July 30 – “An … unfocused … ”

Chris went for a walk.  So did I.  Sort of.  I walked into the back yard to mow the grass.  Might as well get that little chore whipped out before she gets back.  I got started.  One row begun beautifully.  And then I saw it.  Reaching its evil tendrils out from the depths of the flower bed.  I wasn’t positive at first, so I turned off the mower for a closer look.  Yep.  There it was.  A very large, very evil stickerbur plant.  And I’m not talking about those fake stickerbur things.  Oh, no.  This was the kind with the actual line of burs in a pod that looks like a simple grass stalk until it opens up to reveal its treacherous innards.  Not wanting to spread the evil like a Delta Covid infection, I went to the garage and got the weed puller tool.  Bam.  One less pocket of evil in the world of our backyard. 

 

But while walking back from the garage, I noticed one particularly overgrown portion of one of Chris’ vines.  Well, of course I couldn’t let that slide.  I went to the storage shed and pulled out the loppers.  Wonderful tool, those loppers.  Snap right through any branch that you can wrap it around, as long as you have the strength to actually bring the handles to a close.  It took that vine right out.  Of course then I had to carry the offending branches to the trash can.  But before I did that, I noticed some branches of the other vine hanging down, so off they came as well.  Hey, you might as well do what you see, right?

 

Speaking of what you see, that led me to notice the old satsuma tree that died in the freeze.  It has turned a nasty shade of black.  And I did have the loppers in hand.  I knew I wouldn’t be able to get all of it, but I at least could trim off the smaller branches to make the trunk easier to access with a chain saw.  And before you know it, branches were everywhere.  Many from that first vine, the boogervilla, had long sharp thorns.  I can attest to that with the evidence on both hands.  Scratches and punctures abound.  But I worked my way through.  And while I was doing that … Chris got back.  She joined in the process and tossed some branches as well.  She was even in a perfect mood.  She let me pull up the two gigantic sunflower weeds that had fallen across one of the walkways.  Love it.

 

We chatted a bit, and I remembered the actual reason I was in the backyard in the first place.  Mowing.  I got the backyard finished and started in front.  It didn’t take too long.  Even got the edging done.  But then … Chris appeared, loppers in hand.  Here was my chance.  Like the gallant knight that I am, I offered to assist her.  And like the lovely fair maiden that she is, she allowed me the privilege.  Not only that, she actually gave me free reign to lop to my heart’s content.  I was pretty tired and really hot by this time, but I wasn’t passing up that opportunity.  I lopped little bushes.  I lopped big bushes.  I lopped the oleander bush.  I even lopped some branches off the sycamore tree.  Don’t mention this one to Chris, but I also lopped on the crepe myrtle tree in the front yard.  She came back out and swept up the debris after we stacked all the branches at the street.  I gotta say … I was done.  Physically, I mean.  And I never got around to using the weed eater in the back yard.  That’ll be a project for another day.  Maybe a more focused day …

 

Ephesians 3:20-21 says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!  Amen.”

 

Father, thank you for the amazing way you make the plants grow.  No matter what we do out there, you are still at work, patiently providing what they need.  Guess you do that with us too, huh?  Amen.

July 30 – “wild and wacky week of weirdness”

We were back at it at water exercise class.  We had the instructor that likes to do aerobic-centered workouts.  Yup.  Always means I’m a little sore the next day.  But my plan for today is still to mow the grass.  Maybe the heat will loosen up these old, weary bones.

 

I spent most of the day working on the teaching for Sunday.  I also began the task of developing a plan for sharing the teaching load at Seaside with our new co-pastor.  Each of us will teach a few times a month over these last six months that I’ll be there.  I also began a list of things to communicate to him for after I leave.  That would include everything from what little jobs I do every Sunday morning, to how I respond to communiques that come to my email from the church website, to receiving deliveries, to meeting the bug guy.  There are lots of behind-the-scenes details in this whole church ministry thing.

 

I also began working ahead to get some of those detail things done before next week.  Looks like we will have charge of the LaMarque Vaughan kiddos for a few days while Mom and Dad take a much-needed mini-vacation before Dad starts his new job.  It will be a combination celebration of leaving the post office, getting back into ministry, and wedding anniversary.  For them it should be a quiet get-away.  For us it should be a wild and wacky week of weirdness. 

 

Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

 

Father, be with Kel and Christina as they prepare for their time together.  And help us get ready for the onslaught of grandkids.  Amen.

July 29 – “Electro-Woman”

I went with Chris to her electro-physiology appointment yesterday.  Well, sort of.  UTMB is back on their Covid restrictions kick again.  No one is allowed to be with patients unless they are needed to help them walk.  They even stationed a mean security guard impersonating the receptionist to keep unauthorized people out.  I went along as a second pair of ears to hear what the doc had to say.  But no.  Four ears are extraneous in the Covid arena.  Two only allowed.  Thankfully, we had anticipated that situation, so I brought a book to read.  Actually, I was anticipating at least a bit of a nap.  I guess both views of the near future proved accurate. 

 

So what did the doctor say?  First, the issue of the really low heart rate that was reported to them the other night by the monitoring company.  The doctor’s comment?  “Don’t worry about that.  You were asleep.”  Well, OK.  Then why did your office call the next day to check on us?  But, hey.  I’m happy to have one less thing to worry about.  What’s next?

 

Chris has to finish out the month wearing the external heart monitor.  That will provide the full spectrum of data they feel like they need.  Maybe.  If it doesn’t show what they need – something that reveals the source of the symptoms Chris keeps having – There is a next step.  That would be to implant a heart monitor about the size of a large paper clip under her skin on her chest.  She really would be Electro-Woman then.  That one would stay in for up to two years.  If at any point that one is successful and reveals what data they are searching for, then they can immediately go in and remove it.  And based on said data, replace it with a pacemaker … or not.  The doc didn’t mention that last step, though.  Never even brought up the dreaded “P” word.  Saving that one in her back pocket, I guess …

 

Isaiah 45:22 says, “Turn to me and be saved. All you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”

 

Father, thank you that these docs are doing their best to discover what is going on with Chris.  Would you please give them an extra dose of your wisdom?  Amen

July 28 – “Chuga-chuga …”

We made it to water exercise class yesterday.  Why put it that way?  Because we were a little late getting there.  Chris had to change the heart monitor so she could charge up the battery.  And it chose just then to take its time doing the discovery and transfer process.  The instruction did say it could take up to an hour, so Chris was telling me to head on out.  The creature managed to finish, though, before I could get out the door.  It was a tough workout, too.  Lots of aerobic stuff.  I guess I for one needed it, though.  I am still feeling beat after the weekend.  I even took a bit of a nap to try and catch up on some energy generation.  Chuga-chuga …

 

I did get some work done towards Sunday’s teaching.  That was a real plus.  And that gave me some time to work on the new jigsaw puzzle.  My work breaks are spent plopping puzzle pieces into place … ideally.  And last night we actually watched some Olympics before the Astros game came on.  Blockbuster trade there.  Houston got a premier closer for the bullpen.  Seattle got an up and coming young star infielder.  I’ll miss Toro, though. 

 

We found out earlier in the week that the wife of one of the guys I coached in basketball many years ago died of cancer.  Her visitation and services are tonight and tomorrow.  Phil is a fine young man.  My heart grieves for him. 

 

Not sure we can make it to the services, though.  Chris has an appointment with an electro-physiologist this morning.  Seems the monitoring company called them to inform them Chris was having another issue with dangerously low heart rate.  Guess everything is on hold until we find out what is up there.  This guy is the one who puts in pacemakers.  We shall see …

 

Micah 7:18 says, “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?  You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”

 

Father, please be with Chris as she goes into this appointment.  Give the doctor wisdom to know exactly what needs to be done.  Amen.

July 27 – “An aftermath day”

Josh and his crew had a late breakfast, and then hit the road for Waco.  Apparently they were more than just a Buc-ees level hungry whey they got on the road, though.  they ended up stopping at a Gringo’s for some Mexican food.  They did make it home safely.

 

Later in the afternoon we became long-distance carhops.  We took Kel a cherry limeade slush from Sonic.  Of course I told him it was because I had to take care of my staff members.  Actually, Christina texted Chris with the idea/request.  But, hey, I got a cherry limeade slush out of the deal as well. 

 

That was pretty much the extent of our activity.  I tried doing some computer work. But I just couldn’t stay awake, much less concentrate.  I guess I was more tired from the events of late last week than I thought.  Funerals are always rough anyway.  But this one involved one of my guys – a fire fighter – who also was one of Nathan’s closest friends and had become a friend to me as well.  Kind of a triple whammy stress effect.  Then right on the heels of that came the 25^th anniversary celebration at Seaside.  Don’t get me wrong, I loved it.  It was so good seeing all the folks from Seaside’s past.  But it was a Sunday.  I did have a teaching to present.  And we had to get everything set up.  And taken down.  There is such a thing as good stress.  The situation is certainly positive, but the stress is just as real.

 

Anyway, all that to say simply … I was tired.  Still am, a little.  But now it’s time to get to work.  Here we go …

 

Psalms 103:19 says, “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.”

 

Father, I do thank you for all the incredibly positive things that happened thus past weekend, from the amazing show of love for Matt to the mass of people who showed up to acknowledge the role Seaside has played in their lives.  Amen.

July 26 – “25”

Well, 25^th Anniversary Sunday has come and gone.  Guess Seaside has officially started on the next 25.  It was hard to get an accurate count of the people who came, mainly since we were meeting outside.  The best estimate at this time is 186 souls who braved the heat and worshipped under the retreat center building.  And it was an amazingly “Seaside” conglomeration of folks.  Lots and lots of former Seasiders who have moved away.  Most of our most recent regular attenders.  Several new to the community families.  Some esteemed dignitaries.  And then there was the avowed atheist on the front row.  And the grieving agnostic back in the back.  All of us were sitting together peacefully, enjoying the festivities. 

 

The esteemed guests started us off.  Jamaica Beach’s Mayor Clay did a great job with his very short, “not a real politician” speech, thanking Seaside for its valuable, contributing outreach programs in the community.  Ernest represented the Baptist General Convention of Texas and presented us with a declaration of appreciation and congratulations.  Then Dr. Jim from the Galveston Baptist Association gave us a plaque commemorating our 25 years.  Current and former staff members were recognized for their significant contributions.  Even some of the key volunteers from years past received a nod.  And I had to mention Lauren.  She and her team worked hard to get everything decorated and set up for the event.  As always, it was a beautiful set-up.

 

During the service we heard scripture readings and prayer from former youth pastors Josh and Kel and Mike.  Former worship pastors Wes and Andy joined the praise team, and Andy played Amazing Grace on his bagpipes during the communion time.  The teaching was on how Jesus gave Simon a new name that Peter spent the rest of his life trying to live up to.  And lo and behold we discovered that God has a new name for us – our own “name written on a white rock.”  And it is our responsibility to live up to that name as well.  Simon’s was Peter, or Rock.  He became a strong leader.  Ours could be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, or even integrity.  Or maybe he has a special one just for you.  Live up to it. 

 

After the service we all gathered on the ramp and the porch and spilled out onto the parking lot for a massive 25^th anniversary photo op.  Then some folks headed back into the shade for an impromptu jam session by the musicians.  Others made their way inside to check out the photos framed on every table, nook and cranny.  Some were thumbing through the scrapbooks or photo albums.  Some snuck a little appetizer from the food room, too.  We had to wait a few minutes for the brisket to arrive, but it was fresh and hot from Koop’s Barbeque.  The serving tables inside were heavy laden with all manner of potato salads and baked beans and green bean casseroles and sweets.  A local Jamaica Beach vendor donated enough cake to feed 200 people and more. 

 

Hugs abounded as tales of “the good old days” mingled with stories from the most recent of times.  Children made their way to the playground.  Lots of photos were taken in front of the huge yard sign that wished Seaside a Happy 25^th Anniversary.  It sprang up during the wee hours of Sunday morning, and provided a wonderful surprise as people arrived at the church.  Chris and I received more than our share of affirmations for our minor role over the last few decades. Pastor Kel was encouraged by many as well, as he begins his new tenure as co-pastor and ultimately as senior pastor.  This celebration of the past was truly amazing.  Our prayer now is that the now-bright outlook for the future has a chance to grow and blossom into something just as beautiful. 

 

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

 

Father, thank you for the chance to see so many former Seasiders.  Thank you for trusting me with the chance to share the gospel with so many folks as well.  Please soften the heart of that atheist and ease the ache of that agnostic.  Draw them to yourself.  Amen.

July 25 – “Neighborhood drama”

Josh’s family arrived Friday night around ten (Josh came, too).  Then Kel and his clan joined us Saturday morning at the church to set up for the big anniversary Sunday celebration.  And we were all joined by Seasiders ready and willing to pitch in.  Former worship pastor Andy Stevens arrived a day early and pitched in to help Jim out a bit with the sound system.  Lauren was in true leadership mode as she handed out chores for everyone.  Chairs were stacked and pushed to the back wall.  Tables were set up in the worship center and outside under the retreat center where we will meet today.  Around 200 chairs were assembled outside as well.  And since the group that had been staying in the retreat center decided to leave early, we even got a jump on cleaning and sanitizing in there.  I worked on cleaning out my office, and with all the young, strong arms, finally got a lot of stuff taken upstairs to the storage room.  The point of clearing out the office was actually two-fold.  First, I was searching for items to use on the Seaside memorabilia table.  But second, I figured at some point there would be other things that would need to be stacked out of sight, out of mind.  I wasn’t wrong.  Oh, and I realized that the flash drive with the slide show phots was not in the bag where I expected it to be.  No idea what happened to it.  Fortunately, I had another one here at home, so I made another copy.  Hopefully, this one will make the journey this morning.  Everything looks great.  Just needs some finishing touches this morning and we will be good to go.

 

Back at home, Josh and Christi brought in some pizza for lunch.  Before long Nathan and Cailyn joined us (April was at work).  And Cailyn brought along her new little puppy, Marley.  She was the life of the party, of course (Marley, I mean). 

 

We had some drama in the neighborhood later in the afternoon.  Josh and Christi and AnnaGrace were going for a walk, but suddenly, around the corner, a red truck careened into our neighbor’s yard, tearing up a section of the yard and barely missing the fire hydrant.  The truck came to a stop, so I joined Josh in the front yard to see what was happening.  The driver got out briefly, then got back in started wildly swing, connecting on numerous accounts with the face and body of the woman in the front seat.  He got in four or five pretty hard shots.  To her credit, she tried to fight back.  She got one swing in on him after he paused.  She finally got out of the truck, and he sped away in the direction of Moody Gardens.  She started walking in the opposite direction.  Needless to say, by this time Josh was on the phone with the police and I had a picture of the license plate.  We walked down to survey the damage, and lo and behold, what should Josh find, but the guy’s wallet.  He had dropped it when he exited the truck.  We also struck up a conversation with our neighbor who had been in his front yard washing his car.  He had seen the whole thing as well.  While we chatted with him, we saw the truck out on Jones Road heading the opposite direction.  Josh turned over the wallet to the police when they arrived, and sure enough, they caught the guy within the hour.  He was a tourist from Pasadena (The Texas version, not California).  He now faces two counts of felony DWI.  Seems there were two children in the truck as well.  Whew.  Not the kind of action you expect on a lazy Saturday afternoon, but … action nonetheless. 

 

Psalm 100:2 says, “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”

 

Father, please watch over the children involved in that incident yesterday.  And thank you for Josh’s quick thinking and skills of observation to discover the wallet in time to get it to police.  Amen.

July 24 – “We’ve got it from here”

Part two of Matt’s funeral took place yesterday with an estimated 700 people in attendance to pay their final respects.  Once again, virtually every fire fighter who was available arrived, this time in their class A dress uniforms.  That in itself was quite an impressive sight to behold.  The fire fighters lined the foyer room, often two or three deep, each one ready to step up at a moment’s notice should any need be identified. 

 

The service began with military honors and flag presentation to Matt’s oldest daughter by Marine Corps representatives.  That, along with the conclusion to the services, were some of the most moving moments of the entire two days.  Next The Galveston Fire Department chief read the firefighter’s prayer, an anonymous poem penned in the mid-20^th century to honor fire fighters at the time of their death.  As fire department chaplain, I then read scripture and led in prayer. That was followed by some songs and sharing and essentially the same message by the pastor that he shared the night before. 

 

When the service was complete, the fire fighters in full dress uniforms stood at attention, lining the hallway and forming an honor line for the casket to be carried through.  The corridor of fire fighters stretched two deep from the from the rear of the room all the way to the fire truck.  The honor guard loaded the casket onto the truck and secured it, ending with a call to salute by all uniformed personnel present.  I closed the proceedings with an explanation of the Last Call Bell tradition.  Three solemn rings honored Matt and indicated his last call.

 

A cadre of fire fighters and some family accompanied the truck to the crematorium.  Matt was placed on his final cart, and I led in prayer the small remaining crew of fire fighters who were especially close to Matt.  The guys slowly said their final goodbyes and made their way outside.  Once again, the honor guard was flawless in the execution of the difficult task at hand.

 

Family and friends then gathered at the fire department union hall for a reception to honor Matt’s legacy.  Lighthouse Ministries provided a barbeque meal for everyone.  Several hundred made their way through and stuck around to grieve a little and remember a lot. 

 

Now comes the process of transition.  Learning from the event.  Being there for each other.  Having each other’s back.  And taking a few long, deep breaths before jumping into the engine again and returning to your lives as everyday heroes.

 

Thank you to all who had a part in making a really tough time move as smoothly as it did.  I couldn’t be prouder of all of you.  Thank you to Matt for the impact you had on so many lives.  And to quote what I have heard and read many times this past week:

“Rest easy, brother.  We’ve got it from here.”

 

John 14:1-3 says, “Stop letting your hearts be troubled; keep on believing in God, and also in me.  In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places; if there were not, I would have told you, for I am going away to make ready a place for you.  And if I go and make it ready for you, I will come back and take you to be face to face with me, so that you may always be right where I am.”  

 

Father, please walk now with these fire fighters who knew and loved Matt.  Grant them whatever courage they need to carry through their “we’ve got it from here.”  Amen.

July 23 – “Nothing can separate us …”

I went to part one of Matt’s funeral last night.  The family decided to have two different memorial services.  One will be the fire department/military honors memorial.  That will be at ten this morning.  The one last night was more for the family and friends to honor and grieve.  However, a few retired marines did make a presentation to the family to start off the proceedings, and the marine hymn was played as part of what they did as well.  

 

And family and friends did indeed come to share their respects to the fallen fire fighter.  There was a completely packed house.  Every seat was taken.  People were standing along the sides of the room.  The lobby outside of the room was full of others, listening through the open doors as best as they could.  At some point virtually every fire fighter came by, whether on duty or off.  I even saw numerous retired guys make an appearance to pay their respects.  I was proud of Jon and Shea and the fire department honor guard.  They stood watch at the casket and the door with grace and dignity.  The changing of the guard was handled flawlessly every time.  You guys certainly honored Matt in an impressive fashion. 

 

April put together a slide show of Matt’s life and exploits that was nothing short of amazing.  And that was after a bit of a problem she ran into.  As she was putting the final touches on the show, one of those computer glitches hit, and everything – all of her hard work – was erased.  But she persevered and re-created the whole thing.  Even included music.  And the results were just the right balance of Matt’s early life, military, and fire fighter careers.  Nice job, April.

 

Of course there were many tears.  More than a few chuckles, too.  Especially as Kelli shared her reminisces and Matt-ecdotes (Matt anecdotes).  Hugs abounded as well.  Matt’s Galveston pastor Aaron read scripture and led in prayer.  Several songs presented in Spanish and English provided a chance to reflect and refocus on God.  Pastor Mike presented the gospel with a message of hope, reminding us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. 

 

So today we shift focus to Matt’s military and fire department career, with the special honors involved.  Please pray for Matt’s family of course, but also today for all of his Galveston Fire Department family.  It promises to be a deeply emotional and heavily stressful occasion for us all.

 

Romans 8:37-39 says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

Father, please stand with the fire department guys today who will be involved in the service.  Be by the side of the close friends among the department who will be acting as pall bearers.  Grant the honor guard strength as they repeat their service from last night.  And walk with the rest of the department as they take a minute and a deep breath to consider their own lives and relationships.  Amen.

July 22 – “Treats in my ears??”

I joined Chris on her walk yesterday.  Three miler.  We did stop for a few minutes to talk to our fire fighter neighbor.  He is coordinating all of the honor guard activities for Matt’s funeral today and tomorrow.  He asked me to join them at a meeting with the funeral director this afternoon to get all the last-minute details worked out. 

 

A little background.  When we walk I generally leave my glasses (I wear sunglasses to walk) and my hearing aids (they don’t like sweat – the moisture causes them to go a bit crazy) on my desk.  So, when we came home I happened to glance down at the floor and notice … one of my hearing aids – minus the little plastic dome thing that goes into your ear.  I looked it over, quite puzzled.  But when I went to set it on the desk, to my chagrin, the other one was nowhere to be found.  Just gone.  Chris had started vacuuming out the car, so I called her in to help me look for it.  We ran our hands all over the floor.  Nothing.  I’m not sure at what point Chris finally realized that I meant an entire hearing aid was missing.  She had been searching for the plastic dome.  On a hunch I went into the family room and glanced around on the rug in there.  And there it was.  This one was intact, though.  Phew.  I called the doctor’s office and they said to come on by the office and they would replace the dome and clean and check out the aids.  They did, and all was well.

 

But that leads me to return to the scene of the crime and ask the question we have all been wondering.  How did the hearing aids make it from the des to the floor?  And how did one of them manage to find its way completely into the other side of the house?  Ah.  I am pretty sure a certain smallish brown dog was involved.  She somehow managed to jump into my chair and somehow reach over and knock the hearing aids to the floor.  And why do I place the blame thusly?  Freddy is quite the prolific jumper.  And she has been found completely on top of the dining table before.  Oh, and the hearing aids do resemble little treats we give her.  I’m just glad she was in search and discover mode instead of grab and eat. 

 

Oh. At the office I had to wait my turn and go back just like I had an actual appointment.  Even got to see one of the docs, who examined and cleaned the hearing aids and tested them for me.  Everything worked well.  I thought that was that, and I could head to the next item on my list.  But wait.  Who should be sitting in the waiting room but our old neighbor Mario.  He is great fun to talk to.  Well, to listen to.  He loves to talk.  I ended up sitting and talking with his for a good thirty minutes.  Great guy.  I miss him.

 

Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

 

Father, please be Mario and Carolyn as they look for a place to buy in Abilene.  Ease the problems she is having with humidity here in the meantime.  Amen.

July 21 – “Introducing the D&D”

We got rained out of water exercise class yesterday.  I know.  That sounds kind of silly, doesn’t it?  We would get wet anyway.  But they use music, so I don’t suppose they want their electronic equipment getting shorted out. 

 

Chris decided to sneak in a walk anyway during one of the lulls in the raindrops.  That girl is amazing.  She is so focused on staying healthy now.  Eating right and exercising and watching her heart rate and all.  Of course that monitor stuck to her chest does act as inspiration, I suppose.  Meanwhile … I stayed home and worked.  Not any of that mundane physical labor that would be good for MY health, though.  For me it was yet another day in front of the computer.  I’m still trying to get all my ducks in a row for the weekend before what has become an array of funeral activities kick in. 

 

We did run over to WalMart.  Woohoo.  We needed a few groceries, but I had to pick up several cans of bug spray to handle the potential mosquito infestation at our outside service on Sunday.  Hey, we did learn a few things during our Covid-induced outdoor worship series last year.  I also got the sharpies for filling in nametags and some pens for the guest book. 

 

Speaking of the weekend, we got the song sheets all printed and folded and ready to go.  I have begun gathering up some of the fun paraphernalia from the last 25 years to put on the display table.  The give-aways are all in hand, as are the t-shirts that arrived yesterday.  three-fourths of the photos are in albums, thanks to Chris.  I am working on the last set now to bring them into some kind of chronological order before we album them up.  I still have to finish up the teaching and the extras involved in introducing the D&D - Day and the Dignitaries, too.  Better get started …

 

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of eth Holy Spirit.”

 

Father, thank you for Chris’ dedication to her health.  Help me see it as a motivation for my own.  Amen.

July 20 – “List-maker”

Are you a list-maker?  Boy, I sure am.  I even created a file on my computer that already has the things I have to do every day and week printed on it.  Less things to add.  And I have a different one printed up that is specific to what has to get done for Sunday morning worship services.  Maybe I’m a little overboard.  I guess it’s a holdover from my super-organized days.

 

Well, we started yesterday with a brand-new, all clean-looking slate of to-do things.  And then I picked up my pencil.  Started out by creating a whole different list just for anniversary-related things.  Too many to put on the regular list.  Then I made sure I had all the events coming up this week included.  With the meetings and visitation all surrounding Matt’s funeral, that section filled up quickly.  And of course we are down to the wire on the anniversary.  There will be some overlap this week, particularly on Thursday night.  Looks like the home group will be working on picture album assembly while I am at the funeral home visitation.  But I’m pretty sure they are good with that. 

 

I have been receiving more RSVP’s for the anniversary.  Got one yesterday from a couple who is one of the remaining charter members, Bob and Shelley.  And one came in from my former secretary of many years, Laura and her husband Jim.  We have been through a lot together.  The list is growing.  It will be great to see so many old friends in person.

 

Meanwhile … what’s with all the rain?  Reminds me of an article I just read in the paper (That’s an antique form of communication involving actual paper and ink.  Well, probably some form of computer toner now).  Not about rain, but it did involve water.  Tides, in particular.  Seems the moon is wobbling.  That, combined with all the “horrible global warming,” is going to make it more likely that Galveston will experience flooding.  Pssst.  Let me tell you a secret.  Galveston doesn’t need global warming or the moon to flood … just a hurricane.  And then we bounce back.  It’s who we are … it’s what we do. 

 

Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

 

Father, please continue to watch over Matt’s family and friends during this week of funeral activities.  Amen.

July 19 – “A Blurry Day”

Honestly, yesterday was one of those “Blur” kinds of days.  Not “Blah.”  “Blur.”  I know what happened.  It was Sunday, after all.  It was just that I was still in kind of a funk after the long day on Saturday.  It’s like back when I was much younger and used to go to those things called youth lock-ins where everyone stayed up all night.  Always took me two or three days to recover.  Hope it didn’t affect the teaching too much.

 

But back to church …

I guess the most significant thing that happened there (aside from worship, of course) was the fact that we accepted the staff search team’s recommendation by consensus (actually by unanimous consent) for Kel Vaughan to be called as our co-pastor.  He will work alongside me for six months, and then when I retire, he will become the senior pastor and I will fade into oblivion.  Everybody seemed really excited about the decision, and the consensus vote was an easy one.  Welcome (back) to Seaside Kel and Family.

 

We also had our usual third Sunday dinner on the grounds.  Can’t skip that, you know, even with another meal next week.  Gotta give those July birthdays and anniversaries a chance to be first in line.  The food was great, as usual, and there was lots of buzz about the anniversary.  And it reminded me just how much I still have to do this week to get ready for the big day. 

 

Back home, I know the Astros played, but I don’t remember much of the game.  I dozed through pretty much all of it.  From the final score, it sounds like I didn’t miss much.  I did wake up in time to see the weird double play Maldonado turned at third base.  That one even confused the umpires.  Took all four of them to figure it out.  Gotta love them Astros.

 

Psalms 105:1 says, “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.”

 

Father, thank you for yet another great day of worship and fellowship.  Please be with us this week.  I know I need some extra stamina to handle going to Matt’s funeral as well as getting all the anniversary prep done.  Amen.

July 18 – “The call”

I received one of those calls yesterday.  The kind most every pastor and chaplain receives - even expects - yet never wants to happen.  This one came at around three in the morning.  The fire chief was on the other end of the line informing me that one of our young fire fighters had died. He was off duty, so his family was already aware of the situation.  The chief wanted me to come to the emergency room to be there for the crew that had made the call, in particular. 

 

I got up and dressed quickly and headed out right away.  The ER receptionist realized right away who I was there for, and directed me first to some people in one of the side waiting rooms.  It was one of the fire fighter wives, who we have also become friends with.  I gave her a hug.  She was on the phone, so I texted the chief to let him know I was in the building.  Almost immediately one of the guys on the crew came out and got me.  The ER folks were really kind, and gave us pretty much free reign.  Several police officers were there as well, and they were bending over backwards to be helpful.  Even one of the police chaplains was there.  He touched base with me and offered whatever help they could give us before he left. 

 

The crew who made the call was faithful to stay with the young man at all times, standing watch at his door and offering assistance as needed.  Eventually the fire department honor guard arrived in their uniforms to take over that duty.  Many off-duty fire fighters came, including Nathan and John.  Matt was one of their best friends.  In fact, he even lived with Nathan and April for a while.  John was invaluable in helping Matt’s fiancé.  Nathan eventually met with Matt’s family and is now helping them through the process of dealing with the funeral home. 

 

The rest of the day was a flurry of activity.  I went to two different meetings with the crew and with the guys who were coming onto Matt’s shift, the ones who were scheduled to work with him yesterday.  I heard one of the best, most impassioned and encouraging speeches I have ever heard from the captain to his crew.  I joined the chief as he took the packet of information Matt had filled out about his final wishes over to the family for them to use in planning.  I fielded several phone calls, and initiated a few more.  Along the way I received messages from the chaplain of the Galveston County Firefighters Association and the lead chaplain of the Galveston Police Department, offering whatever assistance they could to help out in any way. 

 

Matt was a fine young man.  He had an infectious joy around other people that inspired a lot of grins and outright laughter.  He was generous, willing to do anything for his friends.  I saw him make a run to Taco Cabana late one night just because April mentioned she was hungry and would really like something from there.  He loved his four young kids.  I enjoyed watching him deal with the frustrations and elations of coaching his son in Little League baseball. 

 

Service arrangements are pending.  Please be praying for Matt’s family – his fire fighter family as well.  Matt was a Christian.  I am confident he is at peace and with his Lord now.  You’ll be missed, Matt. 

 

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

 

Father, please be with Matt’s family, especially those precious kids.  Amen.

July 17 – “Culling, mowing, PT-’ing”

Physical exertion day began for both of us, only in different locations.  Chris had her physical therapy appointment to evaluate her frozen shoulder.  Early appointment means another early morning rising for my sweet little not-a-morning person.  But to her credit, she forced herself awake and out the door.  The therapist told her that it was evident she had been doing the exercises at home, so she only has to come in once a week.  Woohoo.  She has been doing some of them, but I guess she needs to redouble her efforts.

 

As for me … I mowed the yard.  Not everyone’s personal favorite, I know.  Unless you’re one of those who loves the smell of freshly cut grass.  For me that is just an invitation to come in and operate all the heavy machinery, with a sneeze or twenty in my back pocket.

 

Spent the afternoon culling through pictures yet again.  Now Chris wants the photo albums to be in chronological order rather than random throughout the era.  That means going back to the original folder and matching up the pics.  That means going through every single photo and discerning when it happened.  Great fun.  I have until the anniversary to get it done.

Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”

 

Father, thank you for being there, for watching, for taking action when you want to.  I trust you to keep doing that.  Amen.