September 30 – “My favorite uncle”

Cailyn had two softball games in Dickinson yesterday.  No way we could make the first one.  Too close to church time.  So after a quick lunch (warmed up leftover pizza) we headed to Texas.  We also had a passenger with us this time.  Kel and Christina’s dog Leia had a cousin’s sleepover with Freddy.  She was pretty much ready to go home, I think, although she was just about to understand the ins and outs of where she could sit on the couch.  Freddy made a point to assist in that teaching.  If Leia got too close to Chris, Freddy would bound in from across the room and snuggle in even closer.  Can’t be too careful with the position in the pack, I guess.

So we took Leia home first.  And as it turned out, Noa wanted to go to the softball game with us, since it was a girls’ thing and all.  We strapped her into the car and she started talking excitedly.  Now I have no idea what she was saying.  Many reasons for that.  For one, she was primarily talking to Chris (or to herself).  Secondly, she was in the back seat, so even though I could tell she was talking, I couldn’t really distinguish what she was saying.  Thirdly, the Astros game had just started.  But suffice it to say … she never stopped. 

Once we got to the game and Chris managed to expertly park along the side of the one-lane road leading both in and out of the park, Noa was taken under the wing of her Uncle Nathan.  Well, she was taken to the concession stand by him.  Scary and brave act.  She came back with a bottle of Gatorade, a huge pickle, and something blue in a tiny little cup.  I’m not sure what it was, but she devoured it.  She told us on the way home, “I think Uncle Nathan is my favorite uncle.”  Sorry, Josh. 

Oh, the game.  Cailyn’s team won easily.  Both games, in fact.  In the one we saw Cailyn hit in the leadoff spot.  She walked twice and was hit by a pitch once.  She scored all three times.  Pretty impressive.  Oh … and it was hot.  Really hot. 

I did keep up with the Astros game as well.  Last game of the regular season.  They finished with a bang.  8-5 for a 20^th win for Garrett Cole.  Most wins in franchise history.  Now they wait to see who they will play in the first round of playoffs.  Speaking of that, I joined Micah and Jachin in filling out a projected bracket of who might win each playoff series and the World Series.  We’ll see who does the best job. 

2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

Father, thank you for our little excursion with Noa.  It was fun to watch her idolizing Cailyn through the dugout fence.  Amen.

September 29 – “Poor parents”

We are back at it.  The three mile walk thing, I mean.  Walk.  All walk.  No running allowed this time.   Chris put her foot down.  Literally.  Several thousand times.  In fact she kept going after the walk and did eight or ten flights of stairs, too.  Did I mention she’s my exercise hero? 

We also made a quick trip over to Target.  I know what WalMart is like on a Saturday, even an off-season Saturday. Wild and crazy.  I can’t remember the last time I went to Target on a Saturday, though.  After all, we have to get on 61^st Street to get there.  That’s the East/West boundary line, you know?  Well … we haven’t missed much.  There weren’t nearly as many people as frequent a WalMart on a sunny Saturday afternoon.  Part of Target’s appeal, I guess. 

So all we were getting there were some more card holders for the baseball cards I garnered last week.  One of the sets is being stored in a brand that is terrible for the long-term health of the card.  The other set that I haven’t dealt with yet just needs some more empty spaces for places where there are two cards in the same slot.  We found them right off, but we had to make a lap around the store.  Chris needed some more steps to get to her 10,000 goal.  As it turned out, when we got home she had 9,990.  Undeterred, she walked in circles around the house to pick up those last few.  Success.  And now it starts over again …

Today I get to pick up an extra portion of pastries for church.  Corey, who usually handles that task, won’t be there this morning.  Brennan has two baseball games.  Out of town games.  In the extreme heat.  And so does Cailyn in fact.  Poor kids.  Wait.  That’s not right.  The kids are no doubt loving every minute of it.  Poor parents.  Yep.  That the right one.  Poor parents.

Matthew 5:48 says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Father, please be with all those kiddos who will be running and playing out in the sun this afternoon.  And help their parents find some shade.  Amen.

September 28 – “ya little muttly”

We went on our three-mile walk yesterday.  Actually we kind of jogged a little bit during mile two.  Chris wasn’t too happy about it.  Not that it was too hard for her or anything.  She could have done much more.  She was just worried about me.  She said she could just see my back getting pounded with every step.  The neurosurgeon did tell me it was in my best interests to choose not to run anymore.  But I just wanted to see if I could.  Chris assured me we could just walk a little faster and get the same results.  I don’t know about that.  I could sure feel the aerobic value kicking in.  That’s a slick way of saying it got harder and harder to breathe.  I can’t say I’m completely convinced to stop running altogether.  Guess I’ll see how I feel the rest of today.

We decided to take the truck over to a local paint and body shop and get an estimate of how much it will cost to paint it.  And of course the speedometer acted up and was squirrelly again.  It finally started registering as we turned into our neighborhood.  Maybe it just needs to warm up.  So back to the paint job.  The price they gave seemed to be right in line with what we were seeing in our on-line search.  I was most impressed, though, with the demeanor of the guy who did the estimate.  He was respectful and quite helpful.  He also loves Jesus.  I’ll admit that last part did sway my opinion a lot.  We checked up on their reputation, and everything we saw sounded really good.  Now I guess we just need to save up money for that little expense.  Not sure how long that will take.  We have to pay the balance due for our Panama Canal cruise sometime in the next week or two. 

The LaMarque crew came over for a visit last night.  They had been to the library.  Well, that and they needed to bring over their dog for an overnighter with us.  Well, two overnighters.  Maybe three.  They have a very busy weekend, and they don’t want to leave the dog in its crate for such long hours.  Yeah.  That dog may get to spend some time in a crate over here.  I had to put up the dog gate last night because it was scratching the door.  Then this morning I let it into the house, primarily because it was making this horrendous whining sound.  It proceeded to jump into my office chair and pee.  Not a good start, ya little muttly. 

Kel did help me out on the baseball card front, though.  He found on e-Bay the one card I needed to complete the set I got in Glen Rose.  He did the ordering and everything.  Two bucks, which includes shipping and everything.  Should be in sometime on Friday of next week.  It’s going to his house, so the mail fiasco down here shouldn’t affect anything.  Actually we did receive some mail yesterday, so I guess they found a place to work from until they get the warehouse repaired that was destroyed by the Imelda rainwater. 

1 Peter 1:24-25 says, “All people are like grass, and their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

Father, be with Kel’s family during their hectic weekend.  Be with Josh’s family at their family retreat.  And be with Nathan’s family at Cailyn’s marathon softball games.  Whew.  Makes me tired just thinking about it.  Amen.

September 27 – “Curiouser and curiouser”

Holy Mackerel, what a roller coaster ride.  I got a call from the mechanic.  He replaced the sensor that operates the speedometer, but was still having problems.  He asked if I would bring him the old instrument cluster/gauge array that he had just replaced (thankfully he told me to keep it in case they needed parts at some time in the future).  He wanted to use it to test the new sensor.  I picked it up from the garage and headed on over right away.  I was now really curious as to what could be happening now. 

To make a long story shorter, the new instrument cluster worked fine … except for the speedometer part.  He hooked up the old cluster and ran the test with the new sensor and it worked fine.  However … with the new sensor installed it made a horrendous sound.  Solution?  He took the new sensor off, replaced the old one, and voila.  Everything worked fine.  All the gauges registered properly.  No horrendous noise.  Curiouser and curiouser.  He finally just closed up the wound like a doctor finishing surgery.  He will order a new instrument cluster.  Well, another cluster.  There is no such thing as a new one.  They simply aren’t made any more.  Joys of owning a classic vehicle and all.  And whenever one becomes available he will let me know.  Of course that could take a long time before one enters the system. 

In the meantime, I drove the truck home, and everything seems to be behaving for the time being.  I hesitate to mention it – kind of like not mentioning a no-hitter when it is in progress so as not to jinx it - but maybe I can call the paint guy now.

Romans 8:6 says, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

Father, please give me that Spirit-mind.  I could especially use the peace part.  Amen.

September 26 – “a misshapen blob”

Well, here we go again.  We were all set to take the car in to the shop.  Nothing serious.  Just time to have the oil changed.  Piece of cake, right?  Ummm.

Chris got into the car and started it up.  I got into the truck and … it wouldn’t start.  Nothing.  Dead as a doornail.  Again.  We jumped it to get it started and took it to the mechanic instead.  Aaaaaaand … the alternator was out.  So we did that instead of the oil.  Ouch.  But on a brighter note, the lock switch started working again.  There’s that …

So next up is to contact the paint guy to get it repainted and protect it from these harsh, Galveston, rust-inducing winters.  Finally, a step we can actually see.  Well … oops.  Spoke too soon.  I picked the truck up and headed home.  And on the way I noticed … the speedometer doesn’t work.  Oh, it jumps a bit here and there, but for the most part it just sleeps lazily on the bottom of the array.  Back to the electrical sensor drawing board.

Chris asked me for help on one of her projects.  She is trying to figure out how to make a stuffed animal for Luke.  Her problem?  To make the best use of the material she has available, she needs to increase the size of the pattern … proportionally.  Aaargh.  Algebra and geometry.  There are real-life situations where they are needed.  Luke, I’ll apologize ahead of time if your creature becomes a misshapen blob of unrecognizable fluffiness. 

I went over to Nathan and April’s house in the afternoon.  They were both working.  Chris went to pick up Cailyn from school.  My task was to meet with the A/C guy and let him in to work on their unit.  The drain was apparently clogged, causing it to leak.  He came in with his little bottle of compressed air.  After a brief glitch where he had to install a cut-off valve of some kind, he shot the air through.  He assured me all was well now.  Guess they will have to see …

When we all got back to the house, Cailyn and I did some homework together.  Math.  Of course it was math.  What else?  My head was already blown up with those creature calculations.  Why not add calculating factors into the mix?  We finished up just in time to rush over to her house, pick up her softball equipment, and get to practice.  Nathan met us out there, so we transferred our precious cargo to him. 

Jude 1:20-21 says, “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.”

Father, thank you again for our good mechanic Dennis.  Walk with him.  Amen.

September 25 – “Postal understanding …”

So, did anybody get mail yesterday?  We got one letter on Monday, but nothing yesterday.  I just read in the newspaper that mail service is supposed to be up and running again sometime this week.  Hope those of us who still use the postal service to pay our bills experience understanding …

We had to attack our overgrown lawn yesterday.  It was beginning to get post-apocalyptic.  Well, post-tropical storm-ic anyway.  Our lawn has splotches of dead spots surrounded by lush St. Augustine surrounded by Bermuda infested with evil, grow-in-a-circle things with an occasional stickerbur popping up here and there.  Just weird. 

After the outdoor workout I spent most of my day working on the sermon for Sunday.  Chris made a trip to Hobby Lobby.  She is working on another quilt, so she needed some kind of backing stuff to make it work. 

I took a break at one point and took another look at the baseball cards I got on our last trip.  I was able to fill in the blanks on all the empty spaces of the collector notebook except one.  Card number five of the 1989 Topps set.  Orel Hersheiser doing some kind of record breaking event.  Anybody have that one gathering dust around your house?  Chris looked it up.  It’s worth a whopping 79 cents.  I’ll give you a dollar for it.  We also found a few more of the Biggio rookie cards, as well as John Smoltz’ rookie card and Randy Johnson’s.  Pretty good year for rookies, I guess.  Chris was really getting into the process.  She was looking everything up on the internet.  She found one site that sells cards, but shipping for one 79 cent card would be in the neighborhood of $10.  She even suggested a day trip back to the antique store in Granbury to see if they had any more cards.  Sounds like fun …

2 John 1:6 says, “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.  As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”

Father, obeying because we love sure sounds easier than obeying because we have to.  Thanks for challenging us to do it that way.  Amen.

September 24 – “Rescue”

Back to walking yesterday.  Three miles.  Chris made some noise about going four, but she relented and came on home with me.  Once here she continued her workout with some steps out on the deck.  On days like that she’s my hero.  I spent the morning at the computer.  Monday’s work is never done. 

Speaking of work, I waded through the first round of the 1989 baseball cards I got on our trip this weekend.  We arranged the boxes marked “Duplicates” into number order so I could see what I actually have.  I noticed right away that there are no duplicates of the 400’s.  Must have been stored somewhere else and didn’t make it to the estate sale.  Chris discovered four Craig Biggio rookie cards.  I’m pretty sure there is at least one Randy Johnson rookie card in there, too.  One whole stack of the 500’s is water damaged.  That was a shame.  Looks like the box they were in got wet just on one end.  I’m still not sure how many more are needed to complete the set.  Lots more work needed to get a handle on this set.

We were extra proud of a Seasider yesterday.  Lauren made the news for her part in the rescue of a beached baby dolphin in Matagorda.  She said the youngster was doing pretty well in their rescue facility, considering its injuries, which included what looked like some shark bites.  They are having to feed him and care for him around the clock.  They named him Baby Russ after the man who found him and stayed with him until the Dolphin Rescue Team arrived.  Then yesterday Lauren helped rescue a sea turtle that was found stuck on the beach here in Galveston.  That’s two big ones in two days.  Not bad for our super-volunteer.  What do you have on tap for today, Lauren?

Matthew 7:17-20 says, “Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

Father, thank you for Lauren and her team of rescuers.  They drove a long way to do what they could for one tiny, injured dolphin.  Kind of like how you came a long way to rescue us.  Amen.

September 23 – “Good day … Daze-y day”

I confess that I am sitting at my desk in sort of a daze this morning.  Oh, church went great yesterday.  And we went to lunch afterwards with a group of Seasiders over at the Sea Isle Marina, so that was really good company.  OK food.  I understand that I should have ordered a hamburger.  They apparently have a really good one.  Maybe next time.  The Astros took care of business, clinching the division title and winning victory number twenty for Justin Verlander.  George Springer even hit three home runs.  I heard the Cowboys won their game, and I actually saw the last few minutes of the Texans’ victory.  I heard from a guy in our neighborhood who wants to talk about a vows renewal with his wife.  Always a good thing.  So all in all, yesterday was a good day.

I just happened to wake up feeling tired and sore.  It happens.  I’m thinking the wild and crazy trip to Glen Rose and the miles upon miles in the car may just be catching up with me.  Also, I have been having some unusual headache-y pain behind my left eye.  Comes and goes.  Yesterday was a “comes” day.    

I am anticipating a walk this morning, however.  I’m pretty sure that is in Chris’ plans for the day.  I am also anticipating spending most of the day right here at my desk.  That’s what Monday generally looks like from my perspective.  Guess I need to get started here before Chris gets out of bed.  That way it’ll look like I’ve been really working …

Psalms 23:3 says, “He refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

Father, I could use some of that refreshing today.  Looking forward to whatever you have in store.  Amen.

September 22 – “I’m a Nut 2019: Day three”

Left the lake house, headed home

But we still have more to roam

One group back to G-town went

One went east with new intent

I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Quick stop there in Clifton town

Got some gas and walked around

Saw some old Alaska friends

Like us – trav’ling – kind to tend.

I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Painted church in Praha town

Service soon, no visits allowed

Didn’t stop ol’ Cathy though

Right inside there she did go

I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Right nearby someone we knew

To Anne Wright’s house then we flew

She’s from Seaside long ago

Doing great, still on the go

I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Painted church stops weren’t a flop

Three or four more saw us stop

Statues, altars, painted walls

All to one’s heart made God-calls

I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Fin’lly time to head on home

Two more hours to sea foam

But we did make one stop more

It was Buc-ees!  What a store!

 I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Back in G-town good to be

Missed out on the storm melee

Get some rest, tomorrow looms

Church day coming, all too soon!

I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

1 Peter 1:3 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Father, please continue to walk with Anne.  Continue to surround her with people who love her and need her love.  Amen.

September 21 - “I’m a Nut 2019: Day Two”

Lauren, early Friday morn
Watched from deck as morning born
Bob and Jim and PK, too
Sought for fish, but none, Boo Hoo
I’m a nut, I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

PK sang his heav’nly song
Verses all are coming ‘long
Then we waited, oh, so long
And we waited ... waiting ... waiting ... waiting ... that’s so wrong
I’m a nut, I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Up upon the stairs we posed
Timed that picture on the nose
All our bodies in a crunch
That’s how we became the Seaside bunch
I’m a nut, I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Next we went to Granbury
What surprise when we did see
There upon the quaint town square
Nut House Hotel loomed so fair
I’m a nut, I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Ate at Nutshell Bakery
All these Nuts in town, you see?
John Wilkes Booth worked bar in thar
PK bought some baseball cards
I’m a nut, I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

On our strolling through the town
Clothes and old stuff did abound
Candy cigs and pixie stix
Chunks of pie thrown in the mix
I’m a nut, I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Fin’lly to The Promise Show
Met the Winkle’s, don’t ya know?
Made the rounds of their gift shop
Then into our seats we hopped
I’m a nut, I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

This production was immense
Funny moments, and intense
Goats, a donkey, camels, too
And some children playing, who!
I’m a nut, I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Dancers twirled and all sang well
Holding us within their spell
Took some license poetic
But they sure pulled off the trick!
I’m a nut, I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Kay and Cary with us came
To sleep in our house, the same
Got to bed beyond midnight
Needed sleep for our home flight
I’m a nut, I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Final morning came too fast
These good times don’t seem to last
One last look out at the lake
Breakfast rib did Amber take!
I’m a nut, I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Thank you, Lauren, once again
Your events make our heads spin
I don’t know what next trip holds
But I’m certain you’ll be bold!
I’m a nut, I’m a nut.  I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 says, “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”

Father, thank you for the Promise experience.  And thank you for these good folks we were able to experience it with.  Amen.

September 20 - “I’m a Nut 2019 ... Glen Rose”

I’m an acorn, Small and round
Lying on the cold, hard ground
Everyone walks over me
That is why I’m cracked, you see
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Called myself on the telephone
Just to see if I was home
Asked me out for a little date
Picked me up about half past eight
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Took me out to a movie show
Stayed too late and said, “Let’s go”
Grabbed my hand and led me out
Drove me home and gave a shout
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Started late on. Our big trip
“Cathy’s fault” let Lauren slip
“Wasn’t’t me” Cathy replied
Fam’ly drama ... bonafide!
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Minutes lost were only five
Into the storm now - it’s alive!
Our directions up to Waze
To the castle!  What a maze
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Bob and Amber, Pat and Jim
Down Blue Water ... for a swim?
All in all we headed East
Avoid that storm - hey, it’s a beast!
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Soapy John’s and Newman’s Bakes
Meant our Belleville stop to make
Tried a donut, met our crew
Cathy, that guy hit on you!
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Trackin’ ‘Melda on our phone
Cathy seemed to be alone
But her beau stepped up - Woo hoo!
“Come join me.  I’ll talk.”  How smooth.
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Our Sir Knights, PK and Jim
And Sir Bob, can’t forget him
Led us into castle storm
Bob found dragons, marked his arm
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Food and flagons filled our need
Then to search the castle, heed!
To the towers!  Dungeon, too!
Someone’s fishing.  Wonder who?
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Ice cream break seemed apropos
Blue Bell Cream’ry, don’t ya know?
Pat and Jim ate theirs all done
Pat said, “Let’s taste more, just one”
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.


PK found a stuffy friend
Little Bessie’s now with him
Cranky shirt caught Chris’ eye
Jim just bought one, what a guy!
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Our eyes stayed on our hometown
As the rains kept coming down
We are safe on higher ground
Pray for those back in G-town
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Got to Glen Rose, eat? Where? Hey!
Whiskey Poodle? No, PK!
Loco Coyote, that’s the place
Where we all just stuffed our face
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Now we’re starting on day two
Jim and Pat, this one’s for you
Rookie trav’lers learn my song
Wake up Amber and sing along!
I’m a nut.  I’m a nut.  
I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut.

Romans 8:15 says, “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.  And by him we cry, ‘ABBA, Father.’”

Father, ABBA, would you watch over the folks who were devastated by the storm.  Especially those who are going through it all again.  Amen.

September 19 – “Storm chasing?”

Another cooped-up day was on tap as the rain continued.  All Tropical Storm Imelda could muster was a robust five miles per hour on her forward speed, so we were stuck with more and more bands of rain.  During one interval Chris and I went out in the back yard armed with brooms.  I dug a quick trench and between us we did our best to “assist” the water standing near the house in it trek toward the side where everything drains.  Looks like some kind of French drain or out-and-out ditch may be in one garden’s future. 

We did get a call that our truck was ready to be picked up from the mechanic.  We braved the potential floods and made our way there.  All the work we had talked about was done … and more.  A few more things had come up that he had to take care of, like the brake lines were corroded and burst.  It all still fit into our contingency budget, though.  Well, actually we went over by $13.51.  Not too bad.  And there were a few things that were minor that we just put on the list for the next visit.  In the meantime, now we need to save up enough to get it painted before the famous Galveston rust can completely destroy it. 

Last night Jachin was apparently getting a little stir crazy being stuck at home.  So he and his brothers conspired to get invited over here for supper.  Even offered to have his Mom do the cooking for supper and bring it over.  Of course they forgot to tell their Mom about it.  And they forgot that they were using her phone.  Or maybe Christina just finally figured it out.  Either way, she texted and said she had discovered the siblings’ plot.  They did come over, though.  We ate beans and rice and watched the Astros game.  Not a bad stormy evening. 

Today we head into Texas (right behind ol’ Imelda, but no, we are not storm chasing).  A group of Seasiders is trying again to see the outdoor production of The Promise in Glen Rose.  That’s the one where Chris and I got sick and left behind in Waco and the event ended up getting rained out.  Here we go …

Ephesians 4:1 says, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

Father, be with us on the road as we head northward into the stormy Texas weather.  Amen.

September 18 – “In the middle of a tropical storm ... yawn”

Well, the news around here is all about Tropical Storm Imelda.  The baby sister of Hurricane Humberto and the older sibling of Jerry, Kiko, and Mario, she hovered right off the coast of Freeport for several hours before deciding to go ahead and come onshore.  She hit Freeport head on, but the storm track put us on the “dirty” or most affected side of the action.  And come the rain did.  Lots of rain.  Lots and lots of rain.  Even this morning, with the storm slowly and steadily moving northward (and expected to take a slight turn to the north-northwest, following almost the exact track we expect to be driving tomorrow to go to Glen Rose with a group from church.  Here’s hoping it rains itself out before then), we are getting blasted with wave after wave.  I looked at the radar a while ago and it looks like a little hurricane is sitting right on top of us, swirling round and round.  We haven’t had any flooding in our neighborhood as of yet, but schools in Galveston are all closed for the day. 

It has been … interesting … being cooped up all day.  It’s not been bad enough to faithfully watch the Weather Channel’s every report.  Besides, Jim Cantore never did come here, so how bad can it be?  I tried to do some work on the computer.  Chris was plugging through some Bethlehem Street Market preparations as well as looking at the current quilt she is working on.  We both would stop on occasion, however, to step onto the porch to watch the rain and listen to the wind.  It’s the curse of sitting through a tropical storm on the Texas Gulf Coast.  The sheer majesty and power that is on display is mind-boggling.  Add to that the lightning show that began this morning, and all you can do is stare in awe of what God has created.

Last night we finally settled back to wait for the Astros game to come on.  Chris was talking to Josh on the phone, so I started walking around the house in circles.  Gotta get those steps in for at least a mile.  The game finally started at 1.3 miles.  3,565 steps.  Not bad for an interior, off-road course.  The Astros won the game.  We went to bed.  See?  There you have it.  Just not much action in the middle of a tropical storm.

Proverbs 10:19 says, “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”

Father, thank you for all the rain.  We did need it. Amen.

September 17 – “Cantore isn’t here. We’re good.”

We took a brief walk yesterday.  Maybe one mile.  Why so short?  Two reasons.  One was the threatening clouds approaching from the tropical system sitting off the coast right now.  The island hasn’t sunk yet, though.  I guess this is our “shout out” to friends from afar who may be listening to the Weather Channel.  Jim Cantore hasn’t showed up here yet, so we should be fine.

The second reason has an actual name.  Beauregard. Yep.  Actually Beauregard.  He’s one of our neighbors.  A retired guy who happens to have been selected by the powers that be (i.e. his wife) to lead our neighborhood night out activities.  He was out putting fliers on people’s doors.  The man was fascinating to talk to.  Well, rather to listen to.  He had story after story to tell.  Why, he even taught briefly at our alma mater, Houston Baptist University, back when it was just Houston Baptist College.  He was there before we began, though, but that was an interesting coincidence.  We’re looking forward to seeing him again on October 1^st at 5:30 at the Zion Retreat Center.  To quote my favorite line of the flier, “Bring food for a potluck if you wish to eat.” 

Next I went up to the church to meet the Comcast guy.  Here’s the story there.  They sent us a brand new modem.  No instructions.  No reason why we needed a new one.  We put it in one of the offices and forgot about it.  Then I started getting phone calls urging me to call them.  Seems one of our two modems was going to blow up or something, so they sent us one to replace it.  Now we had to call them to let them set it up over the phone. 

I finally got a window when I could do that.  But they couldn’t figure it out over the phone.  Couldn’t even tell me which modem was the offending one.  So they had to schedule a tech visit.  The first appointment was made, but by the time I received the confirmation text, it had been changed to a time when I specifically told them I could not be there (I was officiating a wedding).  Yesterday was attempt number two.  The window of attendance was between 10 and 12.  To their credit, I got a call at around 10 to tell me he would be there in 45 minutes.  Close.  He got here about an hour later. 

It really didn’t take him long to figure out which modem it was, but then he had to call in for some reason.  Amazingly he was on hold just as long as I usually am when I have to call.  Come to find out, there was a chip malfunction in just some of the models shipped out.  We happened to be blessed with one of those lucky numbers.  The company was just being proactive to switch them out before trouble happens.  Whew.  At least we weren’t in danger of a random explosion …

John 8:32 says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Father, thanks for your protection again.  Give ol’ Jim Cantore some more time with his family.  Amen.

September 16 – “The mystery of the missing mustache hair”

Chris had an interesting exchange with our granddaughter Noa the other day.  When Noa walked in she was insistent on getting Chris’ attention.  It was as if something serious was wrong.  So Chris gave her full attention.  Noa then queried, “What happened to your mustache hair?”  Immediately confused Chris asked her to repeat.  “What happened to your mustache hair?” was the clear reply. 

Now more confused than ever, Chris explained, “But Noa, I don’t have mustache hair.”  Insistent now, Now pressed on, “Yes, you do, Nana.  What happened to your mustache hair?”  Chris was just about to give up when Noa took her own long blonde hair, pulled it over her head and toward the front of her face so that it hung down in her eyes.  “What happened to your mustache hair?” 

Now Chris understood what she was talking about.  Of course.  Mustache Hair.  Bangs.  The question was, “What happened to your bangs.”  So Chris finally had an answer.  “I have them pinned back to keep them out of my eyes.”  Noa was completely satisfied with that.  I guess she was afraid Nan had gotten hold of some scissors and given herself a haircut.  Naughty, naughty Nana.

2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Father, thank you for Noa.  She and her two girl cousins are teaching us a whole new world of girl-dom.  Amen.

September 15 – “Speaking Electrician”

Yesterday I met up with our two retired electricians so they could start to determine what Seaside needs to do to get our outside lighting back up and working again. Jim started out by explaining what he had discovered so far.  Then James joined in.  It didn’t take long before I had absolutely no idea what they were talking about.

So, while they did their thing in their own language (Sorry, fellas.  I just don’t speak electrician), I called Comcast.  Several weeks ago they sent us a new modem for the church.  It had no instructions at all, and I didn’t even know which of our two modems it was supposed to replace.  Besides, we weren’t having any difficulties with what we had.  Then the phone calls began.  Recordings urging me to call them because their records indicate that we have not activated our new modem.  So I obliged the computer voices and called the given number. 

Strangely enough, the human being I talked to said they have no record of the new modem.  In fact they have only one modem on file, but the record indicates that they don’t seem to have a modem here at all.  Of course that means they have to send a tech guy out to see it in person.  She assured me he could be at the church between 1 and 3.  I explained that as a pastor, I have a wedding to perform, so I couldn’t be there any later.  And besides, we have a group that uses the building on Saturday evening anyway.  “No, no,” she assured me.  “Between 1 and 3.  I’ll send you a confirmation email.” 

About that time Jim came up and said that a lady needed a ride into town.  She had just walked up to the church from San Luis Pass.  I agreed to handle it, and we were off.  We talked a lot on the way into town.  She cried some.  Her mother had just died in August.  She got really excited when I shared the plan of salvation with her.  She remembered praying a similar prayer and drawing close to God after her mom’s death.  God helped her escape from a life of drugs and prostitution.  She has drifted a little since then, but she still loves the Lord and sometimes attends three different churches on Sundays.  And she does the best she can to help out the homeless people that frequent her neighborhood.  Pray for Sally.

I dutifully returned to the church in time for the 1 to 3 window Comcast gave me.  Around 1:15, as I was preparing to change the marquis at church, I received a text.  It was from Comcast, so I naturally thought it was the tech informing me he was on his way.  Silly me.  It was, indeed, confirming my appointment for … between 6 and 9 p.m.  Nope.  Not what we agreed upon.  And not even possible.  I called and all they could do was reschedule the appointment for next week.  It’s set for Monday now.  I may or may not show up. 

I really did have a wedding scheduled for 6 p.m.  I parked at the church and walked down to the beach.  And the area was flooded with people.  I called the bride, and she said I would see the group just to the left of the entrance.  I didn’t.  I did see a pickup truck with white folding chairs in it, though.  I kind of hung around it until a blue car drove past and asked if I was Pastor Kelley.  It was the bride, just arriving.  Needless to say, it took them a while to find a suitable place for the ceremony.  After a bit of walking, we did locate a spot, and the wedding went off without a hitch.  Well, with one key “hitch,” I guess you could say … they got hitched.

Kel and his family were at the house when I arrived.  They had been to the library and were there to watch the Astros game.  The ensuing chaos of magic tricks and hot wheels and Connect Four and Gum Guys and giggling and squealing and all talking at once and the game going on the TV made for quite the evening’s entertainment.  Kel had grilled some burgers and hot dogs, so the food was ready when I got home.  Good day after all …

Romans 10:10 says, “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

Father, walk with Dennis and Robin as they begin their life together.  Amen.

September 14 – “Farewell to the Chief”

Yesterday afternoon we attended the farewell reception for retiring Fire Chief Wisko.  I would say the event was quite a success, as are pretty much all events planned and executed by Trish and Nora.  The new training room was filled with well-wishers when we arrived, munching on fruits and vegetables and of course cake.  There were current firefighters there, both on duty (with their radios at their side) and off-duty.  I saw EMS personnel and the beach patrol supervisor and the city manager.  Also attending were representatives from several other fire stations around the state.  They were all there to let Chief Wisko know his service has been appreciated and to shake his hand. 

I noticed a chief from Bryan and one of the firefighters who had been burned badly several years ago.  He was here in Galveston at the burn unit, and one of our Galveston guys arranged for rooms for his family to stay in throughout his stay.  It was kind of a touching moment when Brian and he shook hands once again. 

New Chief Olsen presented Chief Wisko with a gift from the department, but the most emotional moment came when the final radio call went out wishing him a fond farewell.  That was followed by responses from various units and departments across the county.  There was even a call from the Hitchcock department.  That one was cut short, with the voice saying, “We want to offer our best wishes, but we’re a little busy here.”  They were in the midst of assisting the Texas City department in fighting a huge church fire.

Thanks Chief Wisko for your years of service to the Galveston community.  May God go with you and Dana to your new assignment …

John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”

Father, please follow Mike and Dana as they move to their new home.  Keep them close to your heart … and draw them closer to each other.  Amen.