October 14 - “Hey, Heart! Here it comes …”

We started our walk yesterday, but we’re only able to get in about a mile. I received a text from our contractor indicating that his guys would be ready to start prepping our house for painting … between 8:40 and 9:00!  We cut out short and hightailed it back home. 

Why so much urgency to get back? We had some pre-prepping of our own to so. We had to move all the plants and the bench from the front porch. We also pulled the car out of the driveway. Gotta give ‘em plenty of room to operate. 

Aaaanndd … we had a little bit of excitement. When they tried to remove our hose to hook up their power washer, Boom! The faucet pulled off in their hands. Water was spewing everywhere. Fortunately, it was happening at the faucet in the front flowerbed. Guess they got a good watering. The workers let me know what was going on, and they repaired the faucet. They even took our hose back to their shop to try to get the stuck hose off for us. They’ll be back today to get started on the actual painting. 

But we won’t be there. Heading out super early for my 6:15 appointment at the hospital. Hey, Heart! Here it comes …

Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ says, We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

Father, I guess I’m trusting you in a special way today. Be with the good doc. Amen. 

October 13 - “Three pieces”

We were back at church again. Not that we missed church. We were just back at Seaside. And there were several folks there who recognized us and/or acknowledged our absence. One couple only comes about once a year (they don’t live here, but look forward to “The Seaside Experience” every time they are in town).  It was also cool to see two new guys being trained to work on the sound board and the computer/ Facebook Live connection. 

We spent the afternoon just crashing at home. I almost finished the big jigsaw puzzle I’ve been working on. As is my custom, I left three pieces for Chris to finish before she takes a photo to commemorate the accomplishment. 

We also watched a few of the shows we taped while we were in Waco. Always helps me unwind. In fact most of the time I can’t even stay awake. Guess it’s doing its job. 

Gotta get a walk in this morning. Won’t have time tomorrow. Heart cath and all. So … we’re off. 

Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭2‬ says, The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Father, thank you for the great news that Micah made it back to his dorm in Virginia. Amen. 

October 12 - “The visitation”

We had an extra special “visitation” yesterday. No, it wasn’t a Halloween spooky or anything like that. Way better. 

Cailyn came over to hang out for a while. And as is her custom, she’s brought along a friend. Very sweet girl from her club soccer team, Kenna. 

We talked for a bit at the house. Then we adjourned to a better place for some lunch. Kenna had never been to Shrimp n Stuff. Well, we can’t have that. We had to introduce her to the robust delicacies of the fried seafood world. Good stuff. 

The girls headed on to an excursion of their own on The Strand. We made it back to the house in plenty of time to see some of the U of H football game (and may or may not have grabbed a nap).  

The afternoon was reserved for a celebratory meal with Micah and his family (and Kaylee, of course). He heads back to Virginia and the college life later today. Kel cooked some steaks and Christina added baked potatoes, corn on the cob, beans, and even apple pie. We brought the ice cream. It was a fun time, especially watching Ezra show off his new-found bike riding skills. 

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬ says, Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited

Father, please travel with Micah and Kaylee as they return to their respective campuses. Amen. 

October 11 - “After the donation”

We got out of the house at a little before 8 yesterday morning. I had an appointment at 8 to have some blood drawn in anticipation of my heart cath coming up on Tuesday. Chris came with me. She’s done this a hundred or so times, so it helps to have an old pro along for the ride. 

To make things interesting, there was no record in the system that bloodwork for me had ever been ordered. Well, OK then. We left that office and strolled around the corner to the cardiologist’s domain. The office person sent a quick email to the nurse. Interesting, since she was just there other side of the door. In fact, about that time someone opened said door. A quick holler alerted the nurse to check her computer, and within seconds the orders were typed and sent. 

Of course then I had to wait my turn again. They finally called my number. Well, they just waved at me to come on in. The phlebotomist (love saying that word. Sounds like somebody who studies the back side of fleas) was amazing. I never felt a thing. 

After the blood “donation,” we went over to a different part of the hospital. We made attempt number two to visit our friend JoAnna. And this time we were successful. She has changed rooms four times.  And while we were there, they informed her that she was about to be moved again. Hey! Road trip!

On the way home we stopped at Walmart to replenish stuff like bananas! There was enough other stuff to fill up the basket, though. Then, after some lunch, we went back out and over to Randall’s to get a prescription for Chris. And we may or may not have grabbed the Blue Bell special - three cartons of Homemade in the Shade for $5.79 each. Score!

Last night we drove into Texas to watch some of the karate sparring. This time we only had to keep up with three contestants: Josiah, Noa, and Ezra. Of course they are the best of all of them anyway. And as a double bonus … we got to see Micah and Kaylee, our home from college for the weekend students. 

John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ says, A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

Father, be with JoAnna’s docs as they work to find the right treatment for her. And grant her and Irv a special dose of your peace. Amen. 

October 10 - “ByeBye”

We left amid a chorus of “Bye bye’s” yesterday. Well, I guess it might be more accurate to say it was a solo. But I did my best to get in at least as many as were in that goofy Mufasa song. 

We arrived at Buc-ees around noon. Lunch time! Chris had her turkey and cheese cup. I had a chicken wrap with lots of other  junk in there, too. Pretty good. We had some cantaloupe, and then some of our old stand-by, candy corn for dessert. 

We made it home around 2. Plenty of time to get unloaded and ready for home group last night. Jachin came by to join us for supper. He had to work in Galveston, then he was going to a Bible study in Galveston as well, so it was easier to come here rather than drive all the way to LaMarque and back. We scarfed down some tacos, and he took off. 

Home group went well. It was good to have a new face there. A young man named Christian joined us. We talked about Absalom and his plot to take over King David’s throne. 

‭‭1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Father, thank you for our safe trip home, a great home group, and our time with Jachin. Amen. 

October 9 - “The Return”

Well, it was back to one of those boring old school days again. Zak and Caleb had classes at the junior college. Along with his other assignments, Luke had his online Latin class. AnnaGrace waded through history reading and doing some math with Nani. 

Then the two girls worked on sewing the costume they are creating for AnnaGrace. Sacagawea. It was sweet to see the two of them sitting together pulling that needle and thread through the fabric. Can’t wait to see the final result. 

Josh and Christi got back around three. They regaled us with tales of their harrowing climb of that daunting precipice, Enchanted Rock. And the kids responded in turn with their own harrowing exploits with Nani and DadDad. 

Last night we all went to the church for their summer Columbus U. It’s their discipleship night set up like a college format, with different options for study. 

John‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬ says, This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you.

Father, thank you for giving Josh and Christi a restful day or two, and for getting them back home safely. Amen. 

October 8 - “Mad Hatters”

I had quite the early start. Unintentional, however. Around 2:30 in the morning I was awakened with a start by … well, by me. I suddenly started sneezing. Over and over and over. I lost count of how many times. Now that was the definition of a rude awakening, for sure. Welcome to the cedar forest paradise here in Waco. 

I finally fell back to sleep, and still managed to wake up in plenty of time to make sure Luke got up for his cross country practice. Actually he woke up on his own. I didn’t have to do anything but remind him to eat a banana before his ride got here at 7:11. 

Chris had the first chauffeur duties yesterday. AnnaGrace had a class called “Mad Hatters.”  Actually, it was just a group of ladies from their church who gather to knit hats and things for people who need the warmth. They have taken AnnaGrace under their wing. 

Meanwhile I stayed around the house. Zak and Lindsay were around. But of them had college classes online to work on. And when Luke got back, he took care of the schoolwork he was responsible for as well. I got a lot of reading done. 

Chris made tacos for lunch, certainly a crowd favorite. Then everyone pitched in to straighten up the house before piano lessons kicked in for AnnaGrace and Caleb. It was fascinating to hear the vast difference between their skill levels. Of course, I suppose one might expect that. He’s twice her age. They are both doing really well, though. 

Chris and AnnaGrace were back out of the house again for the afternoon. This time it was dance rehearsal. All kinds of dance. Jazz. Tap. Lyrical. Ballet. And while the girls did the dance thing, Caleb went to football practice. Luke played some video games (Yes, Mom. He finished his schoolwork). I read some more. That’s the most reading I’ve done in years. 

I did get a call (2 separate ones, actually. Both wanted the same thing) confirming my appointment to have a heart cath next week. Arrival time 6:15 a.m.  Chris is less than thrilled at the time. I’m fine with it. I’ll probably be up anyway. And the admonition to avoid eating or drinking after midnight makes the earliest appointment sound even better. 

Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ says, Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Father, thank you for the music we heard filling the house yesterday. Great invention you had there. Amen.