10/31/22

 Dear Family,

 

                Voting is a privilege and duty.  I am glad to spread out all the mail, make an informed decision, and have a say.  Thank you all for choosing to vote with me.  Bobby and I voted by mail and Seth took mine out to the mailbox.  I am glad he helped me do my duty.

                Seth also keeps plugging away at work and school.  He is diligent and faithful.  I appreciate his hard work and desire to press on.

                Bobby has been busy planning a retreat for the Middle school.  Pulling speaker, musician, students, and staff together is a much bigger undertaking than I would ever want to muster.  I am impressed by his willingness to make things happen.

                Bobby is excited to help Adriel when she comes over.  They searched high and low for several old Halloween costumes to no avail.  I sell things when I think they won’t be useful.  I couldn’t imagine Adriel using that M&M costume again.  She wore it about 3 years in a row.  But search for it they did.  Oh well.  She isn’t mad at me (for I am the one who bought it) just disappointed.

                Adriel and I had lunch Tuesday.  She is lovely, has realized that “The world is much bigger than she imagined,” and that we, her parents, might know more than she previously thought.  That turnaround from the teen years was expected but I thought it only happened when grandchildren were born.  It is fun to see her growing up.  She also came by that evening to grab some Halloween costumes for her office spirit week.  How fun, offices also enjoy dressing up and handing out candy.

                Middle School group was delightful and full of good-natured fun.  I am now practicing foosball with the goal of becoming the champion I used to be.  Our youth bring so much energy, and joy.  I am glad to join them weekly to learn more about God.

                High school group was delightful.  The lesson was on the monster inside us (sin nature).  Bobby asked, “What’s so bad about monsters?”  When one answer was, “The caffeine.” I had to guffaw.  This generation would go straight to a drink.  That’s just silly. 

                Homegroup was fun.  Bobby mentioned that it was youth group for adults and our friends delighted in this.  “I’m living my second childhood anyway!”  “But do we have to play games?”  The adults relished talking about a recent trip and digging deeper into God’s word.  This is a time of mutual edification.  I love being surrounded by wisdom.

                May you also delight in those both young and old.  May you find joy in growing closer to people and in learning more and more about God.  It seems we can never learn enough – heaven will be such a wonderful time of truly getting to know God the most.  In-person!  Much love, Cristy

PS Patience has paid off.  The grapes are no longer sour.  Yeah!!

10/24/22

 Dear family,

            I had been concerned.  Before our trip, I told the High School group not to TP our house while we were gone.  This was met with lightbulbs and plans seeming to be made! Bobby said, “Don’t give them ideas!”  I felt shame and chagrin.  Did I?  My prayer request for that night was, “That no one bothers Seth.”  The person who prayed was confused.  “And Dear God, please help whoever is bothering Seth to stop.”  I didn’t mention it again.  I am very glad no one bothered Seth by Toilet Papering our house while he was the only one home.  Phew

            Our house and cat were well cared for.  Seth did marvelous while we were gone for a week at Disney land. 

            Bobby is a great leader in new places.  He worries for 3 people, so I don’t even have to look up when crossing the street.  I noticed he looked about 3 times, always aware, alert, and guarding.

            Middle School group had excitement in the air.  This group is seriously ecstatic to be together.  They love gutter ball so the teens get there as early as their parents will let them and then it’s fun to see they also want to stay late.  I remember telling my mom to come late to pick me up when I was a teen.  Socializing can be super fun.  During the lesson, Bobby was talking about prayer and used Matthew 6:5-8.  He asked the definition of Hypocrite and one student mentioned, “It’s hypocritical to say, ‘Don’t tell people what to do.’”  This brought speculation and only ¼ of the people got the joke.  It took them a while.  Later the fill in the blanks were: Present your r_______ and r___: instead of r_______ on (vs. 7-8).  Requests and rambling were easy enough.  The middle word was harder.  Bobby hinted, “It’s something you do every night.”  One student said, “Reek?”  That’s silly.  I hope they don’t all stink at night, that’s when we meet.  No, the answer is rest.

            Anyway, back to Hypocrite.  We aren’t supposed to pray like hypocrites.  Back then those were actors.  So, we aren’t supposed to put on a show.  I found that very interesting.  I didn’t know hypocrite was the word for actor back in the day.

            Wednesday night brought laughter, fun, and excitement.  The High School group has such amazing people in it.  When we were getting ready to read the Bible one person felt frustrated about finding the passage.  “I’m trying to participate!  You all are moving at the speed of fast, hold up.”  And another old person joke.  “Rich is so old he sat by Moses in the third grade.”  I delight in the people we work with.  I tell them but I don’t know if they truly can ever know how loved they are.

             The Pastors Conference at Seaside was a time of networking, discovery, and thankfulness.  In the elevator with Scott and Hal Washburn Disneyland was brought up.  Hal had to tell us that when he asked his grandchild what their favorite part of Disneyland was the boy said, “There was this guy named Bob.”  Goodness, how fun, that’s our Bobby.

            At a West Hills gathering during the conference, we went around the room giving shout-outs.  I loved when Mackenzie said how glad she is for the AWANA leadership.  “I don’t have to do anything, they come with the lessons, they do the work” etc.  A fourth grader followed this.  He said, “I enjoy AWANA a lot and Mackenzie – you said you do nothing but that’s not true.  You do so much,” He went on with more, but I couldn’t hear because my eyes were leaking too much.  That touched my heart immensely! 

            I truly enjoyed meeting with the group of North American Baptist churches this weekend.  The music was fabulous.  The speakers were amazing, and the fellowship was superb.  I am thankful that I was able to go.

            My heart is full and glad to be alive.  May you also count each breath as a blessing.  May you rejoice in how much you are loved by the one who sacrificed His all.  Hugs, Cristy

 

10/17/22 Disneyland

 Dear Family,

Disneyland is a fun place to visit especially when your loved one is a big kid.  I present some quotes: “ If I had a tail I would wag it.”  Later, as I was eating a banana.  “That’s a terrible smell.  I would prefer you had farted.”  As he was considering the purchase of a lightsaber I had to interject.  “You know the lightsaber doesn’t cut people.”  His response was,  “I’m going to get the upgrade.”  As we were in line for California soaring,  I inhaled deeply and said, “It smells soo good.  I think I smell the oranges already!”  Bobby, “Spoiler alert!”  And Bobby was saying how funny the jungle cruise people are.  I said I could probably be one, and he agreed!  Also, it was nice that he wanted me to be with him but when I was done at 11:30 am one day he was ok with me leaving.  That kind of freedom was lovely since I can’t stomach more than one wiggly ride a day.

Also, there was an interesting phenomenon.  We heard excited “Bobby Van Kleek!”  Several times.  On the shuttle to the airport in Portland, we met a classmate.  At Disneyland, we met church people.  Bobby even took hours to be with Salem friends while I took my daily nap.  He is even fabulous at making new friends, learning their names, and connecting with them as he sees them later.

We did enjoy our trip.  I’m very glad to be home.

While gone I was able to zoom with Seth to listen to his speech for college.  It was so good it brought me to tears.  He also cared for our kitty.  When I mentioned I missed her, Seth said: “Want to talk to her?”  I think that was adorable.  I don’t miss how much she meows at all but I do miss nose kisses and how she plays and purrs. 

Adriel stopped by to check on Seth which I think is lovely.  He had a cold but is on the mend.

I’m so thankful for love, fun, and friends.  May you also find joy wherever you go.  May you speak life into all you meet and be glad for God's love and sacrifice.  Love and hugs, Cristy

10/10/22

 Dear Family,

            Pride comes before a fall.  I challenged a High Schooler to foosball with words like, “I’ll demolish you.”  I was promptly humiliated which just made me laugh.  I may have owned a foosball table in High school but that was twenty years ago.  Humility is good for me.  I can handle it.

Seth continues to do dishes, silverware, and general cleaning.  I love that we taught our kids to do their own laundry in grade school.  Now our socks never mingle together.  Please pray for him as he has a cold this week.

            My friend made sure to celebrate my birthday when she found out it was soon.  I enjoyed walking, dining out with her, and a present she bought me.  So sweet!  To be loved and confided in.  I enjoy time with Amber very much.

            The Junior High group was full of energy, laughter, and fun.  They are delightful to be with.  Nothing was particularly funny but in general, the kids are glad to know more about God and want to be there.  I love that.

            Bobby cooked yummy food Friday and I was blessed.  I was so hungry after a long day of work it was fabulous!  Bobby is always thankful when I work extra hours at work.  I find that endearing.  He is very kind about my choices regarding how I help financially.  He also spent time weeding the backyard.  We had a flower in the grass.  He killed it and anything that had potential.  I am thankful for his help.

            Adriel visited a couple of times.  She is a delight and always good for a hug and words of encouragement.  We love seeing her.

            May you also delight in each person you encounter.  May you find joy in loving our Lord and Savior Jesus and may you desire to do His will.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

10/3/22

 Dear Family,

            Panic mode is never fun.  I don’t think straight.  I was almost ready to go to work when I found out my friend (who I did spend time with) had tested positive for covid. I usually leave early so I barely had time for a test we had stored away.  I started the test but then thought – I better start driving to be on time.  The car wouldn’t start.  Panic!  I paid $85 for a tow truck driver to jump start my car when I could have had Bobby go buy jumper cables ☹.  Ugh!  I could have knocked on neighbors' doors for that.  Either way, Bobby drove me to work after I dropped it off at Firestone (who sold me a new battery).  Such a saga of sadness and frustration.  I did get to work an hour late and we were fine.  No covid.  All this to say:

            Bobby drove me to and from work.  We spent time after work enjoying each other’s company and survived a crazy morning.  Yay.

            Seems like a lot of women from the retreat came down with COVID.  Work still needed me when I had no symptoms and tested negative.  Bobby, on the other hand, asked me to not go to Youth Group Tuesday night to stay on the safe side.  It felt weird not to go but I understand being cautious.  I’m so glad for prayer. God is in control.  Whatever happens, will be for our good.

            Wednesday I took two COVID tests both negative and ate a sandwich (which tasted like sand the last time I had COVID).  The Sandwich tasted good.  Forget worrying.  I declared myself well and went to youth group that night.

            The High Schoolers were very excited to be together.  There was laughter, high energy, new friendships, and joy.  Bobby peeks during prayer which is why he had to announce after prayer that someone had been tickling someone else’s toes the entire time.  Most thought this was about someone and his girlfriend.  When Bobby named a name we were surprised to find out he had been playfully teasing the male on his other side.  How bizarre.

            Later Bobby asked how we are using our talents.  Several students play instruments well.  One helps out in the Junior High group.  But somehow it came up that if any helper happened to be tickling calves during Junior High group the service would have to end.  No more helping out.  This was met by much laughter and that whole tickling calves was the running joke of the night.  Bobby is hoping this will never happen again and I think it won’t.

            Matthew 4:4 says the Bible is our source of Spiritual food.  It was comical when Bobby said we should eat the Bible.

            Bobby cooked Chicken Salad, mac and cheese, and pizza for dinners this week.  I am so blessed to have a man willing to take care of dinner.  I am less picky than he is so it’s nice for him to take that on if we are going to eat something cooked.

            Adriel and I had a lovely conversation on the phone.  I am glad she is growing, loving, and pressing on toward her goals.  She is a delight to be with and a joy to hear from.  I am glad whenever I see her or hear from her.  We also saw her at lunch on Saturday when we celebrated birthdays with my parents.  It was fun to talk about world events, how life is going, and rehashing lovely past memories.

            School has started for Seth.  He remains diligent in his studies and continues to be a bright spot in our lives.  He is so sweet!  He also voluntarily played a board game with us.  I enjoyed his humor, engagement, and sarcastic comments.

            My parents came down to celebrate birthdays.  They are patient, loving, and enjoyable.  They don’t mind visiting the UGM Mission Store.  They pour love into us and are delightful to be around.  I enjoy their company.

            May you also enjoy those who visit.  May you delight in any time someone offers.  May you be so blessed that God can bless others thru you.  Love and hugs, Cristy