December 15 - “Fast and Furious”

Well, I got up even earlier than intended. Around 4:15 I had a little brown dog whining at my bedside. To her surprise, I got up and lifted her onto the bed. But since I was up, I was awake as far as my body was concerned. So I stayed up. 

The alarm was set to go off at 6. It did. Good thing, too. I had dozed off at my desk (as I had hoped I would). I brought the melodious, yet grating, music into the bedroom so Chris could enjoy. She didn’t. But she did wake up. Mission accomplished. 

We got everything loaded up fairly quickly. In fact we were on the road by around 8:05. I know. Eerily specific. But Chris always keeps track of such things. And being a Sunday morning, we didn’t anticipate too much traffic. Surprise! It wasn’t cripplingly slow or anything, but there were a lot of people out early. 

And then … as we got closer to our usual stop at Buc-ees in Waller, we began to be passed by wave after wave of souped-up sports cars. Porsche. Corvette. Jaguar. Even had some simple Chevy’s and Honda’s trying to keep up as they speed by at speeds way over the 65 mph speed limit. 

Then, towards the back of the pack, a jeep SUV zoomed by. But this was no ordinary vehicle. Peering out the back was a full-on movie camera recording the action. Hey. Watch for our little be-boppin’ Chevy on the next Fast and Furious movie. Let’s see. That would be “Fast and Furious - 83,” right?  

OK, so we probably won’t be in a movie. But we did get to see a lot of really fast cars. And to top off the experience, they were all at Buc-ees when we arrived. 20 or so of them, at least. Guess they needed a bathroom break, too. 

We carried the “Fast and Furious” theme all the way into the afternoon. It was a veritable whirlwind of activity. 

First came the ballet. We had tickets to a very special performance, starring none other than AnnaGrace. Well, OK. She wasn’t technically the star of the show, but she was certainly the star of our show. She danced as one of the party girls. And fabulously, I might add. My favorite part was when her character fought with her brother. AnnaGrace has plenty of practice at that skill. There was one scary part, though. The guy dancing with one of the main ballerinas … dropped her. Never seen that happen before. Ouch. 

The bulk of AnnaGrace’s performance came near the beginning, so I left at intermission with Josh and Luke and Caleb to go over to the church for their Christmas pageant. Caleb went as a designated sub in case someone couldn’t be there. He ended up working as a stagehand. Luke had a significant role in that he was a servant to one of the wise men. Responsible for making the elaborate cape seem to flow in the breeze. Important work there, but he handled it admirably. Oh … did I mention … That’s my grandkids!!!

‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ says, You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Father, remember my prayer last night about grandkids and their gifts of talent from you? Ditto. Amen 

December 14 - “Rock Star”

We moved the plants from the front yard and covered up the outdoor faucets. Why? Well, we are heading up to Waco today. Lots of activities up there over the next few days. The Nutcracker. Church Christmas pageant. 2 basketball games. And while we are gone … it’s supposed to get really cold. Like windchill in the 20’s cold. 

But first. Yesterday’s events schedule was no slacker in itself. First up was Cailyn’s high school soccer game. They played against the team that sported several of the girls who play with Cailyn on her club team., which is really good, by the way. Sadly, the good guys fell in defeat. But it was good to see the opposing players giving each other hugs after the game. There are things bigger than a game …

We left the field and immediately headed further north. Ezra, Noa and Josiah were performing in their homeschool co-op Christmas concert. 

Noa sang in one of the choirs. Beautiful. Ezra played the ukulele with his group. Really rocked out. 

Josiah played electric guitar in the worship & jazz bands.

The greatest accomplishment of the night, though, came when Josiah walked out for his first gig with electric guitar. He had his very first real rock star moment. As he reached for his sheet music, the guitar crashed to the ground, just like those classic rock musicians who smashed their instruments in a frenzy of emotion. But that’s where things got good. Josiah calmly reached down, picked it up, and began playing. Cool as a cucumber, that one. 

‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ says, And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.

Father, thanks for the expressions of talent through the gifts you gave those kids. Amen. 

December 13 - “V.A.U.G.H.A.N.”

Great start to our day (NOT). I put my hearing aides in, as usual. But I immediately noticed a problem. The left one didn’t squeal when I picked it up. That was a major red flag. And when I changed out the protective coverings (which usually solves that sort of problem), I couldn’t even get the replacements to insert. Great. That meant we had to add a trip to the ear clinic to our already full day.  

There were really nice at the clinic.  Even tried to get it done while we waited, but everybody was in with an appointment. So we dropped it off. 

Surprisingly, while we waited, a customer who we shared the elevator with (guess technically that should be “with whom”) heard me spell my name to the girls at the desk. Come to find out, her maiden name is Vaughan. With an A. Always great to meet another cousin! 

Our shopping trip finally got started. First stop … Marshalls. We rarely go there, but we have heard some good things recently.  I thought it was a clothing store. Surprised me. Oh, there were clothes, all right. But that place is a gold mine of random … stuff. 

We went back home to grab some lunch. We also whipped out the old Christmas list to get a handle on what we still needed to get. Then it was on to Walmart. 

Although Christmas shopping was top of the list, we also needed a few grocery items to be prepared for the party next week. As it turned out, we got one Christmas present, the supplies I need for the Reindeer Games, and a basketful of groceries. Kinda backwards to what we anticipated, but needed nonetheless. Hey. Ya gotta eat. 

John‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ says, I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Father, thanks for that lady we met named Vaughan. Bless her. Amen. 

December 12 - “The Shadow Knows”

We elected to wait until after lunch to walk. The wind chill in the morning was right at 40 degrees. Way too cold to be traipsing through the neighborhood on purpose. 

We did finally get out there, though. Just went a mile. I was watching Chris’ shadow. Usually when her chest or back starts hurting, she hangs back behind me so I won’t see her reaching for them. Didn’t work this time. The shadow knows. And that silent shadow whispered to me that there was pain involved. So I insisted we cut it short. And I got no flack from Chris about it. 

I spent an hour or two working on the games for our home group Christmas party next week. Had to get that done so I could generate a shopping list. Let’s go to Walmart!

Psalms‬ ‭85‬:‭2‬ says, You took away Your people’s guilt; You covered all their sin. Selah

Father, please be with Chris as we work back into our walking regimen.  Amen. 

December 11 - “ah choo!”

I was greeted with a rather rude dose of allergies yesterday. I woke up with sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, headache - all the usual suspects an allergy sufferer comes to expect. Even my regular dose of Claritin didn’t touch it. Chris finally looked it up and discovered that, sure enough, cedar was sky-high. Thanks, Waco. 

We were all set to go for a walk anyway, when … the workers showed up out of nowhere, wanting to get into the backyard. They were here to finish the final little touch-ups on painting and caulking around the brick under the front door. Didn’t take them all that long to finish, but I was still blowing my nose and sneezing, so we never got around to that walk. Well, unless you count Chris’ laps around the house. 

I finally took a Benadryl. It was a bit slow going, but at least I finally stopped sneezing. Made it somewhat easier to see the puzzle pieces and the TV. Still miserable though. Hope today is better. 

Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ says, Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.

Father, I could sure use a lot less of that pollen. Amen. 

December 10 - “Grinch to Santa”

We actually had a very slow morning. Chris started the clothes washing, then we compared and updated our calendars. Lots of dates for lots of grandkids. Of course there are some conflicts in there, but we’ll work them out when the time comes. 

After lunch Chris left for her physical therapy appointment. I turned on How the Grinch Stole Christmas and worked on the puzzle. Christina stopped by with Noa and Ezra just to say hi. They were on their way back from voice lessons. 

When Chris got home, we ventured out to attempt some Christmas shopping. We got in one stop before we both needed something to eat. So back home to satisfy our hungriness. 

We never got back out though. Just too cozy inside. We ended up watching a Christmas movie we hadn’t seen yet. Becoming Santa, I think. Some guy wants to marry Santa’s daughter, who is currently working as a vet. Only thing is, when they get married, he automatically becomes the next Santa. Very cute premise. Lots of fun. 

Jeremiah‬ ‭33‬:‭14‬ says, “Look, the days are coming” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “when I will fulfill the good promises that I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah.”

Father, thanks for our movie time last night. It was nice … and warm. Amen. 

December 9 - “Farewell to Lee”

Yesterday we made the long journey to none other than Chris’ old stomping grounds, Bay City, Texas. We were meeting up with her brother Mark. And where was this meeting going to take place, you might ask? Well, how about Walmart? Why not? 

The purpose of getting with Mark was more somber than just a romp through Walmart, though. He was to lead us to the site at Matagorda Bay that he had selected to scatter the ashes of their brother, Lee. 

We stopped by the Walmart there in Bay City to stretch our legs a bit. And who should we run into but Mark and Mary (his girlfriend). They had the same idea we did. 

From there we headed over to one of the iconic eating establishments in Bay City - El Zarape Mexican Food. The food was passable, and the service was really good. But the Mexican food aficionado and critic who is my wife declared that, sadly, the icon has lost its edge. It just wasn’t the same as it was 54 years ago when she was in high school. Hate to tell you … none of us are. Of course in our case that means we are just way better. 

After lunch we headed on to the waterfront. It was pretty chilly in the north wind, but otherwise it was a beautiful day. Mark played a song on his phone by a country artist that Lee liked. Very appropriate song for what we were doing. It was by a guy named Jamey Johnson. The song was called, “Lead Me Home.” I had never heard it before, but my favorite line was something like, “Don’t you cry over my body. That ain’t even me lying there.” Good theology. After the song I read John 14:1-3 and prayed. Mark then waded into the water, in just about the same spot he did when his Dad died, and released the remains. There were some tears, but Chris and Mark found solace in each other and in their own relationship with God. 

Before making the trek back home we made a quick stop for a blizzard at Dairy Queen. Then we detoured over to where Chris’ mom is buried, so Chris could put some flowers on her grave. It was a rather emotional day. 

Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ says, Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.

Father, please grant Chris and Cheryl and Mark your comfort. Amen. 

December 8 - “Double Whammy”

Great church day yesterday. We listened to Josh on the way. His sermon was all about John the Baptist from the Book of John.  Then at Seaside Kel preached about … John the Baptist. His scripture was from Matthew, though. Double Whammy. Guess we needed to remember ol’ John  yesterday.  Way to listen to God, you two. 

We made a stop on the way home. Yep. Walmart. Well, actually, we filled up with gas there, then went inside to look for a gift or two. 

Today we are heading to Bay City to meet up with Chris’ brother Mark. From there the plan is to take their other  brother’s cremains and scatter them in Matagorda Bay. 

Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ says, Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus

‭‭

Father, thanks for the John refresher courses. And thanks for speaking through our boys. Amen. 

December 7 - “They’re baaaack”

Our workers returned yesterday. They replaced one of the deck boards that was splitting. They also caulked some of the brick area under the front door. They did a little scraping of an area that ultimately needs to be repainted, but that one is low priority with all the rain we’ve been having. 

I finally got started on my next puzzle. It’s a 2000 piece one. Looks like it should be pretty fun. Lots of color, but the pieces are tiny. I finished the edges fairly quickly. Now I’m moving into the meat of the picture. Here we go. 

Oh, and we watched Texas Tech’s quality victory over BYU. after the first quarter it really was never close. That game not only gave them the conference championship, it also solidified Tech’s spot in the national playoffs. 

Last night was the fire department’s admin Christmas party. It started with a meal at Salsas’s. Chris was overjoyed at that. We also did a white elephant gift exchange. It’s always good to connect with those guys, especially away from shift. 

Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬ says, The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.

Father, thank you for the chance we have had to be a part of the fire department family. Bless them. 

December 6 - “Into the cold … again”

It was a cold and dreary day … again. This time the wind chill hit that horrendous number … 39. And of course it was our day to go outside. Well, going to Walmart is technically outside. 

We did get a few things on our list, so I guess the trip would be considered successful. We even made our way over to CVS to get some of the vitamins Chris takes. 

Lunch was … appropriate. And really good. Chris had a bowl of her vegetable soup. I had a bowl of baked potato soup (out of a can). Nice and warm. 

But then it was into the cold once again. This time we made our way to Target and then Home Depot. It was a meager success, but a success nonetheless. One purchase at each place. But maybe we got some ideas …

‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ says, We love because He first loved us.

Father, your idea for seasons was a good one. But it’s ok for us to have preferences, isn’t it? I prefer warm. Amen. 

December 5 - “A Decoratin’ Chore”

Wow! Who woulda’ thought just decorating a little bit for Christmas would be so exhausting. I think we got done all that Chris has in her head to do, though. At least before home group last night. That included cleaning the house as well. I know there are numerous other things that will need to happen. Not the least of which is shopping for gifts. Hard to do it all online, even though that is a distinct possibility nowadays. But we are purists, after all. Gotta see it and handle it to make sure it meets all the mystical requirements. 

Last night we had our first chance to try out all the Christmas decor. It was Thursday. So that meant Home Group time. We had to switch around some furniture to accommodate the tree, but there were still plenty of places to sit. One more of the Escapades of David next week, and then our white elephant party on the 18th, before we are off until next year. Yep. Next year. Really???

Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭18‬ says, The Lord is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity.

Father, walk with through the rest of the year. Help us to stay focused on you. Amen. 

December 4 - “Lights”

The plan for the day was to finish all outdoor Christmas decorations. That meant lights, first of all. We hang icicle lights in the front. Not too difficult, unless you include travails involving the ladder. Oh, I didn’t fall off or anything. It is rather heavy, but that was handled-able. My problem came on about the 98th time going down to move it into the next position. Smacked my knee hard enough to break the skin. The pain didn’t last but a few minutes, but it did bleed. And I was wearing my good jeans. Oh well. 

While up there I noticed the gutter was pretty clogged with Sycamore leaves and sludge runoff from the house shingles. Since I already had the ladder out, I got started on cleaning them out.  Nasty work, but somebody had to do it. 

We continued the Christmas setup with resetting the wooden cutout of Precious Moments nativity, and then the plastic Holy Family statues with the brand new lights inside. Chris got the front door wreath wired with lights and hung. We even got the big  plastic candy canes strapped to the deck. Next plan - finish up the inside when it starts raining. 

But first, I had a haircut appointment at 2. And Chris had physical therapy at 3:15. I grabbed a book for my part of the waiting. From there we made a quick stop at the urgent care to get Chris’ stitches removed, then on to Randall’s for a prescription pickup. 

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ says, Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

Father, thank you for the way our medical needs have been fairly easy to come by this far. Amen. 

December 3 - “We’ll see”

Chris took off early again. This time she had a much-anticipated appointment with her foot doctor. On tap for this visit was … a shot. Yep. She got the same kind of shot in her plantar fasciitis foot that I got in my thumbs. Sure worked for me. We’ll see how hers goes in the next day or so. 

Meanwhile, I tried to reglue one of our dining room chairs. I couldn’t get it to come apart completely, so I crammed glue into the cracks and crevices. Again, we’ll see how that works out when the glue dries. 

We carved out a little bit of time to hang some ornaments on the tree. This year Chris chose to highlight the ones we made on our first Christmas together, 50 years ago. They are little wooden Christmas-themed figures that we painted. And they still bring that hint of a smile to Chris’ lips. Of course there are lots of others on there as well, including some representatives gathered on our travels. Oh, and she had to add candy canes. Always need candy canes. 

Last night we went to a dinner at the church to hear from Kenny and Lauren Humphries again. 

Our caterer extraordinaire, Suzann, was in charge of the meal, so it was great, as usual. Several of the men fried up a bunch of fish. Hard to go wrong there. 

Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ says, A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.

Father, again, thank you for the Humphries and all the work they do in your name. Bless them for their efforts. Amen.