February 23 – “Back at Monday”

Chris was back at it hard and heavy at cardiac rehab.  Well, maybe not that hard and heavy.  At least they didn’t increase resistance on any of the machines since they had to take a week off for Winter Storm Megan.  I got back out while she was gone and made my two mile walk again.  And last night I felt it.  Mainly in that structurally significant portion of the legs just above the knee.  Didn’t throb or anything.  Just barked a bit when I first stood up from a sitting position. 

 

The rest of the day I spent either at my computer doing work for church or at the puzzle table struggling over Charlie Brown and Snoopy, our latest challenge.  It’s coming along.  We completed it in stages.  First was the edges, of course.  Then Charlie’s yellow shirt.  Then the grass.  Then his head.  Then his feet (Chris picked out the colors so I would know which ones went where).  Then Snoopy.  Then the sky.  I think we are finally down to Snoopy’s red doghouse.  The problem there is the colors all look the same.  That means we have to place pieces either by shapes alone or by the wee tiny little scenes that are going on in each individual piece.  Either way … a challenge. 

 

I read something this morning that was really profound.  What do you think?  It’s from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers:

 

If we are devoted to the cause of humanity, we shall soon be crushed and broken-hearted, for we shall often meet with more ingratitude from men than we would from a dog; but if our motive is love to God, no ingratitude can hinder us from serving our fellow men.

 

Proverbs 21:3 says, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

 

Father, please help us find ways to help people, not because they need it, but because we love you.  Amen.

February 22 – “Aftermath”

We had quite the lively crowd in church yesterday.  The singing in particular was robust.  I think maybe everybody was celebrating more than just dinner on the grounds day or the end of the Esther series.  They were happy to have awakened to a temperature out of the 20’s … or 30’s … or even 40’s.  We were back into the 50’s and it was feeling almost warm outside.  Definitely something to celebrate.

 

We had to rope off one of the bathrooms – the one underneath the busted pipe.  As it turned out, there was still just the tiniest bit of a leak happening.  Just enough that if you did use that bathroom, you would be treated to a shower as well.  Everyone was gracious about the inconvenience.  We used the bathroom on the other side of the church. 

 

We received word midway through the service that Galveston and then Jamaica Beach had both declared the boil water notice to be over, so we were more than good to go for dinner on the grounds.  Folks had to wash their dishes at home instead of in the church sink, but that was a small price to pay for the much-needed fellowship.  And every case of water that was donated was gone by the time the morning was over, with much gratitude. 

 

We discovered later that many people were still having trouble in their homes.  As they turned the water back on, they found pipes they never knew existed had burst.  Plumbers and local handymen were running themselves ragged.  Fortunately for us, our volunteer plumber was able to repair the leak at the church.  As I understand it, later this week he plans to turn the water back on to the retreat center and make sure we have no leaks there. 

 

It is always a risk to say the crisis is over, but we are supposed to have a few days here of really nice weather.  That should help give folks time to catch up on repairs and cleaning out of houses that were water damaged.  Thank you to all who cooperated in one way or another to help each other, both within the church and in your own neighborhoods.  I’m proud of you.

 

Psalms 133:1-3 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!  It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.  It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.  For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”

 

Father, thank you for the expressions of love and compassion we saw over the course of this crazy cold wave.  Please bless those who are helping and pave the way for all the repairs and unexpected remodels to be completed quickly and efficiently.  Amen.

February 21 – “A cup of … er … car of water”

We had one big event yesterday.  It was not so much big in the sense of the quantity involved, but it sure was in the quality.  We received a delivery of water at the church.  Not from the water company to service a fountain.  This was from the regional representative of a group called Texas Baptists.  I had called them to see if there were any groups he knew of that were doing storm relief.  It’s kind of my go-to action after a hurricane, and that’s how Galvestonians are reacting to this Winter Storm Megan weirdness.  We dive in and get done what needs to be done on the ground.  We help our neighbors.  But often times we forget to take care of ourselves.  Hence, my first call. 

 

The regional rep, Ernest, is a great guy. One of the most joyful people I have ever known.  Always has a smile on his face (even behind his mask.  Sometimes you can just tell).  He is from the Philippines, and still has family over there.  I say that because he was really drawn to the way we do ministry at Seaside.  Especially the fact that we baptize in the Gulf.  He was baptized in the ocean as well, so that is a special memory for him.  Different ocean.  Same Jesus. 

 

When he arrived, we got his car unloaded.  Yep, that would be his personal car.  There are water needs all over Houston as well, so he took it upon himself to load up his own car and drive the water down here.  He heard there was a need and did what he could to meet that need.  Sounds eerily biblical to me. 

 

He did let us take him on a tour of the Seaside facilities, and he was really interested in the workings of the retreat center.  We may just see him and a group from his Houston church sometime in the future.  One quick photo in front of the water and a sweet prayer together, and he was on his way once again.  Thanks, Ernest.  And thanks, Jesus, for affecting in him a compassionate heart. 

 

Matthew 10:42 says, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

 

Father, please bless Ernest in his ministry and family and church life.  Keep him joyful.  Amen.

February 20 – “Cold again … BUT …”

I woke up this morning and realized that it was pretty cold again.  39 degrees outside.  But this time … this time I had an answer.  This time I was prepared.  This time I would not be overwhelmed by the outrageous cold that had made me miserable for the last week.  Oh, no.  Not this time.  I slowly made my out from beneath the covers.  As quietly as I could, I crept across the bedroom into the hall.  Looking both ways to insure no personal presence of the evil Winter Storm Megan … I turned up the heater.  Hah!  It worked.  For, you see … we now have power.  The bliss of electricity has returned to the Vaughan household.  And with it … warmth.  Aaahh.

 

And on a side note … we have water as well.  We are still under a boil water notice, however.  Chris has been boiling water, but it has a residue at the bottom of the pan.  I’m pretty sure that’s just the usual sand and much and stuff that we have been systematically ingesting for the last 26 years, but Chris will have no part in it.  Won’t even give it to Freddy.  Fortunately, however, we got word that the city had set up a water distribution station at the airport by our house.  All were welcome to drive through and pick up a case or two of water that had been delivered via monstrous air bus.  My first attempt to get some resulted in an about face when I saw the line.  Cars were backed up clear to the entrance to our neighborhood.  Several hours later, though, I saw a post in our neighborhood news that the lines were gone and there was still water available.  So we took off.  We also told the Geran’s and called Nathan and April as well.  As it turned out, we were able to get a case for our next door neighbor.  Her daughter had just returned her from a brief evacuation to Texas City.  Hopefully we are all set water-wise.  Now we wait for the all-clear from the microscopic critter testing that is being done on the water supply to declare us boil-free.  Once that occurs we are done with Winter Storm Megan.  Of course there is still the matter of folks who need plumbers and home repairs.  I still don’t know for sure what all we might need at the church, but thanks to some amazing Seasiders, a worse crisis was averted.  As of this writing we are still a go for church tomorrow and even for Third Sunday dinner on the grounds.  Hey, I think we all need some fellowship after what we have just been through.  And we do have bottled water at the church. 

 

Psalms 136:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.  His love endures forever.”

 

Father, please make it easy for the plumbers and do-it-yourself-ers to get their homes back up and running.  And an “all-clear” on the water would be great as well.  Amen. 

February 19, 18, 17, 16 – “What day is it now?”

 February 16 – “Happy birthday, Josh”

 

I’m having a hard time getting started today on being all creative and goofy.  I know.  That second part of me in particular should come easy.  But today there are a few reasons for my sluggish start.  The physical reason is the weather.  Who wants to get started on their day when it is 23 degrees with a wind chill of 7?  You read that right.  Single digits.  In Galveston, the Tropical Island Paradise.  Chris and I spent the afternoon yesterday covering up tropical plants and bushes and the like.  And then recovering them when the wind started blowing the sheets asunder.  Although a sheet never seems like quite enough cover when you’re talking about ice and snow all around.  But, yes, I did mention snow.  Not a lot, but there is a sheet (not quite a blanket) of snow on the ground.  The grass is not completely covered or anything, but I suppose there will be enough for the kids of the Island to make a small snowman.  And it does count toward our once every fifteen years or so record of snowfall.  But there is still that one factor that accompanies it.  The one thing that used to be so inspiring so long ago.  It is cold. 

 

But wait a minute.  Today is special no matter what the weather is like.  Today is Josh’s birthday.  It’s important to memorialize people on their birthday.  Especial people who were born into that enviable position in the family structure … middle child.  I was one of those.  I endured the feelings of being forgotten between the brilliant older brother and the cutesy little baby brother.  I was just … me.  So here’s my salute to our own “JJ - Just Josh.”  Happy birthday!

 

Psalms 146:2 says, “I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”

 

Father, thank you for blessing us with that middle son.  He is something special.  Would you please bless him on his special day?  Amen.

 

 February 17 – “Ice skating on the deck”

 

It was cold last night.  Inside.  No power.  We even let Freddy sleep in bed with us.  It got down to 50 inside the house.  21 outside.

 

Lauren and Stewart brought over some wood and started us a fire in the fireplace.  Really made a difference – at least in that room.  Smokey though. 

 

About mid-morning Cailyn and Lexi came over with some duraflame logs.  Not as smokey.  Oh, and April brought breakfast.  They have an all-electric kitchen, and ours is gas, so she jumped at the chance.  Fresh eggs and sausage breakfast burritos.  Yum. 

 

After breakfast Cailyn chased icicles.  She and Lexi went ice skating on the deck.  Huh.  Never thought I’d hear myself saying that … “Ice skating on the deck.”  Sounds … dangerous. 

 

April left to check on stuff at home and took Lexi home as well.  The rest of us played Egyptian Rat Killer, a card game.  Cailyn won.  Ruthless child.  April returned later with the big news that their power was back on, so Cailyn went on home with her.

Later in the day we borrowed some kitty litter from Corey and Janell to take the edge off the ice on our front porch.  Chris had avowed not to leave the house until it was gone.  Bad memories of a prior engagement with an ice patch.  They kindly shared some with us and we got the ice patch covered. 

 

That was enough to encourage Chris to leave and spend the night with Nathan and April and Cailyn.  I guess we’ll continue the saga tomorrow …

 

Psalms 145:17 says, “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.”

 

Father, thank you for the respite from the cold at Nathan’s house.  Be with him at work.  They are having some weird problems because of the conditions.  Protect those firefighters as they work to protect the plant.  And please do the same for our city fire crews.  They have been having tough shifts lately.  Amen.

 

February 18 – “Water, water, every … where?”

 

So the saga continues …

 

We spent the night at Nathan’s.  Their power was holding on, although no one knew for how long.  We made our way over and settled in for the night.  I say it that way because we tried to watch a movie and I kept falling asleep.  It was nice to have a warm bed, though.  At least until around 4:30 when the power went off.  I jumped up to unplug the computer.  Freddy was confused.  I took her downstairs and put her outside for a few minutes.  Didn’t take long and she was ready to come back inside.  Nathan and April both left for work, so we brought Cailyn over to our house.  We got word that the power had come on at our house around 2 a.m. 

 

When we arrived, we discovered that the power that came on at 2 a.m. was already being directed elsewhere.  Great.  And to top it all off, we found out that now there was no water service anywhere on the Island.  Wonderful.  But at least we had the fireplace as long as the wood holds out.  I stoked away and appreciated Ed for bringing us over a refill of firewood. 

 

Our other big news was on the church front.  We did have a pipe burst there.  Jim saved the day, though.  He figured out where the water was coming from and managed to shut it off.  He and Charlette just happened to be there anyway.  Seems the church was warmer than their 30 degree house.  Then the power went out.  And the no water call was made from the city.  Is nowhere safe around this Island?  We canceled the Ash Wednesday service. 

 

Around five p.m. I got a text from Nathan that they had water.  We jumped up and checked, and so did we.  We frantically (and that’s the perfect word usage here.  “Frantic”) started filling up pots and pans and pitchers and even a bathtub in case it went out again.  We already had a five gallon bucket full of rainwater.  Very rustic.  Very 19^th century.  Very camping-ish.  Very not-so-fun.

 

Well, I take some of that back.  It wasn’t all bad.  There was fire involved, so there’s that, although it was wreaking havoc with my sinuses.  And We spent the night playing card games again.  Egyptian Rat Killer.  Kings in the Corner.  Cailyn was doubled over with laughter most of the time, too.  She even made the comment, “We don’t really need TV, do we?”  Wait.  Who is this kid? 

 

She remained consistent, too.  Even after the power suddenly came back on in the middle of a game.  We all jumped at the unexpected intrusion.  I jumped from my chair to … just stand around in the light, I guess.  I couldn’t think of anything I needed to do.  It was fun walking around to see which lights had been on when the power first went out.  I did hook the computer up to power so it could charge up, though.  Chris was the first to call “shower,” so she disappeared for a while.  Cailyn went next and I followed last.  The water pressure when I got in was pretty low.  And it was either really hot or way too cold.  But it was a shower, right?  We were very thankful for what we had.

 

We finished out our game and all three of us, well four counting Freddy, were ready for bed.  It’s exhausting to live like a pioneer.  I was assigned the task of fire stoker, so I slept in the living room.  Cailyn and Nana and Freddy took the bed.  I actually slept all night. 

 

Psalms 145:13 says, “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.  The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.”

 

Father, thank you for the power and especially the water.  All of us appreciated the shower.  Please facilitate the work of the guys repairing leaks and busted water mains.  And bless them personally in the meantime.  Amen.

 

 February 19 – “What day is it now?”

 

I think I have my days figured out now.  Yesterday I got up early and took the garbage out.  That’s supposed to happen on Tuesday unless I take it out early on Monday.  Pick-up was postponed to Wednesday when Winter Storm Megan hit.  But then they couldn’t come on Wednesday either, so it was postponed until Thursday.  Phew.  As I rolled the can out to the street, Corey came outside.  His cans were already out.  In fact ours were the only two homes with cans out on our whole street.  We speculated about the existential ramifications of that distinction for a very short minute or two.  After all, it was cold.  Finally we decided to shrug our shoulders, leave them on the street, and let the truck come if came.  The truck came.  Earlier than it ever has.  Not many cans to pick up, I guess.  Anyway, we won that round. 

 

Since the power had stayed on all night, I decided to go ahead and plug back in whatever was originally plugged in behind the tv.  Plan was to get the WiFi back up and running.  And for the first time since ol’ Winter Storm Megan hit, we had internet access on our computer.  I posted my blog yesterday that was a tribute to our friend Patti Jones.  Decided to let that one stand alone for the day.  The rest of the missing fold followed earlier in this post. 

 

Cailyn decided to spend the night and day with us again.  We did take her over to let her dogs out and to feed her chickens.  They are having some issues there with the hot water heater as well as their garage door.  Not very good timing, what with Winter Storm Megan and the fact that they are trying to sell the house.  I checked their breaker, but all was well there.  Nathan decided to check it again when he got off work.  That was all the damage we could do, so we came back to the house and hung out.  Cailyn and Nana made a monstrous chocolate chip cookie in an iron skillet.  Even with the power one, we can’t get away from the whole pioneer days script.  It did taste good, though.  Nathan came by after work and Cailyn headed back home with him. 

 

Last night we attempted to do something we haven’t done all week – turn on the tv.  And it didn’t come on.  I was pretty sure I did something to really mess it up.  I did something, all right.  Forgot to plug it in when I was plugging stuff in earlier in the day.  Hey, in my defense, there are a lot of cables back there.  And did I mention that it’s been cold around here?

 

Psalms 145:8 says, “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”

 

Father, thank you for trash pickups and TV’s that work and internet and all that.  But thanks more for family time and neighbors who care and your continued watch over us.  Amen.

February 15 – “To remember Patti”

I’ll start off by acknowledging the obvious.  Yes.  It is cold.  Really cold.  It does cause one to have a certain degree of sluggishness.  But today there is another factor to my difficulty getting into the swing of things.  This one is more on a personal and emotional note.  We got word this weekend that a really good friend from Arlington had a major stroke.  The outlook was pretty grim from the start.  Then last night we got word that she is on total life support.  The family is gathered around her for the day today, and the plan is for life support to be removed tomorrow. 

 

But I wanted to talk a little to myself this morning.  To remember just a few things about Patti that are special to me and Chris. 

To remember Patti is also to remember Blair.  He was the first dentist I ever had that didn’t hurt.  Major milestone there for me.  Patti made fun of me often for claiming that trophy for her husband, but he earned it.  I’m pretty sure she was more than a little bit proud of him, too.  And speaking of proud, she was really proud of her kids and the amazing people they have become.  Never hesitated to talk about them. 

Patti was principal of the elementary school where Kel and Josh went when we lived in Mansfield.  I remember one time near Halloween when I brought the boys to school on my way to work.  I went inside with them and found a line of parents at the front desk, all obviously agitated and talking at once.  Seems a rumor was flying around that someone was targeting children for Halloween abduction.  Patti saw me and put me to work calming people down and reassuring them.  Not that Patti gave me any choice.  I called in late to work that day.

Blair and Patti will always be remembered by a small group of evacuees from our Island home when the monster storm Hurricane Ike was bearing down upon us.  They were among a group of folks who saw fit to open their homes to our ragtag bunch … and our pets (even a flying squirrel).  Ever since then, whenever a hurricane is in the Gulf, we have received a text from Patti, checking on us and offering a place to stay. 

Patti was one of those folks you could designate “real friend.”  I mean, how often do you have such an effect on people that they want to move in next door … every place you go (Rick and Rebecca)? 

Patti had a distinctive way of smiling with her chin down and her head pulled back and that ever-accompanying laugh that put you at ease and most often elicited at least a rumble in your own chuckle center. 

We shared another special connection with Patti.  We went to the same church, where I was minister of education, and it seemed like she was always on the personnel committee.  Great place for her to serve, too.  She had a knack for understanding the kinds of things ministers go through in their personal lives.  But it didn’t stop at just understanding for Patti.  She did her best to follow through with compassion and practical actions to meet needs as they arose. 

And as a final act of her compassion, I understand her organs will be donated to help others.  She just doesn’t stop giving.

We love you, Patti.

 

2 Corinthians 5:1 says, “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”

 

Father, would you welcome Patti into your presence and into that eternal house you have for her?  Walk with Blair and the kids and the friends they all have who are grieving now.  Bless us with reminders of your presence.  Amen.

February 14 – “I hear you … sort of”

Oh, I have a new medical story.  About me this time.  I made an appointment to see an audiologist and an ENT doctor.  Reason?  I need to get some new hearing aids.  The ones I have are six plus years old.  Sounds easy peasy, right?  Actual result in the real world?  Two different appointments. 

1.      Hearing test with the audiologist.  Required for new hearing aids.  Good.  I haven’t had one of those in … a long time.

2.      ENT appointment for sneezing, snoring, and that jaw ache weirdness.  (That middle one was a requirement of a certain young lady I live with).

 

Loved the audiologist.  She was really knowledgeable.  And kind.  She nodded whenever I got one of the beeps right.  I never saw an ENT doctor, though.  All were busy.  So my appointment was with a physician’s assistant.  Getting kind of used to those types.  One thing I have learned about PA’s.  They know a lot of stuff and they aren’t afraid to tell you about it.  She did a whole semester’s worth of teaching about hearing loss and TMJ and why people sneeze and snoring.  It was dizzying.  Bottom line for me … “You have hearing loss.  Hearing aids will help.  Make another appointment to see the person who shows you the hearing aids ... But …”

 

Here it comes.  “The hearing loss you have is weird.”  Why am I not surprised?  Apparently, the wave of loss between the two ears is forming a strange shape when they transfer it to paper.  It could be caused by several things, from a missed beep in the test to a tumor of some kind on that particular nerve.  Now I’m scheduled to do a return engagement in a month to see if I’m still weird.  Hmm.  Not planning to change bodies or anything.

 

She prescribed a nose drop to try to stop the sneezing.  Not real excited about that one.  She agreed with the TMJ diagnosis by the PA at the other doctor’s office (Hey, those PA’s have to stick together, right?).  I’m supposed to keep doing what they said.  She said the next course of action for the snoring is one of those sleep tests.  Not happening anytime soon.  I’ll try the nosedrops.  I’ll even come back in a month for the retest.  Snoring can wait (If I really do snore.  Still not convinced it’s me Chris is hearing). 

 

Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful; in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

 

Father, please be with us at church this morning.  Keep everybody warm.  Amen.