August 1 - “Those were the days”

Yesterday was another day for fishing. At least it was for the guys. We got up at 4:45 and lines hit the water well before 6. The weather was perfect. 

However … not so much the water conditions. It was really still, with barely any discernible tide movement. And without that, the fish just stay home. 

The boys did catch their share of fish. Owen (the friend of Caleb’s) caught the most - four. None were keepers, though. The only two we kept were Luke’s black drum and Josiah’s nice spec. Good job, guys. 

Jachin came by in the afternoon and hung out with us before work. He brought his youngest siblings for the return to the beach afternoon. Yep. They still had enough energy left for some more swimming and football and soccer. Ah. Those were the days …

Chris and I left before everyone else. Chris called dibs on a shower before the onslaught of sweaty, salty, sandy bodies arrived. We had a surprise waiting for us. Kel was at the house when we got back. He was diligently working on his sermon, so we didn’t bother him too much. 

Once everybody got back and got cleaned up, we made another trek out to see Micah at work. Ice cream. I tried the house special, Lemonade Day. Not bad. 

And after that great dessert, we returned to the house for some grilled hamburgers. Kel did the chef honors, and the burgers were nice and juicy. Well, except for the ones that were requested well-done. But I think those three (Chris, Christi, and Micah) were just as pleased as the rest of us. 

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ says, Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us — to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Father, please be with us at the Vaughan-Castiglioni reunion today. Then give Josh and his crew a safe trip home. Amen. 

July 31 - “Miserable Miss”

We donned our best tourist garb yesterday. Had to look the part for our trip to the infamous … Beach. Ezra had his fishing pole (So did I), but we didn’t have any live bait, so we just let the artificial lure drift away (read here “race madly”) with the current. No bites. We didn’t try for very long. But wait! Ezra did get his picture with a pretty good sized catfish. No. He didn’t catch it. He did discover it, though. Nice job, Ezra. 

The guys spent some time playing  beach soccer. That led to the most memorable event of the entire excursion. Good ol’ Uncle Josh was feeling young again. As the ball threatened to make its way past him, Josh leapt high into the air, swinging his aged body backward as he attempted that most exciting of soccer kicks … the bicycle kick. Key word here is “attempted.” Yep. He didn’t make it. Flat on his back. Splat. Miserable Miss. Guess who is gonna be sore today?

Josh showed off in more ways than just that one. He spent some time hunched over the jigsaw puzzle table. I think if he was around here, it would be finished in a hurry. 

About mid-afternoon we decided that we all needed a pause that refreshes. And what better way to do that than … ice cream. Micah was working at Cordray’s Drug Store. That’s the place where they make ice cream to order right in front of you. They just pour cream and your choice of ingredients on the frozen table, mix it up, and before you know it, there is a cup of rolled ice cream. Good stuff. Nice job making it, Micah. 

Zak and Lindsay and Owen and Josiah finally arrived about 10:45. They were the last of our anticipated guests for the weekend. They picked up Josiah on the way in so he could go fishing with us in the morning. Wait! That’s THIS morning. Like now. See ya. 

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ says, Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Father, thank you for protecting the last of our guests on the road. Bless ‘em. Amen. 

July 30 - “Company Coming”

Well, we had company coming, so you know what that meant. The big thing was, of course, cleaning house. Sweeping and vacuuming, primarily. At least I didn’t have to mop this time. 

We also had to make a major outdoor decision. Mow the grass or water the lawn. It wasn’t too hard to talk myself out of mowing. Of course, that meant I also had to follow my lovely mentor around the yard watering plants as well as grass. It’s hard to try to live up to someone with such a green thumb as Chris. 

And there was still one more major task on tap before the House could be deemed “ready.”  Freddy needed a bath. Not my favorite activity in the world, but Freddy is really chill about the whole thing. 

Finally we were able to take a breath. I used the opportunity to add a piece or two to the

jigsaw puzzle. And I may or may not have dozed off. Just for a minute … or twenty. 

Our final task of the afternoon was errands. Just two. First was Pets Mart. Freddy has been out  of her chew sticks for a while now. We grabbed an extra package. 

Finally, we went to Randall’s again. We each had a prescription to pick up. And believe it or not … we drove right past Walmart and didn’t go in.  

After all that preparation, it was great to welcome Josh and Christi and their kiddos. Well, Zak and Lindsey and Owen (a friend) won’t get here until tonight sometime. Beach today.  Let’s go. 

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ says, Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.

Father, thank you for the safe journeys. Amen. 

July 29 - “The Duct Tape Drive”

Chris had a PT appointment yesterday. As we were driving in, I saw something in the parking lot that caught my attention. It was one of those smaller vans. And it had apparently been through the wringer. I have no idea of the extent of its injuries, but the thing that grabbed my eye was … duct tape. 

Yep. Duct tape. The entire roof was nothing but duct tape. And to make sure it didn’t fly off, there was strip after strip after strip wrapped around and around the middle of the vehicle, resulting in a massive, four foot wide anchor strip of duct tape. Looked like some little kid’s favorite hot wheels car got stepped on, so Dad volunteered to take care of it. Hey. You can’t beat duct tape. It’s a miracle. 

Speaking of duct tape, the physical therapist who had Chris indicated that there was some kind of confusion in the doctor’s orders. He specifically told Chris no strengthening exercises yet. That was even in his most recent notes. But apparently in his “usual protocol” for shoulder surgery, strengthening exercises should have already been happening. 

Nope. That was NOT happening, however, on Chris’ watch. She was determined to follow what the doc told her no matter what. The therapist acquiesced, grudgingly. But she promised that her boss would contact the doctor to get everything clarified. 

After some lunch we made a quick trip to Walmart. Bananas and some hamburger patties for one of the meals when the Waco bunch is here. They should be in sometime late tonight. Here we go. 

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭4‬ says, He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.

Father, thank you for Chris’ determination to follow doctor’s orders. But thanks too for the therapist’s commitment to ask questions when something was not clear. Bless ‘em both. Amen. 

July 28 - “Awarded”

Our Great Northern Wasteland dear friends stopped by the house on their way home. We thought maybe they got lost again. But no. They came by on purpose to tell us goodbye. And they also had a presentation to make. I received an award for Husband of the Year. They just appreciated me taking care of their sweet friend Chris. Hey. I’ll take encouragement wherever I can get it. Seriously, though … Thank you, Guys, for the gift card. It will be put to good use real soon. 

The rest of the afternoon we texted back and forth with Kel and Christina. They were finalizing plans and commitments for our trip to Virginia next month. I think that one’s gonna be a lot of fun. 

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ says, My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

Father, thank you for the encouragement from our friends. They are really special. Amen. 

July 27 - “The Dedication”

Over 100 folks joined us at Seaside yesterday. It was our big 30th anniversary celebration. Some were Seasiders past. Others were current (or maybe future Seasiders). The mayor and city manager were both there. Even a representative from the office of our Texas state house representative came. 

After the regular worship service, we heard from the dignitaries (and one not-so-dignified … that would be me). Kel then explained the dedication of the retreat center and the opportunity to give to the Sam Criswell endowment fund. All that was followed by a great barbecue lunch. Great job, volunteers. 

Our Northerners tried to get back to their Air B&B, but somehow found themselves in the swamps somewhere near the Bay. They ended up just coming back over here. We talked and laughed the rest of the afternoon and into the early evening. Great friends. Great love. 

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ says, Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created.

Father, thank you for the many folks who made it out to the service and dedication. Bless them. And thanks again for our good friends. Be with them on their ride back home. Amen. 

July 26 - “Happy 30th Anniversary, Seaside”

Super clean house day. Not meaning that the cleaner of the house was anything special. Just that expectations were running high. We were expecting. No, not a baby. Well, our wives might have something to say about that. 

But nope. It was the Winkles and the Huntley’s. They were coming down for Seaside’s big 30th Anniversary celebration, which is today, if you haven’t heard. Looking for a place to go to church in Galveston this morning? Can’t beat this one. Great service on tap (is that something you can say about church services?). People coming back to visit from eras past. Big dedication of the renovated retreat center in honor of long-time Seasider, Sam Criswell. And to top it all off … barbecue lunch provided! I for one can’t wait. 

Last night we met up with our Northern compatriots. First order of business … a Galveston supper. Well, at least we ate it in Galveston. Not seafood, though. We went for Mexican instead. Salsa’s. Hey. This one was all about Chris, so that was her choice. Our wait was about 20 minutes going in, but when we left there were people everywhere waiting to get in. Welcome to Galveston on a Summer Saturday night. 

We all went back to our house and enjoyed chatting about life and Alaska trips and ice cream. Yep. Blue Bell may or may not have made an appearance. The new lava cake extravaganza was certainly popular. 

Just as everyone was leaving for their air B&B, I got a text from our friend Jim Stone. It was my introduction of sorts to his newest granddaughter. She is gorgeous, of course. So tiny. Many congrats, Grandparents Jim and Laura and Mom and Dad Jimmy and Mary. 

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭17‬ says, A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.

Father, thanks for watching over the Northerners on their journey. And thanks for that brand-new, beautiful little baby girl. Walk with her parents (and grandparents) as they guide her in your ways. Amen.