1/30/23

 Dear Family,

 

                The middle school group was so fun.  They truly delight in being together and I am blessed to be part.  Game time had fast-paced foosball and cheers for the winner of gutterball.  Lesson time had its own game but Bobby had to stipulate if there were to be prizes, “Raise your hand if you will be OK if you don’t win candy in this game.”  Most everyone raised their hand.  I did see one smiling with no raised hand.  She eventually did but I loved the kidding and shared a smile back.

                The High School group was hilarious this week.  Changing the rules of gutterball brought giggles, laughter, and general merriment.  Try throwing 4 of your own balls to see what happens.  No one won.  They almost forgot which balls were theirs.  I enjoyed the camaraderie and joy.  There was also throat singing to help a player do better.  It was beautiful. 

                During the lesson, Bobby mentioned that he had walked on water.  The students responded that to walk on water, “Jesus wore massive platforms.”  If you want to know about the time Bobby walked on water ask him.  It’s a fun story.

                Later Bobby told a student, “Your dad gave me the best compliment this week.  He called me young.”  The student was unfazed, “Well, he’s just stating facts.  You are so much younger than he is.”  When the student found out Bobby is his dad’s age this was funny.  “Oh, I thought you were in your mid 30’s.”  The compliment just kept on going.  This is opposed to the lady who asked Bobby if he wanted the senior discount at a store lately. 

                Adriel continues to text and let us know she is OK.  She did have her first car break-in while she wasn’t present.  Welcome to Portland.  I told her I wasn’t telling dad because he wouldn’t sleep at night.  She had already told him.  He seems to be sleeping OK.  She had it fixed on the same day and didn't even have to leave the office.  How amazing.

                Seth plugs away at school and helped with dishes.  I enjoy his company and am glad he is willing to text me the shopping list whenever I ask.  I like having him at home base.

                Being part of a family truly is a blessing, silliness, and all.  May you feel as blessed as you are.  May you find joy in sunshine and rain.  May you be glad for all that God provides.  Love and hugs, Cristy

1/23/23

 Dear Family,

 

            Holding hands and tying shoelaces.  This is what helping the middle school group ice skating is like.  I enjoy it.  Seeing everyone go from wall huggers to wobbly middle-lane skaters is fun.  Everyone is learning a new skill and some even soar.  The group were troopers even though it was hard.  I delight in helping others grow whether it be spiritually (my favorite), mentally, or physically. 

            Bobby tied shoelaces but broke one with his strong muscles.  He skated by with encouragement, took pictures, and counted heads repeatedly.  He creates events that he will enjoy because he is amazing at knowing what will be fun for the whole group.

            A funny quote from Monday's excursion is, “If you were a hamburger, you would be one made out of plants.” 

            Also, I enjoyed several students' new head-boggling “Fred math”.  1 + 1 = 11.  You can have more than one best friend because, “Fred math,” dictates it is so.  Several students played with numbers and made-up ridiculous rules which will probably become an amazing new code for secret messages.  For now, it’s a fun way to bond as their excitement over a group think answer ends with an adorable dance that brings joy and excitement.  People who want to join the group?  Well at first it was boys only, but I called them on sexism.  So, the rules for becoming are to become a Frederica.  A Fred must “fart on me and give me pink eye.”  Ahh, middle school.  I’m out.  I don’t need to do the dance or math that badly.  I am delighted by their creativity, imagination, and fun.

            High school group is fun and wonderful.  They have a retreat coming up, and it’s interesting hearing about how they will take work off.  I am impressed by their loyalty and desire to be together.

            Adriel visited for a bit, and she was full of stories, love, and hugs.  I relish our time together and enjoy every moment we bask in her presence.

            Seth cleaned the bathrooms and his room this week.  It is nice to have the place cleaner because he is around.  I don’t see him much.  But I see what he does. 

            Bobby and I enjoyed dinner with neighbors this week.  The Johnsons are kind and lovely people.  I enjoyed getting to know them better. 

            Bobby Spent all day Friday cooking tamales.  He made a lot and we will be blessed for days. 

            Bobby and I enjoyed a walk on Saturday.  Our work schedules don’t always correspond, so I was glad to get off work at 3 PM and walk with him for a while.  I am glad we still enjoy each other’s company.

            May you also find joy in those you have chosen.  May your delight bring smiles, hugs, and love.  May God’s presence give you peace in your heart and overwhelming calm that gives you the ability to spread kindness everywhere you go.  Much love,

 

 

Cristy

 

1/16/23

 Dear Family,

 

            Because Adriel is texting us daily to let us know she is still alive I feel much better about her moving sooo far away to Portland.  My praise in youth group was that, “Adriel has moved to Portland and it is in a safe neighborhood.”  This brought pause as the youth was praying for her.  He even said, “Sounds hard to believe about Portland,”  In the prayer.  It’s a jungle up there.

            Adriel did stop by Wednesday to bring back our tubs from her move.  We are blessed to have them from Mom Webb.  Go Adriel go!

            Our middle school group is full of delightful people who are kind and don’t want to leave even when Bobby is shouting that their parents are ready across the gym.  It’s cute how much they enjoy being together.  Before games, Bobby said, “We are going to play Ultimate Bump in the gym.”    A student asked, “What’s that?”  Bobby, “I’ll teach you.”  A chorus of “Yay!” Was interjected with, “Do we get to throw people around?” 

            The High School group has more subdued joy. 

            Later during the lesson, Bobby made a slight groaner joke with his, “Jesus loves you this much” as he raised his arms like on a cross.  Then a student added, “I think you nailed the point well.” To make it a full groaner. 

            When the point was, “Encountering Jesus and Receiving him changes lives.”  There was a picture of a leopard with spots on the ground as though he had changed his spots.  This is in reference to Jeremiah 13:23 which states a leopard doesn’t change its spots.  This was an unknown verse to the youth so one mentioned, “Jesus healed the leper?”

            Bobby cooked Friday and it was amazing.  I am so glad I don’t have to think about meal planning.  I am blessed by this repeatedly.

            Seth is back in school.  This just means he’s on his computer more than on VR.  I know I shouldn’t talk with him while he is doing schoolwork, so I refrain but it’s still nice to have him around.

            Giving blood may be draining but it is worth it.  Hearing a story from Dr. Amit Bhatia about someone who died because they did not receive enough blood during surgery rallied my resolve.  You too can give blood every 8 weeks.  The only change I had to make is that I eat an iron-rich breakfast every day.  Anyway, I gave blood again on Wednesday and it doesn’t take that much out of me.  But it gave a whole bunch to those in need.

            May you make time in your schedule to give what you can.  May you enjoy time with loved ones as though it was the blessing that it is.  May your joy be tremendous and may your focus be on God and all the abundance He gives.  Love and hugs,

 

 

Cristy

1/9/23

 Dear Family,

 

            Creating a being in your own image can be delightfully satisfying.  Bobby happily bought and showed “Spiderman No Way Home.”  Seth and I both commented several times how it was dumb and not a good movie.  Bobby was chagrined and said, “Everyone else in the world loves it.”  The biggest thing I learned from that movie is how the industry justified recycling a plot over and over again with the “Spiderman” theme.  Different realities.  Magic.  Time travel.  Dimension travel.  Give me a break.  How many times can we hear that “With great power comes . . . “  I like the idea enough to watch one movie with that plot not three or 6 recycled and then all coming together for some self-love.  And yes, I have not read the comic books.  Either way, it was super fun having the two vs. one vote.

            I asked Seth if he was planning on staying up till midnight on new year’s eve.  He asked, “Why in the world would I do that?”  I said, “Some people stay up to ring in the new year.”  He responded, “That’s ridiculous, I won’t miss out on sleep for that.”  I had to laugh and delight in how alike we are.  Someone once asked me, “Don’t you even stay up once a year?”  I responded, “No, I don’t torture myself even once a year.”

            Bobby felt a bit under the weather.  Yet he still powered thru the week.  Colds are not fun so please pray for him as his sinuses are needing to heal.

            Bobby cooked on Monday, Thursday, and Friday.  I truly enjoy packing leftovers as they are quick, easy, and yummy.  We have it so good! Refrigerators keep food cold and microwaves heat it up in minutes.  I am so glad to live in an age where all of life isn’t spent over a fire stove. 

            Middle school group was delightful.  They were glad to be together and encouraged each other while playing games.  The crowd oohed and aahed over each other’s progress and I like the mutual encouragement.   When we sat to do the lesson, Bobby noticed someone was wearing a retreat shirt and he said, “I like your shirt!”  I enjoyed watching the happy wiggle that followed. 

Bobby was announcing an ice-skating activity and said, “So n so is an expert ice skater.”  This brought confusion and, “No I’m not, this will be my first time.”  Bobby came back with, “Oh, your mom said you were excited to go.”  I think it was silly that Bobby got “expert ice skater” from excitement.  A bit of a jump.

            Later in the night, we learned about taking off the old self and putting on the new.  An application question involved thinking of two areas of life we could take off and leave behind.  One of Bobby’s examples was, “You could stop being mean to old people like Rich.”  A youth stood up for Rich, saying, “Yeah, stop roasting him.”  I am glad Rich doesn’t mind the old people jokes but also glad people want the best for him.

            Part of taking off the old in the lesson were socks that Bobby distributed and told everyone to take off their old socks.  This was a stinky endeavor and I told Bobby later at home I didn’t like that.  He said, “Well at least they will remember the lesson.”  I sighed and agreed.  Then out came, “Better than asking them to take off all their clothes for new ones.”  Yes, that would have definitely gone too far.

            The high school group was a sweet time of song and similar lesson.  This time they were only told they would get new socks IF they took off the old ones.  Much excitement was had over hot pink socks.  There was a pause though.  “Wait, are these socks used?”  When I said, “Put on the ‘new’” There was a happy “Aha” moment and joy abounded.

            Adriel moved this weekend.  I enjoyed being helpful.  I felt safe the entire time and am glad the part she is moving into a good part of town.  Portland is a busy, bustling place full of interesting people.  Adriel is growing and flying.  I am glad she isn’t too far away.

            May you delight where God leads you.  May you enjoy all you encounter.  May God give you peace when you need it and joy from the inside bubbling out.  May you follow His guidance and be glad you did.  Love and hugs,

 

 

 

 

 

Cristy

1/2/23

 Dear Family,

 

            Bobby has been taking down Christmas decorations little by little and so have I.  I did want to do it all at once but was called into work.  It’s OK taking our time.  I’m glad we are of one mind.  No rush, but the work did get done.

            Adriel drove up to the Seattle area to ice skate with her cousins.   She also visited my parents on that whirlwind trip.  I’m impressed by her ability and desire to fit things in!  My body hurts thinking of being in a car that long. 

Adriel came over Wednesday for chats and a hug.  She enjoyed her first day of work and feels like being a Paralegal will be a good fit for her. 

            Seth signed up for school but is still glad to have another week off.    He has pets that he, “loves.”  I want to see these shiny digital sentient creatures that can text.  When I overheard his friend tell him to kick one Seth was aghast and refused.  I am very curious to see what has endeared him so much.

            Bobby preached Sunday morning.  Although he feels anxious about it, he always does well.  I am very glad my Bobby loves God and is willing to have God work thru him and expound on His word.  It is good to hear Bobby preach.

            May you delight in doing God’s will.  May you find peace knowing he cares for you more than you care for your children.  May you feel joy as you look ahead to a new year and fresh beginnings.  Love and hugs,

 

 

 

Cristy

12/26/22

 Dear Family,

 

                I liken myself to a lizard.  If I sit too long, I become cold.  Especially my hands and feet.  This is one reason I like being active.  I don’t like being cold.  Bobby on the other hand seems to be a human heat blaster.  When I put my cold hands on him the other day it was delightful. . for me.  He on the other hand felt his warmth sap like Jesus’s power when someone touched his robe.  Bobby’s comment, “Are you even alive?!”

                My coworker was thanking me for all the training and help the past year when the conversation turned to how fast I am at getting groceries.  I get a star for being the fastest picker every week. I remembered that I have been fast all my life and then was instantly grateful for my mother who had to be even faster.  My mother caught me on my first day of life when I wiggled off the changing table.  She also snatched me from oncoming traffic when I was a toddler.  I may have always been fast, but my mother and guardian angels were always faster.  Grandma on the other hand caught up to me later when I ran ahead into the candy store.

                Shopping for funny Christmas presents is one of my favorite things all year round.  This year Bobby had a present game that involved dice, sending presents three to the left, back to the right, trade with another person or picking two people to trade, etc., and only occasionally opening one.   In the end, everyone opened what they had, and the trading began.  I was delighted when a youth was willing to trade the Bob Ross fanny pack for a Chipotle gift card.  Both sides were very pleased.  Another pair proudly wore a pink unicorn hat and silly glasses attached to a hat and mustache.  The person that received Grogu with a frog already had one but wasn’t willing to trade it because the one I had found was cuter than the one at home.  Yay!  No one cried.  If I find myself laughing in the store aisle, then the present is perfect!

                The Webb/VanKleek families came over on the 22^nd.  I am very glad a work friend traded days with me so I could be home for it.   Bobby worked hard to make sure all food was prepared on time.  He also sacrificed evening time so
Seth could stay.  I am very thankful for our ability to gather.  It was lovely to spend time with family. 

                Christmas eve was beautiful and meaningful.  I love singing with fire in my hand.  It’s also a lovely picture there is beauty in the firelight.  I truly enjoyed the new selfie booth which was perfect for our dressed-up look.  I am delighted we have more photos of our family to share.

            Celebrating Christmas day with friends and Church members is precious.  I enjoyed the Sunday service so much.  Bobby mentioned maybe we didn’t need to read the Christmas story before opening presents because we had heard it Christmas eve and Christmas morning.  I teased him about deciding he had enough spirituality.  So9meone else chimed in that we needed to go even further and reenact the Christmas story.  I said Bobby has to be the donkey, Adriel can ride in, Seth can be Joseph and the cat can be baby Jesus.  Bobby decided the tradition of reading the story would be quite fine, thank you.

            Celebrating with the Duval/Kuykendall’s is delightful.  I enjoy the conversation, smiles and laughs.  I love seeing smiles the most.  Being adopted is truly wonderful.

                May you delight in the beautiful memories of Christmas past.  May you find joy in gathering.  May your heart be full and your stomach be not too full.  Hugs,

 

 

Cristy

                

Merry Christmas & Best of the year

 Merry Christmas,

 

 

As I look back on the year, I am glad to have you in my life. I am blessed to know you.

Bobby is in his 23^rd year of being a youth pastor and he still loves it.  Adriel wants to be a paralegal in the Portland area where she would continue her studies.  Seth remains the part-time custodian at church and continues to do school full-time.  I enjoy my job at Fred Meyer where I help people get their groceries.

         Throughout the year I find delightful blessings and entertaining funnies.  I’ll share my highlights of the year.

 Adriel called me one day while we were both driving home.  I enjoyed chatting with her and when I arrived home, I put her on speakerphone with Bobby and me describing the duties of her new position at a law firm.  She was becoming the Administrative Assistant.  It was fun when she arrived with laundry in hand.  Bobby didn’t expect the live version of Adriel so we had a great dinner together because Adriel couldn’t pass up his amazing cooking and it was there, smelling wonderful.  “Ohhh, can I have some?” 

         Adriel managed to hug every person at Ryland Duval’s wedding.  It had been a year since she saw the people of West Hills.  I was impressed by her desire to make sure she said, “Hi” to so many people.  Adriel has always been all about the other person.  Even as a child she cared more about friends than toys.  Watching Adriel warmed my heart.  She is amazingly intentional.

I wore my bright blue Rooted tee shirt and my bright red pants for bowling with the Junior High group.  Seth asked, “Are you going out like that?”  I smiled and said, “Yes, I am!”  He was chagrined and said, “It’s your funeral.”  This made me laugh and I responded, “Perfect, this is how I want to be dressed for my funeral.”  Seth’s final word, “It will be a closed casket.”

Seth cooked pizza for dinner one evening.  When I thanked him.  He smiled and said, “Oh, you think that was for you?” 

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.”

I answered a question to Bobby saying, “It was wonderful, perfect, fabulous.”  He then replied, “Just like me.”  

Bobby borrowed a suburban and parked it in the driveway.  Then we went to bed.  Meanwhile, Seth came home from work around 9:30 PM and was alarmed.  He went inside and asked, “Dad?!  Is there anyone robbing our house?” 

Bobby mentioned he missed a couple places shaving.  I was wondering why he just told me he was “Mystical in places.”  When I mentioned what I heard he just came back with, “Well, I am.” 

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.”

We delight in working with teens.  Here are some quotes from the youth group for your enjoyment:

“I wonder what it would taste like if you mixed diet Dr. Pepper and rock star”.  The quick answer, “Diabetes.”

“I can’t find psalm 119 mine goes only to 150.”  When I mentioned 119 was smaller than 150 Bobby piped in with, “And that’s why you are still in school.”

Someone burped and said, “That made my eyes burn.”

After reading 1 Samuel 8:1-7.  Bobby asked, “Who was supposed to be Israel’s King?”  In rapid succession, we heard, “David?”, “Samuel?”  Bobby said, “Noooo, God!”  And a youth quipped, “Welllll, we tried.” 

“I speak for the trees.  Respect the amazon or I’ll break your knees.”  When this was repeated another person said, “That’s the most true thing I have ever heard”.

Bobby was trying to teach humility, specifically humility while we pray.  He said, “In some ways I make you pray with humility by having you pray for other people’s requests instead of your own.”  A teen was aghast, “You tricked me!” 

Bobby asked, “What do we call a relationship?” (he was looking for the word “Friend” but a youth had to shoot back with), “Complicated.”

When someone tried to trick another the person said, “I have eaten so many carrots, I see thru your techniques.”  I love how punny people can be.

During the lesson, Bobby was trying to get the answer, “Shapes.”  He asked, “If you put this heart and a star next to it what do you have?”  Someone knew this, “Lucky charms!” 

One of the fun parts of the youth group is introducing people who haven’t read much of the Bible to God and his word.  Sometimes the things we say are shocking.  “Jesus’ brothers thought he was crazy.”  (Mark 3:20-21 20)  Also, wait, “Jesus had siblings?”  “Yes, half-siblings – Mary didn’t stay a virgin forever.”

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.”

I am excited when our raspberries and cherries are ripe.  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 VanKleek cvankleek@yahoo.com or on Facebook Cristina Maria VanKleek