August 31 – “Better. Way better”

It was Monday, so we went back to our three mile walk with ten treks up and down the deck steps.  I suppose it’s getting a little easier.  Maybe I’m getting to be a “regular” at this sweaty, exercise-y business.  I still prefer Tuesdays and Thursdays, though.  Those are water aerobics days.  Better.  Way better. 

 

Back home and all showered up, I got started on my Monday work.  Bible study and sermon prep.  I was hard at it when I suddenly realized I had been staring at the screen at the same line of typing for … I don’t know how long.  I glanced over at the clock.  To my surprise, I had been typing non-stop for a solid 45 minutes. 

 

I stood up.  Well, I creaked to a standing position.  I have reached the stage where I need to get up and move the old body for a few minutes every so often or it gets really stiff.  This time it was … really stiff.  I walked around a few minutes, then went out in the backyard to see what Chris was up to.  That ended up in me helping her trim some trees and pull a few weeds.  I did return to my desk soon after, but I ended up doing a boatload of telephone errands (Is that even a thing?). 

 

Well, it looks like our Hawaiian cruise is a go.  Chris and I and two couples we know from the Arlington area will be joining a boatload (literally) of our as-yet unknown closest friends.  We received word last night about the availability of rooms and deposits and the like.  The cruise isn’t until 2023, though.  We are really praying things calm down by then. 

 

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

 

Father, we’re still praying for the folks in Louisiana.  Hear their cries for help and send just what they need.  Amen.

August 30 – “Dodged a bullet”

We had an “intimate” gathering of folks at church yesterday.  Smaller crowd than usual.  No visitors at all, which is really unusual.  And I was having a hard time staying focused all morning.  Not that I felt bad physically; just off.  I was wondering about all that.  It finally hit me.  The teaching was on John 3:16-7 and the verses surrounding it.  Salvation.  Not a message the devil wants to get out.  I’m just praying someone heard something that God uses in their life. 

 

Kel and his crew came over after church.  The Astros played at 1:30, and they needed a place to watch the game.  Chris and Christina put together some stuff for lunch – tacos and cheese dip and chips.  I confess that I grabbed just a few winks during the game.  Well, maybe more than a few.  I had to keep responding to texts from a certain Rangers fan who was gloating over the Astros complete collapse of the pitching staff – not that uncommon an occurrence (The collapse, not the gloating).  But that was OK.  Diane had my permission to be happy four out of the fifteen games the Astros played against the Rangers.  That’s a somewhat “respectable” .267 average for them. 

 

We were relieved to have dodged the hurricane bullet one more time.  Ida went ashore into Louisiana yesterday.  We didn’t even get any rain with this one.  I think there were a few tides that were higher than usual, but that was about it.  Season’s not over yet, though.  In fact I understand there is another one out there, churning through the Atlantic. 

 

Isaiah 55:11 says, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

 

Father, please be with the folks in Louisiana who were affected by this hurricane.  They don’t even know what they need yet physically, but they definitely need you.  Amen.

August 29 – “Some road trip action”

Gotta love those days spent in the car, driving from one destination to the next, chatting with my wife or grabbing a few winks (she does the lion’s share of the driving).  Yesterday was one of those days.  We were returning home from our baseball date night in Arlington where the Astros came from behind to defeat the Rangers in an exciting game. 

 

Aside from the game itself, there were a few cool things that we witnessed while at the stadium.  Before the game began, the Astros’ left fielder, Michael Brantley walked by himself toward center field where the flag bearers and soloist were beginning to gather for the National Anthem.  He reached a spot in the midst of the vast green grass where he was totally alone, quietly knelt on one knee, and spent a few moments in prayer.  When he finished, he just as quietly turned and walked back to the dugout.  No fanfare.  No wide acclaim.  Just him and his Lord. 

 

Later, just before the game began, I was making my proverbial quick trip to the bathroom, when I saw a man dressed in Arlington Fire Department garb.  I couldn’t pass up a chance to encourage one of the fire department family, so I approached him.   We chatted for five minutes or so about the fire service.  He asked how I came to be a chaplain and expressed his appreciation for the things I do.  I did the same to him.  We shook hands and returned to our respective tasks at hand.  I enjoy doing that. 

 

We spent the night with our Midlothian friends (That’s the name of the town they live near, not their nationality or some exotic disease they had).  Then yesterday morning the drove us by the site where the series on the New Testament called The Chosen is being filmed.  Beautiful rolling hills with lots of trees.  I’ll have to re-watch season one and pick up the DVD of season two so I can see if I recognize anything. 

 

Back to the car ride.  On the way home we accidentally got turned around somehow and ended up cruising down some street in Waxahachie (Again … also the name of a town in Texas).  It’s not that we were lost.  We just kept missing the entrance to get on the freeway.  It took us a while, but we finally made it.  Easy going all the way to Buc-ees for gas and a bathroom/lunch stop.  While inside we ran into an old friend from our college days, Ernest.  He introduced us to his new bride, and we caught up for a few minutes.  Found out she has never been to Galveston.  Well, Ernest … you need to bless your bride’s heart, young man.  Bring her to town.

 

2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God a sone approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

 

Father, thanks for the great hospitality of the Huntley’s and the accidental reunion with Ernest.  Bless them all with your greatest hug.  Amen.

August 28 – “The Baseball Excursion”

I had a tough night on Thursday.  I was awakened by a thunderstorm that never stopped making its racket.  All night long.  One boom after another.  One particularly loud one even woke Chris from a sound sleep.  She said she thought something hit the house.  Sure sounded like it.  Oh, and I also had cold toes.  Not the whole feet, mind you.  Just the toes.  Eventually I put on a pair of socks.  Classy.  Thank you, neuropathy.  Not much sleep for me.

 

Good thing it didn’t affect Chris the same way.  She slept through pretty much the whole thing.  She was plenty rested for our second jaunt to North Texas in as many weeks.  This time we had been invited to check out Arlington’s new baseball stadium.  The one where the Texas Rangers play baseball.  Sometimes.  And it just so happened that we received a bonus treat.  The Rangers happened to be playing a game last night.  And it happened to be against the Astros.  Imagine that.

 

We stayed with the Huntley’s this time.  They were the ones who so graciously invited us.  We picked up the Winkles (our hosts from last week) and headed out for some dinner before the game.  I may or may not have been wearing my Biggio jersey and Astros cap.  I did get some curious glances at McAlister’s Deli though.  Surely that wasn’t it.  Diane did regale us at dinner with stories of all kinds, none the least of which involved her fascination with some kind of Derriere cheese.  I’m still not sure how we got from Gurriel to Guerrero to Derriere – as names of cheese.  But then, I am certainly NOT the gourmet that she is. 

 

The new stadium was admittedly a beautiful one – inside.  Outside it looked like a monstrous barn, tin roof and all.  I understand the roof moves on a railroad track.  OK.  But they obviously spent their millions on the inside.  The scoreboard was a little confusing, but I think that’s because I’m used to the one at Minute Maid Park.  It did explode with some fireworks when the Rangers hit a home run, so we got to see that bit of a show.  They played a lot of game highlights, too.  None from the Astros, though.  Oh, and their fan cam worked overtime.  They constantly showed shots of fans in the stadium on various shades of eating, drinking, dancing, or staring at the scoreboard to see if their picture would appear next. 

 

I may or may not have engaged in some especially vociferous bantering in conjunction with the MANY pockets of other Astros fans in attendance.  The “Let’s go, Astros” cheers regularly drowned out any attempts by the locals.  I gotta admit here … Diane was doing some pretty heavy gloating – right up until the Astros took the lead.  Her devastation was palatable.  How could anyone not feel sorry for such a deep level of sadness?  How could anyone choose to erupt in raucous cheers for the opponent when our host was in such distress?  I may or may not have – well OK – I cheered out the wazoo.  Sorry, Diane.  Great game.  Great game.

 

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

 

Editor’s note - This verse was honestly the one provided by my devotional guide for the day.  As far as I know, their decision to use this verse was not based on any propensity to cheer for the Astros or gloat at Diane’s expense. 

 

Father, please bless the Huntley’s for their hospitality this weekend.  Amen.

 

August 27 – “Date night!”

We started out the day at water exercise again.  For some strange reason, as we walked up to the pool, the teacher accosted me and said she heard I was gunning for her job.  Something about me mimicking her actions behind her back before I jumped in the water one day when we were late.  Apparently someone misread an earlier blog in which I mentioned, but never admitted the remote possibility that I may or may not have performed said alleged mockings.  And they were certainly not actual mockings. More … “interpretations.”  If they did happen, and I’m not saying they did, mind you, I’m sure they were all in good fun.  I didn’t respond to her verbally at all.  I just quietly did an on-land cross-country ski “interpretation” over to our table to get ready. 

 

The rest of the day was spent mostly at the computer.  I alternated between going over the teaching for Sunday and updating the church directory for Kel.  That meant sitting at my desk pretty much all day.  Always great fun.

 

Last night we had home group.  We did the story of Sisera and Jael from the Book of Judges.  Not exactly the consummate love story.  He was, however, somewhat “stuck” on her (or would that be stuck BY her?).  And she did all she could to prevent him from ever leaving her side.  Such a sad day in romantic paradise.  You need to read that one.  Judges 4.

 

We have a special treat date night planned for tonight.  Some friends invited us to join them at an Astros game.  Certainly exciting enough an event to get my heart racing.  But here’s the thing … first, they play the Rangers, so there is a good chance for victory, even with Odorizzi on the mound.  And second … the game is in Arlington.  Yep.  We hare hitting the road to see the Astros play the Rangers in Arlington.  I’ve never been to a game where I would be cheering for the visiting team.  I have my Biggio jersey ready to go …

 

Matthew 7:8 says, “For everyone who asks, receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

 

Father, thank you for the rain.  Would you temper the bigger storm that is coming this direction?  Amen.

August 26 – “Demo”

I joined Chris for her three-miler yesterday.  Then I followed her up and down the stairs.  That’s the second half of her usual workout.  I have been avoiding that part for a while now.  She goes up and down the stairs to our deck ten times.  Whole different set of muscles there.  What great fun …

 

As it turned out I regretted choosing that particular day to jump in with both feet n her exercise plan.  Last night we joined some other Seasiders in what amounted to a workday.  Or I guess a work-evening.  Me and Chris, Cathy, Lauren, Jim, and Mark attacked the kitchen of the retreat center.  We had to empty it completely of all pots and pans and knives and forks and food and serving paraphernalia.  And once that was done – well, actually while that was being done – we had to scrape up the carpet tiles.  Why all the demolition action?  Because of the water leak from the air conditioner that caused the ceiling to collapse on Sunday.  The cabinets are warped and ruined, as are the countertops.  The carpets are stained as well – pretty much ruined.  Or as Ed said when he came later to see if he needed to add anything to his bid to replace the flooring – “it’s good enough to be the floor for my hunting shack.”

 

We had one tool that was made for peeling up carpets like these that are glued down.  I also brought up my spud bar, a remnant of my roofing days.  Between the bars and Mark tugging with his brute strength, we managed to clear out all of the carpet.  Chris was in charge of emptying the room of all the stuff.  It is amazing how much stuff can accumulate into one room.  And most of it is never used anyway.  It’ll be interesting to see what becomes of it all.  Ed and his crew plan to get started on the project Monday.  Lauren said that gives us about two weeks to get it all done before the next group comes in.  Here we go …

 

2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

 

Father, please give Ed and his crew health and stamina to get this project done.  And bless the folks who came in to help knock out the demo.  Amen.

August 25 – “On the agenda …”

We hit water exercise class with a vengeance once again yesterday.  Started out pretty intense, too.  Very aerobic.  That’s a classy way of saying I had a hard time getting started, so I was winded from the outset.  The workout did settle down as we moved through it, though.  The teacher switched from aerobics to working on arm strength.  Not as much jumping and bobbing and weaving.  I still like it.  Better than walking three miles and getting hot and sweaty.  That’s on the agenda for today when Chris gets up, I’m pretty sure. 

 

Yesterday was one of those catch-up days at the computer.  Since that funeral kept me away from my desk all day, I had to get Monday’s work done as well.  And Monday’s work is always the most involved of the whole week.  I’m not sure what my Mondays are going to look like when I retire.  I imagine I’ll find something to do …

 

Speaking of retiring, Chris has been in research mode for travel plans.  So far our bucket list trip to cruise the islands of Hawaii looks to be still on the table.  Of course that’s not until Spring of 2023.  I heard that Hawaii was closing back down again because of Covid, so maybe we’ll be able to sneak in during the next open phase.  It looks like we may not get on the cruise to Belize, Honduras and Cozumel, though.  Been hearing some “concerning” things about Belize in particular and how they are dealing with cruise passengers on excursions.  Covid protocols and all.  That’s one that will be offered numerous times in the future, though.  Guess we will have to focus on some domestic trips.  Chris has a whole page full of those as well.  Western-ish U.S. (no California).  North Dakota and Vermont (no connection between the two.  We’ve just never been there).  We may be going back to Florida in May for a high school baseball tournament.  North and South Carolina have been mentioned, as has Pennsylvania.  And I heard Banff at one point as well.  So much to choose from.  I say just make a checklist and start at the top.  We’ll work our way through until we get done or run out of money, one or the other. 

 

2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

 

Father, thank you for days of quiet peace.  We all need that every so often.  Amen.

August 24 – “A much-beloved guy”

I spent the day yesterday serving as chaplain.  I was asked to preside at a memorial service … for a chaplain.  Bill had been the chaplain for the Hitchcock Volunteer Fire Department as well as the Galveston County Fire Fighters Association.  They had always counted on him for leadership in situations such as fire fighter deaths, so they turned to the nearest local guy for help.

 

I had met Bill on several occasions, and my impression of him was that of a jovial guy, at peace with himself and the world around him.  He always seemed to have a smile on his face and a crowd around him, enjoying his stories and laughing with him.  And after hearing stories from his brother and numerous friends, he was certainly a much-beloved guy. 

 

The memorial was quite impressive.  The venue was moved from the funeral home to a huge church facility in Alvin, just in case the crowd was too large to handle.  And as is the case in many fire fighter deaths, the parking lot was crowded with apparatuses from departments in the area.  I saw Friendswood, Dickinson, Santa Fe, even Houston, as well as the anticipated ones from Hitchcock.  Fire fighters from all those departments and more were present as well.  Several of our Galveston guys who serve as volunteers on their off days were pitching in to assist in any way possible.  In fact it was one of them who contacted me.  Former fire chief Wisko came down for the service, and Galveston’s assistant chief was there as well. 

 

At the service we heard from Bill’s older brother, a close childhood friend, Hitchcock’s fire chief, and four gentlemen from the Sons of the Civil War, an organization Bill was actively involved in.  I was most impressed with his brother.  Warren pretty much shared the gospel with the crowd before launching into a series of funny stories about his little brother.  At the graveside, the Hitchcock fire department presented the widow with the American flag and Bill’s fire helmet.  The Houston fire department (Bill worked with them for years) presented her with a Bible and a Texas flag.  Bagpipes played Amazing Grace to conclude.

 

After the ceremony, Santa Fe opened its fire station for a reception and served some really good food.  Brisket, sausage, potato salad, and beans.  More stories abounded around the tables as people remembered Bill and celebrated his contributions to their lives.  It was a sad day, of course.  But it was a happy one as well.  That’s the definition of bittersweet, I suppose.  And I did hear, from time to time throughout the day, the common send-off among fire fighters … “we got it from here.”

 

Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

 

Father, thank you for the folks who gathered to honor Bill’s life and contributions.  Be with his wife and kids and grandkids and brother and the host of friends.  Grant them your peace and a slice of Bill’s infectious humor.  Amen.

August 23 – “Delivering more than mail”

We had a couple visiting Seaside yesterday under a sort of unique circumstance.  Now simply because they were visiting was not so unique.  We get that all the time.  It was how they came to know about Seaside that was unusual.  Seems on one of Kel’s last days as a mail carrier, he struck up a conversation with one of his constituents (is that what they call the people he delivers mail to?  Customers?  Route members?).  They chatted about the fact that he was going to retire from the mail service and start as a pastor very soon.  So did these chatty East-enders come out to Seaside for a visit?  Nope.  But they did recommend the church to some friends who were moving full-time to Spanish Grant (One of the West End communities).  Nice folks, too. They have been all over the world.  He has “set my two feet on the ground in 52 countries around the world.”  They lived in Germany for several years.  He served with the Texas Baptist Men for a time as well, doing relief work.  Hope to see more of them.

 

We discovered a crisis before we could leave the church.  Accidentally.  The kids were playing up in the retreat center, so their moms went upstairs to retrieve them.  They stuck their heads into the kitchen and realized that a section of ceiling tiles had collapsed onto the counter.  Water was dripping constantly from the ceiling.  The carpet tiles on the floor were drenched.  Fortunately, one of the fellows still around was a plumber.  Mark crawled up on a ladder and discovered it was coming from one of the air conditioners.  Unfortunately, that left it out of his area of expertise.  He managed to get the unit’s breaker turned off.  Guess we’ll be having a service call soon.  And a word with the insurance company. 

 

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

 

Father, thank you for the creative way you have of introducing people to what you are doing at Seaside.  Amen.

August 22 – “Explosive Powder Power”

Friday on our way out of town I was interrupted from a brief nap (actually I was just momentarily resting my eyes).  Chris was driving, obviously.  We were stopped at a red light.  As I came into full consciousness, I heard the following play by play announcer, and I had to take a listen:

 

Chris: And she goes up for the mirror.  Adjusts it for proper light and viewing.  POW!  There is the first slap of powder right to the face.  And POW!  Again to the other side.  What a right jab followed by a neatly timed hook. 

 

Now she’s going in again.  It’s Makeup Time, folks!  She’s actually doing a full-blown makeup touch-up to her eyes.  Yep.  There’s the mascara.  She is truly a master at using one of those little red pen-looking tools, isn’t she?  I wish we could see this application process up close and personal.  Maybe we could get a different angle on replay.  There it is.  Different eye, different angle.  Impressive.  Impressive.

 

Wait!  She is shifting gears.  The pen is down.  What is coming next?  The count is five.  Six.  Seven.  It’s powder!  More powder!  A right top the jaw!  Another hook to the cheek!  Oh, my.  What explosive Powder Power.  You can see the dust rising from here. 

 

But that didn’t last long.  Oh, no.  She’s going in for the kill now.  Can you see it?  Lipstick!  Right to the lower middle of the zone.  Perfect aim.  Swooping around to the right … and to the left.  And there she goes, starting again on the bottom lip.  She is really serious about this one. 

 

Oh.  My.  Goodness.  That has to be the end.  No one could survive such an application.  But wait just a minute here.  Could it be?  No way.  Error on the play!  A blatant application snafu.  Lipstick on the teeth.  What a rookie mistake.  But not to be denied, she has it under control.  Could it be?  Yes!  She has on hand the secret weapon of all secret weapons.  It’s … a Kleenex.  Wipe away that red smudge!  You got it, Girl!  Someone will truly appreciate the time and effort you put into all this preparation.

 

Me: Um.  Chris?  The light changed.  We can go now.

 

Editor’s note:  Some of the details of this encounter may or may have received minor embellishment for the sake of clarification.

 

Colossians 3:3 says, “Bear with one another and forgive one other if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

 

Father, please be with Kel this morning as he preaches.  Draw the folks to Seaside who you want to be there.  Amen.

August 21 – “It’s all in the journey”

After a quick two-miler (walk, of course), we left the house around ten or so for a quick jaunt into Texas.  Well into Texas.  Not for business, though.  This was a planning excursion.  We had a meeting with some friends to plan out details of a trip we hope to take together.  Where to this time?  Actually Chris had a list of possible locations, ranging from Kentucky to Hawaii and from Belize to the British Isles.  Seems weird to be even talking about going to those exotic places. 

 

We stopped for lunch on the road.  Buc-ees, of course.  I had their signature BLT.  The mayo if a bit spicy, but their bacon is … bacon.  Nice and thick.  Chris had her Buc-ees go-to chicken salad.  Good stuff.

 

When we drove up we saw not one, but two of those luxury busses drive up.  Not that unusual a sight at Buc-ees, but the logo imprinted on the side caught my attention.  “Baseball Tours.”  As people streamed out, I noticed one guy in a Seattle Mariners jersey.  Well, that’s who the Astros were scheduled to play, so I figured they must be on their way to the game.  Then I saw a few other jerseys.  Padres.  Giants.  Even the dreaded Dodgers.  Definitely caught my attention.  Chris struck up a conversation in the restroom line with one of the ladies.  Seems it was a baseball tour originating in Wisconsin.  They will see eight major league games in eleven days.  From Chicago (White Sox) to Kansas City (Royals) to Arlington (Two games here - Rangers) to Houston (Astros) to New Orleans (I know.  No baseball team there.  That’s to be their two-day break from baseball with some fun in the city) to Atlanta (Braves) to St. Louis (Cardinals) and back to Chicago (Cubs).  Dream vacation here.  Someone else does all the planning and purchasing.  Even all the hotel accommodations.  All you do is relax in a luxury bus and watch baseball.  Let’s go.

 

John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

 

Father, please be with us as we look forward to some traveling, whether by bus or car or even boat or plane.  Amen.

 

August 20 – “Class clown?”

Water exercise class.  Water aerobics.  Water therapy.  Jumping around in a big swimming pool.  I guess all designations are appropriate.  We hit the water again yesterday.  Well, Chris slowly lowered herself in by gently easing herself down the ladder on the side of the pool.  But me?  Well …

 

We were a little late.  Important to the explanation of my actions.  The teacher had already begun her explanatory gyrations from the outside of the pool.  And it just so happened that our arrival placed us … just behind her.  Come on.  How could I resist? 

 

As we walked up, I joined in her jumping from side to side as we moved to a table to drop off our towels.  Her lack of awareness of my presence, much less of my escapades behind her, led me – nay, demanded - that I continue.  Just one more.  She began the exercise wherein we mimic the actions of a cross country skier in the water.  Perfect.  I jumped several times -right foot in front, left foot in front - until I was at the water’s edge.  And then I continued. 

 

I imagine the splash would have cost me a point or two in Olympic diving competitions, and nearby ladies were less than enthusiastic to be a bit wetter than they already were (if that is possible.  After all, they were standing in a swimming pool).  But it was fun for most of the class.  Not that I received an ovation or anything, but the ensuing laughter did lighten up the mood for the day.  And I didn’t have to stand in the corner or get sent to the principal’s office or anything.  Now, what can I do next time?  Hmm …

 

Isaiah 26:4 says, “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”

 

Father, thank you for the fun we have in the midst of exercising.  Or at least for the good sports who have to put up with me.  Amen.

August 19 – “Electronically speaking …”

I gotta admit something this morning.  No, I’m not going to reveal some deep, dark secret that will change forever your long-held impression of me as a wonderfully perfect human being.  Actually, if that’s what you think of me, then I can get hold of some waterfront property in semi-tropical North Dakota to sell you.  I just was reminded again yesterday of the benefits of electronics in doing ministry in today’s world.  I spent well over an hour on the phone.  Not all at once.  This was over the course of several phone calls.  Years ago, these situations would have required an office or home visit to complete, and the moment for self-revelation or spiritual relief or just emotional release would have been lost.  One of these in particular happened while Chris and I were in the middle of our walk.  Couldn’t have happened without a cell phone.  And, no.  That particular conversation was best not put off until after the walk.  I know electronics can be allowed to take up an inordinate amount of time, and in some cases they can come close to ruling your life.  But yesterday … I appreciated having the access. 

 

Oh, have I mentioned our latest jigsaw puzzle lately?  The one of a horse.  Not a standard puzzle with a picture of a horse, mind you.  In this one, the puzzle IS a horse.  No edges.  No corners.  The entire puzzle is shaped like a horse.  Sorry if I have ranted on this one before, but the prelude is necessary to appreciate the success.  We haven’t finished it yet, but we do have the entire outline of the horse done.  Even finished out its legs.  Pretty impressive feat of puzzle-making by whoever thought of this one.  Thanks again, Joe and Vickie, for thinking of us.

 

Romans 14:7-8 says, “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.   If we live, we live for the Lord; if we die, we die for the Lord.  So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

 

Father, thank you for the access we have to electronics.  Help us, however, not to forget the power of human touch as well.  Amen.

August 18 – “The Ickabog???”

Chris’ birthday day began at the swimming pool.  That’s right.  A hefty dose of water exercise.  What better way to start a day of celebration, right?  OK.  I know.  On my day I wouldn’t even go for a walk.  But to each his – or her - own.  I plan to join her for a walk this morning, though.  Well, unless the predicted torrential rains actually show up.  I noticed that the weather service app has changed its mind and pushed the storms back to this afternoon now.  We’ll see if they do make it across the bay.  Or on shore if they’re coming from the Gulf.  You never can tell living on an Island. 

 

When we got back from the pool she found a gift on her rocking chair.  Upon further perusal (that means she opened it), she found inside a book.  The woman is a prolific reader.  The name of it was, The Ickabog.  There is some kind of accent mark over the “O” in “bog.”  J.K. Rowling’s newest foray into authorship.  I have no idea what it is about, but we enjoyed Harry Potter.  And you can’t beat a name like Ickabog. 

 

We continued her celebration with a special birthday lunch at one of her favorites, Salsa’s.  She often says that she could eat Mexican food three times a day.  It apparently kind of seeped into her blood when she was growing up amongst it.  Or something like that.  She tells the story better than I do.  Anyway, she had her signature grilled shrimp tacos.  I had my go-to favorite, quesadillas and a bowl of queso.  Not that we ate everything at that one sitting, mind you.  Now.  That one order will provide us with meals for at least two days, and maybe three if we spread it out a little. 

 

In the afternoon the fun continued.  We had a meeting with a financial advisor to discuss some – imagine this if you will – monetary matters.  Pretty appropriate place to start, isn’t it?  Anyway, the guy knew that it was Chris’ birthday, so he surprised her with a piece of chocolate cake.  Very decadent stuff (she shared with me). 

 

And the day-long date ended with the two of us perched on the couch.  She was reading a book and I was watching the Astros (mingled with a little bit of Little League Softball World Series in between).  Great day. 

 

Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.  He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

 

Father, thank you for my wife.  Guess I say that a lot, huh?  You done real good there.  Amen.

August 17 – “Happy birthday, Chris”

Yes, today is the birthday of my beautiful bride.  Thank you many times over to her parents for their part in her production.  Thanks more to the Lord for his part in molding her into the woman of grace she is today.  I am one blessed guy. 

 

Yesterday was a simple one.  I can use a few simple ones every now and then.  I walked a three-miler with Chris.  She is a tough task-master.  Doesn’t ever slow down.  We saw our neighbor taking a ride on his scooter.  Not so unusual.  But he had his little son with him.  Neither had on a shirt.  Both wore shorts.  And both had on matching sunglasses.  Jon and his mini-version.  Very cute. 

 

We did make a quick WalMart run.  Fruit replenishment time again.  And milk.  And eggs.  The usual.  I did get in some extra steps.  Ended up at almost four miles for the day. 

 

That trip was the break from my Monday computer work.  I got started on the Thursday Bible study preparations.  Also started pulling together what I will need for the worship time on Sunday. 

 

And that’s about it for this particular simple day.  Now to see what Chris’ birthday brings …

 

Matthew 6:7-8 says, “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

 

Father, thank you for the amazing gift you gave me in Chris.  Keep her safe and healthy.  And above all, happy.  Amen.

 

August 16 – “Another oddity … or two”

I had an interesting and quite odd experience yesterday in church.  It wasn’t about the robust crowd of 48 who were singing and sharing and being the church together.  That was awesome, to be sure.  But not exactly odd.  It boiled down to this … I sat next to Chris.  Again, not that unusual in itself.  But this time?  This time was … different.  This time it happened … during the sermon.  It was Kel’s turn to preach, so I settled in next to Chris to listen.  Even took notes.  In fact, if I’m gonna make a habit of this, I’ll need to get me a notebook to carry around like Chris has.  Kel did a great job, of course.  Lots of feedback during and after the teaching.  I think the boy is gonna do just fine. 

 

After church was dinner on the grounds, and a really big group stuck around.  Some folks from Oklahoma who come every chance they get were finally back to visit.  Good talking to Wes and Kelli.  Some other good Seasiders from the Conroe area were also there.  They came bearing gifts.  They operate a series of storage facilities, and when one gets abandoned, they have a chance to see what’s inside and dispose of the property as they see fit.  They are the ones who brought us several of the jigsaw puzzles we have been doing.  In fact they brought the current one.  It’s a horse.  That’s it.  A horse.  No border.  The puzzle is the outline of a horse.  Then it as a multitude of horses hidden with the body.  Not an easy one.  Anyway, they brought us a few more puzzles, but they also brought a gigantic fishing lure.  I’m pretty sure it was used as an ad piece for the company that makes them.  Mr. Bob saw it, and he said if he was in his canoe and hooked anything with that lure, it would drag him clear to Cancun.  Not sure what we will do with it, but it is another oddity for our collection of “weirds.”  Thanks, guys.  Love it. 

 

Galatians 5:24 says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

 

Father, thank you for the creative expressions of love we get from the folks at Seaside.  They are pretty special folks.  Amen.