April 29 - “Cardio Day”

We continued our doctor appointment week with an early rush out to UTMB. Actually there was no particular rush involved. It’s just that it was kinda early. We left the house at 8:15. 

I had the first one. It was my regular check-in with my cardiologist. Cardio Day. I have to go in every six months or so. And nothing has changed in my heart department. A few places he is watching. If I begin to develop any symptoms, come sooner than the six months. Check. 

Chris also had to see the cardiologist (same guy). Sounds convenient, right. Not exactly. My appointment was at 9. Hers wasn’t until 11:30. We went back home for an hour or so, then came back and went through the whole check-in procedure again. 

They took us back and put us a room. Did all the preliminary stuff. And then … Waited in the room about an hour. First time that ever happened with this guy. But we gave him a pass. Why? Because he always takes his time and lets us ask any questions we might have. 

So … all looked pretty good. He adjusted her meds just a bit. More of a tweak, actually. Otherwise … six months we don’t all again. Check. 

After a stop at PetsMart for some dental chewsticks for Freddy, we finally got home around 1:30. Phew. Long morning. 

‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ says, God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.

Father, thank you for the good reports from the doc. Amen. 

April 28 - “Vampire Day”

We stretched out and yawned and had a bite of breakfast before heading out to the East end of the island. Chris had a vampire appointment at the clinic over there (aka, bloodwork draw). And an appointment like that means she probably has an oncology appointment sometime next week. I just went along for the ride. 

While we were waiting, who should walk up but our old friend Jim. Haven’t seen him in a while. We caught up with all his news about his family. Love those Stone’s. 

After the vampire we headed to Walmart for some more groceries (yes. Bananas among them). I think we are set in that department for … well, at least until we run out of bananas again. 

And the afternoon became a Hallmark marathon. Well, in between washing and drying and folding and putting away clothes. 

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ says, You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.

Father, thanks for the chance to catch up with Jim again. Bless him and Laura and all their family (goats included). Amen. 

April 27 - “Major minor”

Pastor Kel started a new sermon series. Nahum. Say that name fast about ten times. Funny stuff. He explained why the poor guy got the “minor prophet” designation. Just didn’t write down enough stuff. Well. OK. It’s because the book is not a long as the “major prophet” guys. You did a good job, Nahum. 

We stopped at the Shrimp and Stuff food truck after church. Thanks for the reminder of its presence, Zak and Lindsay. I got the fried shrimp platter. Chris had two grilled shrimp tacos. That’s some good eatin’.

Back home we watched the Astros actually win a game. And against the Yankees, no less. Always a good day. 

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭14‬ says, I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.

Father, thank you for the truths from old Nahum. Amen. 

April 26 - “GFD Field Day”

I had a quick little neighborly task to do yesterday morning. Brennan needed a ride to work. That worked out really well for me. He works at Moody Gardens, and my next stop was to the fire station at the airport - just minutes away. 

It was what the fire department affectionately calls “Field Day.”  It’s the opportunity to go through the physical agility test for the department. Just a run-through so they would know what to expect in a few weeks at “the real thing.”  Genius. And an activity that is too good to pass up if you are interested in joining the department. 

There were quite a few applicants on hand. Like 30 or 40 maybe. They were all shapes and sizes too. Several of them introduced themselves to me. One asked if he could chat for a minute or two. Seems he read about me and “all the things you do” on the FD website. (Hmm. Guess I need to check out that website). He just became a Christian in November, and was so excited about it. He wanted to know if I was a pastor on the island so he could come visit my church. He’s very happy where he’s going now, though. 

My heart went out to one applicant in particular, though. Lexie, the daughter of some friends of ours (and of one of the current fire fighters) was giving it a shot. She’s not old enough to be considered yet, but she still wanted to try her hand at the challenge. 

Now understand, Lexie is short and thin and cute as a button. Surprisingly, though she is wiry and deceptively strong. She did an amazing job. The only event that gave her great pause was hauling the fully charged fire hose. She powered through it, though, and then finished the stair climb really fast. Oh, did I fail to mention? Lexie is just a junior in high school. Impressive, girl! I’m proud of you, Lex. 

After some lunch we headed up into Texas. Ezra had a piano recital, and Noa was in a drama skit in conjunction with their homeschool co-op. Ezra played the theme from Star Wars. Nailed it. Noa was in a multi-skit format play. She actually had three or four different roles. She was definitely the most dramatic of them all (and the best projectionist). Of course. Proud of you two!

From there we went to Nathan’s house. He and Cailyn threw a surprise 40th birthday party for April. That certainly checked off our need for food. Nathan cooked fajitas. He’s good at what he does. 

‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ says, For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Father, thank you for watching over those “kids” going through the GFD Field Day wringer. That’s a tough course. Amen. 

April 25 - “All fungus-y”

I got enlisted yesterday. The Master of the Garden (Or would that be Mistress? I’m a little rusty on my fairy tale terminology) Chris, nonverbally convinced me to join her in the backyard flowerbeds. We had to rip out all the dead stuff from around her lilies. It was causing the rest of the plants to get all fungus-y.

It went pretty well. We only stopped once when I called to get some information about another transatlantic cruise (yep, guess we are gluttons for punishment). Sounds pretty exciting. 

Oh, there was one other time that gave us pause. I may or may not have accidentally pulled up something I wasn’t supposed to. In my defense, it looked the same as everything else in there. But all is well. We rummaged through the trash cans of debris and actually found the four bulbs I so callously (albeit accidentally) ripped from the soil. Chris said she would find just the right spot for them. 

Last night we made a foray into Texas. Two reasons.  But wait. On the way to the first one, Josh called. His whole family (except Zak and Lindsay, of course), was on their way to Caleb’s state track meet. He runs in the 4X400 meter relay. And two weeks ago he started doing pole vault. This will be his first competition in that event. Go Caleb!

Now … first we had to go to Kohl’s. Chris had to return an item she ordered online. After a few tries to communicate with the computer, they finally got that taken care of. But before we left, we had to stop at the purses section, and lo and behold, they were on sale. Yep. Congrats on the new purse, Chris! Understand here … this was not really an impulse purchase. She’s been looking for one for quite some time. Hers is falling apart. So, again … congrats, and welcome to the family!

Next we went to the karate kick-each-other-in-the-head night. Well, they call it sparring, and they do kick and smack each other all over their bodies. This time it was Ezra, Josiah and Noa. Of course they all did awesome. Especially Ezra this time. He smoked his opponent in both fights. Way to go, Vaughan’s!

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ says, Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation

Father, thanks for you for protecting our sparring kiddos last night. Amen. 

April 24 - “Adding the ‘the’”

Hey! We were back on the track yesterday. Yes, I added the “the” to clarify. I just meant we walked again. Two miles. Back at it. 

We almost bought a table. Not for inside, though. We’ve been looking for one to put up on the deck. We have the umbrella. Just need the table and chairs. Chris found exactly what we need at Walmart.com. But it was out of stock. Of course. They had a set that included the umbrella, but $80 for an umbrella when we already have one? Kinda steep. We decided to wait. 

We took a chunk of time to get some work done around the house. Chris started her weekly cleaning for home group. I went outside and sprayed around the house perimeter for ants. We’ve been seeing some in our bathroom (as well as an occasional other similar critter). Got ’em. 

In the afternoon we watched some TV (and may or may not have dozed off just a little bit). And of course, we looked up some more stuff regarding a possible Northern Lights trip. Oh, and we presented a wrinkle to the Winkles. More on that when more info is forthcoming.

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭14‬:‭9‬ a says, On that day Yahweh will become King over all the earth — Yahweh alone, and His name alone.

Father, we can do without those ants in the house. Please? Amen. 

April 23 - “Signature and seal of approval”

Chris finished up her research for time Northern Lights trip. Sent it all to the Winkles for their perusal. We also emailed the Arlington travel agent to get some more info about the transatlantic cruise from England to New York. That’s the one that stops in Norway and Iceland. We’ll see. 

Since the anticipated rain never arrived, we jumped in the car to get some errands run. First stop was the bank. I got some questions answered about the changes they are making to our account. Then I was finally able to close out Sam’s estate account. I think that era of our life is finally closed as well. 

Next we stopped by the post office. Had to get a very important  legal document in the mail. Zak and Lindsay’s marriage license with my signature and seal of approval. Check. 

Next on the list was Home Depot - truly Chris’ domain. Well, by that I mean we stayed in the garden department. She wanted to grab sone mulch that was on sale. Done.  Check. 

Finally … Walmart. Yep. Needed bananas. And of course some other things mysteriously appeared in the basket as well. No surprise there. Bananas … check. 

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ says, For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

Father, watch over Zak and Lindsay as they enjoy their time together. Give them a safe trip home. Amen.