November 7 – “Shades of gray”

Well, the trial is over.  Chris has been set free.  Justice has been done.  Sort of.  Oh, if you haven’t been watching the latest episodes of Vaughans and the Judicial System, Chris was not ON trial herself.  She was picked to be on a jury for the first time in her life.  And a criminal trial, no less.  She could have ended up sending a man to jail, and that thought tends to leave a frightening feeling in the pit of one’s stomach. 

The trial could have lasted well into next week.  That’s what the jury was warned about, anyway, what with a possible sentencing phase to the whole thing.  That wasn’t sitting well with Chris either.  We are supposed to go to Waco next week to help out with the kids while Josh and Christi are at a conference.  Separating a Nani from her grandkids?  Not a good recipe for happiness, by any means.

Thankfully, the trial didn’t involve murder or bodily harm in any way.  That would have brought a third level of stress to those jurors.  This one was a “his word against mine” kind of thing regarding theft.  But there was a twist to the whole situation.  Both parties did some things that were clearly wrong.  This was not an open-and-shut, "he’s the liar so send him to jail" kind of decision.  Under extenuating circumstances too detailed to put forth here, the theft did take place, but the guy did everything he could to make things right.  The one stolen from kind of deserved it because he hadn’t paid the other guy (an employee) in weeks.  Sounded like it then developed into a convoluted mess that resulted in the trial. 

The problem was, the jury wasn’t asked to simply determine if theft had occurred.  Chris would have been OK operating in that black and white arena.  But no.  They had to decide if the defendant intended to rob the other guy of his means to support his family.  There were two other gray areas they were charged to make a decision regarding as well.  And anyone who knows Chris well, knows that she is not a “gray area” kind of person.  She is the consummate prophet.  Either it is right or it is wrong.  Period.  Here there was no question that a theft had taken place.  But that wasn’t the issue.  Intent was the issue.  All different shades of gray. 

And to add yet another twist to the situation, there was a puppy involved.  Who was taking care of the puppy?  Who fed the dog?  Who freed it from its chain each night to let it run around and play?  You know, all those way-more significant questions than who stole stuff and why.  Except the dog had nothing to do with the case.  Just a little extra attraction to add some color to all the gray. 

So what happened with the trial?  The only possible result once all the facts were in and the allowable decision options were explained.  Not guilty.  And give that guy the puppy as well. 

James 1:19-20 says, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”

Father, thank you for the system of justice we have.  I know it gets broken every now and then, but those twelve people gave almost a week of their time to clear up that mess.  Bless them for it.  Amen.

November 6 – “Dynamic dangers?”

I really enjoyed my date the other night with two of my all-time favorite girls.  Cailyn and I met Chris for dinner after her hard day in the courtroom.  And where did this date take place, you might ask?  Why, Whataburger, of course.  As it turns out that is one of Cailyn’s “favorite places is the whole wide world.”  What is so special about this particular fast food establishment?  So glad you asked.

Here’s a taste of what I learned on my date.  Did you know that French fries taste great with gravy?  Not just a rhetorical question, mind you.  Totally interactive when on a date with Cailyn.  “Here, DadDad.  Try it.  It will be OK.”  Well, of course it was good. 

It didn’t stop with just French fries, though.  Later in the meal, after Nani had convinced her to do some dipping with her chicken strip (gotta get some “real” food in the mix, right, Nani?), Cailyn announced, “And did you know that you can eat the gravy without even using a spoon?  See?”  Here she illustrated by dipping in her finger and licking off a wad of the white goodness.  “Or you can even drink it like juice.  No, really.  You can.  See?”  At that she took a long swig like it was a slush from Sonic.  Yum.  Thankfully I wasn’t asked to partake in that particular style of gravy consumption.  

We also learned that the kids meal drink cups only fit the coffee cup lids.  Not sure of the reasoning behind that, because a straw doesn’t fit.  But it does act as a sort of sippy cup to deter spills.  Not that we attempted more than one spill, mind you. 

Oh, and you get to sit at a table and look right out the window.  That is a special treat.  There is always a lot going on, especially just before biker weekend in Galveston.  There’s just one thing, though.  Sometimes when you do that, Nani reaches over and tickles you.  Just another of the dynamic dangers of a date with DadDad. 

James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Father, thank you for all of my girls.  Chris and Cailyn, Noa, Christina, Christi and April.  For someone whose only girl connection growing up was Mommy, this is one connection I can’t wait to experience.  Every time.  Amen.

November 5 – “through the eyes”

Well, I discussed the American judicial system over breakfast yesterday.  With a six-year-old.  See, Cailyn was worried about Nani when she heard she was going to be on a trial ”at the building over by station five where they have the criminals.”  Well, she’s not wrong there.  But before I could launch into my reassurance mode, she continued on. 

“Will there be policemen there, too?” 

Interesting train of thought.  I assured her that there would indeed be plenty of policemen around.  “That’s good,” she replied softly. 

Glad she considered that a positive thing.  She continued to ponder pensively for a long few moments.  Where was her head taking her now?  Finally she continued.  “So she has to answer questions and stuff?” 

“That’s part of it,” I explained. 

“Well, then, will the policemen tell her what to say?” 

“No, that’s not how it works,” I struggled.  “It’s more that she has to listen and help decide who is telling the truth.” 

Again, another bite or two of her waffle afforded her a chance to think.  “So somebody is telling a lie?” 

“Yes.”  I tried to keep it really simple at this point. 

“Well, then he’s the bad guy, right?” 

I carefully considered my answer here.  “That’s what Nani has to help decide.” 

Three more bites of waffle later and the issue was more than settled as far as she was concerned.  “So Nani will be home soon?” 

“It may take a while, but she’ll be here around dinner time tonight.  How’s that sound?”  “OK.  I’ll beat you brushing my teeth!” 

And off she ran. 

Sigh.  If only the judicial system could operate through the eyes of a six-year-old. 

James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

Father, give the jurors wisdom to listen and make the right decision.  Amen.

November 4 – “Overdose”

I’m afraid my wife is about to experience the travails of an overdose this week.  OD’ing on civic duty.  That’s right, folks.  Not only is Chris on a trial jury starting today, but she joined me yesterday to go vote.  Double whammy of good citizenship there.  She is my American hero of the week.

But this whole jury thing has put some pressure on me, though.  Not only do I have to fend for myself in the food department, but today I get to be the primary baby sitter for Cailyn after school.  Fortunately I will have the assistance of one tiny canine whirlwind named Fred.  Before she left for school today we sat at my desk and brainstormed about some things we could do since Nani wouldn’t be home.  My ideas were limited to things like “Get a snack” and “Make some paper frogs.”  Guess what her first idea was?  “We could go play in the garage.  You always have some cleaning to do out there.”  That’s my girl.  Maybe we can figure out a way to make an eye patch for Barbie Hook.  Well, if anyone has any ideas for an old DadDad and a six-year-old granddaughter to do for a few hours on a Wednesday afternoon, please let me know.  Help …..

James 1:9-11 says, “The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.  But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.  For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.”

Father, give Chris and the other jurors wisdom.  And patience, with the lawyers and the judge and each other.  Amen.

November 3 – “Picked”

Well, it has finally happened in our household, although not to me as I had hoped.  Chris reported yesterday for that wonderful, intermittent, totally inconvenient experience called jury duty.  And not only that … she was selected for a trial.  That’s one thing I have always wanted to do.  I have been called up for duty numerous times.  And I have even made maybe the first or second round of cuts.  But once they get to the point of lawyers asking specific questions, and they get around to asking what I do for  a living, for some reason a pastor just isn’t what they want on a jury.  Not so for the retired RN, grandmotherly-type housewife.  Apparently she was exactly what they needed.  Even pronounced her name correctly.  The trial doesn’t start until tomorrow though.  She has today off to avoid speaking of the case with anyone upon penalty of … whatever the penalty is for talking about a case before they even tell them what the case is about.  So don’t expect to see much of Mama Chris this week.  They “hope to be completely finished with the trial by Friday at 5 p.m.”  But they really couldn’t promise that.  She may have to bleed over into next week … when we are supposed to be in Waco babysitting for Josh and Christi.  Gotta love this American system of justice.

Speaking of the American system … today is voting day.  I understand one of the propositions is supposed to save the taxpayer some money.  How unique is that?  Seaside is a host site again for voting, so if you are traveling “out west,” feel free to stop in and get you civic duty done. 

So while Chris was having all the fun, I segmented my day into phases so I could keep track of tasks.  Hey, without her around, I have to revert to bachelor status to make sure I don’t miss something.  I got through my usual Monday desk work all in Phase One.  Phase Two was the nearby errands department.  Bank deposit.  Get my hearing aids cleaned out so I could actually hear through them.  I almost went right intro Phase Three (farther away errands), but I decided to stop in at WalMart and do some shopping from my “Special Christmas Gifts from Dad” list.  Have to get something really special for each of my kids – not grandkids, mind you.  They get some pretty cool stuff anyway.  This is for my older kids – my sons and their wives and my wife.  Best gifts they will receive this year, I am fairly certain.  I did finally ,make it to Phase Three.  Went out to the church to pick up some papers.  Also went to the hardware store there in Jamaica Beach to get some plumbing supplies for the retreat center.  We still have to hook up the fridge ice makers.  And then I found a key to restock paper towels.  And then I decided to clean up under the building.  See, this is what happens to me when Chris isn’t around to help direct my focus.  I see all kinds of things that need to get done and I’m easily distracted into whatever the next thing is before I actually check off the first thing from my list.  Kind of frustrating.  Lots more fun though.  At least I don’t get bored.  I never did get to Phases Four and Five.  Stopped off to see Station 7’s temporary digs while their building is being renovated.  Very nice.  While I was talking to the guys there Chris texted that she was home, so I dropped the rest of my list and came on back.  But, hey … at least I have something already on my to do list for today, right?

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Father, give Chris and the rest of the jurors the wisdom they need to do the righteous thing in this trial.  Amen.

November 2 - "On Kansas City and Courtrooms”

Here’s a quick shout-out to a friend of ours who lives in California but hails originally from Kansas City (the only person I have ever met who actually used to live in Kansas City).  Hey, Josh Pease … “How about them Royals?”  They edged out the Astros to get to the World Series, but I really like the way they play baseball.  I didn’t really have a favorite once the Astros got knocked out, but for the most part I was rooting against the Mets.  Except for when the kid from Mansfield was pitching.  But he won his game.  Oh, and the guy they have who is struggling with spinal stenosis.  Him I wanted to be successful.  Just a certain affinity to other guys with back issues.  Saw him get a double in the Mansfield kid’s game.  So now baseball season is finally over after a 12 inning come from behind victory by the Royals last night.  No, I didn’t watch beyond the tenth.  Past my bedtime. 

Chris will be forced to enjoy these crisp, cool, daylight-infested early mornings with me – at least for this week (My Weatherbug app says it’s 64 degrees outside.  That’s freezing here on the Island.  I’ll have to get out our heavy coats and stocking caps).  She has that grand and glorious experience all lined up for her – the one we all anticipate with bated breath (well, I do, anyway).  Jury duty.  First time in forever she has to go and actually possibly get called up.  Before this she has always been primary caregiver to a child or an aging adult parent.  At least she gets to go to our beautiful new criminal justice center.  Maybe I can have the guys at station five keep an eye out for her if one of the criminals seeking justice somehow escapes his manacles and holds an entire courtroom hostage while demanding a helicopter and two million dollars and laughing maniacally in the process … Sorry.  Too much Gotham on TV, I guess. 

I’m praying for a typical, boring civil trial for her.  Or maybe one like I had  last time I went.  Actually got to the finals and had to cross the ferry to a courtroom in Bolivar … and neither lawyer showed up.  The judge wasn’t too happy, but he excused us all from our term of service as a result.  Ah, well.  Whatever happens, she can handle it with ease. 

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Father, give Chris and all those jurors your wisdom to be fair and dispense justice this week.  They have a great model in you.  Amen.

November 1 – “S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-Superman”

So how about that Halloween this year?  Here in Galveston  we were fighting intermittent rain throughout the trick-or-treat hours, and as a result our visits from creatively-attired youngsters was vastly lower than in years past.  We did run out of the New Testaments we had (around 100) quite early on.  However, we handed out only 303 of the glow in the dark bracelets with the colorful salvation explanation card attached.  Still a large number for such a damp night, I suppose.  And the one little girl made it worthwhile when she raced back out to her parents waiting one the street and excitedly announced, “Look Mommy, we can read!  We can read!”

Our party went on as scheduled.  Seven or eight different families came on into the house for a slice or two of pizza, either before or after braving the harsh elements.  We even had one fellow-worker of one of our home group members join us.  George brought a bagful of special treats for the kiddos who had been welcomed into the Vaughan Sanctuary.  Hope to see George again. 

The costume array was just as varied and creative as ever.  One of our families came dressed as fire fighters.  Well, three of them did.  Their youngest was a Dalmatian.  How cute is that?  The usual quote of princesses made the rounds.  I suppose Frozen must still be a thing.  An angel made her way to the house, as did an astronaut a Panda, several Star Wars beings, one or two police officers, and many superheroes. 

Speaking of superheroes, it has been my tradition over the past few years to preselect one particular costume that is my secret surprise winner.  The kid who shows up wearing that costume receives an extra handful of candy.  The last few years I have to admit my selection has been fire fighters.  Those costumes must be hard to come by, because you just don’t see so many of them.  I had decided to put together two awards for fire fighters this year, just in case.  But before I could even get set up, who should stroll up but a little fire fighter.  His costume was way too authentic to be mistaken for anything else, though.  See, Mikey’s dad is a real live fire fighter.  Works with Nathan.  Mikey is the one who desperately wanted to be a policeman last year.  His dad gave in, but he was pretty embarrassed.  Back into the fold this year, though.  So once I got them ready, one of the awards (a plastic fire fighter hat full of candy and little fire-fighting toy vehicles and bubbles and stickers) went to the son of the family with the Dalmatian daughter.  The other went to a really cute little kid dressed as that dog the fights fires on a TV show.  Don’t know the names.  Sorry.  I did see one other much later in the evening.  May have to go for three next year.  The winner of best costume of the evening, though, went to Hot Dog Baby.  A mom had one of those carriers that places the child in a pouch in front of her.  But in this case, the pouch was a giant hot dog.  Mustard and all.  Cute cute cute.

I adjusted my own costume this year.  Decided to keep it somewhat simpler than the ultimate superhero idea from last year (Combination of Superman, Zorro, Indiana Jones and John Wayne).  This year I wore my superman cape, my knee length red socks, my blue shorts, and the shirt Kel gave me that has all the different logos that Superman has worn over the years.  Nine logos.  Nine esses.  I was S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-Superman.  Gotta say … I really rocked it.

Hebrews 13:20-21 says, “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Father, thank you for the 300+ kids we did get to see and share gospel cards and bracelets and Bibles with.  Amen.