4/17/23

 Dear family,

                I am so glad for our church and the love we feel while being there and participating.  I enjoy singing together, cookies between services, hearing the message, and fellowship.  Easter Sunday Bobby and I were able to do Sunday school for the 0–5-year-olds (we had 3–5-year-olds attend) first service.  It was fun to play with little ones, experience water cups, and one who put all the water in his mouth.  When Bobby asked, “What shouldn’t we do?” I answered, “Make him laugh.”  Well, I shouldn’t have said that.  Anyway, we had fun and I believe we will enjoy being grandparents later. 

                Adriel sold her car this week, so it was good of her to let me know she is still alive.  City living still freaks me out.

                Seth was kind with hugs on Sunday when I had sadness.  He also said, “I love you,” a lot and that was very kind.

                During the Middle School group, the youth were chagrined to find a lunch bag under their seats.  They wondered what would make them barf.  This brought much discussion and Bobby said they would have to wait and see.  I “did an errand” during song time.  Lesson time was good with insight like, “There’s a better way to live life.  Don’t be mean to ______.”  And the student Bobby was talking to was adorable.  He looked around and up at the sky, “What could it be?”  Anyway, all the guessing about barf bags had an end.  One person said they knew what we would be doing.  A late easter egg hunt!  How fun.

                Before the High school group started Bobby brought me aside to talk about hiding eggs.  He wanted to figure out if we should do the hunt outside or inside.  I pointed to the downpour outside and laughed at Bobby’s surprise.  Indoors it was.  Thank goodness Bobby planned to take the High School group out to bless some of our shut-ins.

                To announce his plans after the group was gathered Bobby asked, “What do you call elderly people who can’t leave their home?”  The unanimous, instantaneous answer was “Rich” in reference to the one Bobby likes to tease about being old.  “No,” Bobby persevered, “It has two words”.  Finally, someone got “Shut in” and they were off to give presents and joy. 

                One student came in wearing a Mario hat.  Bobby asked if he wore it to school and the answer was “No” – no hats at school allowed.  Bobby had to tease, “Because you might be a Gangster of Warrio!”

                Youth group truly is fun and I am also glad for rest.    The ability to sleep and enjoy life to the full.  Bobby and I relaxed Thursday and enjoyed a Corban dinner Saturday.  Having time together is pleasant.  I also enjoyed the company of friends from church at Corban.  Good times.

                May you find strength in the rest God gives.  May you enjoy good times and persevere through the bad.  May you find love in all you encounter.

                Much love,

 

 

Cristy

PS, this is the time of year when I see last year's work has paid off.  Baby sunflowers are coming up all over the yard.  I threw them on the ground like the parable of the seed Sower.   I don’t know if they made it over the winter till now.  How exciting.  We will have sunflowers again this year.  That’s God working – we don’t always see the results, they come later.

4/10/23

 Dear Family,

 

            Claiming to hate someone isn’t very nice but this is what my family says about our adorable, tiny kitty Skyra.  She truly is annoying because she meows so much.  So, when I saw Seth loving her, my heart melted, and I took this picture.  I bet this happens every day.

            Adriel continues to let us know she is alive and we had a great evening of reminiscing with pictures being sent back and forth.  My crazy eyes are present even in grade school pictures.  Adriel warms my heart.

            Bobby cooking food is such a blessing I must mention it every time.  Even if it’s food I don’t want to eat – this simply means I didn’t have to cook.  I am so blessed that my family doesn’t expect me to have dinner on the table every night. 

            During youth group, Bobby mentioned trust and how sitting on a chair shows how much we trust it.  He then said a stool has become wobbly enough that he doesn’t want to risk breaking his guitar by sitting on it.  Someone piped in with, “What about your neck?”  Either way, I found one for $5 at the UGM Mission store on 885 mission street and that is easier than fixing the old one.  Also, Bobby went another day to find a Dutch oven.  The UGM mission store is the best place to get Pampered Chef products at a good price!

            Middle school group was fabulous.  The youth enjoy gutter ball and foosball, but my feet hurt so I just sat down and invited someone to sit with me.  I enjoyed a wonderful chat about how even though those in my family say they don’t love our kitty I have picture proof of pure love.  She also loves her cat, so we have much in common.  Later she thanked me for the conversation and that was so downright beautifully polite my heart wanted to burst.

            Prayer time I enjoyed Bobby’s way of having someone lead in prayer.  He said, “Knock it off,” and that was funny to me.  In the lesson, we read John 3:1-18 and when Bobby asked the group what kind of plague the Israelites had to endure, one youth had the best answer.  “Weren’t there flaming snakes?”  That would have been dramatic.  Poisonous snakes were bad enough. 

            Near the end Bobby helped with the blanks.   Jesus C--- to S--- the W----.  Jesus came to save the world.  Someone said, “Dang it!”  This made me laugh.  I knew the youth was frustrated that he didn’t get the blanks right, but it sounded like he was frustrated about the meaning of the sentence.

            High school group brought deep voices and delightful smiles.  I enjoyed watching Bobby lose chess.  He played again and the next time with more people it was even more fun to watch him lose.  Snarky commentary is the best.  I think sarcasm is a fabulous spiritual gift. 

Those playing foosball were also enjoying their time.  One felt invincible.  He said with joy, “I had caffeine!” and later, “I had a coke at 3 pm, no one can stop me.” 

           Someone was excited about hearing there was ice cream in the freezer from a while ago.  He and a friend had one.  We told them the unicorn flavor was nasty, but they ate it anyway.  One mentioned they maybe should have looked at the expiration date, but Bobby asked, “Would you still eat the unicorn ice cream bar even if it was expired?”  Both said, “Yes.”

            I am excited to go to a Nerf Wars event on the 28^th to take pictures.  Bobby then mentioned I could be a zombie, and this doesn’t sound as fun.  A teen sitting next to me said he would be a zombie too with delight, so that made it sound OK.  I think I might just be a target.  Sounds iffy, what do you think?

            During the lesson time, Bobby had someone read John 3:16-18.  Another person had to comment, “That was the longest version of John 3:16 I have ever heard!

            Youth group is fun but it’s also nice to have evenings off and I am glad Bobby, and I could relax together on Thursday.  Life can get hectic.  Our bodies and minds need to rest!

            I have been considering a thought.  Just like an influencer can be liked one day, say one wrong thing, and be hated the next, Jesus was sung, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” one day and the next the crowds were yelling, “Crucify him!”  I keep wondering what changed their minds so fast.  Reading the gospels shows his timeline.  Instead of creating an army out of the welcoming crowds and saying, “Let's attack Rome and take over!” He went to the temple and overturned the tables.  Instead of preaching a resounding Independence Day speech, he said, “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.”  (Matthew 21:43) Instead of appealing to the religious leaders to “Save the people” politically he took over the temple and taught saying, “Woe” about all the leaders.  Matthew 23:13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to,” and, Matthew 23:33 “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?”  Basically, he threw a rock at the hornet’s nest.  All eyes were on him, and he acted askew to what they wanted.  Jesus was the talk of the town and the news of the nation.  Many were healed but calling himself God and saying their religion was wrong got their hackles up.  As a religious leader's wife would I have been one shouting, “Crucify him?”  Would I have hurled insults while he hung on the cross?

 

 

 

 

 

I really, really hope not.

 

 

 

 

His kingdom isn’t about Rome, democrats, republicans, or Israel.  It’s about heaven, which is much, much more important than anything that is going on around us.  Looking up when we are surrounded by our own life choices must be a conscious decision.  May we look up and not follow the crowd.  May we be filled from above and not be swayed by the current that shifts by the minute.

 

Love to all,

 

 

Cristy

 

 

Happy Birthday Adriel!!

Dear Family,

 

            Every year rain or shine I am blessed when the youth group comes to help spread bark dust.  It’s a big job for just me, but for us all, it is a pleasure.  I am so glad when the community bands together to accomplish a task.  I can’t describe to you the joy our youth brought as they were willing to carry and dump bark dust repeatedly in the rain.  Their excitement was only heightened each time someone new joined.  They were so glad to see each other.  It was just like youth group.  The greetings were infectious with delight.  One even had an epiphany during the several hours they worked, “I have decided to help with VBS.”  His friend exclaimed with delight, “Yes!”  The fun continued with a game, Kinect Adventures.  Their enthusiasm peaked again as they took turns and battled for the best score.  Pizza gave them a break and then, “Apples to Apples” rounded off for a fabulous day.  Youth group kids are our fountain of youth.  If we never look old, it’s because of them.

            One silly part, a boy insisted he really wanted to shed his itchy pants once inside the home.  He feels very comfortable with us that’s for sure.  He really didn’t see the need for pants even though I’m a lady.  We convinced him to wear a pair of Seth’s drawstring pants. 

            Community coming together doesn’t just accomplish a goal it bonds our hearts together.  Bobby and 13 others joined to help Pastor Marcus move out of his house.  I was amazed to hear it only took 2.5 hours.  Wow!  Good job!

            Seth helped with bark dust and found the kids interesting as well.  He was fabulous and I am blessed with his hard work.

            Because it is Spring break the youth group had a games day instead of the regular youth group on Wednesday.  We enjoyed many games, and my two favorite quotes will follow with some explanation.  We talked about how I eat chips and Cheetos with a spoon because I don’t want messy fingers.  A young man said, “I have God’s napkin!”  He then proceeded to lick his fingers, “My tongue.”  The next quote was from another young man during the game of things.  The question was, “Things that would surprise you if it didn’t happen.”  One person wrote, “Not growing physically.”  He answered the inquiry, “Was it you who wrote that?” With another favorite quote, “Yes, it’s obvious?”  And I thought that was quite adorable because it is obvious when the youth haven’t hit their growth spurt yet. 

Bobby’s favorite apples-to-apples moment was when the green card we all had to match was, “Wee: ‘small, tiny.’”  He guessed mine which was "speed bumps".  As he was walking away, I did have to tell the kids, “I used to love flying over speed bumps but that’s a bad idea, parts fall off your car.”  It was amazing how fast the time went.  Three hours, blip.  And that is life!

            Celebrating Adriel’s Birthday at “JoJo’s Restaurant” in Portland was really yummy!  Adriel has matured so much and my heart was so full being with her and my parents.  I can’t describe how much love we packed into the couple of hours we were together. 

            May you find time with others to be meaningful as well.  May your joy be complete when you interact with people.  May God fill your hearts that you might fill others.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy  

P.S. My heart was filled again during Palm Sunday.  Whenever our little ones sing up front I cry tears of joy because that's what spills out when my heart overfills. 

    I did notice during the communion speech about this being a celebration and remembrance of belief (so only take this if you are a believer, no one is judging, this is a safe place . . . ) that several deacons had weird quizzical faces.  I asked Bobby what that was about and he said it looked like there might not be enough communion to go around.  I mentioned to Seth that dad and I would refrain even if it made us look like unbelievers because we were concerned the crackers might run out.  His response was to agree that he would refrain as well with, “I wear sandals to church, you can obviously tell I don’t care what others think.”  So we didn't take the bread and I pretended when it was time to Seth saying, "Really?" and me giggling.  We did notice that there was some leftover so we did take the grape juice.  I had to chuckle when Bobby told me someone did ask about us not taking the bread.

3/27/23

 Dear Family,

When Bobby makes dinner, I am always blessed.  When he makes chicken pot pie even better!  It is fabulous to eat food that tastes good.  I don’t mind cleaning up at all.  We also had a date this week and I enjoy being with him.  Yay!

Wednesday night Bobby had a combined Middle and High School event in the gym with pizza.  Over 30 kids showed up hungry.  Not everyone wanted to do nine square or volleyball, so I enjoyed playing a favorite game called Things.  This always brings laughter because we make up funny answers.  Things your mother teaches you. “How to drive with good language,” was my favorite.  Others included things you shouldn’t be allowed to do. “What if someone just wrote their name?” This was said in innocence but taken wrong with laughter.  “Lick other people’s faces.”  Things people don’t know much about. Dog poo and nose hairs to name a few.  I enjoy laughing and that game brings it out.

Seth cracked me up about ingredients this week.  He asked for medicine for congestion, and I bought our family go-to which is Dayquil.  He didn’t want that, he wanted something with Phenylephrine in it.  This was a new word for me.  Goodness, someone did his homework.  Also, when I bought Nutritional Yeast to make Vegan Popcorn Seasoning Seth was chagrined.  What is this weird new food?  When he found out there were no saturated fats  in the food then he became fine with it.  Either way – I make popcorn and just add the Nutritional yeast to mine.  I think I’m the only one who likes it.

Adriel remains busy as can be.  She started school and finds life is flying by.  I am glad when she answers my texts or calls as usual. 

On rainy days especially I feel blessed by the roof we have over our heads, the jobs we have that are indoors, the protection we feel from hoods on coats, and cars with tops.  God blesses with rain and therefore flowers.  We are protected from the elements, and it is good.  May we have wisdom on how to bless those less fortunate.

Much love, Cristy

3/20/23

 Dear Family,

           

            Having you in my life is a blessing.  People who accept and love are a boon to the soul.  I am thankful for you, my audience.  Your responses are precious, and your love is beyond what I could ask for.          

Bobby visited Adriel in Portland for lunch Monday.  I love getting their pictures and Bobby brought home some doughnuts that were yummy.  How fun to see them smiling.

            Seth gave me his book, “Kindred” by Octavia Butler to read.  I was almost halfway thru one day into it.  My attention was captured, and I am blessed by Seth’s generosity.  This book was from his college class.  It talks about racism and slavery which are subjects not to shy away from.  I was more than entertained.  I was educated.

            Adriel answers my texts, and I am blessed by her being alive.  Hearing that Walmart is moving out of Portland because of theft doesn’t make the town sound safe.  Yikes!  But Adriel assures me she is fine, and I am glad.

             Tuesday night youth group had so much excitement the youth were jumping up and down.  All this over a game that had to do with candy, flour and possibly having to fetch candy out of flour with your face.  They sure are delightful. 

            Wednesday night High school group had Bobby rolling on the ground laughing so hard.  One of the youths coughed as he was trying to get an M&M out of flower with his face.  The plumes were a beautiful array of spray that jump scared many with hops backward. 

This week Bobby cooked Cottage pie and it tasted fabulous.  I am blessed by his love, cooking, and presence.  Bobby mowed the lawn as much as the batteries would let him this week and did a great job. 

Seth mowed the rest of the lawn and teased me about how hard it is (oh the agony).  There was about 3 ft square to mow.  He believes that the more we mow it the faster it will grow.  Sigh.

Family blesses and so does reading.  I enjoy exploring new lands, hearing new ideas, and feeling what the author wants me to feel.  I am glad I have started picking books up again.  Reading the book, “Dream Releasers” by Wayne Cordero gave me a vision for discipling youth.  How exciting to help people grow in faith and in maturity.  I’ll be reaching out to a couple people when the weather is better because I like walking as I talk.  None of this sitting-down business.  Either way, I was blessed by reading the book and putting it in our church library.

May you find joy in a good book.  May you delight in the spring flowers that are beginning to show.  May you be glad for the changes God brings into your life.  Love and hugs, Cristy

Also, Bobby bought a game for camp.  Giant Clue.  When I asked what was different about the game he said, "It's for giants to play."  He wouldn't let that go and I just had to laugh.  Silly man.

3/13/23

 Dear Family,

 

            It is so nice having Bobby at home.  I love his cooking and that it included meat from the freezer.  We also enjoyed playing “Wingspan” which helps us learn about birds and lets me build.  I love building, growing, and creating a team, deck, or creation. 

            Middle school group was filled with a wonderful group of fun-loving people.  They interact with joy and excitement.  They remind their parents to bring them and are glad to be together.  The lesson from last week about stuff was used last night except it was done by Bobby which was completely different.  Instead of talking about the meaning of life, I found I was the main illustration because I had the habit of cleaning up after Bobby.  He would go away for weeks at a time, and I would box up many items, store them under the house, or do general cleaning.  When he came back, he would say, “Where’s my stuff” my answer was, “Where it belongs.” His confusion, “Where is that?”  My answer of, “I don’t remember” didn’t help his situation.  The main theme was to be less possessive of the items you have and be more focused on God and His will. 

                Wednesday night had some interesting insights during our pre-games.  One person mentioned we were playing strip gutter ball.  This brought many questions and looks.  Finally, “What kind of stripping are we doing here?”  And the answer, “He just took his coat off, don’t take this too far guys!”  There was relief and laughter.  Oh, that.  Later we heard Bobby was playing, “Killer checkers” with Sam.  Well, I said, “At least it’s better than strip gutter ball.”  Another came back with, “One person dies, how is that any better?”  Oh dear, he had a point.

                During the lesson, we discussed sharing our story and how we are "compelled" to share (Luke 8:39, John 3:39-42).  The picture was a bit confusing to Rich.  "Why did you include a picture of a 'Scary old quaker woman?'”  This brought up much consternation.  #1 how are quaker women scary?  #2 that’s Obi-Wan Kenobi!  What do you see?

                I enjoy walking with friends immensely.  These are precious times and the sun shone for us for the minutes we were outside.  What a blessing!  What fun.  Even more fun was when we sat down for a bit and her husband acted silly.  Do you see the husband in this picture?

                Home group on Thursday was good.  Everyone is glad to talk about God and sing his praises. 

                Friday, I had a nice nap from 4-6:30PM and was able to function enough to watch some shows with Bobby before we went to bed.  He made a wonderful dinner of chicken and scalloped potatoes.  I am so blessed that he cooks for us.  I really hate cooking.  Saturday we were entertained with a presentation about travel.  We enjoyed being together and figuring out what God’s will is for our future.  Not their sales pitch or the “free” airfare tickets either.  Oh well, it was fun to find ourselves of one mind about those things.

                May you also agree with the ones you love.  May you find peace in God’s will and promises.  May you endure the hard times and be blessed by the easy.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

 PS if you want some Resturants.com $ or "free" airfare and 2 hotel nights with so many restrictions and a cost of $550 in fees and taxes they weren't worth it for us to use let me know I'll give them to you.

               

 

 

3/6/23

 Dear Family,

                Bobby noticed I was gone at work a lot so he folded my laundry for me.  I appreciated his help and thoughtfulness.

                Seth enjoyed some Chicken and Broccoli stir fry I made while Bobby was gone.   He also delights us during movies with his comments.  I truly enjoy his presence.  We watched Wakanda forever and he was saying how he hopes there will be dancing and happiness at his funeral.  I have been bugging him to fill out his Oregon Advance Directive, so I said, “Put that in there!”  It will be interesting to see what he wants.  Everyone, you need to fill that form out.  It’s important for the world to know what your desires are.

                Adriel welcomed me with open arms in Portland for a late lunch.  It is so good to see her and hear about how life is going.  She is full of love and hugs.  We catch up, reminisce, and delight in being together.  I wish her well in her growth and independence.

                Tuesday night Bobby canceled youth group from Idaho.  He was at a retreat for Camp leaders.  When I let him know it was snowing, we checked if the schools were canceled and therefore had to cancel youth group.  Wednesday night, Rich led High school group and it was a great introspective time about living life differently.  If we aren’t supposed to live life to get more stuff (Matthew 6:19-21) then what are we supposed to live life for?  Great . . . long . . . pause.  Figuring that out took a bit and we talked a little about crowns, winning souls, and good works, not investing in people just because we like having friends but investing because we can help lead them to the one who loves the most.  What a tragedy it would be if the ones closest to us watched us enter heaven and said, “You never told me!”

                Bobby came home from his retreat tired because it was after I went to bed.  I am glad he is back.  When he asked what he could cook one night I said, “Asparagus!” because it was $.99 a lb.  He made a yummy meal around asparagus and there was great rejoicing. 

                May you find God gives you grace for all those you encounter.  May you be glad in your heart when you help others.  May you do good works which God prepared in advance for you to do. 

 

Love,

 

 

Cristy