Captain’s Log

Captain’s Log: August 26, 2026

I was leading a group the other day at Sam’s Place. The topic was “gratitude and positive thinking,” and then I was tested…. Oh boy, was I tested. I tried really hard to practice what I preach, but I am pretty sure I failed hard! Let’s set the stage for the few weeks leading up to Wednesday, August 26.

Captain’s Log: Star Date June 29, 2026

The Great White Van had been drifting in space for over a week. The Sam’s Place van is back on line? The new month is coming, and the guys always have spending money on the first of the month. It burns holes in their pockets and makes grown men shake with unbridled excitement. Chris, Tiffain, and CJ are coming this weekend, and we want the Great White Van online to take them places as one big group.

I got a new fuel pump after a long, painful process of determining the right part—which should be easy, but wasn’t. The pump arrives, but a tab is broken. I’m in a crunch for time, so I zip-tie it and away we go! Pressing the tank off my chest, holding it with one hand and starting the bolts with the other, all goes well. Next, I drop five gallons of gas back in—after a day of tasting gasoline from the primitive siphoning I did the day before—and it’s a wrap.

Crank… no start. Try to bleed the line, crank… no start. Bleed and bleed, nothing is coming. I can hear the pump, but there is no gas. Troubleshooting proves the pump makes noise but won’t actually pump. Drop the tank, order a new pump, wait another week for it to arrive, and start over. Press the tank off my chest, hold with one hand, screw with the other, and it’s done in no time. Crank… no start. Bleed it out, crank… and it starts up! Good to go. Feeling thankful, I move on to the next problematic miracle I need to perform!

Captain’s Log: Star Date July 5, 2026

After a fierce fight with the Great White Van, Scotty was able to repair the warp drive, and everything is peaceful and calm. Jessica, our first mate, will be taking the Great White Van to Deer River VBS from time to time. I will be taking the guys to doctor appointments, and Tuesday we will be taking a group to a Tuesday matinee… In the Great White Van!!!

Captain’s Log: Star Date July 10, 2026

The first day of VBS, and the Great White Van blows out a spark plug. I (the Captain) am on an important mission of survival and call for a nearby repair shop to tow it back to dry dock for investigation. After a long day of digging, Scotty discovered the reactor core had blown out the maximum number of times allowed before a new head must be installed. Funny, I don’t remember being told that when I bought this $9,000 paperweight! A Great White Van with new tires now needs a head replacement. I am trying to sell the Great White Van for only $2,500, maybe get back a bit of my initial investment, but it’s not going well.

Captain’s Log: Star Date July 16, 2026

The ship is limping, but we have been able to keep it together for the week of VBS. Now we need to evaluate the situation. We are taking a trip to the Deep South to visit grandbabies and will continue to evaluate options. Steady as she goes!

Captain’s Log: Star Date July 24, 2026

It’s the birthday of our youngest. We called and saw her smile yet again. Make ready the mainsail, lads! We have a long week but a strong wind. If all goes well, we should be in port by the weekend.

Captain’s Log: Star Date August 26, 2026 – 1:27 PM

The first mate came down ill today, so the Captain took charge of the helm. No worries, mate. Stay home, enjoy a quiet birthday, and just know: I got this! I will take my work truck into town for one of the guys’ appointments and pick up some parts on the way.

Then, disaster strikes. Captain has been stuck, I am listing on the port side and taking on a great deal of water. The work truck is dead. The brakes are stuck on and smoking. I’m not sure if I will make it back to shore, but I will never give up. I know the sea never gives up her dead, so we fight.

So, back to being grateful… I was grumping and not in a good mood. My wife’s birthday (August 26 that I had mentioned at the beginning) was now my bane. I’m sorry, babe. I didn’t plan this, and you certainly deserved that coffee I was planning on getting you, as well as a couple of other small items. “WHY ME?” I cried out in a loud voice.

My Savior’s reply was sweet and kind: “My grace is sufficient for you both.”

I spent the rest of today getting most of my gear into the “box truck”. I am grateful I have a backup truck to slip into. I’m still working on that whole “positive thinking” part, I trust that too, will come in time. 

Humbled and satisfied in the grace of our God.

— C.