November 4 - “That counts”

Once again, we started out our day with a walk. This time, however, Chris was feeling a little more feisty than usual. We extended it to 30 minutes. That equates to a mile and a half on the Gulf Village track course scale. 

Honestly, the rest of the afternoon we lolled around, watching TV. Well, I take that back. Chris couldn’t stand it. She got the laundry pile going into the washing machine. I did help a little. I helped fold the sheets. That counts, doesn’t it?

Last night we braved the rainy weather and headed into Texas. Ezra had his first flag football scrimmage of the season. It didn’t rain any more, but it was humid and actually chilly. The good guys won the first half 19-6, then held off a furious rally in the fourth quarter to hang on for the win, 25-22. 

And then … unbeknownst to us … a second game began. Yep. On a school night a second game began at 9. Fortunately that game was a little less stressful. Final score was 35-18, good guys. 

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭11‬ says, I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you.

Father, thanks for the day of calm. Be with Doug as he walks through dealing with his son’s death. Amen. 

November 3 - “A library??”

Just remembered another Halloween visitor’s comment. A teenager glanced through our front window into my home office, and with awe in his voice he said, “I really like your house, man. It looks like a library.” That it does, my young friend. That it does. 

We made an attempt to get back into walking. Made it for one mile. We are concerned that Chris needs to keep her face scar out of the sun for a while longer. She dutifully wore a wide-brimmed hat, though. She’ll get there. 

A trip to Walmart added a few extra steps to our count. We had to get … bananas. All set. For a few days, anyway. 

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ says, For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Father, help us as we work to get back into walking. And protect Chris outside. Amen. 

November 2 - “Feliz Navidad!”

Here’s a few more of the significant connections from Halloween:

I can’t count the number of times youngsters were excited to get the Bible, often showing it to their parents and announcing, “I got a book!”  Or “Look! It’s a Bible!” Quite a number of parents expressed appreciation for the Bible, and several added a warm, “God bless you!”  

Several little guys approached me with wide eyes (for the Santa persona, of course) and threw their arms open wide with big ol’ hugs from Santa. 

We had visits from kids of all ages, from literal tiny newborns all the way to one old grandma who made her way down the driveway with the assistance of a walker. Yep. A walker. 

But my favorite of the night happened when a little girl in a fairy costume spotted me from the end of the driveway. She stopped dead in her tracks, looked back at her parents, pointed my direction, excitedly exclaimed, “Mira! Mira! Feliz Navidad!” I answered with a hearty, “Feliz Navidad!” of my own. 

Yesterday afternoon we had some more guests. Kel and most of his family came over to help us eat the rest of the Halloween pizza. We showed them a quick overview of our Northern Lights pictures. 20 or so minutes versus the two or three hours worth of footage we have. I think it at least gave them a taste of it. 

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭says, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Father, bless those little youngsters who came by for an unexpected hug the other night. Amen. 

November 1 - “Checkin’ in”

We had a really special phone call yesterday. FaceTime, actually. It was great to chat with Micah over in Virginia. He’s doing really well with school. And he was getting ready to head to the Liberty homecoming football game. 

And speaking of grandchildren, we also heard that Cailyn was accepted into the college of her choice. Oh. Which one, you might ask? How about Texas A&M in College Station! Gig ‘em, Aggies! Congrats, Cailyn. Proud of you. 

And then there was Caleb’s last home football game of his senior year. He got to lead the team onto the field one last time. And AnnaGrace got to cheer with the varsity girls at the game. And Luke scored an exciting diving touchdown in his junior high game. Oh, by the way. Good guys won both games … of course. 

Last night we once again hosted our annual Halloween party. Pizza all around. Lots of candy given out. Two cases of Biker New Testaments gone. As were a hundred tracts on how to get saved. Quite the night.

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ says, All Scripture is inspired by God , and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Father, thanks for once again bringing “the world” to our neighborhood so we could share your word. Amen. 

October 31 - “Two success stories”

Chris’ cancer follow-up appointment went well. All markers and exam points looked good. She and Sherry the nurse practitioner compared skin cancer surgery scars. Two success stories there. 

We did some more investigating on a possible river cruise in Europe. Sounds very strange to even say that out loud. We got so far as to email Belinda, our travel agent. We’ll see how it plays out from here. 

Last night we went to the fire department annual awards ceremony. I did the opening prayer and the benediction. Along with the usual recognition of retirees and swearing in of new hires (with a family member or special friend pinning on their badge), and honoring those who earned promotions, several meritorious ribbons were presented. Perhaps the most well-known rescue recognized went to the crew who rescued the teenagers stuck on the Pleasure Pier roller coaster. Our neighbor Jonathan Cook was presented the award for firefighter of the year. Always a great time to reward the hard work these guys put in every day. I’m really proud of them. 

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬ says, Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.

Father, be with our fire fighters and their families. Keep them safe and help them to be … happy. Amen. 

October 30 - “Drumroll here …”

I got started early on clean house day. I mean before 8. Chris hadn’t even made her appearance as yet. Got the floors all swept first thing. Then after she joined me, the vacuuming came next. I gotta admit … the sweeping did tweak my back. Very weird how that sweeping motion gets me, but the back and forth of the vacuum cleaner is not as bad. Oh well. All done before 9. Well, I was. Chris was still cleaning bathrooms. 

We received an email from KayLynn. Sounds like it is time to schedule our next adventure. The email compared two cruise lines that provide … drumroll here … European River Cruises. Oh, and I almost forgot. The cruises are designed to go to a series of Christmas markets. Decisions, decisions, decisions. 

Home group was more of an Alaska Trip Report Time. The group wanted to see our pictures, especially the ones of the Northern Lights. And since we love showing them off … win, win. 

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬ says, He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.

Father, help us find the best river crossed for our next adventure. Amen. 

October 29 - “Let loose LOUD”

We had a very quiet morning. Honestly, I took a pretty good nap at my desk. Chris did some more laundry. And she also did some exercises. And therein lies the story. 

Apparently, while I was lost somewhere in dreamland, she decided to do the hip exercises where she gets down on the floor. She has avoided those particular exertions because frankly, she couldn’t get herself back up. Aaaaand … that almost happened. 

She got down without too much trouble (at least until the last “few inches of so”). But when it came time to rise, she had a bit of difficulty. She said that she called out to me for some help, but obviously her “screams” were more like whimpers. I never heard a thing. She was plenty determined, though. She managed to make use of her weak left arm and that up-and-coming bum shoulder to get herself up. I guess I’m proud of her? I did kinda chew her out, though. I insisted that she let loose LOUD if it ever happens again. 

After lunch we took care of a pretty important task. We went over to the Methodist church and voted. Fortunately there wasn’t much of a line. Someone told Chris that on Monday the line stretched outside and around the building. Guess that’s a good thing. But I’m glad our line was just a few people. Go vote!

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ says, Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

Father, thank you that Chris managed to get up on her own. Help her continue on her strengthening regimen. Amen.