February 21 – “We have arrived”

We have arrived.  Of course it was a rocky road getting there.  Well, it’s not so much that the road was rocky.  It was all the negative feedback I got.  What’s that?  Oh, from my grand and glorious singing to Cailyn on the way to school.  For some reason she insists that I give her a headache.  I keep assuring her that it is my singing that is gently hugging her head and making all her cares float away.  Yeah, she’s not buying it either.  But in spite of the musical turmoil, we have arrived.  See, when we dropped Cailyn off at school, Alexis, one of her good friends and neighbors and a fire fighter’s daughter, saw us.  She waved and called out, “Hi, DadDad.  Hi, Nani.”  Recognition among our granddaughter’s peers.  Yep.  We have arrived. 

We are still having internet troubles even after the tech left the house on Monday.  It was off more than on, and at the most inconvenient times.  Like when I was attempting to coordinate the sermon I typing on the laptop with the cloud file storage.  Apparently you need internet to do that.  It finally popped on for long enough to get the sermon sent over before crashing out again. 

So I called AT&T.  Again.  They ran all their tests.  Again.  They assigned a tech to come out and check it.  Again.  We were already just about convinced to switch over to their fiber optics version of internet and add their version of TV.  At least that would release us from dealing with Comcast.  Save us a lot of money, too.  We’ll see.

Oh, a quick knee follow-up.  I had my three month checkup with the surgeon.  I got there and was sent immediately to radiology for an x-ray.  When I returned and had a seat, one of front desk guys came out and announced that Dr. S. was running 45 minutes late.  He offered us coffee or juice, except that they were out of juice.  (Hmm?  Why offer it, then?).  I started to text Chris to let her know as the door closed behind him.  But before I could get three words typed the door suddenly opened again, and the nurse called out, “Kelley?”  Fastest 45 minute wait in my career.  Didn’t send the text. 

Isaiah 40:28 says, “Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”

Father, thank you that really “arriving” is not based on the whims of a human relationship.  “Arrived” means having a relationship with you.  That’s the one that matters.  Amen.

February 20 – “… emitting a horrifyingly evil glow …”

We took our little charge to school first thing in the morning.  It was chilly.  We knew it was cold when even Cailyn wore her light jacket under her heavy coat.  I think it finally maxed out at around 49 degrees amidst lots of fog.  Just a stay-inside kind of day. 

I used the opportunity to work on Sunday’s sermon.  Oh, and we made a WalMart run, so we did get some walking in.  Chris didn’t park in the farthest-away slot, though.  I guess she wasn’t too excited about the prospect of traipsing through a fog-encased parking lot in the cold.  As it turned out, we ran into Mr. Bob from Seaside.  He’s the one who played master of ceremonies for the Body Life service while we were watching Ezra get dedicated.  He was still on cloud nine.  He remembered more and more about the different things that were shared.  And he remarked at how blessed he was to be the one there to live the excitements with people who gave their hearts to Jesus and want to follow it up in baptism.  He commented, “That’s what you’re supposed to be here for, pastor.”  I retorted, “That’s how you get to feel as the Associate Pastor.”  Not exactly what he expected to hear, but true, nonetheless.  Well, true in the sense that you don’t have to be in “The ministry” to enjoy the blessings of seeing someone get right with God.

Last night we enjoyed several rousing hands of Kings in the Corner, Slapjack, and War (Card games, if you are among the uninitiated).  I was summarily smoked in all of them. 

At family worship we had a brief discussion on Islam.  Cailyn has run into some things at school that have been confusing to her.  Some questions have come during her studies.  They saw a movie about a young Muslim girl who was shot in the head and survived.  She also has some classmates who are experimenting with what are obviously their parents’ beliefs and philosophies.  We ended up reaffirming the importance of Jesus and a personal relationship with him.  Good talk.

Chris stayed in bed for a while as Cailyn went on to sleep.  I returned to the den to watch the Baylor vs. Iowa State basketball game (Baylor ended up winning a thriller, by the way).  I also mindlessly scrolled through FaceBook.  That’s when I saw “It.”  Someone recommended using the heads off of old dolls as … ready for this one? … a nightlight.  Just place the head over the bulb and the light shines through … the eyes.  The mouth.  Sometimes the nose.  All the while emitting a horrifyingly evil glow throughout the severed cranium.  Awful, just awful.  I hurriedly sent a copy of it to Kel, Josh, and Nathan.  Each one responded with an appropriate meme, indicating their varying levels of terror, from outright screaming and running to internalized disgust, to one other, slightly more graphic expression of fear.  I assured them that I would make sure they each had access to the doll Mom has set aside for them – dressed in the very baby clothes they wore as tykes.  Glad I could brighten up your evening, Boys.

Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such things there is no law.”

Father, thank you for Bob’s exuberance, for Cailyn’s hunger to learn and ask the hard questions, and for my three boys who still enjoy a good joke.  Amen.

February 19 – “Hallelujah”

Yesterday we were hosts again.  The festivities didn’t begin right away, though, so I spent the best part of the morning toiling over a hot … computer.  I wanted to get as much of my Monday stuff done as possible since my concentration level was destined to shrink when our guests arrived. 

And as for those guests … Cailyn was among them.  Yesterday was a school holiday, so instead of taking her there, her parents brought her here.  Also among the guests were not five … not four … not three … but two of the LaMarque Vaughans.  They were having some logistical problems with birthday parties and baseball games in Cypress, Texas.  We ended up with Ezra and Josiah, which worked well for us.  Cailyn had a little one to nurture and one about her size to actually play with. 

Speaking of Ezra … he entertained us all, as you can imagine a two-year-old doing.  Non-stop movement and often a lot of talking as well.  I couldn’t always understand what he was saying, though.  And when it became evident that I didn’t know where he was coming from, he would quite patiently repeat what he said … over and over and over.  Sometimes I got it and sometimes I didn’t.  And when I didn’t he kept going until I could formulate an appropriate (to him) “Uh-huh” or “OK” or even “Got it.” 

Two-year-olds do eventually run down though.  Chris and I were talking about how much more we have to have to pay for our trip to Alaska.  Not the most exciting conversation when you are two.  He crawled up in my lap, and before I knew it he was limp as a dishrag.  Fast asleep.  Made me proud.  And a little jealous. 

The best surprise of the day came, however, after he woke up.  He was obviously groggy, and when he finally eased down off my lap, he stumbled around the room, looking at … nothing in particular.  Finally his eyes locked with mine.  Just the hint of a grin came over his face.  And in his clearest voice of the day, he proclaimed, “Hallelujah!”  Well, I gotta tell you, that was unexpected.  Certainly welcome, but unexpected nonetheless.  So what could I do, but reply with a little “Hallelujah” of my own.  And that became our family mantra for the rest of the evening … spontaneous declarations of “Hallelujah.”  Great evening.

Revelation 19:1-2 says, “After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God’”

Father … Hallelujah.  Just Hallelujah.  Amen.

February 18 - “Kind of a Rule”

We didn’t attend Seaside yesterday.  Instead we were in Texas City at First Baptist Church there for Ezra’s child and family dedication.  I for one really missed being at Seaside, though.  I sent a text of blessing and encouragement to our two leaders of worship, Bob and Jim.  Bob responded with a blessing of his own, and the day began for us both.

The dedication was simple, but nice.  Ezra’s other grandmother was there as well.  The pastor called on the church to welcome him into the fellowship, and then he prayed over him. The church gifted him with a Bible ad a letter to be opened by Ezra on his 12th birthday.  That was an interesting addition.  I am curious what they put in that letter.

The sermon was from none other than Ephesians, the same book I have been teaching through.  His take on chapter two focused on the idea of “Peace.”  Mine leaned more toward “Unity.”  Same Scripture, different slant.  Same power.  In the words of the pastor (which he said numerous times), “I find that very interesting.”

Their worship pastor, John, and I served together at South Oaks Baptist Church in Arlington many ... many ... years ago.  He has made his way into Ezra’s heart.  I was holding Ezra in my lap after the dedication, and he said, “Go stage with John?”  Hmm.  Was it John he wanted to be with, or was it the limelight?

After church the family and a couple friend of theirs met together at their house for lunch.  Chris had made some brownies, so we made a quick trip over to the local WalMart for some Blue Bell.  Kind of a rule.  If you serve brownies in Texas, you have to have Blue Bell ice cream on top.

Oh, and is heard from several Seasiders after church.  They had a really big crowd.  Ten kids in the Kids Class.  Sounded like close to 70 again in worship.  Three tables full of food at dinner on the grounds.  And best news of all?  Bob called and said, “I don’t mean to barge in on your family time, but my head is about to bust wide open if I don’t tell you this.  You have two more precious souls who want to be baptized when you get back.”  That’s some news I don’t mind hearing.  Not at all.

Ephesians 2:19 says, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citiizens. With the saints and are of God’s household.”

Father, thank you for those fellow citizens who are watching over our little ones up in Texas City.  Amen.

February 17 - “Classy”

Just a quick mention this morning concerning the funeral I briefly mentioned earlier.  The services were to honor what I can only describe as a truly classy lady.  It was fitting then, that the funeral experience was handled by some very classy individuals.

The representative of the church where the service was held was a young man named Ryan.  He was the site youth pastor, and I’m sure this was one of those delegated tasks that fell to him, almost a “short-straw” or “low man on the totem pole” kind of situation.  But Ryan contacted me on the phone several times before we met to iron out details.  And on the day of the service he was a consummate professional, handling preparation details flawlessly.  And the church musicians were excellent.  The vocalist was powerful, and the pianist was one of the best I have ever heard.  Thank you, Second Baptist Church, Katy Campus.

The Schmidt Funeral Home staff was classy as well.  They provided for whatever need came up with the family, and their handling of the funeral details was professional and caring.  And I have to add the cemetery staff in that one as well.  A few of the family stayed until the casket was lowered and the grave covered, so we stayed as well.  The cemetery staff showed grace and poise - and class - with their handling of some difficult tasks.  

I was even impressed with the string of four police officers who escorted us from the church to the cemetery.  In an hour-long drive through back streets and country roads to avoid freeway traffic, they showed a true respect for the funeral caravan.  In fact they demanded respect for the caravan from the vehicles of the opposite side of the road.  Often they would drive right down the center of the oncoming lane and force cars to the side of the road until the hearse had passed.  Of course, many people had already pulled over themselves, a reflection of a classy Southern gesture of respect.  

Sharon’s life was honored by lots of folks on Friday.   I appreciate that all was done to reflect the type of lady we were honoring ... classy.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Father, thank you for the privilege of knowing and ultimately being a part of honoring Sharon.  And thanks for welcoming her with open arms.  Amen.

February 16 - “Fifty cents”

We decided to spend the night in Katy.  The visitation for the funeral was from 5-8 p.m., and the funeral itself started at 10 the next morning, so it made sense to get a hotel room.  Kind of a Valentine’s getaway, maybe?  Yeah, not so much.

We have one of those Great Scott moments when we went to Subway for supper.  We ordered our usual - 12 inch Subway melt on wheat, cut in half, make it a meal with chips and a drink.  Should be simple, right?  Cost of the sandwich, and as the sign clearly says, “Make it a meal.  Add $2.75.”  Their computer did fine on the cost of the sandwich.  But the “make it a meal” kind of threw it for a loop.  It added $3.25 instead.  I pointed out the discrepancy once we got our receipt.

Now ... I can understand some of what ensued.  The young girl waiting on us was obviously in her first day of training.  She had to look up ingredients for the sub, and she asked if I wanted it toasted (seems a silly question for a sandwich called a Subway MELT.  How else will you melt the cheese?), so I wasn’t too surprised when she had some trouble with the computer.  But I thought a simple point to the sign and back to the receipt should be plenty of evidence to get the overpricing overturned.  Silly me.  It took almost fifteen minutes for them to wade through the receipt (remember, we ordered one sandwich).  They just couldn’t seem to make sense of the problem.  They finally picked up the phone to call the manager to ask what to do when we made a suggestion.  “How about just giving me a chocolate chip cookie and we’ll call it even?”  They took me up on my compromise suggestion, but they continued poring over the situation.  They even said they were still going to call the manager and next time we come in they could make it better.  Chris rather dryly said, “Oh, we won’t be coming here again.”  But maybe the manager can make things clearer so the next guy won’t have the same struggle.  Ah, the trials of being a pioneer in the world of sign/receipt matching.  What a mind-boggling profession.  Sigh.

Psalms 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this”

Father, be with that new young lady who was trying so hard.  Grant her peace and success in her new job.  Amen.

February 15 - “Be my chicken ... er ... Valentine”

I got our Valentine’s Day started by presenting Chris with her gift.  Well, once she woke up.  I let her sleep in, of course.  It was an 8-inch tall chicken.  No, not a real one.  But this one was very colorful.  Very.  I told her it was to help remind her of me, since for some reason I always seem to notice those huge, gaudy, chicken monstrositical statues that people have out in their yard.  There was also a bag of Garditos in there.  That’s one of her favorite snacks.  And don’t forget the biggest accomplishment of all.  See, I got all this marvelous stuff at Hobby Lobby, a place I almost never go into without her. Why?  So I could get three skeins of the thread she needed to complete a project she was working on.  That one was kind of overkill.  Apparently she didn’t need three, but this kind of purchase was certainly out of my wheelhouse, so I just got all that they had to be on the safe side.  Oh, and I used the 40% off coupon I found on their website.  The checker and the ladies in line behind me told me my wife would be very proud that I remembered that little detail.  I hope she was.

Chris told me that she had not been able to get to the store because of our incredibly hectic schedule, but that she had planned to get me ... a chicken.  Hey, we’ve been together a long time.  It’s normal that we start thinking alike, right?  Instead she fixed me a chicken enchilada pie for lunch.  I’m good With that.  But wait.  As I was scrolling through Amazon looking for something else, I came across a book that I have been looking for.  It’s the first part of a two-part series.  One of those “what if” fiction books about a guy who finds the actual Noah’s ark.  I used to have it.  Still have the second book, in fact.  I think I must have lent it out to someone.  Anyway, I have checked numerous times for it (Probably why it showed up when I went to Amazon.  They DO keep tabs on you, you know), and it has never been available.  But there it was.  I told Chris the exciting news.  Know what she said?  “Order it.  Happy Valentine’s Day.  I love that woman.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 says, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

Father, thank you for my wife who loves Garditos and silly gifts and ... me.  Amen.