September 14 - “Full and Fun”

We really slept in yesterday. I didn’t get up until 6:30. Of course we didn’t get home from the post-game celebration until around midnight. That explains that. 

After a leisurely morning (we didn’t walk. That’s synonymous with leisurely), we went out for lunch. Ready for this one? Sam’s. Yep THAT Sam’s. Pizza and a cinnamon pretzel. In fact, all six of us ate for about $15. And the food wasn’t half bad. 

Christi had a list of stuff to buy there, so it wasn’t strictly a lunch run. But there may or may not have been a few items in the cart that were not on her list. Like the shorts that were on sale for $12. Josh and I couldn’t resist. 

From there we headed over to a running store in town where Luke had earlier been specially fitted for running shoes. Waco Running Company. But this trip was not for Luke. This one was for … Nani. She needed some walking shoes, and this was supposed to be the place to go for the full measurement and subsequent recommendation job. Well, she took them up on it. Brand new walking shoes. Now we’ll see how it goes. 

Josh did some fancy cooking for supper. They had some fresh salmon, so he fired up the grill. Some of it was grilled (for Nani). Some of it was blackened (for me and Josh and Luke). And he tossed in some chicken as well (for Christi and AnnaGrace … and MaddieBelle). Nice job, Josh. 

All in all it was a full and fun day. We played some games together and even watched a movie about an alien. No doubt a cousin of mine. Weird name, though. Stitch. 

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭113‬:‭3‬ says, From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of Yahweh be praised.

Father, thank you for this full and fun day. We can use more of these. Amen. 

September 13 - “Unbridled Joy”

Cary fixed us an amazing breakfast. Bacon and eggs and biscuits. Even had cinnamon rolls on the side if we wanted them. Nice and healthy. Thanks, Cary. 

The funeral was scheduled to start at ten. We got there with 2 minutes to spare. It was a really sweet tribute to a really sweet guy. Words of remembrance from ex-students and friends of his through the years brought a tear to more than one eye in the church. But virtually every one spoke to Chuck’s unbridled joy and spirit of encouragement. He will be missed, but he is definitely enjoying time with Jesus now. 

After the funeral we meet up with the Winkles and the Huntley’s. We had a great lunch at Jason’s Deli. Actually, it was the company that was great. The food was OK. Filled us up, at least. 

From there it was on to Waco. And Friday Night Lights. Yep. High school football. Caleb’s six-man team had a game against a sort of rival. Bad guys took the lead with 48 seconds to go, 45-40. Good guys scored! And then … 

Good guys won 46-45 when the defense held inside the 20 for four downs in the final seconds!

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ says, but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

Father, thank you for our time with really great friends. Bless them. Amen. 

September 12 - “Hit the road day”

Well, it was “hit the road day” again on Thursday (I mean after our 5K walk and a quick stop at Whataburger for some lunch), although the first part of this jaunt was kind of a sad one. We headed up to Arlington for the funeral of Chuck Willett, a good friend from my high school days. 

There was good mixed in there, though. Chuck was most definitely a believer, so there is assurance that he’s doing just fine now. Also, we got to stay the night with our great friends the Winkle’s. 

Oh, and one quick thought regarding the ride to Arlington.  We made an executive decision about the Buc-ees in Madisonville.  Every time we have been there before, the place has been a madhouse. We barely made it to the bathrooms through the wall-to-wall people. But this time was different. Not many travelers on the road. So we could finally make an accurate assessment. It’s too big to be called a Baby Buc-ees. But it’s really too small to be an actual Buc-ees. So a new designation has emerged. Buc-ees Junior. 

Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬ says, Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord.

Father, be with Chuck’s family today. Help them know your peace. Amen. 

September 11 - “Redeeming Love”

Our 5K kind of snuck into 3.3 miles yesterday. We took a slightly different route, and it added the extra two tenths. We’ll keep that one for a while. 

We also did a bit of a different workout follow-up. Chris (after doing her weights workout) watered all her plants that were looking more than a little pekid (however you spell that) in all the heat. While she was busy with that, I did some work on the car. No, not mechanic stuff. I just filled up the windshield washer. Then I attacked the vacuuming. Always a challenge. Chris came out and joined me when she finished her task. Between us we got the vacuuming done. Even washed off dead love bugs from the windshield and headlights. She looks ready to go. 

And just in time. We are heading up to Arlington for the funeral of a good friend from my high school days, Chuck Willett. He was a groomsman in our wedding. He’s been dealing with cancer for a while now. Glad he’s at peace. 

Yesterday afternoon we watched a movie called Redeeming Love. It was based on Chris’ all-time favorite book of the same name. The book was based on the biblical story of Hosea, except in the setting of the Gold Rush West. Pretty fascinating plot. I recommend reading the book rather than jumping right into the movie. Either that or watch it with Chris. She can fill in the substantial blanks. And correct the glaring errors (er, I mean, cases of Hollywood’s use of poetic license). 

Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ says, So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God.

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Father, please ride with us. And be with Chuck’s family. Amen. 

September 10 - “A lot of Buddies”

We were well into our 5K walk yesterday when someone joined us. About midway through the last mile, a car approached from the rear. Not an unusual occurrence. Happens all the time. All we do is move to the side of the road and wave as they pass by. But this time the car didn’t pass by. It stopped. 

Assuming it was one of our neighbors who wanted to chat, we put our watches on pause and turned to face them. Who should be sitting there but Kel and Christina. Oh, and Ezra. We knew Ezra was coming to spend the morning with us, but we didn’t expect him that early. 

Ezra hoped out of the car and joined us for the rest of the walk. Kel and Christina went on to their training session. Walking Buddy, achieved. 

Now this time, the stay with Nana and DadDad was not without requirements. Seems there was some schoolwork to be accomplished as well. 

And first on the docket … music. Specifically, ukulele practice. So guess who got to take lead on that one? I got out my uke and we jammed for 15 or 20 minutes. Actually, we practiced the two songs here is learning in his class. He doing really well. Uke Buddy, achieved. 

Unfortunately, next came bookwork. He had assignments in Science and history. And since the history book was on top, guess who got to help him? Or resident history buff. That would be DadDad. We read about the beginnings of the Roman Empire. I even managed to toss in a few anecdotes of my own regarding some of the details not dealt with. So … History Buddy, achieved. 

Next came science. Now you would think Nana would be the perfect one to handle this subject. But no. I got to read about DNA and canines and felines and how Good created the animals each of their own “kind.”  He listened pretty well, too. Answered the questions pretty thoroughly. Science Nerd -er- Buddy, achieved. 

Finally, it was time for PE, the one subject I have actually substituted for in our local high school. And by PE, I mean, he and I went in the backyard and tossed the baseball around. And Nana certainly couldn’t be the one to cover this activity. After all, according to Ezra, “When Nana throws popups, they come out grounders. And grounders become popups.” Well, we just can’t have that, can we? So … Baseball Buddy, achieved. 

That’s a lot of “Buddies” to keep up with. 

John‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬ says, Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.

Father, thank you for my Multi-talented Buddy. Bless him. Amen.

September 9 - “Strength training”

We went back to our 5K walk to start off the week. Best times ever, by the way. And afterwards, Chris headed up to the church. She was joining a group of ladies to learn how to use weights to get more time in their muscles. Krissy from church led it. She’s a health coach in her day job, so quite qualified. 

Meanwhile, I made a quick trip over to the bank to make a deposit the old fashioned way. Hey. Sometimes you have to maintain the actual human contact. 

From there I stopped in at Walgreens. Still looking for a thumb brace for my right hand that doesn’t also go around my wrist. So far no luck. Guess I’ll eventually have to get my occupational therapist Michelle to make me one. 

When Chris got back and we had some lunch, we tried CVS, but they didn’t have one either Michelle, expect a call. Oh. And we added a quick Walmart run to the afternoon as well. Needed a few things … not bananas. Mission accomplished. 

Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ says, Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff — they comfort me.

Father, we’re praying again for Cailyn and for Corey’s mom. Keep them in your hands. Amen. 

September 8 - “A special call”

We had kind of a small crowd at church yesterday. A little over 50. I met one couple in town from Oklahoma. Another couple just moved to the area. And a third has been to Seaside several times before, but it has been a long time. 

The Astros game was on in the early afternoon. Sad outcome. Bad guys won 4-2. 

The highlight of the afternoon came when Micah gave us a call from Lynchburg. He was just chatting away about school and the extra-curricular activities they provide. Sounds like he is really plugging in masterfully. Can’t wait to see him whenever he gets to come home next. 

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

Father, thanks for the chance to connect with Micah. Watch over him. Amen.