November 15 – “The Fire”

The night after the race we built a fire.  No, not in the fireplace.  I don’t think their fireplace works, anyway.  And not in the barbeque pit or in a Waco-special fire pit.  Nope.  Not for the Vaughan boys.  We built a fire in the driveway. 

It all started when the boys found a book that Uncle Nathan had given to Josh as a Christmas present.  Something along the lines of making weapons of mass destruction using common everyday materials.  Very MacGuyver-ish. 

The one on building a miniature bomb using a box of matches looked especially appealing to Caleb.  After a long period of painstaking construction (Word has it that duct tape was involved), and with his big brother looking on, Caleb carefully tossed his version into the street and leapt away from the impending blast.  Sadly, none ever came. 

But that didn’t stop the Vaughan Boys.  See, in lieu of the box of matches, the boys got had been using some of those books of paper matches like they used to give away all over the place (I don’t know.  Maybe they still do).  Zak was fascinated by the striking phenomenon, but he was a little over-cautious when he did get one to strike.  As soon as he saw the flames, he tossed the match aside.  A few times Caleb then pounced upon it and picked it up, but Zak, the ever present Guardian Big Brother, warned him to drop it again.  They struggled for a long time with very little success.  Finally Josh just couldn’t stand it any longer.  Dear old Dad felt compelled to impart to his young sons the mystery – the miracle – of striking a match using the folded-over matchbook cover technique.  Wonder of wonders.  It worked. 

Of course, starting the fire itself was an entirely different story.  Damp leaves and green sticks just weren’t catching.  Josh was already implicated in the “adventure,” so he dropped to one knee (and eventually just sat down), right in the thick of things.  And I couldn’t let my son look bad in front of his offspring, so I started scouting for a better fuel source.  Pretty soon we had a hodge-podge pile of leaves and twigs and torn-up paper from the nearby trash can.  And pretty soon we had a raging mini-fire. 

Josh used the opportunity to review a teaching on what makes fire happen, and that teaching ultimately morphed into how to put a fire out.  The boys did a great job identifying all the elements – fuel source, heat, oxygen.  They talked about how pouring water on it would indeed remove heat, but the removed heat in that case would manifest itself in steam, which was just as dangerous as fire, itself.  Caleb and Luke each already had a handful of dirt they had appropriated from a random bag full of the stuff he found in the garage (Sorry, Christi.  You don’t have quite as much potting soil as you once did).  That would take away the oxygen.  And Zak grabbed a stick to help Dad scatter the embers and thus remove some of the fuel.  Uncle Nathan the fireman would be proud.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Father, thanks for the gift of fire.  And thank you for the fire fighters who stand ready to help us out when we are not careful.  Amen.

November 14 - “Race Day II: It’s a Zoo”

In the interest of the time of the meager few who choose to read these posts, I decided to divide our Race Day adventures.  That places me a day or two behind, I know, but living in the past every now and then can be beneficial, can’t it?

We took advantage of a free day at the zoo after the big 5K race that  Josh and Zak ran in.  They needed to walk around a while to cool down, and Caleb and Luke were up for the challenge, so into the animal wilds we went.

As we rounded the bend near the bald eagle and just past the otter house, Luke decided it was time for the Mighty Miniature 5K to begin.  And since no one else wanted to be in the thick of another competition so soon after the big boys ran, old DadDad decided to join him. 

He took off down the path, arms pumping, just as he had seen Daddy’s and Big Brother Zak’s going at the race.  His body seemed to magically transform into that of an accomplished Olympic long-distance runner.  I wasn’t sure how far we would go, or how long I could even keep up with him, but I was determined to try.  He motored along until suddenly he took a rather drastic veer to our left.  Never slowed down, but he obviously knew the race track better than I did.  I glanced up about then and noticed where he was headed – right to the playground.  Uh-huh.  Of course.  Any respectable Mini-5K would run through a playground. 

He made his way off the path (“Perhaps this is a cross-country race instead,” I fretted) and right to what I assumed would be a dead end.  But no.  It was just the steps to the slide.  Luke took the first step, then paused, pumping his arms twice.  Then the second step, another pause, another set of arm pumps.  And so it continued all the way to the top of the steps, at which point he turned to me, with his little three-year-old legs still jogging in place.  And when he was sure he had my eye, both fists shot into the air in a gesture of victory.  The race was over. We had a winner.  And then, suddenly, the three-year-old returned.  See … now it was time to slide. 

And since Luke was now lost in his post-race reverie, I went with the older two guys on a Pokemon hunt.  Fortunately for me (since I don’t have the app on my phone), the adventure took us through the middle of the otter habitat.  Otters.  My all-time favorite animal.  They weren’t really active, but I did see one, however briefly.  I’m gonna be good to go for the rest of this trip.  Well, unless Christi goes into labor.  Then everything changes. 

We did finally move on from the playground once we were all together again.  We made a quick round of the world-famous Waco Zoo while we were there (Remember, that’s where the big guys’ 5K run originated).  There was a lot of activity in the reptile house for some reason.  They were slithering around all over their enclosures.  I admit it.  I looked around to see if anybody had that Harry Potter look about them.  I did stay a few extra steps away from the glass, too. 

My favorite quote of the day came after we had lunch at a Mexican food establishment right on the river.  I made my way down a flight of stairs that lead to a pier.  I was following Zak and Caleb, of course.  They were testing the waters, so to speak.  Caleb would put his toe out onto a piece of river driftwood, then pull it back quickly, almost as if his toe had internally heard the stern warning voice of his Dad.  And Zak dutifully encouraged him to “Go just a little further.”  As I arrived I heard Zak say in his wisest of big brother voices, “The presence of danger is what makes it an adventure.  You could find a unicorn, or you could fall off and die.”  Wow.  Dumbledore-worthy, don’t you think?

Ephesians 2:6-7 says, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

Father, thank you for zoo adventures and mini- 5K’s and family.  Amen.

November 13 – “Race Day”

I received a lesson in socking-putting-on from Luke.  I drew that particular task as we were getting ready to head out for the day at the race.  He climbed into my lap and patiently waited for me to slide each one his tiny little feet.  I finished up and reached for his shoes – well, I thought I was finished.  He then very calmly and gently informed me, “No, DadDad.  See?  I learned do it dis way.”  He then proceeded to grab the top of each sock with his fingers and pull it as tight as it would go up his leg.  “Now.  I ready.”  Well, OK.  I’m learning.

So on to the run itself.  The start and finish line was located at the Waco Zoo, so there was plenty of action to be had for the non-runners.  They had a bounce house set up near the finish line (That’s where Caleb headed.  He was disappointed not to be running in the big race, but this was to be Dad and Zak’s special thing together.  His turn will come), as well as face painters.  An announcer had the unenviable task of announcing each and every runner as he or she crossed the finish line.  And to top that task off, there were late finishers coming across from the 10K at the same time as the 5K’ers.  He was pretty amazing. 

Josh and Zak joined the throng of almost nine hundred (or so the announcer reported later) for the start of the race, and we took up our spot at the first mile marker.  It wasn’t long before the two of them came zipping past us.  Zak waved shyly and Josh swooped around to give high fives to the crowd (especially Luke and Caleb).  Christi and Caleb held up a sign they had made encouraging Dad and Zak to run fast.  That moment lasted just that – about a moment.  And then we headed over to the finish line to wait. 

Christi said they had been taking around 45 minutes to finish three miles during their training runs.  I knew that there is something special about being in an actual race, though.  The adrenaline just kicks in.  I predicted somewhere under 40 minutes.  We saw the winner come across in at just under 17 minutes.  He was a tall, lanky youngster of only 17 years.  We joked that the kid’s legs alone were almost as tall as Zak was.  Christi met his Mom.  She told her that he was in training to get a college scholarship.  He needs to shave a few more seconds off his time, but I hope he gets there. 

Josh said they slowed to a walk several times, and even strolled for a while at about the halfway point so they could catch a few Pokemons.  And still they came running around the bend to finish in 36 minutes and 24 seconds.  Not a bad time at all for a couple of neighborhood joggers in their first race together.  Hey, they knocked almost ten minutes off their personal best times.  We found out later that Zak finished tenth in his age group.  All in all, it was quite a successful morning.  We even found time to make our way around the zoo.  But that’s a story for another day.

Ephesians 2:4 says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.”

Father, thank you for your protection for the runners.  And thank you for the success they all experienced as they crossed the finish line.  Amen.

November 12 – “A Children’s Musical Event”

We made our way to Waco yesterday.  The state convention of Baptists happens to be going on starting tomorrow, so we decided to see if it operated any differently than it did the last time we went to one of them.  Of course that was back in the 1980’s and it was held in Dallas that year.  Lots of different issues have washed under the bridge since then.  Besides, we didn’t even have to pay for a hotel room.  Can’t beat having a quality collection of grandchildren around to “invite you” to stay with them for a few days.  And it also wouldn’t hurt our feelings any if Christi just happened to go into labor while we are here.  That would save us a four hour rush trip to greet baby AnnaGrace. 

Last night we managed to score some tickets to a children’s musical production.  Josh had to attend a graduation ceremony, so the rest of us went to see the musical version of Rapunzel.  The most interesting thing about this play?  The oldest actor was 14 years old.  Yep.  All the characters were children from about eight to fourteen years old.  And I gotta say, they really did do a good job.  Oh, the quality of singing was certainly suspect at times (But who am I to judge quality of singing, anyway?  Especially not after that video of my ukulele recital was leaked to the internet).  But not a single cue was missed, and best I could tell, no lines were flubbed up, either.  The set design was exceptional, and the backstage crew was one of the best I have seen in community productions like this where everyone is a volunteer.  They were dropping backdrops from the rafters and rolling set pieces back and forth like seasoned veterans.  My favorites among the actors were the set of four good friends who grew up together, always jostling and taunting each other good-naturedly.  One of the boys from Josh’s church was in one of these roles.  The four of them really stole the show as far as I was concerned. 

This morning we are heading out early.  Josh and Zak are running in a 5K race, so we are going to cheer them on.  I remember running in the Cowtown 10K with Josh when he was but a youngster.  Sigh.  Wish I was running with them.  That would be something to write about.  Probably from a hospital bed, but an interesting story, anyway.  It is only a little after six, and Zak has started stirring already.  I understand we are going to drive through at Shipley’s for some donuts on the way to the race.  That’ll work for me.  So give a little cheer for the two Vaughan runners this morning.

Ephesians 1:18-19 says, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

Father, watch over all the folks in the run this morning.  Thank you for the great weather, too.  Perfect running weather.  Amen.

November 11 – “The Concert”

The moment of truth finally arrived.  Fifteen or so ragtag, flowered shirt and lei wearing novices, who just eight short weeks ago were all thumbs and tin ears, gathered into a room with family and friends watching to unleash a barrage of musical talent that seemed destined to cause amazement – nay, sheer mystification – at the magical transformation that had taken place.  These fifty-plus-ers had worked for eight long weeks to master the required twinkle-finger skills to entertain the burgeoning roomful of fans.  Their hard work and their teacher’s massive displays of patience and laughter in light of those previously clumsy fingers was about to bear musical fruit.  The tension was excruciating.  The doors closed.  The teacher rose to his podium.  His introductions began.  “These are the Ollie Ooks …”  Yes.  An entire band of ukuleles.  And so it commenced.

From the first strains of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” the audience was enthralled.  Cameras flashed.  Cell phones memorialized the moment.  And what were the pieces of art?  What a list.  What a hodgepodge of genre …

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Jambalaya (One of my personal favorites)

This Land is Your Land

Stand By Me

At this point the audience was completely enthralled.  But did the musicians continue in their light-hearted vein.  Oh, no.  For the time for seriousness was at hand.  The next piece was none other than that Beethoven favorite, Ode to Joy.  And when the dust settled, not to be painted into any particular box, the group forged ahead …

Hound Dog (Yep.  THAT Hound Dog.  Elvis Presley.  And I have to admit, I might have gotten a little more into this one.  So much so that I might have shown some moves that Elvis would  have been proud of.  Of course he was probably already turning over in his grave along with Beethoven because of the unbelievable quality imparted to their music). And then …

You Are My Sunshine

Jamaica Farewell

Octopus’s Garden (Yep.  Ringo’s song)

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Take Me Out to the Ball Game (Before this one, I put on a baseball cap on one side of the room and another guy put on a rival cap at the other and we glared at each other.  Totally spur of the moment on both of our parts)

La Bamba

Marianne

The Rainbow Connection (Ah, Kermit)

All My Loving (Go Beatles)

So was the recital/concert a success?  Let me just say this … Before we even left the room accolades (and videos) were being posted on FaceBook.  Check for yourself …

Ephesians 1:17 says, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”

Father, thank you for the fun of playing a silly little instrument that brings joy to people just by looking at it.  Amen.

November 10 – “Let me finish …”

Yesterday afternoon Chris and I went up to Texas City to attend the funeral of Grayson Glass.  Kel was there as well.  He has been attending First Baptist Church in Texas City where Grayson was a member, so he knew several of the people there.  I knew the local pastors who came out.  We also got to say hi to the music pastor there who was in the same position at South Oaks Baptist Church in Arlington back when we were there.  I saw three or four folks who had been in the youth group at First Baptist back when I started going there to hold hands with my girlfriend.  All in all, the church was really packed.  Grayson was 87 years old and had obviously touched a lot of lives.  For me, the most impressive point in the whole service came when his granddaughter read a eulogy tribute to her granddad.  Well-spoken.  Then she followed up by accompanying the soloist on her violin.  Impressive young lady. 

While we were there Chris and I were scoping out their worship center chairs.  That’s on the list for Seaside.  Our stackable pews are really in rough shape, so we are looking to replace them with chairs.  That would give us more flexibility in setting up the worship center.  As we discussed it, Kel reminded us that he had done all the research already just a few years ago when he was pastor at Faith Bible Church.  He knew which website to go to and exactly how much they would cost.  Come to find out, the estimate we were using for our fund raising goal was way high.  Good news there.  I don’t think I will try to change the visual aid I worked on for that fund, though.  That is the bane of property ownership.  There will always be another capital expenditure.

The rest of my work day was spent focusing on my Visual Verses book.  I have about five more sections to complete and the whole thing will be finished.  Then I have to figure out how to print and bind it.  Just can’t afford to send it to a self-publisher right now.  Half of our property taxes are due at the end of the month and we still have to come up with enough to cover insurances that come due in January.  I have some ideas on the printing thing, though.  But let me finish the book first …

Ephesians 1:15-16 says, “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”

Father, again, please walk with Grayson’s family over the next few days.  Continue to give them the peace they displayed yesterday.  Amen.

November 9 – “Simple”

Hey!  Happy birthday to my baby brother, Stan. 

While Chris was on her way back from Waco on Monday, I spent the morning and a good part of the afternoon sitting at my computer.  We are going to the Texas Baptist Convention next week, so I wanted to get ahead on the Thursday Home Bible study and the sermon for the week we get back.  Makes for a couple of tired eyes and one sorer back than usual. 

We were supposed to pick up Cailyn from school, but her Dad called and said he would be able to do it, so that built-in break time was effectively canceled.  I did stop long enough to eat some chicken and dumplings and watch an episode of Terra Nova on Netflix.  We haven’t watched that one before.  Interesting concept.  Overcrowded, over polluted earth discovers a way to send people back in time to a parallel universe’s dinosaur era.  It can’t be their own time’s era, because their presence would cause the future to change.  Convoluted and confusing, but a fun concept.  Not fun enough, though.  Best I can tell it only lasted one season.  Don’t want to get too heavily invested in that one. 

I know, I know.  I have gone through three whole thoughts without saying anything about the presidential election.  My thoughts now are simple and are the same they would have been no matter who won.  Our responsibilities as believers remain: pray for the president and all those in authority over us, obey the law of the land, encourage one another and build each other up, and every day give up control of our lives to the Holy Spirit.  So congrats to President Trump.  May God guide him in every decision he faces.  May God be with Mrs. Clinton in her personal life and the struggles she faces.  May our country humble ourselves, and pray, and seek God’s face, and turn from our wicked ways.  May God in turn hear from heaven, and forgive our sin, and heal our land.

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 says, “If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Father, draw us to call on you.  We all need you.  Amen.