June 30 - “Mixed fabrics?”

Kel preached from the book of Hebrews yesterday. The point upfront was: Only Jesus is enough, because he is greater. One of the things he is greater than? The Law. Leviticus. For example, he declared, “Wearing mixed fabrics was against the law. So most of you are breaking the law right now!”  Great point, but the funniest part of the whole segment? People all around the room started checking clothing labels. 

After church we headed over to Texas and the Kel Household. They invited us to participate in celebrating Micah’s 19th birthday. 

Kaylie (Micah’s girlfriend) and her family were there as well. Can’t beat a birthday dinner of shrimp gumbo and chocolate pie. 

On the way home we stopped by Nathan and April and Cailyn’s house. Surprisingly, they were all home. We stayed and chatted for quite a long time, too. 

Great day all the way around. Let’s do it again sometime soon. 

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬ says, The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.

Father, thanks for you for Micah. Be with him as he gets ready to head for college next month. Amen. 

June 29 - “Across the water”

I received one of those ominous texts at 4:30 in the morning yesterday. It has been a while. But this one was not bad news. On the contrary. 

This one was actually rather joy-filled. The sender was none other than our grandson Caleb. And the geographical source? Paris, France! He is on a mission trip with his church youth group to a sister church in Spain. Paris was their layover, so he sent some pictures to attest to his aeronautical success. My favorite? The one at Buc-ees before they left Texas. I assume on their way to the airport in Dallas. They appear to be having a great time so far. 

Speaking of a great time … we walked three point one miles yesterday. Yep. Another 5K. And yes, we made it under an hour. Right at 58 minutes, but we’ll take it. That’s a win. 

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ says, The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God.

Father, thank you for Caleb’s safe trip across the big water. Amen.

June 28 - “Other”

Yardwork. I figured out how to create an “Other” category on my smart watch for Yardwork. I suppose it worked. It followed me for two hours and fifteen minutes. 

However, somewhere in there it measured 3 flights of stairs. Nope. Didn’t take the lawn mower to the roof. I did get 4,000+ steps, though. Oh.  What did I do for 2 and 1/2 hours? Here’s the list: 

1. Mowed (no edging - didn’t need it).
2. Trimmed the big sycamore tree. Not as much as I would have liked, but at least it’s off the roof. It is hurricane season, after all. 
3. Did a major “thin out job” on the big oleander in the front. It was obstructing our view when we try to back out of the driveway. And of course we stacked the branches neatly for the trash guys. 
4. I also helped Chris weed a bit in one of the back flowerbeds.  The yards look pretty good, if I do say so myself. 

We took our showers, had some lunch, and watched Ryan and Haley. They are our latest fascination on TV. Well, they are actually You Tubers. They are a young Christian couple who are staying at one unique air B&B a day in each state … in 50 days. They are raising money for St. Jude’s hospital along the way. It’s already been a lot of fun to watch. Thanks, AnnaGrace, for introducing us to this one. 

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ says The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy.

Father, thank you for Christians who exemplify your life and joy in their everyday lives. Amen. 

June 27 - “The Neighborhood Entrepreneur”

We walked three miles again. Sort of. We actually walked one, then had to stop and chat with our neighborhood entrepreneur, five-year-old Hunter. He was all set up in his driveway to sell some serious candy. “Four for a dollar, one for a quarter, two for 50 cents, and three for … um … 75 cents.” Hey, that would have necessitated adultish intervention for me when I was a kid. We assured him we would return when we finished our walk and got some money. 

OK. Hit “resume.” Or, in my case, fat fingers had hit stop instead of pause, so I hit “start again.” We walked our course and stopped back by our house to grab some money. I hit “pause” this time. Nice job, Me. I hurried to our coin stash, intent on getting several different iterations of twenty-five cents. I grabbed quarters and dimes and nickels and pennies - a kindergarten math teacher’s dream. Then it was back to the route again. 

Upon arriving at Hunter’s store front, I asked his mom if this was a lesson in math or entrepreneurship or both. She went with both. So I slapped my pocket full of coins on the table and asked Hunter, “What can I get with this?”  His eyes lit up. His mom was giddy, and said he loves to count stuff like that. 

Meanwhile, Hunter was hard at work. Picking out the quarters, he said, “Hmm. Let’s start with these.” And from that point on he carefully counted out the cash. Eight pieces was our haul (Smarties for me. Starburst for Chris). He said his thank you’s to us (and gave us a high five). Then he turned to his mom and asked for his bank. “I’ll put the coins in there.” Great job, Hunter. We are proud of you. 

Oh. And then we walked the rest of our three miles. So, we did complete - although punctuated - the full 3.1 miles (another 5K). Woohoo. Yay us. 

Last night we drove into Texas. Not far, though. Just to Dickinson. Ezra was receiving the next level belt in his karate career. Nice job, Ezra. We are proud of you. And as a bonus, Micah, Josiah, and Noa all performed with the demo team. 

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ says, Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled.

Father, bless little Hunter. Help him continue to learn as he grows into the young man you want him to be. And continue watching over Ezra as well. We think he’s pretty special. Amen. 

June 26 - “Storms again”

Tough night for me. Thunder woke me up once, but the big issue was … my toe. Yep. The toe next to my big toe (whatever that one is called) on my left foot was aching - just throbbing incessantly. I finally had to get up and rub some of my arthritis cream on it. Thanks weather change. 

And the storms continued well into the morning. Chris even started one of her walking in circles around the house routines. I worked on stuff at my desk. 

After some lunch we decided to take a walk anyway. It turned out to be the calm between a few more rolls of thunder. We didn’t go three miles this time. I let Chris choose the distance, and she settled on two. It was just incredibly hot. Well, that and she was having some twinges in her back. The doc said to pay attention to those, so I guess they were whispering in her ear. 

We stayed inside the rest of the afternoon. Well, except for the time Chris spent sitting in the backyard reading. I watched that old movie, Tombstone. That was a fun one. Well, except for the hundred or so guys who got shot.  Not so much fun there. Last night was Astros, of course. Another exciting shutout victory for the good guys. 

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ says, The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.

Father, thanks for the rain again. Sure is saving on the summer water bill. Amen. 

June 25 - “Paris”

Big milestone yesterday. We walked a 5K. That’s hotshot racing talk for a little over three miles. And we did it in just under an hour. Woohoo for us!

After lunch we did a flurry of hotel reservation-making for our two upcoming trips. We were planning with Christina on the one in August, when Christi popped in with some ideas for the one in July. We nailed down one night with each (I think) right away. Some further thought was required for the last one. We’ll get there. 

And then … I took Chris to see Paris. That’s right. No kidding. Need more context? Yeah, you should. It’s simple, actually. It all began when we went to Walmart. We had to make a major grocery run. And at the checkout counter I realized that our checker was named … Paris. So … again I say … I took Chris to see Paris. 

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ says, Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted.

Father, thank you for the way we could cooperate to get these trips planned. Amen. 

June 24 - “Upping one’s game …”

We upped our game again. Walked two and a half miles in the heat. And Chris even did stairs AND worked in the yard. I can’t stop her. 

Speaking of upping one’s game … 

We had a phone call from our grandson Zak the other day. Seems he did a thing. Yep. He asked his girlfriend Lindsay to marry him. And best I could tell, she said yes. At least she was wearing a really pretty ring. He’s been known to goof around before, though. We’ll see. But just in case … woohoo! Congrats, you two! A wedding is in our future. 

Yesterday afternoon Freddy had a vet appointment. She’s been imitating different critters over the last couple of days. The most common one is her infamous “cat coughing up a hairball,” followed closely by the more recent “cow preparing to chew its cud.” Believe me, neither is what I would describe as a melodious sound. Or even remotely healthy, for that matter. 

The vet said she is healthy as a horse. Well, he didn’t actually say that. A vet wouldn’t be disrespectful to a horse like that, would he? Maybe a vet would say she’s healthy as a 72 year old human. There. That’s it. Freddy’s just as healthy as I am. He gave us some meds for the cough, upgraded us to a different flea medication, recommended a supplemental flea spray, and cut her toenails. Whew! Glad we love that little dog. 

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ says, The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Father, thanks for Zak and Lindsay. Walk with them as they navigate the weird and wonderful waters of wedding prep. Amen. 

June 23 - “Professional Corn Hole?”

After church Jachin invited us to celebrate Christina’s birthday. We joined the LaMarque Vaughan’s at The Gypsy Joint. We went there once quite a while back. Sadly, however, the place was packed. Every table full and a line out the door. Nope.

Christina switched sites quickly. We walked across the parking lot to Chipotle. After standing in line there we discovered that they were out of beef, out of steak, and out of rice. Weird for a Mexican restaurant. The kids all ordered something. I just had some chips and queso. Chris split a salad with Christina. And Kel walked across the parking lot to Whataburger. 

They all came to our house for a while after we ate. We watched a rousing game of professional corn hole. Yep. Corn hole. Professional corn hole. Who’da figured? We did watch some WNBA. Caitlyn Clark and her gang. We only saw not quite the first half, though. The Astros game began. That’s about the time everyone left. Probably not the birthday Christina had envisioned, but hey … we love her. 

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ says, Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.

Father, thanks for Christina. Bless her with joy and peace. Amen. 

June 22 - “Yardwork in the sun”

Yard work in the sun. How’s that for a title? It’s a pretty big deal for us here on the Island. 87 degrees with a wind chill of 90. Humidity 74%. If I haven’t said it lately … it’s hot down here!

And this time it wasn’t just mowing and edging. We also trimmed trees and bushes. The trimming is what got to me. Well, to be fair, it was the last thing I did, so my body was already ready to shut down for a while. But wow. My heart rate on the good ol’ health app was a whopping 142. I didn’t even get it that high during my stress test. Water and out of the sun was my self-prescription. The heart got the message and calmed back down. No problem. 

After some lunch, Chris went back outside to finish watering her plants. I was more fortunate (at least in my eyes).  The mail came, so I just had to get those bills paid. Who would you say got the better deal: Chris and her plants, or Me, the bills, and a nice, air-conditioned room?

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭77‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ says, I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember Your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all You have done and meditate on Your actions.

Father, thank you for the way you made our heart. Does what’s needed, then calms back down. Amen. 

June 21 - “Total opposite”

Boy, were we ever feeling adventurous yesterday. We added a half-mile to our usual two. Yep. We could feel it by the time we got back to the house. Once again, it was hot. 84 and the usual Galveston Island high humidity. That made for a wind chill of around 86. Once again … ouch. 

We did have one errand to run in the afternoon. Chris had to pick up a prescription renewal at Randall’s. We checked while we were there to see if Blue Bell ice cream was on sale. Nope. Almost ten bucks. We’ll wait. 

We watched a movie or two in the afternoon. The first one really didn’t count. It was a Hallmarker about solving a mystery. Cute. 

Then Chris went out and sat on the backyard swing as is her custom. She gets cold if she has to stay in the air conditioning too long. Total opposite of me. I have a tough time dealing with the heat. But hey. We work well together. While she lounged in the heat, I watched that classic flick, Angels in the Outfield. Lots of fun. 

We also watched the first part of the Astros game again. I’ve lasted through about the sixth inning since they have been on the West Coast. This time Chris went on to bed, but stuck it out to the bitter end. Extra inning victory in the tenth. Go ‘Stros! Of course that meant it was well after midnight before I went to sleep. 

Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬ says, But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.

Father, thanks for protecting us in the heat we’ve been having around here. Amen. 

June 20 - “It was hot”

We got in our two miler yesterday. I must say, though, that we really need to start earlier. It was hot. 84 degrees with a wind chill of 88. Ouch. 

We didn’t do much in the afternoon. Well, other than cleaning house in preparation for home group last night. We did catch the end of a Hallmark movie. It’s been a while. 

Home group went really well. Almost everyone was there. The teaching set up for the story of David and Bathsheba next time we meet.  

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬ says, But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Father, thank you for the lessons in your word from even the hardest stories. Amen. 

June 19 - “Speaking of old timers”

We got back in the swing of things again as far as walking goes. Back to two miles, and we even had a pretty good time - less than 38 minutes. Not bad for a couple of old timers. 

Speaking of old timers, Kel picked me up for lunch. It was his Father’s Day treat. Hard to beat Shrimp n Stuff. It was a lot of fun just chatting. We did get to spring into action at one point, though. At the next table over an older guy (older than me, I think) leaned on the table, upsetting the drink of the lady across from him. She shrieked a little and jumped up. 

The drink went pretty much everywhere. Her other companions were hurriedly grabbing every napkin they could get their hands on. The mess spilled onto the lady’s lap, and subsequently to the floor. At that point I looked around for the young man who worked there, but he was nowhere in sight. I even went to the front desk, but no one was there either. Meanwhile, Kel found the bucket with the table-wiping washcloth. He took care of cleaning the table, and I tracked down the bus boy in the next room. He came back and got the floor mopped up, so crisis averted. Well, at least as long as the lady was careful when she stood up. We left right after, so she was in the hands of her friends. 

Speaking of her friends, remember that old guy who started the whole thing by leaning on the table? In the midst of the crisis, he casually got up, picked up his food at the window, returned to the table and calmly ate his lunch. Only one of the five in their party to get started on the important stuff. Hey. Why not? He could see the situation was well in hand. 

Hebrews‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ says, During His earthly life, He offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the One who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.

Father, thank you for not-so quiet lunches with my son. Amen. 

June 18 - “Dr. Honey”

Early start again. Chris had another doc appointment. This one, though, was up in Texas. Off the island we go. 

This one was a quickie. All is well with Chris and her C-pap machine. I was a little concerned, though. The doc called her “Honey” as we were leaving. All was well, though. He also said, “God bless you” at least four times. And we hadn’t even sneezed. Also, he is leaving. Sadly, a typical experience for us and doctors. He’s going to work closer to his home,  since he now drives three hours a day. Good for him. Oh, and he highly recommended a particular nurse practitioner to take over Chris’ case. “Great clinician who I would take my family to.” Next appointment made for next June. Check. 

From there we headed down Highway 6 all the way to Missouri City. Yep. It was time once again to try to get that account of Sam’s closed. I had in hand the last document they were requesting before releasing the account to the estate. Aaaannd … they will email me a new form to fill out, sign and mail back. Once that is in hand, they will cut a check. If the check is cut by their office, our guy will call and we have to come pick it up. If another office does it, they will mail it back to me. Whew. 

With a sigh, we headed back South. By this time we were hungry, so we found a Whataburger in none other than Manvel, Texas, in the parking lot of the big ol’ HEB.

From there we stopped off at the LaMarque Vaughan’s. Christina and Chris needed to touch base on places to stay when we take Micah to school in Virginia. I needed someone much younger than me to fix an app on my phone. Micah handled it in a heartbeat. Nice job. 

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ says, Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Father, thanks for the good report from Dr. “Honey.” And thanks for those youngsters of ours who can figure out phones. Amen. 

June 17 - “Teamwork”

Tough night. To start with, I had one of those nagging sinus headaches right between my eyes. I took some Tylenol before bed, though, and slept pretty well. That is, up until somebody saw fit to park a car with the bass bump and bellowing. At around 11:30 at night, no less. I went outside to see where the party was, but the noise was gone by the time I got there. Of course that meant that I was well awake. Had to start my crossword routine all over again. 

Then came the part that I had no idea was happening. Chris got sick and spent some time back and forth to the bathroom. I fussed at her for not waking me up and letting me have the honor of slapping a cold rag on her forehead and grabbing a bucket for her. She got through it, whatever “it” was. 

When we were good and awake later that morning, we remembered that it was yardwork day. Actually we were four days behind, and boy, could you tell. The grass was extra thick. Chris insisted she was fine enough to weed flowerbeds and sweep grass clippings. Stubborn lady. When she sets her mind to something … it will be done. 

On a further health note, Chris had an appointment with her cardiologist in the afternoon. Strangely, he walked into the room and right up to me and said, “Stress test looks great. All’s good there.”  Well, OK. I appreciate that. Confused, I feebly pointed to Chris to indicate this was her visit. He grinned and said he knew that, but he just wanted to start with me. As I said, well, OK. 

As far as Chris goes, he was very patient. He always processes things verbally, and he always takes into account everything Chris says, even if it’s just, “I don’t feel good,” so he said an awful lot. One thing I did hear loud and clear … if she has another near-passing out spell or if she randomly vomits again, go to the ER. Now that will be a chore to get her to carry out, but my strong-willed love did hear him say it. They walked through her medications, and he added a new one. He’s even running it through the specialty pharmacy to make sure we get the best deal. Sounded really expensive otherwise. He finally said he would talk to Dr. Electro about everything. Teamwork. Good place to leave it, I guess. 

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ says, Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Father, thanks for that patient doctor. Amen.