5/22/23

 

Dear Family,

                I love peanut sauce.  Bobby made a dish around that Monday, and I have been happy for days because of leftovers.  YUM!  We all have delighted every time we eat it.  Bobby is such a great cook.

                Middle school group was fun and entertaining.  The youth were especially excited about root beer floats.  Fabulous!!  What a great treat on a hot day.  Thanks to those who give to the youth group for snacks!  The lesson was good for the thinker.  I was filling in blanks as Bobby was starting.  One youth was amazed at how much I was pre-filling.  I had to comment that I married the guy and have a degree in Bible.  Bobby asked a student to read Matthew 5:14-16.  When the student started talking about pigs Bobby said, “That’s Mark” and had him switch books in the Bible.  Again, complete amazement, “How did he know that?”.  Folks, if you want to awe and inspire middle schoolers – know your Bible.  That’s all it takes.

                High school group had major intensity.  One student throws the carpet ball so hard it might make other balls jump up and attack.  Everyone knows to back away from the playing area when he throws.  He met his match Wednesday night with a newer young lady.  So many exclamations of awe!  One person had to comment, “You don’t have to throw the ball that hard!”  The rebuttal was, “This is the only way I know how to throw it.”  Back came, “Who hurt you as a child?  This is not good therapy.”

                I am so glad Bobby doesn’t make me go to the various concerts, games, graduations, and events he attends.  My job is physical, and in the evenings, I need to rest.  Thank you all for understanding if I don’t attend.  I like going to bed around 8 PM which is when some of these things start!   Bobby wakes up way later than I do so it works out for him to stay up late. 

                I do enjoy the times he stays home from events to be with me.  We relax together and it is nice to sit, chat about our day, eat and pray together.  Good time apart means even better time together.

                Youth Sunday was fantastic as usual.  I enjoy the excitement youth generate.  I also love taking pictures of our youth in action.  Several favorite moments were two young men smiling happily when their mother figure mentioned how proud she was of her boys who were helping.  The female who bowed when there was clapping.  And the man who commented that the picture of Waldo was a picture of Bobby.  How fun.

                Seth is showing his abilities in so many ways.  Not only is he self-driven to get his schoolwork done but he is willing and able to ask for help when Calculus doesn’t make sense.  I am impressed by his desire and ability to get good grades, apply himself and do well.

                He also gives me a hug when I ask for one, cleans bathrooms and is a fun movie critic.  The new Tron was impressive, but the water and smoke effects were too expensive in his eyes.

                Adriel remains delightful and alive.  She tried a random e-scooter which got her to work in a record 7 minutes!  She also was entertained by a person with a pig on the metro.  Pig on a leash in the METRO!!  Ahhhhhhh ha ha ha ha ha.  That’s too much.

                May you delight in those who serve.  May you also be glad to be of service whenever you can.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

5/15/23

 Dear family,

 

                I delight in looking at the beautiful outdoors.  Especially when I see a nicely mowed lawn and don’t even know who done it.  Bobby is taking the initiative to be helpful around the house and I am blessed that he mowed the lawn.

                Middle School group had a lot of youth playing soccer.  I enjoyed making daisy chains while almost everyone else got hot and sweaty.  I would much rather create something pretty than take a second shower in the day.  I also enjoy chatting about life with the youth and that was very nice.  Several people learned how to make chains and it was a fun creative time.

                 High School group had me laughing during some games.  Playing chess with a crowd can be unnerving.  A person made a move, and someone said, “Ohhhh” with chagrin.  They mentioned they were playing ‘next level’ above what the actual players were playing, and they saw the future of those moves to be horrible.  Talk about insulting.  Another comment was, “You should move there!”  “Why should I move there?”  “Because it would be funny.” 

                Making checkers pieces set up to be a smile has become a bit of a past time for me.  Somehow it always gets set right.  How disturbing.

                I enjoyed the lesson time because it made people want to play fruit ninja with a real sword and real fruit.  Talking about God’s word being a sword brings out interesting subjects.

                We also talked about sword drills, and it was fun to try it out.  Some people are fast at finding passages in the Bible.  It was fun to find out who won and who started trying after a bit.  They got into it, and I loved the interactions.

                Home group was lovely.  I enjoy singing, talking about God’s word, and figuring out things more in-depth with adults.  Jonah is a plot-twisting page-turner.  It’s fun to discuss what Jonah and God thought when they did things.

                Bobby cooked tuna fish sandwiches one night and pork, asparagus, and potatoes another night.  All were super yummy dishes, and I am so glad for his initiative.  I am also glad for nights we can just sit after a long day of work.  Relaxing is truly wonderful.

                Adriel consistently answers the phone with, “I’m alive!”  It’s so good to hear her voice and know she is alive and well.  She says she misses us so that is also touching.  What a bright spot she is in our lives.  We were delighted in her joining us for a family meal at Golden Crown on Mother’s Day.   That she wants to be with us is heartwarming. 

                Seth continues to plug away at work and school.  He is learning calculus which makes Bobby and I both think he’s smarter than us.  He also cleaned the bathrooms Sunday and that is wonderful.   We enjoyed watching The Matrix with him.  He picks movies apart when it comes to their cinematography so it’s interesting to see the movie through his eyes.  Fewer cut scenes would have made the movie better for him 😉.   He also joined us at our families’ favorite restaurant for Mother’s Day.   I love reminiscing and delighting in each life.

                May you enjoy the beauty around you and feel God smiling in his downright, amazing love for you.

 

Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

                

5/8/23

 Dear Family,

 

                Time to decompress is so important.  I was glad to have Monday evening with Bobby.  Last week we were out most nights, and it was enjoyable, but I was tired.  God is good 😊 I am glad for days or evenings off.

                Bobby mowed the lawn before the rain came.  It was amazing that it only took one battery (instead of the 3 it can take when the lawn is still wet and long).   

                We enjoyed a quick visit on the first of the month.  One youth chose to ring the doorbell and then get Bobby with, “Rabbits.”  How fun! 

                Middle school group had some hilarious entertainment during game times.  Bobby believes he has pastor privilege when it comes to being the rule maker, umpire, and general person who makes things happen.  When someone was frustrated with how a game was going Bobby asked, “Is your name umpire?”  Another random person had to say, “Well, technically, Bobby’s name isn’t umpire either.”

                Someone gifted the youth group with unicorn marshmallows.  Bobby had a game where four volunteers lay down, licked a marshmallow, and stuck it to their foreheads.    The goal was to see how high they could stack the marshmallows.  Several people became jealous and said, “I want to be a unicorn!”  Bobby invited all who wanted to lie down to go ahead, there were plenty of marshmallows to go around.  Boom, most of the youth were now lying down.  It was funny to see.

                High school group had so much laughter I enjoyed watching the youth doubled over.  They bring amazing humor with them, and I love the interactions.  Here are some of the things we laughed about.  When some asked for water I mentioned there are plastic cups by the sink and, “You can name the cups if you want.”  One youth announced, “I name this cup Jarrod.”  Another announced, “I name this cup Billy Bob.” 

                The lesson was about how the saying or thought that “Bad things don’t happen to good people” is not in the Bible.  An example Bobby brought up was, “Say someone did something really bad and then got into a car accident.  What would you call that?”  This was supposed to bring up Karma, but the kids jokingly agreed that this was a “Skill issue.” 

                Another concept about this is, “What is your definition of good?”  We all want to declare ourselves good, Well, at least better than Hitler.  One student shot out with, “I am good according to the US law.”  Another, “Have you ever pirated something?  Be honest.”  The first then smiled and said, “I am pretty OK according to the US law.”  In all reality, Romans 3:10 is spot on when it says, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” 

                Another example was how doing the right thing can get you into trouble.  Paul and Silas were put into jail because they cast a demon out of a girl who made her owner’s money.  This brought up how God lets bad things happen and sometimes good comes out of it.  There was an earthquake and the jailer thought everyone had run away.  He was about to kill himself . . . but Bobby forgot to mention that, so I interjected with, what was the jailer doing?  This brought up sword placement (he has a sword to his mouth, no to his belly) and then erupted when someone said, “He was taking a toaster bath.” 

                In the end, the jailer and his family found faith in God through that hardship.  God works in ways we don’t expect.  There is Job, Hosea, Jonah, and more.  There are stories that include plot twists, things that seem so wrong and yet end up so amazingly right.  Joseph, Moses, and David to name a few.

                Thursday, I enjoyed time with a friend and an amazing deep conversation with humor mixed in.  How delightful it is to share life with friends and help each other grow.

                Friday Bobby and I enjoyed our time at Pho Keizer.  We had fun conversation, fabulous food, and a great atmosphere.  I love date nights.  We are happy to be together and that is lovely. 

                Saturday, I picked up Adriel in Portland to bring her to Ryland’s graduation party.  We had time to thrift store shop, so we went to a couple.  I enjoyed Adriel’s excitement and that she drives for us.  Our conversation was enlightening, and I love finding out how she thinks.  It’s fabulous how smart she is.  Being at the party was great!  How wonderful to be in a place we are so loved celebrating such a great accomplishment.  Yay, Ryland. 

                Seth also came to the party, and I was glad to see him.  He is so fun to be around, and I love his smile.  Seth also cleaned the bathroom this week and I am glad he chips in.  I’ll admit I did ask him to pray while he was on the computer.  I happened to have a silly mask on so when he did look at me, we had a chuckle.  I am glad we have fun.

                May you also find joy in relating to those you love.  May you give and find out that gift multiplied and has helped in more ways than you could have imagined.  May you delight in God and his creation.  Much love,

 

 

 

 

Cristy

5/1/23

 Dear Family,

            When we all pull together, things get done!  Bobby blessed me on Monday by cooking Teriyaki Salmon, rice, and veggies.  He also mowed the lawn and went with me into the garden after dinner.  We shared excitement over how many sunflower starts exist all over the garden.  Bobby also likes the blue bells, and we have a lot of those everywhere.   Spring is a time of anticipation, potential and beauty.  Some Columbines have bloomed because they receive more sun.  some are still coming in and some are babies.  How fun to see all three stages in one garden.

            Middle School group was filled with laughter, fun and good times.  Bobby starts out youth group with outdoor games in the warmer months, so they were throwing balls with tails back and forth.  One foxtail (ball with a tail) got stuck in a tree and then we saw the jackpot.  So many things were already in that tree!  We found out who is good at climbing trees!  So many things came down.  Basketballs, a soccer ball and the two fox tails from our group.  There is still treasure for later.  That tree holds so much.

            After outdoor games we went downstairs and the announcements had a picture that had me say, “I see candy corn.” 

 

This brought chuckles and, “I do too!  Now I’m hungry.”

            The lesson was about a mis-quoted phrase, “God will never give you more than you can handle.”  This is disproved in 2 Cor 1:8 when the apostle said he despaired even to death.  (This is also disproved every time a person dies!)  Bobby had to mention school pressures and how teachers load people up with homework.  “Don’t they know you have games to play?  Stuff to do?”  Then Bobby asked a student, “How do you goof off?”  After a bit of thought there was, “By laughing.” 

            High school group was also filled with laughter, smiles and good-natured ribbing.  One poor student made a decision he immediately regretted and will never make again.  Eating the hottest chip in the world is not for everyone.  It gave the poor person a nosebleed and discomfort that lasted into the night.

            During the lesson Bobby asked what are some ways people deal negatively with pressure?  The answers came at a rapid pace, overeating, undereating, over sleeping, under sleeping and on.  Then Bobby asked, “What are healthy ways to deal with pressure.”  One said, “Exercise” another, “Unless it’s overexercising!”

            Thursday night was homegroup and I sense with this group a deep desire to share life together.  The conversation flows and we find strength in sharing our stories.  God is as work, and we are growing closer to Him as we discuss His word and how it applies to our lives.

            Friday night our Youth Group pitted against Englewood Baptist in Nerf Wars.  It was an adrenaline filled night that brought joy to many.  I had fun taking pictures and chatting with several people who delighted in the shots they took, and the zombie attacks they survived.  This was an outreach as someone walking by had to ask how to start attending youth group.  How fun!

            Seth gave me a hug Tuesday night at church because he hadn’t on his way out the door.  He even said, “I love you” to go with it.  Yay, not embarrassed to hug mom in front of the youth group, my heart is full.  He also cleaned the bathroom and chatted with me a bit.  I am blessed to have him close still.

            Adriel continues to let me know she is alive.  I am so glad she answers the phone.  She remains deep in my heart as one of my very favorite people in the whole world.

            She said she was excited to see me for lunch on Friday and I enjoy her company.  She is so focused and determined it inspires me to consider my plot in life and how I can better myself as well. 

            The cherry tree has blossomed beautifully, the raspberry and grape vine have buds.  God preserves seeds that were thrown out into the garden last fall.  He deepens their roots and gives them motivation and grace to grow.  May he also do this with us.

 

Much love, Cristy

4/24/23

 Dear Family,  

 

 

                I appreciate Bobby taking the time to be with me and to cook for us.  Monday we enjoyed shopping together and talking.  Because we spent over $50 together and I had clipped a coupon earlier on the off chance. . we got $10 off.  How fun!  We are better together.  I am glad he is kind and takes care of us.

                Adriel is so lovely!  She called and chatted with Bobby and me about what is interesting in her life.  I am blessed to be her mom.   She also chatted with my friend and me another day.  My friend mentioned that she is the light of my life and how proud I am of Adriel.  Apparently, I don’t say it enough because Adriel was touched.  I am totally proud of Adriel’s independent spirit, stick-to-itiveness, and perseverance.  Adriel is willing to work super hard to achieve her goals and it’s more than impressive.  It’s astounding.

                Adriel also chatted with me Thursday evening and said she is glad she moved to Portland.  She has nostalgia when visiting Salem but is stretching her wings, networking, and growing leaps and bounds out on her own.  Oh, my heart!

                Adriel also enjoys reselling thrift store or Estate sale finds.  She said she learned from the best because I have been selling things online since before she was born.

                When I asked Seth to join our family on a trip to Chicago, he mentioned it was “Enough of a culture shock visiting Seattle” as one of the reasons he doesn’t want to go.  He is willing to take care of the cat.  I didn’t expect him to go with us, but it would have been nice.

                Seth cleaned the downstairs bathroom, and I am very glad he took the initiative on that.  I like it when he is helpful around the house. 

                Tuesday night at youth group I enjoyed a new twist on the game Chess.  Forget all the thought, it’s now ‘Flick chess’.  Take a piece off, aim, and flick another piece at the other side.  All pieces that fly are now taken off.  Simple and way more fun than traditional chess.   An extra bonus is how much this disturbs Bobby, he doesn’t want any pieces lost and complains loudly that we are doing it wrong.  Hilarious!

                During Song time Bobby asked a youth, “Are you eating chips and singing at the same time?”  He seemed surprised there wasn’t much of a mess.

                The High school group also delighted in flick chess.  Smiles and laughter are way more fun than frowns and deep thought in my books.  Since our group was smaller Bobby had me go for an ice cream run.  I came back with the DQ bag right as he was saying, “We need to switch our focus on heavenly things more than earthly.”  I stood there a bit waiting to see if I should bring out the dilly bars.  When I turned to put them in the freezer Bobby stopped me and asked, “What are you doing?”  I said, “Switching these focus to the freezer?”  Nope, it was time to serve the ice cream even though it seemed the opposite of the lesson.

                Later in the lesson, Bobby had the group laughing when he asked, “What desires in your life wage war against God?  Is it pushing ___________ down the stairs?”  This may have been a legitimate concern; I never did get a straight answer out of the group.

                Thursday Bobby and I discussed refining some behaviors in our relationship.  Maybe getting his goat doesn’t need to be one of my major priorities and a whole lot of other things. 

                Bobby took out the garbage and cleaned our bathroom which was very kind.  I am blessed when he helps at home.  We are also praying a lot more for each other, for our children, and about how we can grow as a couple.  We are in discussion about how we will move forward.  It is good to bring things to God.  He is a wonderful counselor, caring, and comforting.

                Friday, we had a lovely date and began talking about a trip Bobby has been planning for us.  We will enjoy exploring a state Bobby has never been to before and were hoping to bring the kids.  Also, we figured that I would buy a different chess set so he won’t worry about his pieces being damaged or lost when people play flick chess.

                I hadn’t spoken to my parents in a while and I found out Dad went to the hospital with Pneumonia when the first thing he said after, “Hello,” was, “I’m alive!”  Goodness!  I may have never found out!  Please pray for my parents as they navigate this new health issue. 

                Thank you for walking with me on this journey called life.  Your prayers make a huge difference.  Your love warms my heart.  May you also be warmed, feel loved and appreciated.  Hugs,

 

 

Cristy

PS, this picture is of regular chess.  But it is still a fun picture.

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