December 31 – “High points …”

Well, it’s my last journal entry for the month.  I had hoped to come up with something profound.

It’s my last journal entry for the year.  I had hoped to come up with something deep and meaningful.

It’s my last journal entry for the decade.  I had hoped to come up with something downright awesome. 

My best shot? 

Jesus is still Lord.  He’s still the most important thing in my life, and Chris comes in a very close second. 

Seaside is doing really well.  Holding strong in attendance, but especially in loving each other so the world can know they are disciples of Jesus.

We’ve had some spotty health days, especially with the flu bug in the last few weeks, but all in all, the family is healthy and appears to be happy.

We saw a thousand plus people attend Seaside’s Easter sunrise service on the beach.  Included baptisms in the Gulf.  Great volunteer assistance from the police, fire department and the whole community.

We went on our first ever cruise.  Alaska.  A bucket list trip for sure, and it lived up to its spot there.  And we’re scheduled to leave on our second cruise in a few weeks.  The Panama Canal.  That one is definitely in a bucket somewhere.  We’ll see how it turns out.

We got to see a bona fide miracle when our 37 year old friend had a massive heart attack.  But he “just happened” to be in a bed at the ER at the time.  He’s back home now, working on his lifestyle changes.

High points.  Those are what are affectionately known as “high points.”  Lots of other cool stuff happened with grandkids and church family and … just stuff.  But I guess I should include just one more.  I woke up again today.  There’s that …

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Father, that’s an amazing verse for the end of a year.  And a great promise for the start of another one.  Thank you.  Amen.

December 30 – “The Big Bunk Bash and Violet’s Last Supper”

Well, we had a somewhat low day at church attendance-wise.  Dipped into the fifties.  Of course I remember when the fifties was a significant increase.  Gotta love ministry in a mission area.  The people weren’t any less enthusiastic, however.  They had no trouble responding to the teaching questions, so there was a lot of discussion.  My favorite kind of Sunday sermon …

We had to move a bunch of bunks after church.  Up in the retreat center the bunks – and lots of other paraphernalia had all been shoved into two rooms to make room for Bethlehem Street Market vendors.  We have a group coming this next weekend, so it was imperative we get the bunks back to where they belonged.  I asked for anyone who could stick around to help to please do so.  In true Seaside fashion we had a flock of them immediately head upstairs after the final “Love you, Family.”  The really cool thing about this week, though, was the fact that among the Seaside regulars were two or three folks who were just visiting for the first time.  Hey, what better way to get to know people than to pitch in and work together.  Thanks so much, you guys.  We appreciate your help.

After the Big Bunk Bash, a pretty large contingent of Seasiders met over at the Way West Grill in Jamaica Beach.  Groups do get together quite often, but this was had a special purpose.  When I was invited, it was touted as “Violet’s Last Supper.”  Cute, huh?  Seems yesterday was one of our sweet ladies’ last day with us.  She moves to Tomball this morning to be closer to her children.  I didn’t count how many of us showed up, but there must have been four or five tables scrunched together.  Enjoy your new home, Vi.  We’ll miss your smiling face.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!”

Father, thank you for sending those folks to visit with us at Seaside and then jump in and help.  Bless their efforts.  And be with Violet as she starts her new adventure in Tomball.  Amen.

December 29 – “Sports Saturday??”

Ah, Saturday.  Saturday of the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.  What better place to be than … WalMart, of course.  I should be in a commercial for them.  Yes, we did indeed go to WalMart again yesterday.  Not exactly your typical sporting ventures, but it was Saturday at WalMart.  That meant using all of our agility and stamina.  So that should count as sports, right?  We had to make one last visit to the Christmas section to see if the sales prices had dropped below 50% off.  Sadly, they were the same.  And nothing special that just leapt into our basket.  We did pick up a thing or two for next year’s Bethlehem Street Market, though. That’ll be helpful.  Oh, and Chris picked up the first round of ingredients for this week’s cooking marathon.  Josh and his family will be here in a day or two, so the family Christmas is coming soon.

We actually watched a few college football bowl games.  Well, at least parts of them.  I saw where Texas A&M defeated Oklahoma State.  Our worship pastor will be sad to hear that.  And LSU destroyed Oklahoma University.  It was a bad, sad day for our neighbors to the North.  I confess that I didn’t stay up for the last game.  Clemson had just scored in the third quarter to take the lead when I threw in the towel.  I read about it in the paper this morning though.  Seems Ohio State came back and took the lead, only to lose the game when Clemson rallied for one last touchdown.  So the National Championship game will be between LSU and defending champion Clemson.  Should be quite the brawl.

John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Father, Draw those folks to church today who you want to be there.  And please fill me with your Spirit.  Don’t want them seeing anybody but you.  Amen.

December 28 – “Missed ‘em by that much”

We had a really slow day yesterday.  Not slow like in a retail establishment that has few customers.  Rather slow in that we didn’t feel really rushed beyond acceptable stress levels.  It almost felt like an actual day off.  Well, if you don’t count the time I spent going over the teaching for Sunday. 

We started the day by going to … Target.  I know.  We’ll have to send an apology letter to WalMart.  But we still needed a few last minute gifts, and we had already exhausted our shopping attempts there.  So on to Target.  The trip itself fit in pretty well with the theme of the day.  We basically strolled around the store, piling up steps on our daily regimen, but little else.  We did find the gifts we needed, though.  Final checks off the list, and we are ready for Christmas …

As we were pulling up to the house I got a FaceBook message from some friends of ours who are living and teaching in El Salvador.  To my surprise it was accompanied by a photo … of Chris standing at our front door.  I immediately texted him back and asked when they were at our house.  His answer?  “About twenty minutes ago.”  They had popped into town briefly to meet up with his family and had just a few extra minutes.  So sorry we just missed seeing them.  They are a really fun family.

The rest of the day was spent doing … not much of anything.  Well, Chris was always doing something.  She is finishing up some final loose strings related to Bethlehem Street Market.  She also has to fill in that nice new desk calendar she got from someone who loves her an awful lot.  Of course she gets one of those every year.  Somehow it always seems appropriate.  And she does use it all through the year.  Gotta have some way of keeping up with kids’ work schedules and grandkids’ baseball and soccer and basketball and karate schedules and Seaside events and birthdays and … I don’t even know what all she has on that thing.  Glad she has it, though. 

We did watch some TV.  Saw Texas A&M defeat Oklahoma State in a bowl game.  Watched a little of an old college basketball game.  Kevin Durant led Texas to a narrow overtime victory over LSU.  Not sure what year that was.  I didn’t even realize it was a replay until I saw the back of Durant’s jersey with his name on it.  There was one Hallmark movie thrown in there.  That’s what was on when our neighbor came over to explain an “unusual” text Chris had received earlier in the day.  Just a case of mistaken identity, but it made for a good laugh all around.  And we closed out the day watching a few episodes of Cupcake Wars.  Those people had to make displays and bake 1000 cupcakes in about an hour and a half.  That’s just ridiculous.  They accomplished it, though.  Can’t say I would have been a fan of tasting the cupcakes, though.  Most of them sounded pretty nasty. 

Matthew 4:4 says, “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’”

Father, watch over the Passons family as they travel this Christmas season.  Amen.

December 27 – “The day after …”

Well, after such a full travel day on Christmas, yesterday was much calmer.  We went over to WalMart … of course.  The primary purpose – no, the original purpose – of the trip was to return the Island shirt I got for a different size.  That went off without much fanfare.  I had to get a different pattern, but I like the new one, too.  I think Chris is getting me outfitted for our cruise to the Panama Canal.  That’s coming up in less than a month.  Guess as soon as all the Christmas shenanigans are complete, then we can really start thinking about that one. 

We also did a little Christmas shopping while we were out.  Now I don’t mean just scarfing up on Christmassy stuff bargains, although we did a little of that.  Nope.  We still had some specific gifts to buy, so we went in armed with our list and came out with a basketful of gifts.  Chris struck up a conversation with our checker.  She found out the lady’s son was in the hospital with some serious issues and is facing a possible major surgery.  We assured her we would be praying for him.  Join us when you think about it … his name is Marcus.

So a basketful of gifts meant I got to spend the rest of the afternoon watching Chris wrap everything.  Not a bad thing, actually.  She wraps much better than I do, for one thing.  And besides, that meant I got to do “put it under the tree” duty.  Nothing quite like watching the fun pile up … literally.  At the end of the afternoon we realized that we still have a few errant gifts to pick up.  Guess that means a trip to Target sometime today.  Maybe something will be on sale there, too…

Colossians 1:16 says, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

Father, please be with Micah as he continues to wade through his bout with the flu.  And touch the life of young Marcus there in the hospital as well.  Amen.

December 26 – “A Grandparent-y Day”

Our grandparent-y Christmas Day began simply enough.  I was awake and up and at ‘em at 5.  Around 5:30 I went in to check on Chris and ask when she wanted to get up to start our rounds.  She mumbled “Six,” so I went back to the computer and worked a little longer.  Around 6:10 she raced into the office lamenting, “Why didn’t you wake me up?”  I assured her that I indeed did wake her, about thirty minutes before.  She replied, “Oh no.  That was when you came to bed last night, wasn’t it?”  Ain’t she the cutest when she’s sleepy?  Love you, Babe.

She had dressed in record time, so after a quick breakfast of pigs in a blanket (Yummm), we headed over to the LaMarque Vaughan house.  The older kids there had been instructed not to come downstairs before 7 a.m.  No one communicated the message to now-three-year-old Ezra, however.  He was up and ready to go not long after 6:30.  That’s my boy.  It didn’t take the others too long to join us after we arrived, though, albeit sleepily.  Micah took up residence on the couch.  He has been feeling bad the last few days, and we found out later in the day – after a trip to the emergency clinic – that he officially has the flu.  And Ezra has an ear infection, but it wasn’t slowing him down.  Jachin was the last one down, showing his true teenager colors.  In fact the others were bribing Ezra to go wake him up after Josiah refused, not wanting to bear the brunt of his oldest brothers early morning rage.

Kel read the Christmas story to get things started.  Once they started opening gifts the room became a typical Christmas morning mass of paper and toys and giggles and oohs and aahs.  Appropriately I saw some fake vomit in Micah’s stash.  Fun stuff.  Josiah got a real bow and arrow set.  Don’t shoot your eye out, boy.  Jachin got a really nice batting tee.  He’s all about all things baseball.  Well, except for curling.  He did get a tabletop curling game.  Ezra was presented with an excavator riding toy.  Noa received a real music stand for her to use when she sings or preaches to the rest of the family from her platform that is the stairs (Yes, I have seen that happen with my own eyes).  She also got something I have never seen before.  A doll-sized wheelchair for her American Girl doll.  Came complete with a foot cast and a doll-sized stethoscope.  Ezra tried that one out.  Wouldn’t fit in his ear, of course.  But that didn’t faze him.  He simply stuck it on his nose and continued on with his examination.  As did Noa.  She immediately put on the doctor’s scrubs she got, and proceeded to talk to her now-undressed doll.  As she gently pilled on the doll’s brand new robe, she spoke to it, “It’s OK.  I’m a doctor.  I can see your private parts.”  Indeed.  After a taste of breakfast bread – a Vaughan family treat Christina says she is still working on because she only prepares it once a year – we headed on out to our next stop.

Cailyn was feeling much better after her bout with the flu.  She was proud of her new long-board skateboard, some clothes, new shoes and a necklace.  April got Nathan a portable heater so SHE could use it at the cold softball games.  But that’s OK.  Nathan got her a vacuum cleaner, the perfect Christmas gift, right? 

We did FaceTime with the Waco Vaughan’s later in the day.  The big hits there were Zak’s phone, Caleb’s MP3 player, Luke’s punching bag and wolfish pajamas, and AnnaGrace’s array of Barbies.  Looking forward to seeing all them next week.

Once back home we opened our gifts to each other.  In conjunction with her online broker Kel, Chris got me an assortment of the 1963 baseball card set I have been working to complete.  Very exciting stuff.  There were also a lot of KitKat bars, some Swiss cake rolls, a cool Island shirt, and a baseball card collector’s box.  Oh, and then there was the tree ornament.  A baseball tribute to the Astros, battery included.  Why batteries?  Because when you push the button it plays “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”  Nice. 

I presented Chris with a few things.  The new Lion King movie.  The one where the animals look like real creatures instead of cartoons.  She also got one of those security doorbell things with a camera.  I also managed to order, through an online broker of my own – Nathan – a Precious Moments Advent calendar she has had her eye on for some time.  Very cute pieces to a Nativity scene are each hidden in little drawers, one brought out each day of December.  And this year’s carving, as I alluded to at the Christmas Eve service (which I do every year.  Sometime in the service there is mention of the carving, but she has to try and figure out what it is), was of a bent old spoon, which is actually a honey drip-spoon for balancing on the edge of a cup or a jar of honey.  There was an explanation that went with it, of course, but you’ll have to get the summary from Chris on that one.

For lunch we did something I can honestly say we have never done before.  We went out to eat on Christmas Day.  That’s one new thing.  With some friends from church.  That’s two.  We’re usually with family of some sort, although Jim and Charlotte sure count as family to us.  And we went to Golden Corral.  That’s the big one I never thought I’d see.  The place was packed.  I think it must have been one of the only places on the Island open for Christmas.  WalMart was even closed.  And they must have been cooking all night.  Every station was fully stocked and stayed that way the whole time we were there.  Of course I spent most of my time and energy at the fried shrimp station.  I think Jim managed to get something from every station up there, though.  It was great fun hanging out with those two.  A real Christmas treat.

The rest of the afternoon was spent “watching a Christmas movie.”  It was a great complement to the occasional brief moments of resting my eyes that may or may not have taken place.  Ho.  Ho.  Hooooooo ……

Psalms 8:3-4 says, “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”

Father, please continuing healing our little guys.  And give Jim and Charlotte a great holiday.  Amen.

December 25 – “Ho! Ho! Ho!”

We had a pretty great Christmas Eve service last night.  Eighty plus people.  Archaeologized the gospel through the eyes of several favorite Christmas movies.  No Hallmark ones, though.  Just the classics.  It’s a Wonderful Life.  Elf.  A Christmas Carol.  The Santa Clause.  No Die Hard, though, although it did get a mention when I asked for people to share their favorite Christmas movies.  Almost started a riot.  It was great.  Thanks for that, Ray.  All the donut boxes were taken for distributing to people who had to work.  Lots of the ornaments disappeared as well.  Lots of hugging and Christmas handshaking, too.  I love that bunch of people.

This morning it looks like we are headed over to Kel’s to watch their Christmas morning festivities.  I anticipate it being kind of subdued.  Micah is full-blown sick, and Ezra has been a little puny as well.  Maybe we should wear some of those doctor masks …

Well, as soon as the pigs-in-a-blanket get out of the oven we are headed out, so … Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:11 says, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Father, grant your Christmas peace to those who need it most today … those dealing with depression or loss or pain.  You are enough.  Amen.

December 24 – “Ho, Ho, Oh No”

Well, Ho, Ho, Oh No.  Christmas Eve.  One more time …

Yep.  Christmas Eve and Chris and I split some sickie duties today.  Not either of us … yet.  This time it is Cailyn.  Well, and Micah, too.  Oh, and Ezra.  Latest word is that he is running a fever now as well.

Chris went over to check on her and hang out with her while I stayed at the house and worked.  But that resulted in my remembering I still had to go to the donut shop and make our annual Christmas Eve order.  One of our December ministries is to encourage our folks to stop on their way home after the service and deliver a dozen donuts to someone who has to work.  We also have some Christmas ornaments to give away as well.  Since we order ten one dozen boxes, I like to give them a heads up the day before.  They appreciate it.  Less stress the day of. 

While I was out Chris texted and asked if I could swing by Whataburger and b ring them over some lunch.  But of course.  We all had lunch together.  Cailyn was moving around OK, but you could tell she didn’t feel too good.  After we ate Chris left to do some of her errands and I took a turn hanging out with the munchkin.  We watched weird cartoons.  No, I mead weird.  The kind where the characters wear knee pads around their waist and have big round heads that kind of melt when they lie down.  I was never much of a cartoon guy growing up, but I certainly don’t remember the roadrunner ever having a melting head.  Wile E. Coyote maybe …

Chris came back after a while. OK.  I confess.  I have no idea how long she was gone.  I may or may not have fallen asleep on the couch.  Like I said, I was never really good at watching cartoons.  We traded off again and I came back home to get some more work done.  Two sermons and two worship services (Christmas Eve service) to plan this week.  A lot to stay on top of. 

Speaking of which, I have to go pick up those donuts at 9 and get the Merry Christmas stickers applied.  I also have to sneak in at least a quick trip to WalMart.  My excuse this year is that I need some bananas.  Really?  I just want to go do some people watching.  Best day of the year …

Matthew 1:21 says, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Father, please ease the fever in these youngsters’ bodies so they can have a comfortable Christmas.  Amen.

December 23 – “Blast from the past … literally”

Our big news from yesterday was our adventure into Houston.  As the result of an incredibly generous gift from a Seasider, we were treated to a performance by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Toyota Center. 

Now, I can’t really remember the last time I went to a rock concert.  Maybe it was a presentation of portions of Jesus Christ Superstar back sometime between January and August of my senior year in high school.  I’m pretty sure Chris and I never went to one.  She was more of a country music kind of gal.  But I have certainly never been to a performance like this one.

The first half of the show was a loosely connected collection of songs and some Christmas carols tied together with a narrative that rhymed about some guy meeting an angel in a bar.  That story line was really hard for me to follow.  The music in this part was pretty good, though.  I especially enjoyed their rendition of Joy to the World.  By far the best thing they did.  It was loud, though.  Really loud.  A veritable blast from the past … literally.  I had to just take off my hearing aids.  Guess that officially makes me an old geezer … Like I wasn’t already aware.

The second half of the show was a full-on rock concert.  Lots of pyrotechnics and a very cool, huge electricity spewing orb that rose from the floor and spit fire as well as arcs of electricity amidst the lasers and flashing lights.  Oh, and speaking of lasers, we were warned not to attempt to use any binoculars.  Those things can put your eye out quicker than a BB gun in a Christmas movie.  There were some songs that just didn’t appeal to me.  They came across as depressing, or at least not appropriate for the type of show we were expecting.  But all in all, it was an amazing display.

Now I do have to speak to the venue.  I learned something.  I will never attend a Houston Rockets basketball game there.  Nothing to do with basketball, other than I don’t like whatever it is they try to play in the NBA.  It’s just that those seats are incredibly uncomfortable.  Now, I’m not a very tall guy, but I had virtually no leg room.  My knees were very cramped, and my feet couldn’t move more than an inch or two from side to side.  I guess they expect people at NBA games to be on their feet cheering.  My new knee got so uncomfortable that I had to get up, causing the five people between us and the aisle to have to leave their seats and wait in that aisle for me to get out.  I ended up walking around in the back of the room for a long time just to recover enough so I could sit with Chris for the last part of the show.  And I wasn’t alone.  I never verbalized the purpose of my presence, but there were certainly more than a few others who had made their way to the back for the exact same reason. 

So … good and bad.  A metaphor of life.  But definitely an experience I’m glad we had the opportunity to undertake.  Thanks so much to our benefactor.

Luke 2:14 says, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Father, thank you for our gracious benefactor and her heart to share this amazing experience with us.  Bless her with a beautiful Christmas.  Amen.

December 22 – “The farmer ate the cow …”

We had a guest for a lot of the day yesterday.  Three-year-old (That’s today.  Happy birthday, Little Man) Ezra came to stay with us while his brothers and sister did their karate demonstrations and final testing to gain a new color on their belts. 

We traveled to several spots on the Island, and Ezra did great.  No whining.  No crying.  No complaining.  I think he only suggested two alternate venues throughout the whole adventure.  One was to return to the house so we could “eat something and then come back and go shopping some more.”  The second suggestion came after seeing a certain billboard.  “Chic-fil-A.  Let’s go eat a cow at Chic-Fil-A.”  That comment led him into a somewhat altered rendition of Farmer in the Dell.  In this fabulous Christmas edition, the lyrics went thusly … “The farmer ate the cow.  The farmer ate the cow …”  That sounded good to me, so we added the rest of the farmer’s banquet menu.  “The farmer ate the chicken.  The farmer ate the eggs.  The farmer ate the pig.”  That guy had a great meal.  So are you sensing a pattern here?  We didn’t stay out long after that. 

One of our stops was at Pets Mart.  While we were checking out a guy brought hi cat in for those cut-rate shots they offer.  As he turned the corner near the check-out stands, the handle on his pet carrier broke off.  The crate went crashing to the floor with a shriek from the feline inside.  Almost immediately a voice was heard calling out from somewhere unknown, “Must have been a dog-lover did that.”  Yup.  Sabotage.  Me and the checker certainly had a good laugh, anyway.  He was a dog guy, too.

Oh, and while we were out I returned Chris’ wonderful white elephant gift from the fore department party.  Since we don’t have a need for adult diapers or hemorrhoidal suppositories we felt it only right to return them.  I think Chris was a little embarrassed.  I just owned the whole experience.  I asked them how they liked my gift I just received.  The young lady waiting on me was probably a little more embarrassed than Chris.  Especially after she read the suppositories box.  I don’t think she knew exactly what it was until then.  She hastened to make the return, though.  handed me a gift card for the balance, which we in turn used to pay for our fruit and milk.  Pretty good trade-off for us …

John 1:4-5 says, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Father, thank you for our day with young Ezra.  Walk with him as he grows to love you.  Amen.

December 21 – “The New Coach and T.B.T.”

We are into the twenties.  That means Christmas is just a few days away.  And then comes the New Year.  That’s when we get to see all of our kiddos in one place at one time.  No small accomplishment, I might add.  What’s with this growing up and having families of their own and traditions of their own?  Oh, wait.  That’s the whole point, isn’t it?  Go for it, guys.  Have a great little Christmas.  See you next week.

We heard a bit about Josh’s new-found career.  No, not his going back to school.  That doesn’t officially start until sometime in February, I think.  I’m talking about his basketball coaching career that has been on hold since back when they lived in Houston.  Seems he has gently inserted himself into the coaching ranks of Zakary’s Junior High team.  The boys had been having considerable trouble breaking a press against this one rival team.  Their last game had been a disaster with the good guys losing by over thirty points.  Enter the sleeper coach from the sidelines.  Josh volunteered to run practice when the regular coach had to be gone.  And the first thing he taught them was our old press breaker play called Utah.  Named it after the university of the same name.  Fitting, since I learned it by watching them run it on TV.  Well, the boys picked it up in that practice and unveiled against the disaster team.  It worked like a charm.  They good guys scored about 30 points just off running Utah.  The other team was quite discombobulated.  As it turned out, the good guys lost by just three points in a real nail-biter.  Even had a few chances to tie at game’s end, but the shots just didn’t fall.  Nice job, good guys.  And nice job, Coach Josh.

Last night we went to the Christmas party for the administration team of the Galveston Fire Department.  It was a really good turnout, too.  Twenty-eight officials and their wives.  Well, twenty-six plus Chris and me.  It was held at Landry’s Restaurant here on the Island.  Pretty ritzy establishment.  Chris told me I would have to use a knife and fork to eat my fried shrimp.  Yeah … that didn’t happen.  Fried shrimp with tails on demand grabbing by said tail and giving it a good dunking in some ketchup before depositing it in the waiting receptacle that is my mouth.  That’s what happened.  The entertainment was a group of FD officers singing a rewrite of the Twelve Days of Christmas, reflecting what a typical day in the admin office looks like.  Funny stuff.  The highlight of the day, other than the chatter between the guys and wives, was the white elephant exchange.  It started with everyone holding a gift.  Then the Administrative Assistant, TBT (Read here, True Boss Trish), called out some commands.  “Pass the gifts three times to the left.  Trade with the person across from you.  Answer this trivia question correctly and trade with anyone in the room.”  That went on for a while, until the gifts were thoroughly shaken up.  Then we opened what remained in front of us.  I got a cool hammock.  Chris, however, was not quite so lucky, although she did get two gifts in one.  Taped to the side of her package of adult diapers was a box of hemorrhoidal suppositories.  Wow.  Fortunately the one who brought it tracked her down and pointed out that the receipt was taped to the bottom so she could return it.  So I guess Chris did OK as well.  It was a pretty fun night.  Kudos to Trish for putting it all together.  Jenna, you have some big shoes to fill when Trish REALLY retires in a few weeks …

Isaiah 7:14 says, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call his name Immanuel.”

Father, thank you for the fire department team - at all levels.  Keep them safe through the holidays and give them some precious family time.  Amen.

December 20 – “The Reindeer Games”

We made it through one more December milestone yesterday.  Our annual Seaside Christmas party that is held at our house seemed to go off without too many hitches.  Actually I’m not sure I would recognize a hitch when talking about this gathering.  It is kind of like controlled semi-chaos where folks of all ages come together for a night of fun.

We started out as people arrived by eating, of course.  And the eating continued throughout the evening, as Chris’ chili slowly disappeared, along with the Christmas goodies brought by the thirty or so participants.  I had a taste of Chris’ cheese ball, and some of the taquitos.  Not sure who brought those, but please know you and your taquitos are invited again next year.  Everything else looked really good.  And by the way it was being devoured, I’m pretty sure it all tasted great as well.

The kiddos started their reindeer games challenge early.  They searched the house for one complete set of Santa’s reindeer.  Small, candid photos of the bunch as individuals were scattered all around.  The task was simply to gather one set of all nine and bring them to me.  The sets were then traded for … what else?  An equal amount of candy.  Well, the kids each got ten pieces of candy.  Gotta add one for Santa, right?

Adults received their traditional challenge trivia sheets.  They also were handed some Christmas Visual Carols to decode.  Much like Visual Verses at church.  Corey remembered one from last year, but he was the only one.  I have to say, though that Noa sure figured out the songs quickly when I read the verse representations aloud.  The final challenge was an IQ Exam.  Letters were arranged in unique ways to represent adages we all know and love.  They group did really well on that one. 

Next we read the Christmas story from the Book of Luke.  Keeping the whole point of Christmas at the front of the activities that were to follow.  We also prayed and thanked God for the incredible miracle that was Ed Dawson’s recovery from a heart attack.  He was even scheduled to return home last night after just five days from the attack.  I would say that counts …

Next came the premier reindeer game of the year … Frosty’s Melting.  In fact, all that was left was two big chunks of his head, and those were going fast.  The idea was to unravel the balls of cellophane to uncover all the hidden treasures within.  Sounds easy, right?  Well, try it while the next person in line is tossing dice as fast as he can to roll a double.  That stops your efforts, and you must pass the ball on to him.  Our two groups dove into this one with a vengeance, even when one group lost a die under the furniture.  It was recovered as quickly as possible, though, and the melting continued.  The two grand prize winners were the ones who unwrapped the final hidden treasure, a gift card from … WalMart.  As it turned out it was the two 16 year-olds who held the goods at game’s end.  Congrats to Jachin and Jonathan.

Although we had several other games ready to go, by this time it was already past 8:30.  One of the trials of partying as a family … you have to watch for bedtimes for the young ones.  So that meant it was time for the White Elephants to be unleashed.  In a group this size we change the rules up a bit.  Everyone starts with a present from under the tree.  Any present.  All sit down.  Then I asked a series of questions.  If you could answer yes to the questions, you stood up and opened your gift so all could see.  Then all sat back down.  The questions continued.  And anytime you found yourself standing, you had to either open the gift you had, or trade it with someone else with an already-opened gift.  Sounds confusing, but it makes for a lot of activity as the questions get easier and easier to respond to with a “yes.”  And amid the chaos you never know what might happen.  We had one person discover that it was not exactly a good idea to appropriate the gift you have when you might have to give it up.  Especially when the gift you have claimed is a shirt and you have donned said garment.  I think we have a rallying cry for next year’s reindeer games, though … “Keep the shirt!”

Everyone left with a fun gift, a smile on their face, and a bit of a quicker get-along in their giddy-up.  Nice day …

Matthew 2:10-11 says, “When they saw the star they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Father, thank you for friends who can enjoy each other’s company and love on each other, especially at this time of year.  Amen.

December 19 – “Inspector Gadget”

Well, we had the day divided into three components yesterday.  Church … Party … Cailyn.

I started the day by meeting an insurance inspector at the church.  I know he was an inspector because he had a sign on his car that said in capital letters, “INSURANCE INSPECTOR.”  That’s it.  No particular company.  Guess he must have been a free agent.  I wondered if he had any incredible “gadgetry” up his sleeve.  OK.  Cartoon reference to Inspector Gadget.  I’ll leave it alone.  Besides, he was a really nice guy.  Asked me a few general questions about church attendance and whether the doors lock (Thank you Ed Dawson, for fixing that door upstairs in the knick of time), then he walked around both buildings and outside to take a bunch of pictures.  He even took pictures of the plumbing under the sink upstairs (Again, thank you Ed Dawson for fixing that in the knick of time).  As we walked around he asked about the church and how we operate, and by the time he was ready to go, he said he wished he didn’t live in Webster, because he would come to Seaside in a heartbeat.  In fact, he warned that he and his wife might just show up on some future Sunday.  Oh, and his “official” report?  We had one of the best organized and best use-of-space churches he had ever inspected.  Then he added … “especially the plumbing.  I am really impressed with the plumbing.”  There you go, all you guys who have had a part in that department.  Your hard work paid off …

Part two of the day involved the preparations for our church party tonight at 7 (if you are reading this … come on over).  One of the games will be called Seaside Family Christmas Feud.  Takes a lot of pre-game preparation, so I spent a long time at the table surrounded by poster board and yardsticks and markers and scissors.  And I only got about half-way finished, so that’s where I’m headed when I get done here.  I also did some shopping for the game prizes.  Once again, they will be classics. 

The third division of the day came when we picked Cailyn up from school.  She had an appointment with the eye doc to do the final check on her contact lenses before the actual order was put in.  She passed with flying colors.  Everything looked great, so we ordered the 90 day supply.  Unfortunately, it may not be in until Friday of next week.  Fortunately, they gave us some samples to tide her over.  Check that one off the list.  But we weren’t done yet.  She just got braces the day before, and apparently on of the little wires had slipped or popped out or whatever it is braces wires are notorious for doing (I don’t know.  Never had braces).  That meant a stop at the dentist office to get that all fixed up.  By that time it was well into dinnertime, so we stopped at … nope.  Not Whataburger.  She passed on her usual favorite and we went to Sonic instead.  Nice choice.  I haven’t had a cherry limeade slushie (my personal fave) in a long time. 

Speaking of Ed Dawson … I talked to Lauren last night.  He got some much-needed encouragement from a nurse and some friends.  That was great.  But then came the really good news.  Looks like he will be released to go home sometime today.  He’ll have to wear some kind of monitor vest, but that’s a small trade-off for how far he has come.  Stay with it, my friend …

Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Father, thank you for even more good news on the Ed front.  Oh, and would you join us at the party tonight?  It is, after all, in your honor.  Amen.

December 18 – “Good-busy”

Well, I haven’t had a day like yesterday since … last December.  That statement might be a bit misleading.  It’s not like I accomplished some dramatic yearly obsession or anything.  And we didn’t finish Christmas shopping, either.  Nope.  This was a simple enough one.  I started and pretty much completed planning for our yearly Christmas White Elephant/Reindeer Games Party.  There are still a few things left to do, like going shopping for the awesome prizes.  But for the most part the party has been planned.  Thursday evening at 7.  Come. 

I also had to spend some time doing my usual Monday work for work since we ended up at the church all morning on Monday un-Christmassing the Retreat Center.  Chris even went back up there again yesterday.  A director of an activity that big has a never-ending job.  She also spent a good deal of time in the kitchen putting together some Christmassy treats.  I live in a great place to be around during the Christmas season.  Well, it’s pretty great all year ‘round, but there ARE seasonal perks …

Meanwhile stuff is piling up on our plate every day.  We found out last night that a long-time neighbor died.  I went to school with her daughter, and her son and his wife still live in the neighborhood.  That funeral is Thursday.  Christina also needs me to go with her to get a new phone.  Looks like hers is giving up the ghost.  That’s happening Thursday, too.  This afternoon we pick up Cailyn from school and take her to the eye doc to get her contacts checked out.  Yep, the youngster is wearing contacts.  Really helps with softball, but she looks just a bit too grown-up.  Friday evening is the Fire Department administration party that we have been graciously invited to attend.  And Sunday we leave right after church to drive to Houston to see the Trans-Siberian something or other at the Toyota Center.  We are pretty excited about that one.  We have heard lots about it and have seen TV commercials, of course, but I’m sure in person is better.  It’s gonna be one of those weeks …

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

Father, thank you for “good-busy” weeks.  Amen.

December 17 – “Breathing a little easier …”

Well, another early morning it was.  Not as early as Bethlehem Market day, but still a rather first-thing-in-the-morning day.  Why?  Not anything so glamorous as preparing for hundreds of people to come through the facilities searching for the right Christmas gift for Johnny and Tammy and Freddy and Sue.  I just had to meet the Bug Guy for our regular pest removal treatment.  And he was going to be at the church at 8 a.m.  Oh, and Bug Guy Steve is never late.  In fact, of all the times I have met him for these early appointments, he has been in the parking lot waiting for me every single time.  And this one was no different.  

The treatment really doesn’t take that that long, so Steve was soon on his way to deprive some carefree termite of his breakfast.  Meanwhile, Chris and I began the daunting task of tearing down decorations and vacuuming the retreat center after the big market weekend.  Not that we could come remotely close to finishing.  The bunks still have to be returned to their rightful places in the building, and with my neck disc acting up Chris will absolutely not let me have any part of that.  We did undecorate and box up six Christmas trees.  We had to go to WalMart later in the day to get some plastic crates to put the ornaments in, though.  Chris did some heavy-duty vacuuming, so the empty bunk room is ready to receive its missing pieces.  Maybe Sunday after church we can conscript some strong arms …

After a quick lunch I went to the hospital to see Ed.  He was fully awake and talking and insisting that he was doing his best not to be too ornery.  He still had the heart pump installed, though, and that was quite uncomfortable.  That, by the way, was removed late yesterday afternoon.  Now they wait to see how he does with heart function and bleeding control.  But we are all breathing just a little easier.

He did tell me the story of his day Saturday from his point of view.  It was nothing short of amazing.  I’ll admit I did jot down some notes, but it is his story.  Maybe he’ll OK me retelling it later …

John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Father, thank you again for touching Ed and returning him to us for a little longer.  Give him a clearer vision of your purpose for his life.   Give him and Lauren supernatural patience and your peace that passes all understanding.  Amen.