11/28/22 Safely Home

 Dear Family,

                Soup is Winter’s cereal.  My favorite food is cereal but soup may be best in the cold months.  I enjoy both but am trying soup out more these days. 

                Bobby continues to be good company.  He chopped down an apple tree for me.  He also drove me to Bothell, WA and back while I slept most of the way.   I enjoy the trip zooming by.  Bobby enjoys getting us there. 

                Seth remains focused on schoolwork.  He has been getting good grades so I believe he enjoys his studies.  He helped move Christmas decorations out of storage.   I am thankful for his help and strength.

                Adriel visited on Tuesday.  I enjoy her company.  Please pray with her as she desires to live in Portland.  Please pray for wisdom, God’s will and endurance with college and work on her part. 

                Thanksgiving was a lovely time of interaction and fun.  We visited my parents, sister, and her family.  The children have grown so much that they are now helpful and quieter.  I was impressed by how busy they were after the meal, clearing, scrubbing dishes, and cleaning.  Adriel also helped and delighted in their focus on art. 

                We are safe.  Travel was uneventful, Angels guarded and protected.  God’s love was shared, and we are blessed.

                May you also feel God’s hand in your life.  May His peace rest in your heart.  May you find joy in knowing how deeply you are loved!  Hugs, Cristy          

 PS, Thanks Anita for taking the picture :-).

11/21/22

 Dear Family,

 

            Forgiveness of others is a gift to us.  Being Thankful even in hard times also frees our minds from angst.    Those two choices bring peace that passes understanding.  Holding a grudge is a heavy burden to bear and so is holding onto control – which we don’t have anyway.  The only control we have is control of our reactions and that is even super hard to grasp.  Living free with arms open is such a blessing.

            This week Bobby visited his mom and brought back gifts.  How delightful to see Bobby model being a good son 😊.

            Middle School group continues to be filled with outpourings of love, excitement to be together and joy radiating out of every person.  Song time had so much exuberance Bobby had to remind the youth of an old but good rule.  “You are allowed to scream, only if your arm is severed and you are bleeding out.”  A youth had to say, “Hang on, let me try it,” while they pretended to sever an arm by putting their hand back inside the sleeve. 

            High School group was full of sweet music, delightful teens, and camaraderie.   I like that the youth stood up for Julie Andrews.  Bobby doesn’t like Mary Poppins or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  He calls them bad movies!  This is because he prefers special effects and Science Fiction.  He did say he would watch a remake of Mary Poppins if Mary Poppins was played by Yondu.  I declared that would be horrible.  “No one would entrust their children to Yondu.”  Someone in the crowd asked Bobby if he would like to have Yondu take care of his kids and Bobby said, “Yes, at least I would know they are safe.” 

            I enjoyed reading a devotional with Bobby, setting marriage goals, and praying for our family.  I like that we go to God together.  It deepens our love and friendship. 

            Bobby cooked several amazing meals this week and I am always glad I don’t have that chore.  I don’t care about what we eat, just that there is food.  He’s the best!  We also enjoyed a date this week and I am glad to have his company as we do life together.

            Seth remains adorable.  He watches humor and laughs.  I love hearing his delight.  He cleaned his shower this week but ran out of one cleaning solution and had to add another.  His chagrin at mixing the two ended up with, “If I die from cleaning my shower it’s your fault.”

            May you find strength in knowing you are loved by God and me.  May your love overflow to all you encounter.  Hugs, Cristy

11/14/22

 Dear Family,

                Skipping over Thanksgiving only makes sense if you are trying to sell something.  Being Thankful for what we have is the opposite of wanting more.  Being thankful for where we are, who we love, and who’s we are may lead to contentment.  Oh, the horror!  Let’s play Christmas music so they don’t remember to be thankful. 

                Choosing to count our blessings can be a daily, weekly, and yes, yearly task.  Daily I ponder what to add to this blessings letter.  Weekly I ask for editor (family) approval and then publish, yearly we all gather and announce our thankfulness for each other and what God has given us.  The purposeful choice to remember God’s goodness produces joy in our hearts and minds.  When we take our thoughts captive God blesses us with peace.  What a great sermon we had Sunday, Nov 6^th (https://fb.watch/gGbPzMtFwf/). 

                So, on to how God and my family have given me joy.

                Bobby cleaned under the refrigerator and under the kitchen sink this week.  He took all the magnets off the old fridge.  He took everything out of under the kitchen sink.  He awaited and was there for new appliance installs.  He removed items from the fridge and placed them in a new fridge.  This is Bobby’s gift to me.  I was gone at work.  I came home and was pleased.  Yay, Bobby.

                Adriel came over to gather her laundry and exclaimed with delight about the new look in our kitchen.  She is delightful to be with and I am glad every time I see her.  We talked for a while, and it is lovely to hear her take on life and what is going on in her space. 

                Seth put Adriel’s laundry in the dryer because I had a cold.  This generation fears a cold!  I wasn’t allowed to touch her stuff, but a hug was just fine.  I am thankful for Seth and his willingness to help.

                Chatting with Adriel on the phone is lovely.  She is a bright splash of joy in an increasingly dark and dreary world (5PM on the drive home is a perfect time to talk).

                Middle School group had abundant energy and the joy of gathering.  Just being together can energize some and boy were they excited to be together.  When it was time to sing there was praise and gratitude.  When it was time for the lesson there was thoughtful discussion.  My favorite student quote of the evening; “The past is behind us, the future is before but today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.”  How lovely when considering it is good to be thankful.

I did have to chuckle right after singing how Holy God is when Bobby asked, “Who knows the definition of holy?”  After hearing the right answer a student leaned over to me and mentioned that Swiss cheese is also holy.  I was thinking along the same lines.  Holes in clothes also counts as a definition but I didn’t want to answer that way and get into trouble.  I felt a bit of camaraderie with our silly humor.

                High school group has deeper voices and deeper thoughts.  There are smiles, greetings, and competition.  One person even exclaimed with joy when Bobby was handing out the lesson.  “Oh yeah, I love fill in the blanks.”  I do too!  It gives us a chance to guess the answers, interact with the text, and be affirmed if we were right about the answer.  Sometimes this disintegrates into silliness though.  The blank was, “Everything good U--------- comes from God.”  When they gave up, guesses included; umbrella, understandably, etc.  The true answer ultimately.  Such fun, I enjoy laughing with the group.

                A friend offered us Elder-immune gummies because we all had a cold.  I had been thankfully taking it with my cold calm, lemon, honey, and regular exercise.  I offered the Elder-Immune to Seth.  He was suspicious.  He read the label thoroughly.  His conclusion, “They don’t answer any of the questions I have and look just like an advertisement.  It looks suspect.”  Seth then refused to take any.  I had to chuckle when I also remembered that Seth wouldn’t ride half the rides at Disneyland because he read the warnings at the age of 13.  .  I did try persisting with, “But they taste good!”  This was met with Sarcasm.  “Ohhh, that makes sense, all things that taste good are good for you.  Take kale for example, and then there is salad.”  He went on but I got the point and had to backtrack.  This is true, not all things that taste good are good for our bodies.  I asked if he trusted our friend and he said, “Mmmmm, not really.”  (By the way, he doesn’t trust me either).  I am so glad Seth is not like me.  I’m a leap-before-you-look type which can be fun.  It can also lead to regrets and drama.  I like that Seth thinks things thru before doing them.  He may save himself some heartache.

                Seth mowed the lawn this week and it looks fabulous.  I am glad for the ways he helps us out.

                Thursday when Bobby came home to find me sleeping, he declared me not well enough to join the elderly at home group.  I might spread germs.  When he mentioned this to those at home group they were taken aback.  “Are you calling me old?”  LOL, now he had to contend with pretend hurt feelings on that front.  (Anyone not youth group age might be considered old to a youth pastor.)  I was glad to have a restful evening after working full-time and having evenings out for youth groups.

                Friday Bobby took the Middle School group to Tapawingo for a retreat.  How fun to visit a summer camp in the fall.  I know they have games, songs, messages, and a big gym to keep them preoccupied.  I’m glad God will work in and thru our church to grow kids’ faith.  I am also happy he is back safe and sound.

                May you find joy in the tasks God has for you.  May you delight in our crisp fall air.  May you know how deeply, how fully and how richly you are loved.  Hugs,  

 

Cristy

11/7/22

 Dear Family,

 

                Bobby had a great time at the trunk or treat.  He enjoys making connections with people and having general fun. 

Middle school group was fabulous as usual.  There was one hiccup though.  He was talking about how we should look more and more like Jesus every day as we follow him.  I couldn’t help but think how handsome Bobby is and how Isiah 53:2 says about Jesus that, “he had . . . no beauty that we should desire him.”  I didn’t think I said it loudly, but I was protesting when I said, “But Jesus wasn’t cute.” Three girls exclaimed!  “Ohhhhh!!!”  Bobby rewarded them and mentioned he was talking about “the inside” of a person, how good we are.  I was properly chastised.

                A middle school student shared this joke with me.  "What did the tree say to the logger?"  I said, "I don't know, maybe Ow!?"  The answer was, "Chop, chop, I have somewhere to go."  I love laughing with people.

                High School group was meaningful and had a lot more guys than girls.  Each night has its own flavor.  That night there was a lot of candy to go around.

                Bobby cleaned a bathroom and unplugged a drain.   I’m glad he sees what needs to be done and does it.

                Adriel answers my calls and continues to be lovely.  She asked me to pray for something I don’t want to happen, so I just told her I’ll pray for God’s will.                 

Seth stays loving and ever-present.  I was glad he is the last one out from Church Wednesday because I had some library work to do and didn’t have to worry about closing up the church.  Seth also cleaned a bathroom in our home.  I’m so glad he’s helpful around the house. 

This weather is wonderfully amazing for cozying up in a blanket and reading or sitting.  I enjoy the time I have with Bobby and our kitty.  I like that I am tired after work and can curl up for a bit to relax before going to bed.  It is wonderful that God has supplied a roof over our heads and heat for our houses.

May you also be so very glad that God provides all you need.  May you rejoice in the much-needed rain and in the warmth you have in your hearts and hearths.

Much Love, Cristy

 

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