’s cute how much they enjoy being together.  Before games, Bobby said, “We are going to play Ultimate Bump in the gym.”    A student asked, “What’s that?”  Bobby, “I’ll teach you.”  A chorus of “Yay!” Was interjected with, “Do we get to throw people around?” 

            The High School group has more subdued joy. 

            Later during the lesson, Bobby made a slight groaner joke with his, “Jesus loves you this much” as he raised his arms like on a cross.  Then a student added, “I think you nailed the point well.” To make it a full groaner. 

            When the point was, “Encountering Jesus and Receiving him changes lives.”  There was a picture of a leopard with spots on the ground as though he had changed his spots.  This is in reference to Jeremiah 13:23 which states a leopard doesn’t change its spots.  This was an unknown verse to the youth so one mentioned, “Jesus healed the leper?”

            Bobby cooked Friday and it was amazing.  I am so glad I don’t have to think about meal planning.  I am blessed by this repeatedly.

            Seth is back in school.  This just means he’s on his computer more than on VR.  I know I shouldn’t talk with him while he is doing schoolwork, so I refrain but it’s still nice to have him around.

            Giving blood may be draining but it is worth it.  Hearing a story from Dr. Amit Bhatia about someone who died because they did not receive enough blood during surgery rallied my resolve.  You too can give blood every 8 weeks.  The only change I had to make is that I eat an iron-rich breakfast every day.  Anyway, I gave blood again on Wednesday and it doesn’t take that much out of me.  But it gave a whole bunch to those in need.

            May you make time in your schedule to give what you can.  May you enjoy time with loved ones as though it was the blessing that it is.  May your joy be tremendous and may your focus be on God and all the abundance He gives.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

1/9/23

 Dear Family,

 

            Creating a being in your own image can be delightfully satisfying.  Bobby happily bought and showed “Spiderman No Way Home.”  Seth and I both commented several times how it was dumb and not a good movie.  Bobby was chagrined and said, “Everyone else in the world loves it.”  The biggest thing I learned from that movie is how the industry justified recycling a plot over and over again with the “Spiderman” theme.  Different realities.  Magic.  Time travel.  Dimension travel.  Give me a break.  How many times can we hear that “With great power comes . . . “  I like the idea enough to watch one movie with that plot not three or 6 recycled and then all coming together for some self-love.  And yes, I have not read the comic books.  Either way, it was super fun having the two vs. one vote.

            I asked Seth if he was planning on staying up till midnight on new year’s eve.  He asked, “Why in the world would I do that?”  I said, “Some people stay up to ring in the new year.”  He responded, “That’s ridiculous, I won’t miss out on sleep for that.”  I had to laugh and delight in how alike we are.  Someone once asked me, “Don’t you even stay up once a year?”  I responded, “No, I don’t torture myself even once a year.”

            Bobby felt a bit under the weather.  Yet he still powered thru the week.  Colds are not fun so please pray for him as his sinuses are needing to heal.

            Bobby cooked on Monday, Thursday, and Friday.  I truly enjoy packing leftovers as they are quick, easy, and yummy.  We have it so good! Refrigerators keep food cold and microwaves heat it up in minutes.  I am so glad to live in an age where all of life isn’t spent over a fire stove. 

            Middle school group was delightful.  They were glad to be together and encouraged each other while playing games.  The crowd oohed and aahed over each other’s progress and I like the mutual encouragement.   When we sat to do the lesson, Bobby noticed someone was wearing a retreat shirt and he said, “I like your shirt!”  I enjoyed watching the happy wiggle that followed. 

Bobby was announcing an ice-skating activity and said, “So n so is an expert ice skater.”  This brought confusion and, “No I’m not, this will be my first time.”  Bobby came back with, “Oh, your mom said you were excited to go.”  I think it was silly that Bobby got “expert ice skater” from excitement.  A bit of a jump.

            Later in the night, we learned about taking off the old self and putting on the new.  An application question involved thinking of two areas of life we could take off and leave behind.  One of Bobby’s examples was, “You could stop being mean to old people like Rich.”  A youth stood up for Rich, saying, “Yeah, stop roasting him.”  I am glad Rich doesn’t mind the old people jokes but also glad people want the best for him.

            Part of taking off the old in the lesson were socks that Bobby distributed and told everyone to take off their old socks.  This was a stinky endeavor and I told Bobby later at home I didn’t like that.  He said, “Well at least they will remember the lesson.”  I sighed and agreed.  Then out came, “Better than asking them to take off all their clothes for new ones.”  Yes, that would have definitely gone too far.

            The high school group was a sweet time of song and similar lesson.  This time they were only told they would get new socks IF they took off the old ones.  Much excitement was had over hot pink socks.  There was a pause though.  “Wait, are these socks used?”  When I said, “Put on the ‘new’” There was a happy “Aha” moment and joy abounded.

            Adriel moved this weekend.  I enjoyed being helpful.  I felt safe the entire time and am glad the part she is moving into a good part of town.  Portland is a busy, bustling place full of interesting people.  Adriel is growing and flying.  I am glad she isn’t too far away.

            May you delight where God leads you.  May you enjoy all you encounter.  May God give you peace when you need it and joy from the inside bubbling out.  May you follow His guidance and be glad you did.  Love and hugs,

 

 

 

 

 

Cristy