Feeling Behind

Sometimes, it feels like you go two steps, or maybe wheel lengths, forward and one back. This past week has felt similar, but it did at least end with feeling ahead.

Next week, I'm scheduled to preach at my home church for the first time since August of 2018. Instead of using a message I've given before, I felt lead to give a new sermon based on trusting the truth of the Bible. It has been a message I am excited to give, but it's also one that some can see as controversial. Since I'll be preaching close to home, several friends have said they plan to attend the service. I really don't get nervous speaking to crowds, but can start to second-guess my topic if I know some may not agree with it. I remind myself to not fear man, but trust in the Lord.

After Sunday's relaxation, I knew I had to spend the week on sermon preparation. I already had it mostly planned and written, but I didn't like parts of it. I thought I would have plenty of time to work on it, but it seemed like every time I was upright ended up getting filled with something for web development or my regular bike sessions took longer than expected. Therefore, I ended up only getting one time in the evening each day to dedicate to sermon planning. Thankfully, by Friday evening, I finished writing the message, making most of my notes, and the PowerPoint that goes along with it. Now I just need to get it more firm in my head and make prompts for the person running the presentation.

Friday was also another visit to a local grade school to speak with 2nd graders. This was the fourth out of the five schools I'm seeing in April and it was my largest class size. I was thankful for the opportunity and enjoy working with the students. After I had them write with their mouth, I referenced a video I had them watch about a boy with no arms and how he did everything. One girl realized the class was barefoot and as she perceived where I was going with my presentation, I heard "Oh no, oh no," quietly repeated in the midst of faces.

Despite her fears, everyone did okay with mouth writing and foot writing. They learned someone with a disability may do things differently, but in the end get the same thing accomplished. As the young lady's hesitation ended up being unnecessary, I'm sure mine will be the same. I am now headed into another busy week and thankful to be feeling well again.

Problems Relieved

Today is Easter Sunday, a holiday that comes around every year. While most of the world looks to rabbits, eggs, and candy, that is not the meaning of the day. Instead of eating sweets that can serve to make you ill and overweight, this is the day when our biggest problem was solved.

About 2,000 years ago, Jesus was crucified on a cruel Roman cross. Some of Jesus' followers thought He was the expected Messiah and would free Israel from political bondage. After being betrayed by a disciple and receiving a corrupt trial by Jewish leaders, He was quickly sent to execution and died a horrific death. However, the account doesn't end there.

On the first day of the week, Sunday morning, Jesus conquered death and rose again. He was seen by many witnesses, 500 at one instance, and proved He was alive. Now, all who repent of their sins (lying, theft, lust, blasphemy, etc.) and come to Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness can receive everlasting life. It is a problem that everybody has, but not one everyone realizes exists.

For the past couple weeks, I've been feeling a little under the weather, tired, uncomfortable stomach, and always feeling cold. As I'm writing this, I feel like I could take a nap, but know I won't get any rest. While we have problems in this life that can go from annoying to extreme physical and/or emotional pain, they are nothing compared to the life to come.

Whoever does not come to Christ, will receive everlasting torment in hell where their is weeping, and gnashing of teeth, the fire is not quenched and the worm does not die. As sinners, this is what we deserve and bring judgment upon ourselves. Nothing in this life, no matter how bad, can compare to the suffering to come. However, this is what Jesus has saved us from, that we may have eternal life with Him.

Descriptions of heaven include streets of gold, no more death, crying or pain. Jesus will wipe away every tear from our eyes and we will live in the new heaven and earth. When any ailment comes in this life, it should make us look forward all the more to the life to come. I don't know what the week ahead will bring, but I remember this day of celebration and the gift we have been given.

Up and Down Week

Every week has its own share of good and bad points, but the past seven days have been a bit of a roller coaster. Unfortunately, it has some more time to go until we can get off the ride.

For the past several weeks, my dad and I have been attending a Bible study on creation apologetics most Sunday evenings. Regular attendees have been providing supper before the study time begins and my family served deconstructed tacos last week. Mom made the majority of the meal, for over 40 people, and had quite a lot of work to get it accomplished.

She wasn't feeling well at the beginning of the week and continued to get worse. On Friday, I was scheduled to speak to college students in Des Moines, but mom also needed help with medical tests. I warned the instructor I may need to delay, but was hoping I could still come. Thursday afternoon, I received a call my family has been waiting months to hear.

My day caregiver Sara was released to return to work, and drive. She could therefore work Friday with me and dad would be free to help mom. God's timing always works out, but it can be hard to wait sometimes. Friday morning, Sara and I headed to the city to get paperwork from one of my doctors and lead class.

Spring has been very slow to come in Iowa and the day was quite windy, cold, and had times of sleet and snow. It wasn't fun getting in and out of the van multiple times, but it worked. The class of respiratory therapy students also went well and it was great to return to in-class teaching again. 

Once we returned home, mom still wasn't feeling well and it looks like she'll need a medical procedure done soon. Dad will have more work in helping both mom and I for a while, but I'm thankful that my day hours will now be covered again.

Through all the years, mom and I have become very familiar with medical situations. I'm thankful God has provided us excellent care and given exactly what we need. I pray for healing for mom that she can soon fill well and return to regular activities. Until then, and after, I rely on God's lead and to serve Him where I can.

Surprise Speed Bump Visit

Almost annually, I talk about a visit from my best friend John. We have been friends since his dad came to be pastor at our church, which included through high school, and I know his family well. During my senior year of high school, John and I were both in journalism class together. One class period early in the year, we were bored and looking to fill time after our assignment was complete (maybe complete anyway).

John's oldest sister was a freshman that year. John and I schemed a little, and came up with a sign reading, "To me, all freshman are speed bumps." I hung it on the back of my chair during lunch that day and it resided in my locker all year. John's sister of course was the primary source of our thinking and she earned the nickname Speed Bump.

It has been more than twenty years since I graduated high school. The last time I saw all of John's family was at his wedding in 2005. I have followed his sisters on Facebook and interact with them, but that has been the only contact for many years. However, Speed Bump messaged me late last week to see if I was busy and if she and her boys could visit.

Speed Bump's husband couldn't get off work for spring break, but she wanted to come and see the new church facility, tour town with her sons, and see the old building before it (possibly) gets torn down. Tuesday was cold and cloudy and meant no possibility of walking to the park. Therefore, our group stayed at home playing Jenga and I got to practice my grade school routine of writing with mouth and feet. 

I loved getting to meet her boys and catching up on life for the past several years. The short two hour visit went quickly, but I've heard the kids want to come in summer and go to the park with "Joel in the wheelie chair." I have also been thinking that offspring of a speed bump would be small, but still noticeable when getting ran over. I may have to call the kids my rumble strip, but not sure of it yet.

Whatever fun names we make, it was a great visit to get caught up with friends again and meet her family. I always enjoy being with kids and teach the quad life is just a unique way of living. April should be busy with school visits and other activities, but I hope it won't be another decade before the next visit.