12/27/21

 Dear Family,

 

            Preparation and timing are key.  Bobby started preparing for Christmas eve and Christmas dinner days before they happened.  God also prepared for our salvation and it took 30 years for Jesus to grow up, minister to people, and eventually die.  Goodness – what a plan.  Yet so many farmers, breeders, and entrepreneurs live with the end game in mind.  Some plans take a lifetime to achieve.  Do you have a long-term goal in mind?  Do I?

            Bobby made ham for Christmas eve, Turkey for Christmas, salad, potatoes, pies, etc.  Then he thanked me for all my hard work!  I wondered what in the world he was talking about and he had to clarify that I clean.  What a great husband I have.  He works hard and is thankful for everything. 

            Bobby and I had a nice date earlier in the week and enjoyed being together and eating Irish food.  I actually liked cabbage in a burger!  Bobby made potato onion soup earlier in the week.  He’s done cooking till next year. 

            We had family over on Christmas eve and I have to relive some fun conversation.  When Seth heard one person was allergic to cats yet had two he said, “That’s a great idea, whatever could go wrong?”  Later someone mentioned that they hated fishing but wouldn’t mind going along and reading a book next to the person fishing.  Seth said, “But that’s not fishing, it’s reading a book.”  I like Seth’s quick, sharp wit.

            Seth bought his friend a gift and was surprised at how much joy his friend felt.  When Adriel and Bobby heard of this they both exclaimed that he never buys us presents.  I also made him make an appointment with our financial advisor since he has money coming in but not going out.  Then Seth did give us Christmas gifts.  That was a first and it was very kind of him.

            Bobby did a great job Christmas shopping for our family.  This is now his job and not mine.  Yeah!

             Adriel came over for several visits and helped me with my hair.  She is so sweet.  Adriel didn’t mind an extended hug from Caren and I thought it was cute that she settled in for however long Caren wanted.  We all need a long hug sometimes.  Later, after a visit with the Duvals Adriel mentioned and I agreed that there is a warm feeling when with them – we really do feel part of their family.

            Bobby bought some Boba Fett art and put it in our guest room.  I didn’t notice it for two weeks so I guess it’s staying.  For some reason, I am tickled that he’s trying out passive-aggressive relating.  It’s my MO and seems to work the best.  I also taught baby Adriel to roll her eyes.  I know assertive is the most healthy way to relate but passive-aggressive is so much more entertaining.  Bobby insists he wasn’t being passive-aggressive but playful.

            I thanked the family for doing the dishes.  When they denied it I remembered that I had done it the night before.  Bobby laughed and said, “You weren’t even joking about thanking us.”  Ohh, foibles!

            May you delight in your own family's foibles.  We are not perfect but we are loved.  May your love stem from God’s overflowing and blessings.  May you rejoice in all that he is.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

PS, the Christmas service was beautiful and meaningful as ever.  This might be our last with Pastor Marcus so it is fun to capture the moment.

Merry Christmas Funnies

 Merry Christmas Friends!

 

Thank you for indulging me as I bring out the funniest comments of my year.  First I’ll give a paragraph about our doings.  Husband Bobby remains the Youth Pastor at West Hills Community Church.  15 years and going strong.  Adriel is a Legal Receptionist and studying paralegal work at Portland Community College.  Seth is studying computer science at Chemeketa Community college and continues working as the Church Custodian.  I am working at Fred Meyer.  We enjoy the peaceful life God has given us. 

On to the funnies!

            Do you ever find yourself pondering why people do something THAT way?  Our kitty was meowing and meowing with demand.  Finally, I showed her I had already made her favorite food and it had been there the whole time.   I wondered aloud, “Kitty, why didn’t you see that?”  Bobby said, “She has a brain the size of a walnut.”

In Youth Group Bobby said, "I will give Rich a terrible task.”  Someone asked, “Will you make him eat mustard?” 

I announced I would be giving the kitty a bath.  Bobby said, “Time to update your will.” 

Prayer request time can also bring up an interesting conversation.  One student was excited that the salmon eggs in the class had hatched.  Bobby wanted to share his knowledge.  He said, “And do you know what baby salmon are called?”  After a bit of stuttering, the person said, “Salmon, salmon, salmonella?”  (The answer is fingerling.)

In youth group, someone said, “I was just asking what flavor her shoes were.”  The person next to her said, “Black?” The person next to me said, “Dirt with a hint of gum I stepped on yesterday.”

Seth does not like Sriracha chocolate-covered almonds.  I quote, “Nothing is satisfying about them.  There is only pain.”

            I like pesto sauce.  Seth said that when I added pesto sauce to spaghetti noodles, “That’s not spaghetti, that’s an abomination.” 

            When we asked Seth if he wanted a large or smaller Graduation party he said.  “Let me think, um, neither.”  COVID helped that be a reality.

            The administration at Seth's High School graduation said, “No one may throw their graduation cap.”  The ceremony was over.  3 people threw their caps.  Seth did it.  He threw his and turned red.  Then he picked up his cap and someone else’s and gave it to them.  

When asked, “Seth, how does it feel to be an adult?”  He said, “I can’t wait to pay taxes.”

I found Seth eating a whole unpeeled carrot, just like a farm boy.  When I mentioned how cute that was he said, “Well it’s better than eating those chemical pebbles they call baby carrots.”

On St. Patrick's day, I told Adriel to wear green and she said, “They aren’t going to pinch me at the law firm mom.”  Bobby said, “Yeah, they could sue.” 

            July 5th was hard for me.  Adriel had three jobs that day.  She was the receptionist at the law firm.  She had a 6-midnight shift at the ASAP market in Lancaster and then Tuesday morning she did not come home.  This scared me.  After calling ASAP to confirm the last time someone saw her alive and the boyfriend who had not seen her – aghhhhhh, I was freaking out.  Adriel contacted us saying she was house sitting.  Bobby was not impressed when I said, “Oh yeah.”  She really has to tell Him these things.

After Adriel moved out, Bobby asked if anyone had heard from her.  I said, “Well, we can’t assume she’s dead anymore.”  Seth came back, “We can, . . . . but it’s unfounded.”  So, that began a new chapter of our life.  Not knowing Adriel’s whereabouts had to become OK.

Adriel does come home to put laundry in the washing machine.  I mentioned, “We have a guest.”  Bobby and Seth were like, “Who?”  I said, “They have laundry.”  Bobby was like, “Is it Adriel?”  Seth goes, “No just some random homeless guy.”

May you enjoy the simple joys of life.  May you be glad that Jesus came to forgive.  May the freedom and joy being forgiven brings make you filled with grace – able to love others even if they are mean to you. 

 

Much Love,

 

 

 

Cristy VanKleek

12/20/21

 Dear Family,

 

                Christmas festivities make life so fun and our hearts feel so full!  Bobby had the Youth group split up and sing Carols to some seniors from our church on Wednesday.  The people in my group saw clapping, tears of joy and received hugs and thanks.  How fun to gather back at the church with full hearts for hot cocoa and general merriment. 

                Bobby then had a Christmas party on Friday where the youth group decorated cookies, greeted for prizes, and had a gift exchange with God-sanctioned stealing (but only 3 times per present).  I enjoyed the abundance of laughter and so much fun!

                July thoughts at Christmas time?  You bet!  Bobby woke up thinking about a new camp game.  He’s planning camp already and had to write down his new ideas.  His goal is for every personality to have fun – even the people that don’t want to play games.

                Bobby and I watched, “It’s a wonderful life” which we believe is the best movie made ever even though the special effects were sub-par.  Seth was in the room and watched some of it.  I then mentioned that another very good movie is “The Sound of Music” but I was sad the kids wouldn’t watch with me because there are no special effects.  Bobby said it wasn’t that good of a movie.  Seth laughed and said he will watch it with me – in heaven.

                Seth is done with this semester’s school and I noticed he is still on his computer.  I wanted to know his grades and he said, “I don’t know, because I don’t care.”  This had me concerned so I made him look them up.  He’s getting mostly A’s.  Phew!  He asked me if I wanted him to care more and I was saying, “Yes!” even with the grades being good.  Yikes.

                “That game where you can’t walk up the stairs.”  Every time Seth says this he can’t help but smile very large.  There is something about feeling superior.  Seth can now play a game on his computer with Bobby on the x-box.  Apparently, it’s OK to shoot things if they are not human (they are aliens).         

                Seth asked me to buy more toothbrush heads because his are out.  I asked what kind and wanted to know if he had any packaging.  None.  I told him it was OK because I had it in my e-bay order history.  This was alarming to Seth, “I hate it when you order used things!”  I told him half the things on eBay are new.  He could only say, “That’s what they saaaaaaay,” with doubt.

                Adriel told me I made her day on Monday when I delivered lunch and laundry.  That warmed my heart.  Then she told me she had been sick and got better.  No call to mom at all!  I wanted to make sure she knew when to call the hospital if she got too sick.  She looked her symptoms up on Web MD.  Goodness!  She had me feeling jealous because she made cookies and I didn’t have any time in my schedule to make some.  After lunch she had me stay a little longer to introduce me to people and keep chatting.  I think she likes me!

                May you find strength in knowing how loved you are.  May the sacrifices God and others have made bring joy to your heart.  May you choose thankfulness in all your thoughts.  Much love,

 

Cristy

PS Adriel gave me permission to share this picture of her and her boyfriend snowboarding last weekend.  They sure are cute.

12/13/21

 Dear Family,

 

                The beauty of lights casts gloom and darkness away.  This dreary weather is something we can ignore because there are so many festivities to plan for, gifts to buy, and decorations to consider.  We are blessed with lights, anticipation, and beauty.  Every season has its beauty.

                Bobby made teriyaki chicken on Monday around lunchtime.  I was gone for lunch but when I came home Bobby said I better eat it soon because it might disappear.  Seth liked it.

                I am glad that Pastor Marcus is moving up into a bigger position.  He is excited to serve however God calls him.  Our church worships God, not a person so I know we will find another wonderful leader.  We are in a position of strength and love.  We will welcome and foster a wonderful person who will lead and guide for years to come.  Bobby is confident whoever our church finds will be a great fit.

                Youth Group gatherings were productive and fun.  We colored wood ornaments in anticipation of caroling the next week.  Our gift of ornaments will be a blessing to remember year after year. 

                Homegroup was wonderful.  The lesson about Isaac being a type of Christ was enlightening.  Jesus Carried his cross just like Isaac carried the wood.  Hmmmm!  Also, people loved the bacon wrapped around water chestnuts Bobby made.

                Adriel will spend Christmas with us.  Yay!  I am excited to see her.  She also brought some popsicles to Bobby when he wasn’t feeling well.  Such a sweet loving daughter.

                Bobby asked me for a Christmas bag for a gift.  I told him we had plenty.  When I looked in our box of Christmas wrapping/bags I only found a tiny one.  Instead, I decided to use one I had under the tree with candy in it.  I could wrap the candy later.  As I was retrieving the bag Seth had to tease me, “Opening your Christmas presents early are you?”  I love his smile.  He has a great sense of humor.

                May you also find the lights, anticipation, and festivities to brighten your mood.  May we be glad for the rain that brings life to our plants.  May you find joy in each breath God gives us.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

PS a great big Happy Birthday to Tiffanie who ran 40 miles for her 40th birthday!  That was the quickest Birthday party to attend ever!

12/6/21

Dear Family,

 

                Celebration of life reminds us that people will talk after we are gone.  What do you want people to say about you?  I want to be like Deena but I am not.  I hate cooking and don’t really like traveling.  I am like her that in that I do love people.  I think that is all that matters.  May you find funerals to be a good reminder that we also want God to say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23).  May we obey God and do the good deeds he set up for us to do.  My deeds are different than yours because my personality has a different fit.  Isn’t it wonderful how unique we all are?

                I am so glad we figured out Bobby likes to cook.  He made Salisbury steak and Chicken Parmesan on different nights this week.  He has taken that responsibility on and I am very blessed. 

                Bobby is the type of person to jump out of bed at 3 AM when he hears a crash and runs out of the house without a coat or shoes to see what happened.  He did that twice Sunday morning!  Once when a lady spun and crashed – yup – big boom.  The second time when a car zoomed around the corner too fast crunched his car and kept on driving.  Lots of police chatter and tow truck noise.  I try to sleep through this stuff but Bobby is up and out.  Brrrrrrrr!  For some reason this also highlights personality types.  I think it’s funny that he is curious enough to leap forth with gusto.  Not me – I’ll find out about it later.  By the way – the fast turn guy had just botched an ATM robbery, ended up on foot near our neighborhood.  He was trying to hide in back yards.  The police and their dogs were out and about for sure.

                Bobby enjoyed winning at our game of Rabbits.  Although Roger at Multnomah Bible College (1993 name) started it, we continue to play.  Whoever says, “Rabbits” first at each beginning of the month wins.  Bobby had the youth group kids get me.  I enjoyed that immensely.

                A question came up randomly in the youth group.  “You guys remember the 6 Million Dollar Man?”  The answer came quickly as lightning, “Nope, we are not that old.”  Sigh.

                I enjoyed spending some out-of-the-house time with Bobby when we went to the church to help out with Upwards clean up.  Bobby was supposed to tell the coaches where stuff went.  BUT . . everyone was gone.  So Bobby just cleaned up.  Bobby also taught Seth how to mop up water. 

                I saw Seth on his hands and knees cleaning the gym.  I am impressed how he is willing to get down there. 

Seth has been teasing me about my Tens unit.  It does shock my muscles to help with the pain.  He said, “Sorry that hug was a little forceful.  Better electrocute yourself to fix it.”  I let him know, “I do every morning.”  Seth had to add, “The way God intended.”

                Seth registered for another term of college.  He is plugging away at his schooling and I like that he is furthering his education.  He also thanked me for making some food.  It is very nice to be appreciated.

                Adriel came by for a visit.  I enjoy seeing her very much.

                May you enjoy each and every person that steps into your life.  May you find joy knowing how loved you are.  May you do what God wants you to do so you can be like those in AWANA.  Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed.  Much love J

 

Cristy

PS I have always loved this photo of Deena, Allison and Hal

 

11/29/21

 Dear Family,

                We hustled and bustled ourselves to the Seattle area for Thanksgiving.  Meanwhile, my friend was laying on her death bed – they are waiting for God to gently take her home.  “Be still and know that I am the Lord” God says.   We made it there and back safely.  Oh, I pray my friend is happily in the arms of her savior singing and dancing.  Yes, Deena is older than me – yes, her time comes.  I am excited to see her on the other side but am so sad her journey is close to the end here.  I hope she did not experience pain.  I pray those left behind are comforted knowing that they will see her in heaven.  And yes, I am praying, calling out to God for peace in their lives.  This season is one of light, may there be joy even in this suffering.  Tears are coming, may they be dried with loving and gentle embraces.

                There is joy in the every day.  We are living and breathing the air God has given us.  Bobby and I had a nice date.  We ate out and enjoyed each other's company.   Bobby helped me add Henna to the back of my hair.  I always do the front and usually don’t care about the back.  But I caught a glimpse – it was time.  It is kind of silly to only do part of the job because that’s what I see.  You all have to look at me also.

                Adriel was glad to have me over for lunch.  I was tentative coming up to her office but she seemed to be the only one there so – phew.  No one kicked me out.  She is thankful for flannel sheets and happy to share some time with me. 

                Funny thing.  The sheets were not soft enough for Seth – he would rather have polar fleece than flannel.  To each their own J.  Seth brought boxes in for Christmas decorating and groaned at the mention of Christmas music.  Seth also mowed a lawn and thanked me for giving him a choice of the front lawn now or the back one later. 

                Bobby drove the entire way and back – hours of tedious attentiveness.  I slept most of the way.  I am not nervous about the drive one bit.  How wonderful to sit back and relax.  I am blessed that Bobby is willing to take the wheel.  (He wouldn’t let me drive if I wanted to).  Bobby set up the tree and ornaments.  He remembers each ornament and has joy in that journey.  I enjoy setting up the lights.  Lights brighten the world!

                May your hope and joy be in the one who is light, the one who brings life, and the one who loves us all so deeply.  May you find peace in our Lord and may you be amazing to all you encounter,

 

Love,

 

Cristy

PS Deena went to Heaven Sunday morning (I wrote about a half an hour before finding out).  She is dancing, rejoicing and loving all who went before her.  I am so glad for her and am excited to see her there later.

PPS Also, we did have a great thanksgiving.  Bobby can be a fun Uncle as you can imagine.  Below is more about that visit.

            Visiting my family is like entering a live art show.  The occupants are creative, fun loving and amazing.  We saw art, we were involved in drawing ourselves.  Adriel read a 70 page chapter book (still not done) written by my 9 year old niece!  She read out loud – it took a while.  We laughed, played, ate and enjoyed. 

            I had to cut my belly out of the pictures because I ate too much. 

            Seth and his cousin Braeden enjoyed playing VR games.  People were talking, bonding, enjoying.  It was so fun to be together – sad to depart. 

            I am blessed to have wonderful and amazing family.  I know, we moved away from them.  God called us pretty far away.  Yet we do come back and I am so glad we can see them!  And we will always remember my drawing of a fruit bad that was interpreted as grape on water.              So much love!  Cristy

11/22/21

 Dear Family,

 

            As we focus on thankfulness I would like to say how glad I am that you read and respond to this Blog.  I remember God’s blessings as a discipline of obedience.  Also because it makes my heart smile.  Knowing you read and smile with me is extra icing on the cake.

            Bobby came home safe from a retreat last Sunday and I am grateful that he always does.  Sometimes we hear of a youth group in a car accident or detained in another country and so far Bobby’s trips have been safe.  I am so glad he is a safety-first type of person (for the most part – I would rather drive faster on long trips but that’s beside the point).

Bobby made Steak one night and Won Ton soup on a different night this week.  He enjoys experimenting and I am glad I didn’t have to cook.  It’s a lot of work. 

            At youth group, Bobby asked the question, “Why is it so easy to forget about God?”  One student piped up with his lecture voice, “The teenage brain is full of inconsistencies and . . . . then went on to say, And I am a prime example.”  We are all doing our best to look out for number one and to serve God.  It was fun to hear the professor voice come out.  Bobby also had a games night Friday and enjoyed his time with the teens. 

            Seth is getting his homework done and has learned balance in his Schedule.  He takes work and School seriously.  I appreciate that!  I looked into our past with Seth and he has come so far.  Seth is a productive member of society and we are blessed.

            Adriel called me this week and it was good to hear her voice.  Bobby had the Adriel sighting.  I am glad he got to see her.

            I also enjoy calling my parents.  This week I asked if anything exciting happened in their lives that day.  After a bit of silence, mom said, “I woke up.”  We laughed that waking up is exciting in older age.  Dad said, “About that, When I got up I didn’t see mom, I went shopping and came back, No wife, I went out again and came back then thought – ‘She’s dead’ but heard some rustling upstairs and was glad that she is alive.”  So – it’s exciting to have each other around each day.

            May you also be glad to have those in your life still be alive.  May you let them know they are a blessing to you.  May you smile, love, and live.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

PS, there was a beautiful spider web in the tree by Church Sunday morning.  A friend of mine wants to know what kind of tree this is.  It's about 15 ft tall.  Do you know what kind of tree it is?

11/15/21

 Dear Family,

 

            I am so excited that I will be able to see my family in Seattle for Thanksgiving.  I imagined that Holidays would become a sad time of loneliness now that I work retail.  Not so!  My coworker said Thanksgiving day has been slow in past years for online ordering (grocery) and will only require 4 out of the 15 workers we have.  Yay!!!! 

            Adriel was thrown for a loop as I had told her, “I don’t know” so many times about Thanksgiving that she was starting to make other plans.  This changed to, “I’m going to Seattle” in one phone call.  How exciting.  We get to see Adriel!!  She did visit to drop off and pick up laundry this week but that only lasts about 10 minutes.  I mentioned to Bobby that I was happy to have seen her and he said, “Well, I’m glad you had an Adriel sighting.”

            Bobby cooked several amazing dishes this week.  He even brought some Salmon Bisque to his mom as she recovers from her surgery.  He is a wonderful son and I hope Seth follows his example in future years.

            Bobby had a great lesson about trust for the youth group this week.  A question was, “What is the biggest way we show trust in God at church?”  One answer made me chuckle.  “Sitting on chairs?”  At another time we were waiting for a student to find a verse in the Bible.  Someone said, “I’m going to grow old and die before they find the passage.”

            I like how Seth eats carrots.  He was concerned about the baby carrots I had because one end was black and then green in the middle.  He told me to switch away from baby carrots.  He then asked if he had to peel a carrot before eating it.  (I did teach him how to peel carrots).  I was reminded of my roommate in college.  When we visited her farm (after marriage and kids) she dug up carrots from the ground, washed them off started eating one, and offered some to each of us.  It was a good memory of farm life so I told him that carrots don’t need to be peeled.  I then find Seth eating a whole carrot, just like a farm boy.  When I mentioned it he said, “Well it’s better than eating those chemical pebbles they call baby carrots.”

            Sunday morning I went out into the garden for the first time in a couple of days.  Raspberries were ripe and overripe.  I picked a bowl for breakfast and was reminded of Luke 10:2.  God let me know that he is doing his part.  God is at work all around us.  I ignored the raspberries but they grew without my help.  God also let me know I can do my part to notice what he is doing and pick the fruit. 

            May we all notice God’s handiwork.  May we be prepared with an answer to questions that are asked.  May we not let the opportunities He presents spoil.  Much Love,

 

 

Cristy

           

 

11/8/21

 Dear Family,

 

                                Bobby was on fire Tuesday night!  He preached the word and it was fun to see him excited to tell others about Jesus.  Yet, not all people were on track.  When Bobby said, “Animal sacrifices were temporary because we need a perfect person for the permanent solution.  Who do you think that could be?”  Everyone was saying Jesus except the person next to me.  They said to me only, “I wanted to say Alexander Hamilton but I think the real answer is Jesus.” 

                Prayer request time can also bring up interesting conversation.  One student was excited that the salmon eggs in class had hatched.  Bobby wanted to share his knowledge.  He said, “And do you know what baby salmon are called?”  After a bit of stuttering, the person said, “Salmon, salmon, salmonella?”  (Apparently, no, the answer is fingerling.)

                Another moment Bobby had to stop the lesson to find out what people were talking about.  He has the utmost desire to be in the know.  “I was just asking what flavor her shoes were.”  The person next to her said, “Black?” The person next to me said, “Dirt with a hint of gum I stepped on yesterday.”

                When Bobby felt frustrated he told someone, “You are a bad bunny.”  Our friend asked, “Did you just Veggie Tales shame me?”  And, he had, Bobby had just veggie tales shamed someone.

          Bobby also painted more bathroom doors and molding.  It’s amazing how much of a difference it makes.  He cares about the details much more than I do so he doesn’t ask me to help.  I am so blessed that he is giving his time for this.  Bobby also made several amazing meals and we are filled with healthy yummy food.

                Bobby tried a new board game with me and it was fun to play together and just be.

                When my back hurt Bobby brought me things and took care of me even though he wasn’t feeling well that day.  He’s so sweet.

                Adriel visited and it was lovely to see her and spend some time with her.

                Seth registered for next semester at Chemeketa.  He asked for my input on some classes and it was nice to see him working hard and being OK with the effort it takes to continue on with school.

                May you also continue pressing on in these hard times and find joy in the love you share with all you encounter.  Love and hugs, Cristy

PS would you believe the garden still has sunflowers?  It's November!

11/1/21

 Dear Family,

 

                Isn’t it wonderful how we don’t notice things are that dirty until we start cleaning?  If I really looked I wouldn’t be able to do anything but clean everywhere I went.  I am so glad for blissful ignorance as I go about my normal routine.  Then I do part of the scheduled cleaning that we set up and I am horrified until it is done.  Ugh – and I don’t even want to think about micro-organisms.  I am so glad for the ability to overlook.

                I am also glad God is willing to overlook our sins because Jesus paid the price.  I would be in big trouble if God was eyeballing me.  I would be swiped away like a moldy tangerine. 

                Take my cat for instance.  I announced I would be giving her a bath.  Bobby said, “Time to update your will.”  He loved his quote so much he said I HAD to add it here.  Comedy gold.  But even better Bobby actually washed the cat and I helped.  She was hugely vocal about it but didn’t put up much of a fight.  She still smells perfumed and it’s been about half a week.  What do you know!

                Bobby has taken the task of painting our moldings.  He painted the doors in our guest room and started in on the downstairs bathroom.  It looks fabulous!  I am so blessed.  He also cooked tamales and we enjoyed a date.  The kids don’t need us much so we have time.  Yay God.

                The Youth Groups both expressed dismay at having to leave this week.  The Junior High group was playing a game when a parent came to the glass door.  One youth said, “Don’t make eye contact!”  The next night at the High School group when Bobby said, “It’s time to go,” there was a general grumble and one said, “I don’t want to go home.”  Several others mentioned they wouldn’t mind coming to our house.”  This is heartwarming and sweet – but yes, we do connect them with parents and send them home.

                Seth did ask for some homework help and I am willing to oblige.  English and writing aren’t that enjoyable for him.  I write for fun and God so I can be helpful.  Trigonometry on the other hand – that will have to be a student helper.  Yikes!  Seth mowed the lawn this week and I am so glad because rain is predicted.

                Raspberries are back slightly.  How amazing that God provides constantly for our constant needs.  I am surprised by how much food flies out of the doors at the grocery store I work.  At first, I wondered why shelves had to be stocked during the day.  Couldn’t they do that at night?  What I now know is that shelves WERE stocked during the night and they have to be stocked again during the day.  Bananas are stocked about once every 2 hours!  Crazy – and God grows all this food for us.  He provides sun, rain, soil, and seed.  We are blessed indeed.

                May you be thankful for each meal, every ray of sun, and each person you encounter.  Much Love,

 

 

 

Cristy

PS Bobby had an amazing time trunk or treating and came back delighted with stories about each encounter he had with fun characters.

10/25/21

 Dear Family,

                This weekend Bobby went to a pastor’s retreat.  I am glad he is home safe and had an enjoyable time.

                During youth group, he asked “How can you honor God’s creation of animals and critters?  This brought up how they have and have not honored animals.  One person said, “I stepped on my dog’s tail by accident.  I deserve a painful, gruesome death for that.” 

                A new person at youth group said how excited they were and would definitely come back.  This warms Bobby’s heart and makes his day.

                Bobby made bean soup, painted the guest room and baseboards.  He’s doing a lot of work and I am blessed.  He is blessed that I have a job without any driving involved.  I am glad about this as well.  Yay!

                Seth has good grades and isn’t panicking about school as much.  That is good.  He also helped me with some computer work.  He was kind and explained to Adriel (over the phone) why a simple-sounding task was hard.

                I am thankful for CPR class.  A lot has changed since I took it last.  I do not ever want to be in a crisis situation but if I need to I am glad to have the knowledge on hand and a face shield on my key chain.

                Rain is a blessing even if it is cold and makes the day dreary.  I wonder if sometimes I don’t appreciate my blessings as much as I should.  Being thankful is an intentional act of looking at the positive.  I STILL have grapes.  I brought them to work since Church doesn’t have a farmers table up anymore.  May we all focus on the positive and choose to be glad for what we have.

                Happy Fall my loved ones J

 

 

Cristy

PS the picture is of Bobby's beach breakfast.

10/18/21

 Dear Family,

 

Thank you all so much for helping make my Birthday amazing.  I loved the cards, Facebook wishes, and phone calls.  You are dear to me and I felt loved, appreciated, and special.

My parents are amazing and were willing to come down for a lovely visit.  They asked to use our empty room and were willing to sleep on air mattresses!  They said they slept well and I was convicted on several levels.

We thought our room was ugly because the walls were only spot painted and the carpet has stains.  None of that affected my parents' ability to sleep.  God can use me even though I have flaws and that room was used, flaws and all.  Our curtain was a drop cloth – didn’t matter.  So, after my parents left I painted the walls, Bobby painted the molding and will repaint them one more time.  We have something that can be useful – we should make it available for God’s purposes.  I am someone who can be useful – I can make myself available for God’s purposes.

            Bobby was helpful and served on Monday when he helped with air mattress issues, helped get drop cloths off the floor, and cleaned up while I was at work. 

            Bobby continues to make a loving and fun environment for the Youth Group kids.  This week I found several things funny.  Bobby said, "I will give Rich a terrible task.”  Someone asked, “Will you make him eat mustard?” 

During prayer, someone prayed COVID would go away.  Another person interjected, “Actually I’m enjoying COVID very much.”

Bobby asked, “What are some of the things which can get in the way of you and Jesus?”  He began hinting that he knew what is something I (his wife) have in my life that gets in the way of Jesus.  He was mentioning that maybe he should tell the kids.  One said, “This is very scandalous.” 

Home group started this week and Bobby led very well.  I love singing with a group and Bobby plays the guitar great.  The lesson made us think, prayer is always uplifting and I truly enjoy time with adults as we ponder God’s word and what it means in our practical life.

Bobby also took a day to cook dinner for us and a couple that came over to play board games.  We are blessed with friends.  I am so grateful that Bobby cooks because when work asked if I could stay later I was available for some time.  I wasn’t cooking for our guests.  Bobby was!

Adriel has been thoughtful and loving.  She took time to be with us for a Birthday celebration and the next day some lunch.  Granted, the food may be a big pull.  She can’t resist the lure of Golden Crown.  I am glad for her company.  She is lovely and fun to be around even if she back seat drives when she isn’t in my car.

Seth continues to be a loving and constant presence.  One of us mentioned that I even take time to fold my underwear.  I scoffed.  I don't waste my time folding underwear!  “Neither do I,” said another family member.  Seth piped in with, “I don’t fold any of my clothes.”

Seth let us enter into his world for an English assignment.  He was asked to describe his “Food Journey”.  This is something we don’t really think about much.  He finally figured out his take: from Bored eating to eating for Energy and expediency– this is how he has changed since starting college.  No more boredom – just stress. 

Our cat meows way too much.  I put a rubber band on her mouth as I told her to stop being so vocal.  She immediately got both front paws up to push the rubber band off.  In the minute or so of blessed cat silence, Seth shared his disgust for my cat abuse.  I said, “It only takes her a minute to get it off.  There is no permanent damage.”  He said, “It’s about respect mom.”  Apparently, I need to respect our cat more.  (She really is adorable as she tries to solve the rubber band problem.)

Another blessing, we have grapes coming out of our ears.  I am thankful they don’t go bad.  Every Sunday for a month or two now I have had something to give to the farmers' table at church.  God’s blessings can be overwhelming – He blesses that it might spill over and bless others.  I love that I have more than first fruits – I have often fruits.  I can give because I have sooooooooooo much.  2 Corinthians 9:10-11 sums it up very nice: “¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹ You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”  I like that verse.

May you also be abundantly blessed so you can be generous on every occasion.  May our generosity result in thanksgiving to God.  Love and hugs,

 

Cristy

PS my scandalous is how often I play Pokémon Go.  I need to stop letting it suck my time. 

 

10/11/21

 Dear Family,

 

Unexpected gifts bring surprise joy.  I loved finding out something is appreciated which has been taken for granted years in the past.  Maturity is thankfulness for the little things.  God’s word says to give thanks in every circumstance, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.  When we are purposeful about this it spreads joy to others.

Adriel brought doughnuts to us.  When I thanked her she said it’s the least she can do for using our washer and dryer.  All right!  Adriel’s love and hugs remain delightful.

Seth continues to plug away at school.  I do like that he has added some exercise to the week.  Playing VR raises his heart rate and it’s fun to see him enjoy.  Seth did ask me to pray for his friend – I like that he offered to pray and asked me to join in.

Bobby mowed the front lawn and has done a lot of grocery shopping lately.  I enjoy all he does in the kitchen.

Youth group continues to be a wonderful place to delight in our future.  They are fun and fabulous.

Awana has started up again and I am reminded of the power of John 3:16.  It starts out sweet and about love but ends with the thought of perishing.  I helped some second graders begin memorizing John 3:16 and the shock was interesting.  Wait?  What?  Why would we perish – what are these words talking about?

Explaining our sin problem and God’s solution to die for us is transformational.  To live forgiven, free from sin, and with purpose brings so much joy to my heart strangers have asked, “Why are you so happy?”  Pray with me that I might always have an answer to that question.

May you also be prepared with an answer to everyone who asks.  Like it says in Colossians 4:6 “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  It’s a dark world – may our light shine bright. 

Much Love,

 

 

 

 

Cristy

PS a picture of youth playing youth group games - I love it when they are smiling.

10/4/21

 

Dear Family,

 

The beginning of a new school year can bring excitement, dread, or both.  I seriously hated college.  God brought me thru, Bobby helped and without my parents' funding, I wouldn’t have done it at all.  After I graduated I asked my parents, “How can I ever repay you?”  They replied, “Pay for your kids' college” and that was that.  Oh boy! 

Adriel and Seth are both attending community college now.  It’s not fun.  I am proud they are continuing.  I am blessed by scholarships, hard work, and love.  Even thru crazy COVID, they are pressing on.

Seth has decided to use the law guidelines for structuring his day.  Every two hours a 10-minute break with lunch in his 8 hour school day.  Syllabus shock was a bit overwhelming.  After we figured out making a list and self-scheduling, he is willing to plug away.  Yay!  Adriel figured it out on her own the last couple of years and I remember having to do that as well.  The non-structure is quite horrid.  Good thing we can self-structure.

Bobby visited his mom and sister.  I love that he is showing our kids how to be good to us. 

            Youth group remains wholesome, fun, and rich in learning about God.  The kids are entertaining to interact with.

            Bobby made several amazing dinners this week.  He continually enjoys planning and making food.  Yay!  I enjoyed making caramel corn.  Food can bring such joy – even the smell of it.  God knew what he was doing when he gave us taste buds.

            May you also enjoy the smells and food of fall.  May your anticipation of the crisp air, rustle of leaves and sweaters bring a smile to your face. 

            Much Love, Cristy