April 30 - “Dawn”

We had quite the jolting wake-up call yesterday. Right around 4 a.m. the phone blared us into consciousness. Sleepily, I fumbled over the bedside table to see who could be calling and what family or chaplain or pastoral emergency awaited. Sweeping right on my cell, I heard a computerized voice. No. It wasn’t a telemarketer. It was the Jamaica Beach office of emergency management calling to inform us that we were under a tornado warning. Apparently one had been sighted it far away. I silently thanked the lifeless information, told Chris the message, then pulled up the covers (as if they were enough to protect me when the house collapsed), and went back to sleep, only to be awakened again by a none other than our house phone. Same voice. Same message. Just making sure, I guess. Back to sleep again. 

I finally awoke again around 6:30, this time to the sound of hard rain and rumbling thunder. I got up and dressed with Freddy sticking to me like glue. I think she had received the same phone call. As I  was making some coffee, a particularly loud - and close - clap of thunder sounded. And, you guessed it, the power went out. Fortunately, the first thing I had done when I came into the office was unplugged the computer. Can’t have the brand new electronics getting fried on us. The outage only lasted about three minutes, but then I had to go around and reset all the electric clocks. All that done, I finally plopped into my office chair (with Freddy curled under the desk) and took a long-awaited sip of coffee. Phew. Long day already. 

Speaking of Freddy, giving her a Dawn dishwashing soap bath was also on the agenda. She has been having a tough road this Spring, even with the flea meds from the vet. The Dawn bath is amazing in its effectiveness, though, especially on the adult ones. Chris even tried counting the dead ones and the ones abandoning ship, but there were too many. She’s a clean dog now, though. Fresh meds, too. We’ll see how she does. 

Last night we managed to score a FaceTime chat with Noa to wish her a happy birthday. She informed us that in exactly two years we will have to be dealing with “Teenage Noa.”  Sounds ominous. In the meantime … Happy Birthday, Not-yet Teenage Noa!

‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭ says, The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Father, please watch over Noa as she does grow and become the beautiful young lady you intend for her to be. Amen. 

April 29 - “Tornado Watch”

We woke up yesterday to an interesting weather situation. How’s this for a wake-up call? Tornado Watch. Yay. What fun. Nothing ever came of it, though. Well, unless you count the line of pretty severe thunderstorms that arrived … after the watch expired. 

We loaded up the car before leaving for church. With the unsettled weather we wanted to stay ahead of the game. Didn’t matter. The rains came. We juggled cars, though, so those loading (ie Us) could do so in the garage. I did get a little wet. The pizza box I was using as an umbrella didn’t work all that great. We made to church with no problem, though. Well, other than having to detour around the high water, flash flooding areas. 

That round of thunderstorms had passed on by when we got out of church, but another round was rapidly bearing down upon Waco. After a quick lunch at Whataburger we hit the road home. Just before one o’clock. 

The drive home was fairly uneventful. Weather held off and the skies stayed partly cloudy. It did get a little sunny and warm on my arm just after Buc-ees, but not unbearable. Of course at that time I was distracted by the Astros game from Mexico City. Finished the last few innings at home. The good guys won two in a row … finally. 

We were home by five. There was absolutely zero traffic. Even downtown Houston was nothing but a temporary slowdown. Good to be home. 

James‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭ says, Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

Father, thanks for the safe - and quick - ride home. Amen. 

April 28 - “A day at the races - All Day”

The track meet kicked off around 9. At least I assume it did. Our Map Siri took us on a tour of the city that included a look at the park where the local zoo is, as well as a stint along the Brazos River. 

Lavega High School was the host site. “La Vega” means “the Plains.” I know you were wondering that. Fitting, I guess. Things were pretty flat in the little town we were in. It’s also the name of a district in the Dominican Republic. Don’t think that had anything to do with it. 

Beautiful facility. All the running events as well as high jump were held inside the state of the art football stadium. Field events were all held at a huge field next to the main one. Everything from shot put to triple jump to discus to long jump to javelin were all marked out and taking place simultaneously. It was amazing. About the only negatives for the day were the really strong wind (which also kept us all cool) and the cold hamburgers from the concession stand (but it helped the local school, so we didn’t mind so much). 

As far as the good guys are concerned …

Zak: discuss - didn’t hear his distance 

Caleb: javelin - didn’t hear his distance

The coach got mixed up on these two events, so Zak competed as Caleb and Caleb was Zak. Oops. As a side note, neither of them had ever done either of those events before the regional meet. We were proud of them just for agreeing to pick up that spear and really heavy frisbee. 

Caleb: triple jump - 29’ plus (also a brand-new event for Caleb). 

Zak and Caleb: 4X100 relay - 2nd in their heat. Not sure overall. 

Caleb: 400 - 2nd in his heat. Not sure overall. 

Caleb: 4X400 - no place but he looked good on his leg (of course. His name is Vaughan). 

Final results: the good guys (Texas Wind) as a team came in 5th in state!

Meanwhile … Zak had snuck off to … the PROM! Yes, we saw pictures. So dressed up. So … “prom-y.”

Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ says, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Father, thank you for the cool wind all day today. I think it helped the kids who had to stay all day for events. Amen. 

April 27 - “The flurry begins”

After our two-miler (4th one in a week. That’s a record, for me anyway), we decided to make a flying trip to Waco to catch Zak and Caleb’s last track meet of the year. Fortuitously, Josh just happened to call as he was leaving the dog park with MaddieBelle. We touched base on ETA and the like. Then it was off for lunch. 

After we ate, the flurry began. Chris packed up meals for Sam. They fit right into the fridge on a lower shelf so Sam could reach them easily. I made the Walmart run to get Sam some of the flavored waters she likes as well as some Nacho Doritos. Oh, and she had some prescriptions as well. 

In the latest Walmart saga chapter, I had to go to three different checkers to get somebody to load money on a gift card. They finally sent me to the service desk. She appeared to know what she was doing, but the cash register apparently didn’t. She finally switched to a different one, and the task was finally done. Whew. 

We finally hit the road right at 1:30. The trip was blissfully uneventful. At least for me. I finished the novel I was reading. Also had a short nap, as usual. Chris’ driving was amazing, as usual. 

Once we arrived, the evening was pretty quiet. Christi’s parents were there. So was Zak’s girlfriend. We had some pizza and chatted until bedtime. All this while the NBA playoffs adorned the TV. Luke and Caleb were especially enthralled. 

This morning we head out to the state track meet. Gonna be a hot one …

Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭ says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Father, thanks for the safe trip. Please be with all these guys and girls at the track meet today. Keep them safe. Amen. 

April 26 - “Snatched defeat from the very jaws of victory … again”

Yesterday was Sam’s treatment day up in Texas. She and Chris had to leave pretty early, though. There was a fatality accident that had shut down a big swath of the freeway between here and there. As it turned out, the news app indicated the freeway was back open just before they left, so that was good news. As a result they were plenty early for the appointment. Sadly, that didn’t mean the treatment got started on time. It took a while. But they were still up for grabbing some to-go goodies from Olive Garden. Yum. 

After I managed to get Freddy out of the car and back in the house, I was deciding what my next task would be. Before I could get started, though, a notice popped up on my phone that the Astros game was about to start. I hadn’t realized it was a day game this time. Needless to say, my decision was made. Aaand … the 2024 Astros managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory … again. Sigh. 

After the game I had time to fill out some birthday card addresses. And along with that, I squeezed in a quick jaunt to Randall’s to get some stamps and bananas. I still beat the ladies home. It was a long afternoon for them. And they still faced home group last night. Phew. 

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ says, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Father, please give Sam an extra God-hug. She could use one. Amen. 

April 25 - “Bittersweet ending”

I started the day with … nope. Not the hike. Not yet. First I read some in my latest novel (the newest addition to the Hunger Games series, a flashback to the earlier life of the weird games maker. I’m about halfway through. Gotta finish it so we can watch the movie that’s already out).

Then I added a few more pieces to the puzzle before Chris got up. And THEN, we went for our two-miler. That was followed by (for Chris) some more working in the back yard flower beds. I read some more and Sam and I worked for a while on the puzzle. 

I also watched a movie made in Russia. It was about a Russian pilot in World War II who was shot down over enemy territory. He had to make his way on foot through deep snow hundreds of miles. He eventually lost both feet, but he was issued prostheses and flew again. Oh, and he got the girl in the end. Bittersweet ending, huh?

Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ says, And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”

Father, thank you for promises like that one. Help me when I have trouble really believing. Amen. 

April 24 - “Brainless?”

We did our two miles again. I guess we should start talking in terms of time, though. That’s how all the exercise gurus talk. “Work out for 30 minutes a day … etc”. Our walk amounts to between 37 and 40 minutes. Not bad from what I read, especially when the recommendation is weighted for “when you reach a certain age.”

I took some time to download our cruise pictures from the camera and from Chris’ phone. I also organized the images on the computer and then started downloading earlier photos. The camera card just had stuff from our family Easter this year. But Chris’ phone appears to go backwards into infinity. I think I got through the months of this year. Still lots to go, but I had to take a break. 

I switched to brainless after that. Jigsaw puzzle for a while. At least fifteen or twenty done. And then there was TV. Total brainless. Loved it. I could do that some more. 

Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭ says, Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Father, thank you for the memories encased in all those pictures. Amen. 

April 23 - “Nope. Not books”

We ambled back into our two miles again. It was a little hard for me to get moving. Tightness in my back and a bit of soreness in my hip hampered me some, but I bulled my way through. We even bettered our usual time. 

Back home, Chris got started on laundry. I started working on the 2,000 piece puzzle that’s been on our table for a while. It’s coming along. I try to get one piece placed a day. Sometimes it’s a lot more. Sam and Chris pitch in, too, as does anyone who comes over to visit. We’ll get it done sooner or later. 

In the afternoon, Chris and I headed out to run some errands. We had a bit of a list. First stop was the vet to get some flea meds for Freddy. 

From there we saw a sign indicating that our local Office Depot was closing down. We had to stop in and check it out. I don’t think they are in a great hurry to close out just yet. Best deals were just 30%. Most were 5 to 10%. We’ll wait. 

From there we stopped at Randall’s for a prescription and some dog food. Oh. And we got some gas, too. 

Finally, we made our obligatory Walmart stop. We just needed milk and eggs and a few children’s books for gifts. That’s where we ran into some difficulty. The books. After checking us out, the guy waiting on us commented that the same books were usually cheaper online. As we walked to the car, Chris checked the Walmart app. Sure enough, the prices were almost half. So we went right back in and to the customer service desk. Only to find out that … are you ready for this? … corporate policy forbids stores to allow returns on books. Even if the book has never left the store. Chris took our case all the way to the store manager, but his hands were tied. Check your online prices early, folks. 

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭ says, And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

‭‭

Father, thanks for you for the live of books we have, even when we have to pay twice what we should have. Amen. 

April 22 - “21 weeks”

We did a little Facebook trolling yesterday. Sort of. More like research. Actually we saw a cruise photo a friend posted that looked eerily familiar. Then we noticed in the comments that the dates might have coincided with our dates. Close enough to message him about it. And come to find out … same dates … same ship … same cruise. Sorry we missed y’all, Dave. But as you said, we were well-hidden amongst the other 6000+ other passengers. Maybe next time. 

We met two new couples at church. One had just moved to Jamaica Beach and already loved the Island. And they seemed to like the church as well. 

The other was a much younger couple who lived in Houston. They were here to relax for one last vacation together before their first baby is born (she is 21 weeks pregnant). The new mom was from Ukraine and had been in the States for almost two years. Both couples were a lot of fun to chat with. The younger ones even stayed for dinner on the grounds. Keep on moving, Lord. 

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ says, Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Father, thank you for drawing those two couples to church. Be with them in their decisions and in their life together. And take care of that little baby. Amen. 

April 21 - “Excitement on the track”

In case you didn’t notice … it was hot and humid yesterday. We chose to forego our walk in favor of … yard work. 

It was my official return to heavy labor. Well, if you count mowing and edging as heavy. Oh, and I also took apart a trellis we had surrounding the side wall chimney exhaust for our fireplace. Nothing wrong with it. We just had to remove it to get at the weeds that had taken over inside because we couldn’t reach them. One of them was already rapidly becoming a tree. I managed to get it cleared out, though. However, I didn’t put the trellis back together. So until that happens, please don’t bump your head while walking (or running) through Chris’ flower bed. 

Josh called just as we were finishing up. Good thing for him, too. His Mama had his number all set to dial since he never made his usual Friday call. All was good, though. They had been first at their homeschool co-op and then at a regional track meet for the boys. They all did really well at the meet, too. Even qualified for state in several categories. It was the unexpected entries that would have been great to see, though. Along with his running events, Zak was tasked to throw the discus. Never had before.  And Caleb threw the javelin, of all things. He said he only hit himself in the head once. He also added the triple jump to his running repertoire. Never scratched once. Great job. Guys. 

Oh, and Luke also had his elementary age track meet. He ran in some pretty long races. In the 800, he started at the back of the pack of too many runners. But before long he made his way closer and closer to the front. I think he said he eventually came in around fifth. Way to go, Luke. 

That state meet will be next Saturday. I’m hoping we can go up there for that one. It’s even in Waco, so … convenient. 

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭ says, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Father, thank you for the success Josh’s boys experienced at their respective end of season tournaments. Keep them safe and healthy as they continue on to state. Amen. 

April 20 - “Where’s Launie?

I spent the better part of the afternoon at the Fire Department physical agility test. It was quite a big day for the applicants. First they had to take the Civil Service exam. That took all morning. 58 hopefuls sat for that one. When all was said and done, 28 passed the test and were invited to the agility portion. Only 26 actually showed up at station 4. They were ready to vie for one of four open positions. 

Testing day has always been one of my favorite Fire Department events. I started out in the parking lot, greeting each one as they arrived and directing them to the check-in table.  Once everyone was checked in, I became a cheerleader the rest of the time. I figured if I was attempting to complete the exhausting course, I would sure want someone encouraging me. 

As it turned out, only one didn’t complete the course in under the required 10 minutes. The fastest time was something like 4 minutes and 20 seconds. That was amazing to watch. 

Jenna and all the FD crew who worked the event did a great job proctoring and handling the equipment. As usual, they made me proud. 

After I got home we got word from Nathan and April that their beautiful white boxer named Launie had been stolen. They had a description of the culprits, though, and they had already notified the police. April had all the info out on social media, too. We are hoping they will hear something soon. 

Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ says, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Father, please keep Launie safe and help someone connect with Nathan and April to get her home. Amen. 

April 19 - “Ouch and double-ouch”

No walk for us yesterday. Scheduled day off to let our bodies recover, as far as I was concerned. Chris’ back was speaking for itself. And was having intermittent spasms and just plain pain. Ouch and double-ouch. 

Now, I have to admit, the “no walking” thing was not exactly an accurate statement. We did walk. Only we did it around the aisles of Walmart. Right. Of course. We had to replenish all those stores we used up before the cruise. Plus, we needed the stuff to make cookies for our return to home group. Gotta have those cookies. 

Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭35‬ says, In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Father, please ease up the pain and spasming in Chris’ back. Amen.