A Match Made in Texas- By Arlene James Page 0,76

and were already shopping for a small acreage near Buffalo Creek to build on, as well as a house to rent in the meanwhile.

By the time they reached the car, she could tell that Stephen was tired but pleased. He stood back to let Kaylie slide into the long black vehicle through the door held open by the driver, but a voice from the shadows near the arena stopped her.

“Steve.”

He turned so quickly that he almost fell. Kaylie’s hand flashed out to steady him, but it was another that set him to rights, a big square hand thickened with maturity and hard work.

“Dad!”

George Gallow backed away a step. Shadows carved hollows in the cheeks and eye sockets beneath the hat that he wore, but the resemblance to his son was marked. Tall and lanky with feet and hands the size of small boats, he was a large, vibrant, if quiet, presence.

“I didn’t think you’d be here!” Stephen exclaimed. “Why didn’t you come up to the suite?”

George shrugged. “You know me, not much for crowds.”

Kaylie moved up close to Stephen. He reached back for her, pulling her forward.

“So this is the one, huh?” George said.

“This is the one,” Stephen confirmed.

George swept off his hat, smoothed his dark blond hair with his hand and nodded. “Pleased to meet you.”

Impulsively, Kaylie stepped up and hugged him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, too. Thank you for coming.”

He didn’t lift a hand to return the embrace, but he didn’t back away, either. “Mmm,” he said, “not the first time. Don’t s’pose it’ll be the last.”

“You’ve been here before?” Stephen asked, clearly shocked.

“Time or two.”

“Why didn’t you let me know?”

“Wasn’t sure you wanted to see me.”

“Dad,” Stephen said, sounding exasperated, “I’ve always wanted to see you. I just…I didn’t know how…”

George Gallow nodded his understanding. “Okay. It’s okay, son.”

“I haven’t done a very good job of letting you in, have I? I’m sorry for that.”

George Gallow shrugged, standing awkwardly, and Stephen did what Kaylie prayed he would. He hobbled forward and wrapped his arm around his father’s shoulders. George caught his breath and pushed it out again, then he patted Stephen on the back before quickly pulling away.

“Guess I’ll see you at the wedding then.”

“Well, I’ll be there,” Stephen quipped.

George Gallow grinned. “Me, too.” He ducked his head, adding, “Better let your mother know.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Stephen said, smiling. “It’ll be fine. From now on, everything is going to be just fine.”

“Be a nice change,” George said, fitting his hat back onto his head. Then he nodded at Kaylie and walked away.

“Well,” Kaylie said, laughing.

“Very well,” Stephen said, slipping his arm around her waist. “Extremely well.”

“I wish it could have worked out for them,” Kaylie said with a sigh, “your mom and dad, I mean.”

“I know,” Stephen said. “I do, too, but they were never a good match. Not like us.”

“A Dutch hockey player and a pediatric nurse,” she reminded him pertly. “Not many would put us together, I imagine.”

“A half-Dutch, half-Texan hockey player.”

“It’s still a weird match,” she teased, leaning into him. “A match that could be made only in Texas.”

He laughed and folded her close. “Or heaven.”

So it was. A match made in Texas. And heaven.

He laid his cheek atop her head, and she closed her eyes. Silently they praised God. Together.

Dear Reader,

As Christians, we want to believe that as long as we are obedient, prayerful and seeking to serve God, our lives should be smooth and without problems, but here in this world, bad things happen even to “good” people, and sometimes we are overwhelmed by them. So what is the point? Why would God create this world and place us in it?

I believe that it’s primarily a matter of us learning to love Him, and the love that builds our families is surely a part of that. What better demonstrates our relationship to our Lord than a wise parent or obedient child? Or a not-so-wise parent and disobedient child?

It seems to me that our job is simply this: to love.

And so, may you love. Always.

God bless,

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Kaylie believes that the Ten Commandments apply to Christians today. How seriously do you think most Christians take them? Why should Christians take them seriously? Why not?

Kaylie interprets the commandment to honor her father as taking into consideration his opinions, feelings, fears, wishes and convictions. Is that the meaning of the verse? If not, what is?

After her mother’s death, Kaylie’s father leaned on Kaylie for support. Do you think he goes too far? How could she have tried to get him to be more independent sooner?

Hubner holds some fairly controversial opinions, especially in a culture that admires professional athletes. Do you agree or disagree with his conviction that professional sports are frivolous and unworthy? Why or why not?

Hubner seems to have lost his way in the latter years of his life. Is that possible for a Christian minister? Why or why not?

Stephen has carried a great deal of guilt over past mistakes. Acts 10:43 says, “All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” How would this be of service to Stephen?

Stephen’s guilt seems to have led him to anger. At whom might Stephen be angry? God? Himself? Nicklas? How did this guilty anger impact Stephen’s life?

Stephen led a life in the fast lane, which came to a crashing halt, literally. Do you think Stephen’s car crash was exactly what he needed to get his life back on track? Why or why not?

Since his cousin passed away, Stephen isolated himself from his mother and the rest of his family. Was this the right thing to do? How could his family have helped him through his grief?

Christians speak of those who are called to ministry. Are Christians called to such other occupations as the law, banking, teaching, nursing, sports? Are there any occupations to which Christians are not called? Why or why not?

The Chatam sisters have remained unmarried throughout their lives. Hubner believes that they have been called to singlehood. Are people ever truly called to singlehood? Why or why not?

Being in such close quarters together, Stephen and Kaylie grew to care for each other in a short period of time. Has this ever happened to you with someone? What was the result?

Do you think it was the Chatam sisters’ intention all along to match up Kaylie and Stephen? Why or why not? Do you know any people who like to matchmake? Have they been successful?

ISBN: 978-1-4268-4863-6

A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS

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* Everyday Miracles

** Eden, OK

† Chatam House

A Match Made in Texas- By Arlene James Page 0,76

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