October 30 – “Ministry and Moose”

I had to make a quick run over to UTMB yesterday.  Jim works there and he had a check to be delivered to some folks.  Seaside took up a special offering to meet a specific need we heard about, and as usual, gave over and above what the family needed.  I dropped it off with the pastor who told us about the need, and told him, “Just say it was from Jesus.”  Way to follow God, Seasiders.  While there I saw one of our fire fighters working his second job.  Seems the UTMB Fire Marshall’s office really likes having Galveston Fire Department personnel on board.  Not to mention the guys who work in the emergency room.  And why not?  That’s some quality training and experience our guys bring to the table.  So, nice move, UTMB.  And way to go GFD guys who work there.

Last night I was invited to a birthday party for one of the long time fire fighters.  Speaking of experience, he turned fifty years old.  Doesn’t seem to have slowed him down, though.  Moose’s second job involves wearing a different uniform.  He rides with the police.  Lots of folks came out to wish him well as he begins his second half-century.  Man, that sure sounds old, doesn’t it?  And I’m already eleven years into mine.  Hey, wait a minute.  I’ll just start counting like that.  Means I’ll get to be a teenager again here in a few years and start doing goofy things to embarrass the lovely woman in my life.  Hmm.  Junior High again.  Not so fun the first time through.  But I have a long list of craziness that I’ve been holding back for my “senior years.”  I just never have been able to figure out when that actually begins.  What do you say, Moose?  Care to join me in a new decade of random goofiness?  Seriously, though, happy birthday, my friend. 

Philippians 4:8-9 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Father, continue to meet the needs of the family we helped in your name.  Bless Moose and give him and his family much happiness.  And surround the fire department guys and everyone who works at UTMB with your protection and love.  Amen.