August 18 - “The surprising day”

Yesterday was Chris’ big 7  - 0 birthday. I kind of went out on a limb and issued a blanket call for anyone and everyone to send her some best wishes in whatever form they deemed fit. 

The happy birthdays began early. Thursday night our home group feted us both with cards and a cake and even some of those tiny little cupcakes. On Friday Chris  received a really pretty pot of flowers “from the Luza’s (not Nathan).” Explanation? Come to find out, when Nathan heard his friends were sending flowers, he told them to sign his name as well. Can’t have that, can we Luza family? Nice move. 

We were going to go to Cailyn’s soccer game in the Woodlands,  but from the feedback I received, it sounded like it might be a good idea for us to stay close to the house and for Chris to answer her phone even if she didn’t recognize the number and also for her to check her texts regularly. Oh, and for me to check my phone and Facebook posts as well. 

Sure enough, the texts and posts started coming. The first came as Chris came out of the bedroom. There on the computer screen were three of the cutest little aliens you ever did see singing “Happy Birthday to You.”  And all throughout the day, whenever there was a bit of a lull, some other random rendition of the birthday song filled the air. Gary from Minnesota … classic!

People from all walks of our past. Seminary. Denver. Arlington. Basketball. Waco. Family. Seaside. Fire department. Even Charles Willett, a dear friend from my high school days who was in our wedding. 

I added to the gift festivities with a canning kit that she has been wanting.  Pot. Funnel. Jar lifter. No idea if that’s all she needs, but it looked like it would be a good start, anyway. We used to have all that stuff, because she did a lot of grape jelly canning when we lived in Denver and had a grapevine in the back yard. All that canning stuff is gone now, though. No idea which storm might have eaten all that up. Her comments when she unwrapped it? Well, first she thought it was an air fryer, so she made me aware that we already had one. I assured her that it was OK to open the box (which she now saw as obviously repurposed). And when she realized what it was, she said, “Now I can loan it to April so she can make some of her salsa!” Well, it’s not grape jelly, but that is Chris’ favorite salsa in the world, so April … watch out. 

There were a few more plant and flower deliveries that were really nice. Then Cory and Sarah and their two boys came by. We were really happy to get to see their new 6-week-old young man. Krissy stopped by for a few minutes with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Aaron and Kelly and Rita and Lorita followed soon after. They shared flowers and designer cookies, but even better, they stayed and talked for a long time. It was great rehashing old times. 

Thank you to all of you who so graciously gave time and love to this special lady. 

Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ says, Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen.

Father, thank you for the great friends and family who took time to reach out to Chris. Bless them for that. Amen. 

August 17 - “Happy Birthday to my gorgeous wife, Chris”

I know she’s not the high-profile pastor’s wife any more, or the ever vigilant Mama Chris in the church nursery, or the always reliable one-in-charge of Bethlehem Street Market. 

You may recognize her instead as the kids camp/youth camp counselor, or the knowledgeable and caring nurse, or the coach’s wife, or that lady who walks in the neighborhood even when her husband cops out on her, or the unparalleled vacation/cruise planner, or the five-star hostess extraordinaire, or the good friend, or however you have known her. And to me she has been confidant, best friend, walking partner, caregiver, lover, us-against-the-world-er, and a host of other adjectives. But all that to say … for crying out loud, she made it to 70 years! 

Speaking of 70 year olds … you do realize that I’m saying Chris turns 70 today don’t you? Yep. Today. Feel free to inundate her with good wishes. Make a phone call (text me if you need a phone number or address, or just send it to me). Send a text or an email or a snail mail card. Stop by the house. Let her know she’s still remembered and loved.

‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭29‬ ‭ says, Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed.”

Father, thanks for you so much for the many years I have been blessed to be with Chris. I’ve said it before, but … you done good there. Amen. 

August 16 - “However …”

Back to the old grind, I suppose. Two more miles in the books. And, folks … it’s hot out there!

The exciting part of our day spanned the time we spent in anticipation of the delivery of our new refrigerator. Thanks, Corey, for letting us park in your driveway to clear the path for that cooling machine. 

However … when the delivery guys arrived and began de-boxing the fridge (I was watching like a hawk), what to their wondering eyes should appear? One of the prongs of the brand-new plug was broken off, making the whole appliance … well, useless. We had to decline the delivery. He left to make his next delivery, but said he would call me as soon as he received a call-back from the manufacturer as to when a replacement would be delivered. Wonderful. 

He didn’t. I started calling people after an hour or so. And after the anticipated frustration of yet another hour dealing with whoever will be replacing it, the best they could do was another month away. That particular one was on back order. Of course it was. So that’ll put us two months in without the refrigerator we tried to purchase right after the last hurricane. Wow. Just wow. Think cool thoughts and eat out a lot? They did say I could request a discount once the item was delivered. I’ll be all over that one. 

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭ says, Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Father, please help our small spare fridge hang in there another month plus. Amen. 

August 15 - “A Day of Surprises”

My day started in a great way. So many texts and facebook messages and Messenger messages that I had a really hard time responding to them all. If I missed yours … thanks so much for the birthday wishes!  

We did get a shortened version of a walk in. Mile and a half. Not because we bombed out, though. I just made one of those accidental phone calls through the messenger app. Spent about half an hour catching up with our dear friend Connie. Great to chat again, Sis. I think maybe that call was NOT an accident … not really. 

After lunch I had a happy birthday call from Nathan. And the myriad of good wishes from Facebook friends as well as texts from friends and family all over the U.S.  never stopped all afternoon. Great to feel loved. 

In the middle of the afternoon I had a phone call that was totally unexpected. I led with the usual, “Hello,” fully expecting to hear the administrative assistant (Jenna) tell me I was needed at one of the stations right away. But no. Oh, Jenna was there, all right, but she joined with all the chiefs in a rousing verse of “Happy Birthday to you.”  Yep, the entire administration team of the fire department was on the other end of the call, blasting out the song. Loved it. Absolutely loved it. Thanks, guys - and Jenna. 

Last night we had some special visitors. Kel and Christina went out for their anniversary, so the kids came over to hang out with us and share my birthday pizza. They even stopped at Walmart on the way over and got us a birthday present all by themselves. Jigsaw puzzle for each of us. 

And finally, I had another call around 9:30. Josh and his whole family regaled me with happy birthday’s as well. Completed my day with a touch of family. Happy birthday to me. 

Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ says, I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Father, thank you for the many expressions of love yesterday. Amen. 

August 14 - “No longer 70”

Well, as of today I’m not 70 years old any longer. I’m pretty sure that means I can now determine whatever age I want to be based on how I’m feeling at the time. I figure for the most part the puts me at 7 or 8. What do you guys out there think?

Speaking of 70 (well, almost) Chris had an appointment yesterday with her PCP. Why is that what we call family doctor nowadays? Guess the shorthand is easier to remember. Certainly better than saying Primary Care Physician. It was a regular checkup. No emergencies or anything. They are gonna watch her blood pressure like a hawk, though. Chris has to take her BP (see what I did there? Initials. Not for British Petroleum, though. Blood Pressure.  Just Blood Pressure) every day for next three, then send the doc the results. Maybe if she hits three in a row she’ll win a jackpot!  

We made a Walmart quick run. Well, we thought it would be quick. We did get the bulk of the groceries we needed (that would fit in the pantry or the tiny spaces left in the spare fridge. But that issue will be remedied tomorrow!  New fridge delivery on the books for Thursday. Woohoo!). Sorry for the rather excitable rant. Three weeks without our usual refrigerator has been tough. 

So, back to the shopping. The unexpected extension of time came at the checkout counter. Come to find out, Chris and the lady had something in common. The checker is about to have a loop recorder implanted, and she’s more than a bit ill-at-ease. Well, since Chris has already been there-done that, she was able to at least somewhat calm the lady’s fears. It took a while, and perhaps to extend the chat time without getting in trouble, she put just one or maybe two items in each bag. It worked, though. I think she was calmer than when we arrived. Good ministry job, Chris!

Shortly after we got home, my phone rang. It was Kel. They had run out of gas about a block or two away from the gas station … in front of Walmart. We took them some gas and they made it safely to the station. Ah, crises. Ain’t they grand? 

Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬ ‭ says, A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.

Father, thanks for you for the chance I had to watch Chris calm that checker. Very cool stuff. Amen. 

August 13 - “The Mainlander Family”

I had one of those DadDad chores yesterday. Kel and his family are staying in Galveston at a beach house for a week. And as a part of their family vacation, 7 year old Ezra wanted just one thing on his (in his words) “vacation bucket list - Fishin’ with DadDad.”  So I HAD to fulfill his one and only vacation wish, didn’t I? 

We went to “our spot” - a little park on one of the canals in Jamaica Beach. Their whole family decided to join Ezra, so I loaded up the truck with all the operating fishing poles I had. And they did pretty good for a “mainlander” family. Several croakers, numerous sand trout, two keeper redfish, a pretty big black drum, and a few catfish. They all had a pretty good time. Christina brought over some side dishes, Chris baked the reds, and I fried the fish McNugget filets for lunch. Major Yum!

James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ says, Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

Father, thanks for directing those fish to the kids’ hooks today. They had fun. Amen. 

August 12 - “The real boss”

52 folks met up with us at church yesterday. Well, we were two of the 52, so I guess to be perfectly accurate, I suppose I should say 50 others met us. Good folks. 

The big event for our afternoon was pretty much centered around the Astros game. The good guys jumped out to a 10-0 lead, with a few home runs thrown into the mix. The bad guys tried to chip away at the lead, though. They fell short. Like way short. 8 runs short. Go Astros!

We also chatted with our next door neighbor about replacing the fence on that side and removing the tree that is embedded in the old fence. We talked to the husband. He referred us to “the real boss.”  That’s would be his wife, of course. He’s going to talk to her when she gets back in town from a visit with her family. Here’s hoping we can get the whole fence thing done soon. 

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ says, Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.

Father, thanks for the neighbors you have given us. Help us be good ones. Amen.