May 25 - “From the Minnesota/ North Dakota Department of Tourism”

Got another early start yesterday. Just woke up at around 3:30. My back was a little sore and my right foot was throbbing. I know. Weird ailments time again. But neither was enough to keep me awake. I was just awake. 

So I got up and began my morning routine as quietly as possible. I went ahead and published my blog for the day, and before I could even make the coffee, my friend in Minnesota started messaging me. We exchanged thoughts on the joys of aging (early morning bathroom runs and the like).  He also gave me the Minnesota Department of Tourism spiel when I told him about the good possibility of our coming to or through their state when we go on our next road trip. Minnesota and North Dakota will be the northernmost of the states we visit, and they will finish out our quest to visit all 50. Gary recommended everything from The Spam Museum to the world’s largest ball of twine. Then later in the afternoon he sent me links to two must-see museums in North Dakota - Roger Maris and Lawrence Welk. Can’t wait. 

Last night we went into Texas to have dinner with Nathan, April and Cailyn. It was actually Chris’ Mother’s Day dinner. They also gave her one of those throw blankets. Very soft and cuddly. In fact, she wrapped up in it after we ate and wore it while we were there. Nathan barbecued some chicken and added some fresh corn and beans to the mix. Cailyn and her friend Griselda baked a cake and decorated it. Great job, by the way, girls. You too, Nathan. 

Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭says, Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Father, thank you for family who feed us and friends who direct us to must-see places. Amen. 

May 24 - “Love. Friendship. Romance. Sustenance. Excitement.”

I walked a mile with Chris. She went a little farther. Love. 

I worked on our new jigsaw puzzle. Bunch of fish. Very colorful. It’s actually Lauren’s that she loaned us. Friendship. 

We watched some TV. Season finale of the NCIS:Hawaii series. Hallmark movie. Romance. 

We made a grocery run. Walmart, of course. We also went over to Randall’s to pick up a prescription for Chris. Sustenance. 

I know. Boring day in Galveston, right? Well, we do have a big story in Galveston. We now have our own sinkhole. 22nd and M. Behind the Bryan Museum and O’Connell High School. The car that discovered it was hanging half in and half out. The city shut down all the water to the area until 2 a.m. until they could repair the broken water main. Excitement. 

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ says, For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Father, thank you for all these life necessities.  Amen. 

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May 23 - “A Cauliflower Blessing”

I sent Micah and Josiah a text assuring them that we had multiple people at church wanting to take their prayer cards and be their prayer partners. They even inspired folks to take the rest of the leftover cards as well. Micah responded last night at around 9:30 Alaska time (yep. That would be 12:30 a.m. here. I heard this one though). He said, “I guess it worked because me and Josiah both survived climbing up a mountain!”

We had more than a few highlights of the day yesterday. Not so much anything we did, other than take a walk. But we were inundated with pictures and updates from Alaska. Just what the doctor ordered for Nana Chris, that’s for sure. Well, other than the fact that we really miss being there with them. 

We were blessed again with food. Stephanie brought some soup she made. Probably shouldn’t have told me the creamy texture was creamed cauliflower. I almost didn’t try it. But the parmesan cheese caught my attention, as did the noodles that looked like rice on steroids. I tried it, and to my amazement, I really liked it. Then later Corey and Janell and Brennan brought over some chocolate chip cookies and some brownies. We are all set. 

1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬‬:‭16‬ ‭says, Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

Father, thank you that the team made it safely to Port Allsworth. Bless their work. Amen. 

May 22 - “Oh, well”

Well, Chris’ day started a bit earlier than mine this time. Lauren from Alaska sent us a message at around 9:30 their time. That would be 12:30 a.m. here. I just didn’t hear the phone tone. But Chris did, and she didn’t mind, at all. Lauren sent a photo of our missions team and assurances that they all arrived safe and sound. Later that morning, it was fun sharing texts and pictures with people from church who were receiving them from a different perspective. 

The folks in Alaska told me they watched the Seaside service. They even held hands and sang Family of God. And of course they had Noa with them, so she hollered out the “Love ya, Family” at the end. 

The service seemed to go pretty well, but I sure felt rusty. It has been a while since I last preached We did have one issue with the Visual Verse. When the time came to do it, it was nowhere to be found on the computer. Oh, well. I told everyone I’d get a copy printed for everyone during the next song so they could follow along. But when Chris went into the office to do it … the printer was out of toner. Oh, well. But wait. Before that next song was over, what should magically appear on the computer? Yep. The Visual Verse. We got to do one after all. How’s that for a God-thing “Oh, well”?

John‬ ‭14‬‬:‭27‬ says, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Father, thank you for those “oh well’s” that you surprise us with. And please be with the mission team as they start their flights over the mountain today. Amen. 

May 21 - “They’re there”

I started my morning in the wee hours. I woke up at 3:15 a.m.  My back was barking at me a little bit, and I had to go to the bathroom, but I don’t think that’s why I was awake. See, our Alaska missions team was on their way to the airport at that time. I’m pretty sure I woke up so I could pray for them and text them a few words of encouragement. I hope I caught all of them. 

I managed to doze for another hour or so before getting up. I knew that I had a task before me. It was time to scatter Weed n Feed on the lawns. Fortunately, the sky was overcast, so it wasn’t too hot. I got it done while Chris went on a walk. When she got back, she started her sprinkler routine and got it all watered in. 

 

We had another visitor yesterday afternoon. My cousin Jer from Florida was in town and stopped by to visit. Good to talk to him again. He told us all about his visit to the church in Alice, Texas, where he was christened as a baby. 

He had some issues trying to get out of town though. He wanted to ride the ferry, but after waiting in the line for two and a half hours and watching the line jumpers consistently get away with it, he turned around and headed out over the causeway. By 7:30 he wasn’t yet in Baytown, so at least one night on the road was definitely in his future. 

We did get word that our mission team safely landed in Alaska. They sent some stunning pictures of the mountains they had already seen. They also sent another picture. It was a pile of poop. Scat. Animal feces. Problem was, the locals were trying to convince them that it was from a moose. Huh. Locals will do anything to scam a tourist. Everybody knows there’s no such thing as a moose. 

Revelation‬ ‭21‬‬:‭4‬ says, He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Father, thank you for a safe first leg for the team.  Please grant them safe journeys and great experiences going forward. Oh, and please be with us at Seaside this morning. Been a while since I preached. I might be a little rusty. Amen. 

 

May 20 - “A real doozy”

We started the day off early again. Mowed the lawn. Did the Weed eater. Add the leaf blower. Gotta include the broom and dust pan. All the while peeking over my shoulder to make sure Chris wasn’t trying to do anything. When we were in the front yard, Janell came over with the same intent, so Chris had a baby sitter. And I finished the yard in record time. Now the plan for today is to spread weed and feed. 

Last night we went over to the baseball field to watch Josiah’s team play against Brennan’s. Ideal situation, actually. No matter what happens, Seaside wins. And the game was a real doozy. Back and forth tight pitcher’s duel. And it appropriately ended with Brennan’s team coming from behind in the bottom of the ninth to win 7-6.  Brennan and Josiah each walked in their times at bat. Proud of you, boys. 

We gathered with Christina and the younger kiddos and Micah after the game. We prayed for their flight to Alaska and the mission work they will be doing. Kel and Josiah came by the house after the game so Josiah could say goodbye to our houseguest for the next week or so, their dog Leia. Since we had another captive audience, we prayed with them as well. 

John‬ ‭14‬‬:‭1‬-‭3 says, Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Father, please be with the Seaside  travelers as they fly to Alaska and serve the missionaries there. As you watch over them, especially enjoy the excitement of those youngsters who have never been on an airplane. Amen. 

May 19 - “Speaking of fun …”

We had a fun visit yesterday. Sam came by between her appointments so she wouldn’t have to drive all the way back to her house. She had a bite of lunch, and we chatted for a while. Great to see her, as always. 

Every so often Chris gets cold, so she goes outside with a book to warm up. On one of her trips I did my back exercises. On another I turned on Netflix and watched that sci-fi classic, Galaxy Quest. I’d seen it before, but it is definitely worth a second view. Tim the tool man Taylor, Alien Sigourney Weaver, Professor Snape, among others. Very fun stuff. 

Speaking of fun, Sam came back later in the day to eat her nasty Chinese food all over my table. Kel and Josiah also came by on their way to Josiah’s baseball game. And then Christina, Jachin, Noa, and Ezra came on their way to the game. And while they were all there, Sandy from church came over with some beef stew and shrimp salad. Whew. Grand Central Station. 

I left after I ate so I could see some of the game. Noa and Ezra stayed at the house with Chris. Josiah was batting when I walked up. Two men on base. But a wild pitch and a throwing error or two scored both runs before Josiah even had a chance to swing. And he never got the chance the pitcher threw four straight balls. That was a pretty good depiction of how the game went. Josiah team won handily. As it turned out, they won by forfeit anyway. The other team only had six guys show up, so a few of Josiah’s guys played for them. These are the playoffs, so they play again tonight. This time they play against Brennan’s team. Should be even more fun. 

Acts‬ ‭1‬‬:‭8‬ says, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Father, thanks for our houseful of visitors today. Kind of tired Chris out, but it kinda felt like a regular Thursday home group for a while. Amen.