Best Ideas, Different Results

Last week, I wrote about upgrading my computer and getting caught up with my friend John. The post concluded with a note that I would be making a few simple changes and all would be well. It has been another week and the planned adjustments did not go as expected.

Shortly after I finished scheduling last week's update, my Dell monitor arrived, along with a new webcam. Dad carefully removed the ASUS screen that John had installed and connected the required cables. Next, the new webcam was unboxed and plugged in. It all sounds good, but this is when the problems started to appear.

Since John originally unboxed the ASUS monitor, it was a struggle for dad to figure out how to get it packed for a return shipment. However, after a few attempts, he nicely figured it out and had it boxed nicely and ready to go. While dad worked on the old screen, I noticed the computer's voice system wasn't working. I could yell at my computer, but it wouldn't respond.

I did some research and soon found that my Mac Mini requires external speakers for voice control to work. Since the ASUS monitor included a webcam, it had a speaker that was picking up my voice. Therefore, I searched and found a speaker to add to my increasingly complicated computer. However, my new camera also wasn't working.

With all the parts and plugs, my Mac Mini ran out of plugins. I knew this would be the case, so John ordered a hub, or extension, to add more plugins. It's the same idea as a plug-in strip, but with computer outlets. After several attempts, it was determined the hub wasn't working correctly and could only take one item at a time. This defeats the purpose of a hub and therefore meant I needed to order more parts.

Webcam takes good pictures

Amazon was prompt in sending the speaker and dad graciously rearranged plugs so it could connect to my computer. The sound coming out of it was great, but despite my best efforts, it didn't solve the voice control issue. My night nurse and I looked further, and the speaker didn't include a microphone. Therefore, rather than trying to order multiple speakers in hopes to get one that worked, I concluded it would be best to go back to the ASUS monitor. Thankfully, UPS hadn't picked it up yet and I cancelled the return.

Tuesday night, after dad went to bed, my night nurse and I unboxed the monitor dad had carefully packed away and put it back on my computer stand. The Dell monitor was then packed up and made ready for return. It took three days for dad to notice the switch and that some of the wires he carefully tied up had been undone.

Now, I wait for the new hub I ordered to arrive. As it currently stands, I can use either the webcam or voice control, not both. This has been quite the learning curve in a few aspects. First, I know better what does and does not work for computer components. Second, I've learned what my quad life helpers can do with electronics and who is willing to help. Hopefully next week will have everything functioning and moving on to different topics.

Computer Upgrade

I am an IT person by trade. I do enjoy electronics, but I'm not an early adopter of new technology or follow every trend and latest releases. Every few years, I upgrade my own computer to keep up with newer items and faster response times. After eight years of using my 27" iMac, I finally updated my system.

The all-in-one system of the iMac is nice, but the latest version is only 24" and may make it hard for me to use while laying flat. Therefore, my friend John and I looked at several options in various

configurations. I ended up getting a Mac Mini, which is all the computer hardware in a small box, a separate monitor, and supporting hard drives. John came from Minnesota for a few days last week to help me transfer my information and get everything running.

He arrived late Monday night and we started Tuesday morning. My computer hangs from the ceiling in a custom shelf my dad constructed. That means everything must fit in the space allotted as well. We first moved my all-in-one system to a nearby desk and started unboxing and placing all the parts. It was fun seeing new hardware, but the number of wires quickly became a spaghetti mess.

After nine attempts of various data transfer methods, everything had been moved by 10:00 that night, about 12 hours after starting. Considering the first of three sections to transfer was estimated to take 15 hours, I thought it went well.

On Wednesday, we tested my various programs and made sure everything worked well. Unfortunately, one of my backup storage drives decided to stop functioning and the new webcam is so pixelated that it's worthless. Since I do a lot of virtual meetings and video creation with that camera, a different monitor and camera will be replacing them. That is one advantage to a modular system, separate components are easier to upgrade and swap.

It was fun getting to be around John again. The project we set out to do was accomplished and the remaining changes are easy to setup. It only involves a couple wires to plug and unplug that I can instruct how to do.

I generally like the new system as well, but miss having a more compact setup with fewer wires. The voice dictation is also much better and I see future Quad Life entries being made with little keyboard use. This week will be back to regular meetings and life in general, but it's always good to spend time with friends and work toward a goal.

Another Leader has Passed On

Every January, people speculate what they will do that year or what may happen in the world. The primary predictions for 2025 centered around political change. I'm quite certain nobody would have guessed the major adjustments in conservative Christianity that would come.

In July, Dr. John MacArthur passed away at age 86. He had been a pastor for 56 years in one southern California church. His Bible knowledge and clear preaching was loved by many and God used him to do much for Christianity. Dr. MacArthur's loss was hard for many, including me, but not completely unexpected. His health had been failing for over a year and he had rarely been able to preach. 

Just a few weeks ago, Charlie Kirk was martyred in Utah on a college campus. In the 17 days since, the world (not hyperbole) has been reacting by turning to God and becoming more bold in outreach by proclaiming biblical truth. One of the leading Pastors who boldly preached for decades was Voddie Baucham. Mr. Baucham passed away unexpectedly this week at age 56.

I enjoyed listening to Voddie's messages that accurately declared Scripture and didn't give in to societal trends. As an African American, he taught that nobody deserves something because of the shade of their skin. Voddie's book Fault Lines outlined the problems with social justice and warned of future problems if nothing changed. I learned from it and still have it on my book shelf today.

With so many leaders leading this world, more people are wondering who will replace them. As I heard one person reflect on this, he quoted from Isaiah 6:8 "Here am I, send me." Younger pastors and leaders need to step up and be bold for Christ, and I believe we're starting to see that change.

Living the quad life has challenges for getting out more, but I've found myself considering how I could be more active. One idea was to make more Christian videos on social media and see where God continues to lead me. 

We never know what a week, or even a day, may bring. Whatever you do this week, make sure to serve God wherever He calls and be prepared to be called to account at any time. 

Calm Train Week

Last week's message went well. I was surprised, and pleased, to see a larger audience than usual for an evening service that included families. It is possibly the result of the Charlie Kirk assassination, but I hope the increased attendance continues.

This week has mainly been work on websites and quad life related paperwork. When I know more, that will likely be an upcoming post. However, I finally took a day to just do something fun, go train watching with a friend.

In Junior High, my 7th/8th grade English teacher was a fellow railfan. We became friends and went train watching a few times, even over night rail camping with a group of boys from school. It has been 29 years since I graduated from eighth grade and a few changes have occurred. Mr. Muether is now Pastor Muether and he has a small congregation in town and has several other responsibilities. He is also the secretary of a local minister's group that I attend when weather and schedules allow. After our last meeting, the two of us were reflecting on busyness of life and not getting time to do train hobbies. On the spot, I suggested a day to watch trains and we were off this past Thursday morning.

Just like old times, we headed north to Marshalltown to see what trains could be found. Sitting under bridges to avoid pouring rain, we only saw three trains and a switcher in our five-hour escape. However, it was a great time to get away from everything at home and get caught up with a friend and fellow railfan.

A few times this year, I thought of asking a couple guys from my church to come join me by the tracks. However, dad had various house projects on Saturdays and I didn't want to take his free day. Maybe just going with my caregiver is an easier route that allows everybody to do what's needed. I'm doubtful I'll get out again this year, but I may be surprised.

Showing True Colors

As one news commentator stated, this has been a week that changed the world. On Wednesday, September 10, Charlie Kirk was killed while speaking at a university in Utah.

Before Wednesday, I had vaguely heard the name of Mr. Kirk, but I couldn't pick his picture out or tell you anything about him. For the last few days, I have watched some of his debates and seen his firm commitment for following Christ. This, along with his conservative stance on politics, made him both adored and hated. No matter the topic of debate, Charlie would converse respectfully, but not back down from truth.

This shooting has been called a political assassination by some. Several people speculated that Mr. Kirk would run for president when he became eligible in four years, at age 35. Conservative Christians that I follow have been mourning Charlie's death, but are also inspired by his boldness and vow to carry on his legacy.

On the other side of the political spectrum, many in the Democrat party and "left" leaning news outlets have been praising the act of violence and saying it was his own fault. I heard a teacher at a nearby public high school was fired for comments he made on social media support the murder.

I'm sorry that it is only now I started watching Mr. Kirk's content. He appears to be someone to learn from and get encouragement to stand for Christ. I can't say I would look to purposefully engage in debate, but it sometimes happens in evangelism whether you plan to or not.

I have written before that I want to be used by God to always serve Him. This week's actions have encouraged it all the more. Tonight is currently my last time to preach this year, and I plan to encourage the congregation to do the same. 

Seeing Stars, Satellites, or Both?

My day-time caregiver leaves around 5:00 every afternoon. Our goal is to have my physical cares complete, appear decent (at least for me), and be sitting in bed and on my computer. This works fine, but it means I'm generally in my room every evening. The arrangement doesn't allow for extra activities, like star-gazing.

I generally get one night a year to be out to see the stars, July 4. While waiting for fireworks to start, I look up at the sky and see God's creation. Unfortunately, my town moved there location for fireworks and we can no longer see them from our house. Therefore, we stay inside during our Independence Day celebrations. A few weeks ago, I did get to enjoy a short version of my annual viewing.

My family went out for supper in a nearby town with several close relatives. With stopping for ice cream after supper, it was nearly 9:30 when we returned home. As soon as dad got me out of the van, I drove through the garage, out on the driveway, and slightly tilted my chair.

While dad finished unloading the van, I sat and let my eyes focus on the tiny dots of light. As I tried to ignore the street light, I thought I noticed a few planes as well. I may have seen some, but quickly concluded they were too fast and close together for aircraft and were likely satellites. I have read a few comments that the increase in satellites, especially from Star Link, have made time-lapse star photography nearly impossible. However, I think they add to the eye candy. Continuing to sit in-front of the house, I pondered the amazing creation God has made and knowledge He has provided to scientists and engineers.

The same creator of the tiny gnat that flies in your face also created nebulae, vast areas in space containing gas and other items. Yet, all this just receives one line in the Bible, "He made the stars also."

In less than ten minutes, it was time to go inside again. My annual time to see the stars is likely done for the year. When the sun starts to set around 6:00, or earlier, it's generally too cold for me to willingly sit outside. I'm thankful for whatever glimpse of creation I can experience and continuing to learn about the God who spoke it all into existence.

It Takes a Community

This morning, I preached my last scheduled time for a morning service. It had been scheduled that I wouldn't have help Saturday night. However, as the previous time, my one night nurse was willing to adjust his schedule so I could sleep prior to preaching. Therefore, he took off Friday night and tonight instead of Saturday.

From observing myself and other quadriplegic friends, our families tend to stay pretty isolated. Beyond whatever caregivers a person may have, it is generally the person's parents that take responsibility for care. Unfortunately, this is nearly, or completely, 24/7 care all year long for many years. You often hear well meaning intentions of help from church or other groups, but it rarely happens. The long-term needs and specialized care for some procedures scare most people away. This weekend though, I witnessed a change.

Friday afternoon, I had my usual medical cares done by my caregiver Sara. However, we both forgot I needed an extra chest treatment since I wouldn't get it that night. I could see she was tired from our busy day, so I offered to skip it or see if dad could get it later. No, Sara got it finished so dad wouldn't need to fit it in. It meant an extra 15 minutes to her shift, but she was willing to help.

Before I was born, mom became friends with a couple ladies she worked with. It has been over 45 years, but we remain close friends with these families and my parents have vacationed with some of them several times. By now, they are very familiar with our needs and regular struggles without nursing. Friday night, one of our friends came about 7:30 to help us through the night.

Last week, mom and I showed how we arrange my pillows and table to sit, lay flat, read, and use the computer. Friday night was review that went well. When I went flat for my final time at midnight, mom was able to rest in the other room while our friend and I stayed up until dad took over. It may have been less than 90 minutes, but it still provided a welcome break and further rest for mom.

This Labor Day weekend, let us pause and see who we are laboring for. Do we mainly serve our own needs, or are their areas we can help others more? Living the quad life makes for a lot of work, but I'm thankful for help from those around us. Every Friday and Saturday night in September will be without nursing care. However, on occasion, we may get more help than expected.