6/27/22

  

Dear Family,

 

                Seth has been weeding, putting dishes away, and picking raspberries.  I am glad he continues to help out at home.  He is sweet about answering my questions and giving me a hug or two out since Bobby is gone.  He even called the spinach and mushroom pizza I baked (from frozen) “good”.  He’s a trooper my Seth.  I am glad he still lives with us.  I like that he got up at 1AM to check why I was up and about.  I am glad he was sweet when he figured out I was just getting ready for my 4 AM shift.  Seth mowed the lawn and has been delightful to be around.

                Adriel has one week off of school before the summer term.  She spent some time with me which was delightful.  I like that she is willing to meet me downtown for lunch.  After that, she went with me to our favorite Thrift Store.  The people at the Union Gospel Mission store love seeing her and like to tell me how much joy she brings to them when she comes.  Adriel also came to visit on Saturday and it was lovely being with her.

                Bobby cooked amazing tacos Monday night.  Then he was so tired he almost took a nap.  Poor guy.  Getting ready for camp takes a lot of energy.  It doesn’t help that there is nightly construction with bangs, beeps, and scrapes right outside our window.  It will be so nice when the city decides they have completed those projects.

                Bobby came back from camp with fun pictures, great stories, and a full heart.  He walked with me, ordered pizza, and was great company.  I am glad he gets to come home between camps.

                I am excited that we have raspberries and cherries.  They are novel and yummy.  I feel God's blessing and love when I eat yummy food.  I am reminded of the laws of the harvest, and all the hard work that went into established plants.  We are rewarded for what we do either good or bad.

                May you make amazingly good choices that ripple like a pebble in the pond.  May what you do affect the world in fabulous ways.  May you feel God’s love flow thru you and impact all you encounter.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

6/20/22

 Dear Family,

 

                I am so glad Bobby brings home interesting things from his visits with his mom.  I don’t mind trying new foods.  I love that he is a good son and models the idea that visiting dear old mom is good.  Bobby also went to a cousin’s graduation party.  He was so overjoyed to catch up with his family.  I was working but I am glad he was able to go.

                Life is going to become pretty hectic so our date night was on a Tuesday.  Bobby and I enjoyed going for a walk and to eat at La Vida Catrina.  Our time was delightful.  I have never tried corn with tajin and cotija cheese.  I would never attempt it myself but they made it amazing.

                 Bobby mowed the lawn and weeded a lot this week.

Seth weeded and I am blessed for any help I can get in the yard.  We put on the movie Galaxy Quest and Seth asked, “Is this a Star Trek knockoff?” I had to say yes.

                The youth group BBQ was a lot of fun.  There was yummy food, entertaining games, and friends.  I am glad it was a good time for all.

                Bobby made yummy Gouda Mac and Cheese which was from his mom.  It tasted great and I am blessed that he enjoys cooking. 

                Because I am working on Sunday we met Saturday evening for our Father’s day celebration.  It was lovely to see Adriel, have a great conversation, and enjoy yummy pizza from Walleries.  Adriel and Bobby also indulged me by picking raspberries and making appropriate happy comments about how good raspberries are in general.  I am filled with joy by their purposeful acts of service.

                May you also find joy when others give you love.  May you accept their offerings and give them loving gratitude for the effort they put forth.  In a world full of complaining may you be thankful, loving, and a joy.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

6/13/22

 Dear Family,

 

            Does your heart ache when you think of loss?  It seems that our time with Seth is coming to an end.  He will move out someday and I love being with him.          Watching a movie with us Seth said, “It looks like they are speeding on a curvy road which is a recipe for falling into the ocean.” 

            Bobby has been helping with the constant weeds that are flourishing in our spring weather.  I am blessed by this because it is such a big task.  Seth even pulled some.  College is over for the summer, yeah!

            In youth group, Bobby was making an example of a bad friend and said, “What if ______ knew his friend liked strawberries but invited him over to eat blueberries instead.  How good of a friend would you be?”  ________ said, “Well it depends on if he likes blueberries . . “  Bobby cut in with, “Nope, he’s allergic to Blueberries, they would kill him!”

            A youth mentioned she ran into a friend at Target.  Bobby asked, “Were you in a car when you ran into him?”  She said, “I wish.”

            When Bobby asked what could happen if you chose bad friends a youth said, “You could end up in a gang that destroys your whole life and career.”

            Bobby mentioned he had a bad friend when he was their age.  He said he still remembered the person's name but they weren’t friends anymore.  A youth insisted he needed to know the name.  Over and over he asked.  Bobby said no and the youth persisted with, “Give me the name so I can hunt them down.”  When Bobby said, “No” again the youth said, “I’ll still end him.”  Apparently, it’s dangerous to be a bad friend of Bobby’s.

            When they went to fill in a blank about friendships being considerate, genuine, and ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­c---------  one person shouted out constipated.  No, that was not the answer.  Sadly I don’t remember the answer because I wrote down constipated.

            The high school group had a lot to say about a smoke bomb that went off at school and had the rest of the day canceled.  There was a lot of, “Where were you when it happened?” talk.  During prayer, one student said, “And Lord may we end the year with a bang.”  Bobby mentioned jokingly that wasn’t the right thing to pray right after a bomb threat.

            Bobby cooked dinner Thursday night and it was wonderfully cozy to spend time together.  With so many events it is rare to have an evening to ourselves. 

            I was filled with contentment and joy on a lazy Saturday morning when I said, “Happiness is a purring cat.”  Bobby replied, “Happiness is a puppy peeing in someone else’s lap.”

            May you enjoy my kind of happiness.  May you delight in the flowers popping up everywhere.  May you be glad for God’s love, goodness, and sacrifice.  May His sacrifice give you wisdom and strength to sacrifice for others.  Much love,

 

 

 

Cristy

6/6/22

 Dear Family,

            Bobby taught me yet a new game.  It’s nice to spend time with him.  I also enjoyed a walk, going out for a treat and playing that game over and over to see if I could beat him again. 

            We had a great conversation with Seth and he remains fabulous company.  He is growing and learning.  I enjoy watching him process life.

            I enjoy singing and clapping with the youth group.  It is wholesome and uplifting.  I also was brought back to our kids’ childhood when Bobby played Adriel’s song for a little – until Bobby played a different tune in the middle of the song.  I gave him an angry face which just makes him laugh and tell me I’m working on wrinkles. 

            Celebrating 26 years of marriage brings up how rich a history we have.  There are so many amazing stories and two delightful children we have raised.  How God has blessed us!  We have lived thru so much and I feel like we are only half done. 

            At youth group there were favorite ice cream treats which were taken first.  A youth was kind of excited about stomping on the empty box.  He jumped once and Bobby joked by saying, “Oh no!  There was still one in there!”  The youth looked.  Low and behold – there really was!  This was exciting – the jumping had not ruined the favorite – the treat was intact and the youth was happy.  He said, “I wouldn’t have looked except you said there was one!”

            A favorite youth group quote was during games.  Sometimes the weird games turn into a tumble.  One fellow said, “I think I injured my self-esteem.” 

            Seth enjoyed an artistic movie with us.  He liked the Sepia tone and an action sequence.  He said, “Wow that was done in one take.  This is impressive.”  Then about 5 minutes later.  ”OK, now they are just showing off.”  It cracks me up how he went from impressed to annoyed so quickly. 

At another time we were watching the new Star Trek.  When Spock said, “I find the best way to reduce tension is to apply rigorous logic.”  Seth had to quip, “You are not fun at parties.”

            Seth is now 19 years old.  He is doing well in his College work.  He continues to be a great church custodian.  He is wonderful company.  I enjoy hearing him talk and delight in how funny he is.  When we have kids we definitely meet our match.  I was also hard to raise up and train.  The hard work is worth it!  When our kids grow up we can watch them be their own person, have their own opinions and fly.  I am so blessed to have children that I would love to befriend.  They are decent, wonderful and amazing human beings.  I am proud to be their mom.

            For Seth’s Birthday my parents came down to wish him well, sing the birthday song and spend some time.  They are great to talk with.   Adriel joined us for a yummy lunch at the Golden Crown.  What fun to be together, share wonderful food and enjoy.

            I am thankful for our family.  May you also be thankful for those you love.  May the amazing flowers popping up everywhere give you joy.  May you find peace knowing how much you are loved.  Hugs,

 

 

 

Cristy

           

 

5/30/22

 Dear Family,

 

We celebrated twenty-six years of marriage early last weekend at the Kalama McMenamins.  We enjoyed being leisurely, thrift store shopping, and my favorite part was the hidden rooms in the hotel.  That is such a cool idea.  I am willing to go to any hotel that has hidden rooms for us to find.  I read about the hidden rooms and was searching.  They were very hidden but Bobby pushed on a secret panel and there we were!  We had never found a secret room before 😁. 

When Bobby asked the youth group what their favorite gift was one person answered with her cell phone.  When asked why she said it helped her feel connected to friends.  It helped her feel connected to family and the internet.  Another student said, “It doesn’t help me feel connected, I just am.”  Bobby replied with, “OK, Neo.”

Bobby had a youth lead prayer one night.  Then Bobby acted like a squirmy youth which brought a bit too much enjoyment from Bobby and laughter from the leader.  Rich didn’t hear that he was the first to pray so it was very quiet when we were supposed to start.  Switching things up can be way too fun.

Homegroup was lovely.  I enjoy singing, learning about God, and studying His word more in-depth.  Getting to know our friends better is a fun added bonus.

Celebrating graduation comes early when your friend graduates with a Masters from California!  We enjoyed talking with a pastor friend, his family, and friends as we celebrated his freedom from future schooling.

Even though I hate ribs I am very glad Bobby made them for dinner because that means I don’t have to cook.  I love that he and Seth are happily eating food I don’t like.  When I used to cook I believed Bobby was such a picky eater.  What I truly believe now is that whoever cooks will make what they want – everyone has no problem knowing all the things they like.  It’s those they serve that are now the picky ones.  This is why I say, “Thank you for making dinner” even if I don’t want to eat it.  Yay, I didn’t have to cook.  Everyone who puts time and effort into a meal should be thanked.  It’s usually gone faster than it took to prepare.

Seth coughed and I said, “Do you want Cold Calm?” His response was, “I only coughed once mom!”  I had to retort with, “Take at the first sign!”  This conversation gives me joy because it reminds me of my mother who is also quick to hand out remedies.  It’s how we show love.

May you also love all those you encounter.  May you find joy in each person you meet.  May you be God’s light as you shine, sing and smile.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

 

Scare others?

 Dear Family,

 

            Did you experience the crazy spring weather like I did this week?  It was so sunny outside I didn’t bring my coat to work on Thursday.  By the time I drove there (a 15-minute drive) there was a downpour!  I laughed and ran to work.  I asked a coworker, “Wasn’t it just sunny?”  He said, “This is Oregon, you should know better not to bring your coat.”  He had a good point – I just laughed even harder.  Rain doesn’t kill people, it brings life and good smells.

            Ryland and Mariah’s Bridal Shower was very nice.  Our church tradition feels like we are ready to laugh so people were asked to tell funny stories on Ryland.  The only one Bobby could think of was when one of the youth was telling people how to pick up chickens (particularly babies).  Ryland became a bit agitated about the thought and said, “I just don’t know how to pick up chicks!”  Immediately after he said it there was blushing about the double meaning.

            Adriel was in the middle of school so wasn’t able to attend the Bridal shower.  I asked her if she wanted some of Christine’s flourless chocolate cake.  The immediate response was, “Yes!  1,000%.”  I love the extra 0 and Adriel got the last one.

            We have introduced 5^th graders into the youth group.  I am amazed at the physical maturity gap!  We have chipmunk voices again.  I love the newness of the youth group.  One student commented about the lesson, “Fill in the blanks.  There are blanks!?  I love blanks!”  Another student had to comment, “Well then you would love my mind.”

            When looking up a book in the bible a student said, “It’s in the New Testament I think.”  Bobby had to say, “No it’s the old.”  I chuckled at the quick, “Dang it!”

            One blank included how we can be good to those around us.  _ _ _ _ _ others.  One person guessed, “Smell?”  Another, “Scare?”  Silly gooses!  It was serve.  I enjoy the guessing and interaction.

            Bobby had us paint croquet balls in preparation for Crazy Croquet on Saturday.  This way everyone knew which ball was theirs.  Saturday was sunny all the way and for that I am thankful.

            Bobby made yummy Au Jus one night and enchiladas the other.  I am so glad he enjoys cooking.  I am also so glad we have figured out our chores and are content in doing them.

            May you find peace in the relationships you have.  May you delight in the beautiful flowers popping up everywhere.  May you find love in all your encounters and may you rejoice in knowing a loving God.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

 

The most important decision you will ever make.

 Dear Family,

 

We were created for a purpose.  We are loved.  We are not our own.  You have a choice to make about your purpose and identity.  Commercials say, “Our product provides you with identity, wear or drink this and you will be identified with us which makes you as beautiful and fun-loving as these models.”  If our foundation and identity are in brand names we will feel empty.  God created us with a longing to worship and be led by Him.  When we choose to follow and obey God we are choosing to let go of selfishness.  The message puts it like this, “Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way.  Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.” 1 Peter 4:1b-2.

            God created us, gave us rules, and set the earth into motion.  Humans push the limit on rules.  Every religion, country, and sports game has to have stipulations for what happens when rules are broken because of how often humans break rules.  The Old Testament provides rules, blessings for following rules, and curses for breaking them.  The Old Testament points us to Jesus because rules don’t work on selfishness alone.  It seems humans can’t make good choices even when motivated by selfishness.  Blessings may be clearly laid out as consequences of good behavior but we still have to try ‘our way’ first.

            When Jesus came he paid the price for our past, present, and future sins.  “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8.  God showed us that forgiveness is divine.  He sent forth an example of forgiveness, sacrificial love, and how to make good choices. 

            When we accept Jesus' death as a substitution for the punishment we deserve we are set free from the slavery our nature has to making bad choices.  We may still choose unwise paths but we do not have to anymore. 

            When we choose Christ as who we identify with we are choosing to be a child of God.  The joy that comes from forgiveness creates a thankful heart.  A full thankful heart is the best motivator for making good choices.  When Jesus said, “¹⁵ “If you love me, you will obey my commandments. ¹⁶ I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper who will be with you forever. ¹⁷ That helper is the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept him, because it doesn’t see or know him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17 God’s Word Translation)

            Jesus not only gives us forgiveness which results in a full and thankful heart he sent the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our paths.  Having this foundation means we can truly fulfill our purpose in life.  “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 New Living Translation.

            Choose to live life forgiven and for God.  It is the most important decision you will ever make over and over again.  (Sadly sin nature tries to crawl back to life and we do have to ask for forgiveness and recommit our lives daily – just like taking out the trash or defragmenting our hard drive.  Life can be messy.)

            This week at youth group I noticed some golden keys hanging from a youth's neck.  I couldn’t imagine those being house keys so I asked what they were.  His friend had to answer for him.  “Those keys are the keys to his soul which holds the weight of his sins.” 

            I enjoyed having lunch with Adriel.  She continues to push forward with her full-time job and full-time work.  I have never done that much in my life.  I have also never lived alone.  I am impressed by her independence and loving spirit.  I am amazed by her tenacity and beauty. 

            Watching a show with Seth baffles me and impresses me.  I can’t quite remember the jargon he uses but the gist I get are things like this: “Turn the sound up because audio levering is never consistent” (I think this means they didn’t make that particular scene loud enough).  “Why did they include that scene?  It has nothing to do with the plot development!”  “Whoever wrote that dialogue is a genius.”   He says other things but the gist of it is he is watching thru the eye of a producer.  He knows things I don’t and it’s delightful to hear smart things come out even if I don’t understand them.  Also when I am cringing about things he will point out to me, “You know that isn’t real right?”  I like that he is grown up.  I don’t have to worry about him having nightmares as I used to over scary scenes.

            Youth Sunday was truly enjoyable.  The teens did well greeting, singing, ushering, and serving in general.  Bobby’s sermon was fabulous and I had to chuckle when someone gushed about it but added, “Not that we expected anything otherwise, he always does a wonderful job.”

            After church, we went to Tapawingo for a meet and greet.  They are fundraising for the new dining lodge.  I expected to be bored but was delighted instead to feel so much love pouring out of Jane that it made me cry.  She was hoping I was OK but when I told her how beautiful it was that she can single people out for even a moment and pour God’s love onto them she felt seen and that created a moment.  I was impressed by a sign in their house that says it all.  “If you think our hands are full you should see our hearts.”

            So I leave you with this.  May you be so filled by God’s love, forgiveness, and joy that it spills out onto others.  “⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 4:4-7 NIV)

            Much Love :-) Cristy