Venturing Out in 2025

Winter has officially ended and this week will also conclude my hibernation. Yesterday, dad and I took my first outing for the year by taking a trip to Des Moines for a model train show.

It wasn't anything spectacular and mainly had vendors selling used model trains and starter kits for kids. Dad and I did purchase an engine that we originally thought was new, but learned at checkout it had been used by the seller. He guaranteed it would work, so I eagerly waited to get home and put our new, modern, locomotive on the tracks. Unfortunately, all I could get get it to do was turn on the headlights and make noise.

Dad and I worked on reprogramming it, but we have yet to be successful in making it run. Hopefully it won't be a permanent paper-weight, but more investigation and testing will be needed. I guess it's a good lesson to not always trust used car, or train, salesman. 

My empty calendar pages end this week as well with my first doctor's appointment and speaking engagement both scheduled. Friday will again be the most challenging venue I currently visit. It is a school chapel, or Scripture teaching, for students from Kindergarten through 6th grade. For disability awareness talks, I normally just visit with 2nd or 3rd graders as that age group seems to understand everything the best. Trying to make a talk where Kindergartners will understand and 6th graders not get bored is a challenge. I pray God will use my words to help the students learn, but I never quite know how to best teach such a wide range.

Of course, I didn't get as much done during winter hibernation as I hoped. However, I can always continue with more writing and reading projects in the warm months as time allows. I am ready to get back into a busier quad life though, at least for now.

Spring has Arrived, Maybe

In just a few days, spring will officially arrive in the northern hemisphere. This past week has felt like it, but only briefly. On Thursday, it was sunny with a high in the low 70's. I got out to run my own errands for the first time this year.

I also joined a local pastor's meeting on the same day. They meet monthly during the school year, but it's rare that weather and schedules work for me to join. It feels somewhat odd being the only person who isn't directly employed as a pastor or chaplain. However, I can still learn about pastoral needs in the community and where I can possibly help.

Friday was also nice enough that I got out on the deck to start work on my annual sun tan/burn. It felt nice sitting outside again, even though the wind was a bit blustery. This weekend though, we have highs in the 40's and my Amazon Echo mentioned snow for Wednesday. Iowa weather is indeed a mixed bag as it seems seasons fight for control.

Lately, it seems like I spend more time in meetings than anything else. In addition to Thursday's, I had virtual meetings Tuesday afternoon and Friday morning. I'm vice chair of the Olmstead Community Task Force, a group appointed by the governor to monitor and improve independent living for Iowan's with disabilities. The chair person has been out with other commitments the last two meetings, leaving me in charge. Since the Iowa legislature is also in session until April, it is a busy time of year for our group.

The executive board (which results in more meetings) has said they would encourage me to consider being chairman. I have declined, but I think I'm being put in the role whether I want to be our not! Official title or not, I'm thankful I can help lead a group that works toward positive change and where my quad life experiences are an asset.

This new week looks to be free of meetings, but more work. Hopefully I can also get more time in the sun!

Seeing the Divide

For the past several years, political commentary has talked about the growing divide between the two parties in US. It seems that no matter how common sense a bill appears, one party will support it and the other reject. This week, the divide was easy to see.

On Tuesday evening, President Trump held a joint address of the congress. I watched about a third of it live, but saw more parts through replays. At one point, the President honored a 13-year-old boy who has battled brain cancer for years and overcome doctor's expectations. His dream is to become a police officer and he has been made an honorary officer numerous times. Tuesday, President Trump made him an honorary secret service agent.

The look of surprise and thankfulness on the young man's face was priceless. The moment brought much applause and tear filled eyes, but from only half the room. The Democratic party members didn't budge and looked annoyed at the special honor given. A number of news outlets had comments about the political party's reaction.

I see much the same when witnessing to people on the street or online. We can clearly see God's handiwork in His creation in very intricate detail so that we are without excuse. Yet, many scientists turn a blind eye to it and claim random chance evolution. They refuse to see what is before them and stay stuck in their ways.

In the same manner, many want to go on living a life of unrepentant sin and enjoy its pleasures for a season. God said come to Him all who are weary and burdened, and He will give them rest. The struggle against sin never ends, but all who repent and trust in Christ alone have an advocate on the day of judgment.

I pray that the divide in this country is ended and we can return to common-sense laws, such as only biological women in women's sports and private spaces. Until we turn to God though, the divide will continue to grow. I hope to live this quad life to help spread the good news of salvation to all.

52 Churches

Most of my book reading revolves around two subjects, apologetics (defense of the Christian faith), or theology. For Christmas, I received a new book called 52 Churches, by Paul DeHaan. It doesn't quite fit either of my usual categories, but has a flavor of both. I am a few pages away from finishing it, but have covered the main points.

The author volunteers at a food bank and regularly received questions on area churches. Therefore, he and his wife took a fact-finding mission to visit a new church every week for a year. Each week's report is fairly short, but I quickly notice a few themes for the various congregations.

A big item of discussion is how welcoming a church is to visitors. The majority had greeters at the door, but beyond that was hit and miss. Some had members that went out of their way to welcome the DeHaans and guide them through the church's particular worship style and act as tour guides. Unfortunately, he reported a few that completely ignored them and they almost left in tears. Being part of a church is fellowship with other believers and sharing struggles and triumphs in life. That can't happen if you're invisible.

I couldn't help but think of my own congregation and how we do in these ratings. As a life-long member, I obviously can't speak as a visitor. However, we have been growing the past few years and must be doing well with newcomers. Unfortunately, my parents and I have many weeks that we sit by ourselves after church eating cookies and juice while everyone around talks in small huddles. While it's nice to be approached by friends and chat, I'm not any better at rolling over to someone and talking with them. If I'm in public and armed with gospel tracts, and a willing caregiver, I'll approach anyone to talk. It shouldn't be different in church.

One item in 52 Churches really piqued my interest, especially this week. Unlike most authors, I did not research DeHaan's background before reading his book. I would guess that he has some sort of architecture experience or vocation. Most weeks mentioned the sanctuary's size and seating capacity as a point on church size. One week, he mentioned the structure actually looked like a church. I understand his point in that many modern church structures no longer have towers reaching to heaven and resemble retail buildings with maybe a cross added in.

My own congregation left our 1930's built structure in 2020 for a new building on the edge of town. The city purchased our old building and this week tore it down. The structure that lasted nearly 100 years fell within a couple hours. The brick siding, bell tower, benches, and much more were unceremoniously crushed and shipped off to a landfill. Yes, it is just a place to gather together for praise and worship and the new facility is much more wheelchair accessible. However, there is something about going to a unique structure that sets a mood for a special time of the week and not just a regular outing.

At any point, these are the musings from an old quad life. I'm thankful for the friends I have at my congregation and for our fellowship. The book will make me notice visitors more, and maybe try to be more outgoing to others while also wanting to get home. 

*Pictures used by permission from a friend's Facebook post

Much Done with Staying Home

This has been a busy week with a lot I could cover. Monday started with the inauguration of President Trump, and Tuesday was an introduction to a new class. Finally, on Thursday, I had work done on my diaphragm pacemaker system. I also biked a few times, and never left the house. Some of these topics will come up in later posts, but this week I'll look at the first item listed.

I don't watch mainstream media, or legacy media as it is starting to be called. For the past few years, it has become very biased toward one political party and very against Christianity. Therefore, I may watch local weather, but that's about it. I get all of my news through online resources for local items and through an online station in Australia. It's unfortunate, but I get my best US news from the other half of the globe.

Much of the world has been anticipating the change of leadership in the United States and changes started before the inauguration. For the most part, I have been pleased with the changes that have happened this week. Hostage release was great to hear, but hopefully the price paid won't cause more trouble later on.

Watching the flurry of executive orders to complete promised actions was interesting. I, along with many, am thankful to see the end of DEI policies and the declaration that only two genders exist. While I agree with these orders, they are too much like a dictatorship.

When another administration comes, previous executive orders can just be reversed. This makes for instability, and not what the founding fathers intended for this country. Permanent change needs to come through all the governing branches and be agreed upon by a majority, not just a single party.

The only way this will happen is if the country returns to a sure foundation, and that can only be found in Scripture. The United States has never been fully Christian, but it was founded upon Christian principles and depended upon at least general biblical foundations to stay secure. While we have a few year's reprieve, Christians need to boldly proclaim the gospel and change hearts and minds. This is the only way we can have stability, but I am afraid is the most difficult.

In this quad life, I hope to take every opportunity to speak I can. Unfortunately, few Christians actively share their faith and will waste the time given. I pray this will not be the case, but we'll have four years to see.

Looking Back at 2024

Once again, the year has come to an end. This event happens every 52 weeks, or 364.25 days, but it seems to come quickly. In 2024 we had a full extra day, but it is now time to look back at the year past and ahead to the one to come.

Nationally, the biggest thing to occur was likely the presidential election. According to some news sources, we had the earliest presidential debate in history, which ended up in President Biden ending his reelection campaign and the Vice President becoming the nominee. It meant VP Harris became the candidate without ever receiving a vote. Her short campaign spent $1.4 billion, but ended in debt and with a defeat to President Trump. Even before taking office, positive changes have come and I look forward to what will come in 2025.

Blogger at the end of 2024

Personally, it was a challenging year for my family and I. We had several months without much nursing coverage, making it hard for my parents to work or do regular activities. In August, mom's mother passed away, which will leave an empty spot in our life forever. After years of staying free from hospital stays, I returned with gusto. Having three ER visits, two ambulance rides, and two multi-day hospital stays is something I don't want to repeat. It again was hard on my parents and I and it took several weeks to recover.

On positive notes, I was able to do volunteer at both my regular gospel outreach events. I also completed a course on expository preaching and had a few opportunities to preach. Spring also marked my 20th anniversary for speaking at grade schools. My goal of including a picture with each post was also achieved. Despite difficulties, God brought us through again and continues His promise to fulfill our needs.

With a year ahead, I never know what to expect. Even though she finished school in December and moved back to Arizona, Brenda is planning to come help for a special event in a few months. My nursing coverage is currently stable with no changes foreseen. That is a big source of thanksgiving heading into the year and one to continue to pray about.

Thank you for sticking with the quad life through another spin around the sun. I will see what comes and report each week along the way.

Who is in Control?

Over the past few weeks, we have seen news stories about changes in the world around us. First, we had a presidential debate where the current President clearly showed he did not know what was going on around him. Then, there was the attempted assassination of former President Trump. Next, President Biden resigned from running for reelection. Most recently, the opening of the Olympics mocked the Lord's supper and drag queens were shown dancing with children.

Some people have been perplexed at the rate of change and are wondering who is in control of the United States and what is going on in the world? It is no secret that the last 15 or so years have seen a drastic shift away from conservative values and more toward Marxism and sexual freedom.

For the past four years, many have speculated that president Biden is not in control of the country and is just a figurehead. We still don't know who has been giving directions, but it was made obvious during the debate it isn't him. This has resulted in the latest withdrawal for a presidential candidate in history. Even though she has not received any official votes, it is presumed the wildly unpopular and very liberal Vice President Harris will now be the nominee.

In Romans 1, we read what happens to a nation, or people, that are under God's judgment. For a few generations, the western world has rejected God by saying everything exists just by chance and that life is just an accident and not special. These areas of thinking have resulted in evolutionary teaching as fact and abortion killing millions of babies in the womb. For this, God has given many over to a debased mind with the spread of homosexuality, transgenderism, and all the associated problems with these movements. The display at the opening of the Olympics is a sign of the age.

Revelation 17:14 and 19:16 reminds us that God is the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Everyone will answer to Him upon our death and He rules over all of creation. Christians need to be bold in exclaiming Christ and His law to show the need for repentance. This is our only, and best, assurance we can ever have and know that whatever happens in the world, God is in control.

Memorial Day 2024

It somewhat come up without me noticing, but it is already Memorial Day weekend. For the past week or so, I have been preparing to preach this morning and the holiday just slipped my notice. The sales ads have been going to my inbox and trash can, but I kept thinking it was far off.

No matter if I pay attention to the world or not, time keeps moving on. Most schools have finished for the year and this weekend is the unofficial start to summer. Rather than just an extra day to grill and mow the lawn, we need to remember what this day was set apart to remember.

My maternal grandfather was drafted into the Army to serve in the Korean War. This conflict started only five years after World War II and was during the long Cold War era. Thankfully, my grandfather returned home safely and went on to continue farming and raising his family. However, that was not the case for everyone.

Whether they volunteered or were drafted, many soldiers went off to fight for their country and never returned home. Some families will never even know what happened to their loved one except that they went missing and never returned.

Since America became a country, we have been part of several conflicts. Some have helped free countries from cruel dictatorships and ensure the Western world is free to enjoy many liberties we take for granted. Unfortunately, tides change as politically forces shift and do what they think is best.

A few years ago, American forces abruptly left the Middle East and abandoned several billion dollar's worth of equipment. Some of the top military leaders have also foregone God's creation in gender and become more concerned how men can wear women's uniforms than keeping the country safe.

What will happen to the US in the future is totally under God's control. Whatever will come, I'm thankful for what I have been blessed with and will try to use it with the true cost in mind.

Which Way to Go?

In life, we have to make decisions on a regular basis. Most are pretty mundane, such as what to have for a meal or what to wear around the house. For these, the course taken doesn't have major consequences and can be adjusted easily. Major decisions often have good and bad circumstances for either choice and can alter a person's life. However, still other situations seem to not have any easy solution no matter what a person does. Right now, I am dealing with the last scenario, and it's a regular part of the quad life.

I have been working with pressure sores for many years. Thankfully, two of the three I had are completely healed. The third sore is doing well and measurements taken in late January showed it had shrunk since November. This is indeed good news, but I still need to be careful to stay off of it as much as possible, eat plenty of protein, and keep biking for circulation. That seems easy and is a very familiar way of life, until complications come.

For over a month, I have had more drainage from my trach button that continues to increase. For the last few weeks, it has also been red and even started growing a hole in my skin under the button. When I lay flat, with three pillows under my head, the skin gets scrunched, sore, and hurts more. Therefore, it's better for my neck to sit rather than lay flat. That is how a good predicament forms, one area of my body is better when flat and the other is better while sitting. Which way is the best to go?

Sometimes, I am able to get positioned on my side and let my skin be open to the air. This is good for both areas, but it limits what I can do. One of my caregivers and I experimented with getting the keyboard and mouse where I could reach it. I was able to use them, but very limited. Depending on what side I'm on, I have to either view the computer through a mirror or turn my head at odd angles that eventually start hurting my neck and button. I will do it for 45-60 minutes, but that's about all I can take.

Later this week, I plan to break my winter hibernation rule and see my ENT. Hopefully he will be able to help without making any major changes. The day after my appointment, I'm scheduled to open and give testimony at a virtual event for Iowa legislators. I will be home, but need to be able to speak clearly without distraction.

For now, I'm sitting in bed a little longer than I have been and it hasn't been causing an issue. I do like the extra time upright, but need to be careful not to do too much. I will see what another week will bring.

Room Update

Some people like decorating houses to keep up with the latest trends and modern looks. They may paint walls, rearrange furniture, or get new furniture to replace outdated styles. I am not one of those people by any means. My parents and I moved into our house 30 years ago when I was in Junior High. My locker wallpaper has long since been replaced and furniture updated, but less than other areas of the house. This week though, I did have an adjustment.

My room was originally designed so that my caregiver had a chair to the left of my bed, just a couple feet away. At some point, their chair moved to the other side of the room, about 15 feet away, and a large computer desk took up the same space. For a few years, some of my caregivers would use an old computer to browse the internet during down time, but that eventually faded away as well and the desk became a space for paperwork to be collected and processed as needed. It also took up a lot of space in my room.

After more than a year of debating on options, I got a new desk to replace the old one. It came in a box early this week and dad spent a few evenings dismantling the old structure, relocating its contents, and assembling the new desk. Now, it's sitting next to the wall beside me with most of the former desk's contents placed somewhere in or on it.

I may spend 4-5 hours a week outside my room, but that's even an exaggeration sometimes. Therefore, I'm very familiar with my surroundings. I'm getting used to the shorter desk and less stuff directly beside me and am starting to like it. The desk is a little larger than the space it's allotted though and covers a small section of my window. However, it is very minor and my caregivers are enjoying having more space to work with me.

It has only been a few days since the change and everyone is adjusting habits of where to lay equipment when using it on me and new storage locations. I don't think I'll be making further changes any time soon, but it is fun to have a slight redesign every decade or so.

Trading Rolls

Most days, and weeks, go on basically the same. Each one passes onto the next with regular routines changing very little if at all. However, sometimes rolls can be reversed and surprises walk-in when least expected.

Since last week's blog, I'm thankful to report dad is fully back to himself. Unfortunately, mom came home from work early on Monday and now she has been sick all week. Her symptoms sound very similar to what dad had, but I pray mom recovers soon.

In high school, I started reading the Bible almost every night. The practice has continued now for over 25 years and increased in the amount I read. I first started with my NIV Bible I used in school. It didn't have any commentary or study notes with it, just Scripture. After completing a course on Biblical Evangelism in 2016, I received the Evidence Study Bible as part of the graduation package.

This was my introduction to the NKJV Bible and commentary included with the Scripture. Reading study notes with the text took time to learn, but I still read from Genesis to Revelation in a year, or less. I varied reading style depending on the year, but I have enjoyed it and increased my depth of study. However, I have been looking at one more study Bible for a few years, and I finally got it.

My best friend John gave me a gift certificate for my birthday recently and with it, I purchased a John MacArthur Study Bible. Dr. MacArthur is a Pastor in southern California that is very well known for his in-depth preaching and teaching. I started reading through this new study Bible last Saturday, after completing another cover to cover trip in the Evidence Bible.

Starting in the New Testament, it took me three nights to read through the outlines of the New Testament and Matthew before getting to Matthew 1. Almost every verse has commentary and I'm only averaging one chapter a night for reading. However, I'm greatly enjoying it and the easier references back to the Old Testament prophecies. I will not get through the Bible in a year in my nightly reading, but will still do so in my morning reading.

Friday morning, I finished my regular routine and was working through my morning reading when I had quite the surprise. John suddenly walked through my bedroom door! The surprise visit had apparently been in planning for two weeks, but everybody managed to keep it from me. He could only stay the day, but it was fun getting caught up in person and having him around. I did really notice my recent trouble with memory, but it was still a great time.

Even in the quad life, routines can change on occasion. This week looks to be calm again, but I will see as Christmas draws near.

Dreaming, then Thinking

It has been a slow week in the quad life. With the holiday week, not much for web development was needed and I don't have a lot of other projects going on. Dad was also not feeling well for several days and we therefore just stayed home by ourselves on Thanksgiving. When I have slow days, or not even, my mind wonders and I start to dream.

For at least a year, I have been listening to a weekly podcast called Transformed, with Dr. Greg Gifford. He is a Biblical psychologist with the Master's University and covers various topics each week. I have learned a few things from this resource and it has also jogged my mind.

I have had some people ask me for help when dealing with anxiety or other issues. I like helping people and pointing to God's Word for assurance. I've also heard my book has helped some readers see life in a new way. Therefore, what would it take become an actual counselor and be able to use the experiences God has given me? It's still unopened, but I already have a book on my shelf about counseling from a Biblical perspective.

This week, I browsed through the website for the Master's University and looked at the requirements for their counseling degree. It is available completely online and covers several areas I would enjoy learning about. I nearly clicked the button to receive more information, but then I actually started thinking.

My latest college courses were over 15 years ago and likely no longer applicable to transfer credits. Taking classes part-time would likely require six or more years to complete the course. I will be celebrating another birthday soon, and I would be nearing 50 by the time I finished. At that point, even if I was still living at home, I would likely not be able to make much use of my new skills.

Therefore, like many things, it will remain a dream of something I may have enjoyed doing, but wasn't in God's plans. No matter the case, it's still somewhat fun to dream and look at using the time I've been given for God's glory.

Results Reveal state of Mind

Tuesday was election day in the US. It wasn't for any federal offices or state government, but primarily city government. Some states had different measures, but most weren't anything newsworthy.

In my town, a controversy has been going on over our library. Unlike most municipalities, elected officials have no say in what books are available, it's only up to an internal library board. A few of the book additions in the last couple years have included books aimed at children that encourage inappropriate relationships with adults. This, and a few others, have caused many in the community to raise issue with the library to make a change.

One of the options on last week's vote was to say Yes for a change to the library's governance or No, to leave it as is. I, and everyone I associate with, were hoping to see the change go through so that inappropriate books could be removed. Unfortunately, Wednesday morning, I saw that this vote did not go as I had hoped and neither did selection for mayor. The results were close, but that doesn't change the verdict.

Another vote I was listening to was in Ohio. An option was on the ballot to change the state's constitution to allow for abortion (murder) up until the moment of birth. This also passed, despite a lot of work to educate the public.

Both of these election results show how the state of mind has changed in the US, even in small-town Iowa. More people are abandoning the truth of God's Word that clearly says children are a cherished gift, not something to be killed for whatever reason. Also, they are to be taught the Bible so that everything may go well in adult life, not encouraged to practice sinful behavior that could scar them mentally and physically for life.

Reading passages such as Genesis 18-19 and the book of Judges, we can see what happens when a country forgets God. The US has been racing away from His Word and laws for decades, and it's only getting worse. We already have trillions of dollars in debt that continues to grow and some areas that are so lawless, that businesses just leave. God has been gracious that judgment has not already been poured out on us, but the time until it happens continues to get shorter. An interview I recently did on evangelism also came out this month, and I hope more people take these things to heart and do likewise.

Continued Health Maintenance

I don't keep track, but it seems this year has had frequent health updates than any time before. I'm thankful they are relatively minor items and not major struggles like cancer, but they are persistent.

On Tuesday, I met with my ENT and discussed trach button updates. Unfortunately, it still has a tendency to sink in further than it should and drainage has again resumed. To help combat these issues, my doctor and I decided to try another button option that has a larger top. He placed the order with my regular supply company, and I received a call on Wednesday they can't get it. That means a search will be on to find a supplier, but another option should hopefully be available.

Thursday was an appointment with my dermatologist. He continues to monitor progress on my skin openings and prescribe different treatments. The area had a major setback in June, but it has been recovering since then. Unfortunately, the physician wasn't pleased to see the regression in progress since my last visit. A few changes were made to treatment and I am scheduled to see him again before winter hibernation.

Most of Saturday was again spent at my grandmother's house. Earlier this month, my parents and I visited to help start emptying the house as she moved to an apartment. Yesterday, most of my dad's family came to completely go through everything. Every surface was covered with contents from the kitchen cupboards, various drawers, and all rooms of the house. Piles were made for different destinations and a burn pile was already smoking by the time I arrived.

After nearly five hours, my uncles and aunts had cleaned out the basement, kitchen, and most rooms. Grandpa's toy collection still remained, until my cousin's children arrived. Toys that had been forbidden to play with were now up for grabs and soon multiple large boxes were overflowing with trucks and tractors that delighted great-grandchildren were devouring. A few said they planned to keep some in good shape, but others are not old enough to understand such concepts as collectibles.

Yesterday is likely the last time I'll have a wheel in my grandparent's farm house. With ongoing health concerns, it's a reminder of the progression of time and frailty of life. I will always have fond memories of parties at the farm with little room to move, but I know it will be something I miss for the week to come and whatever time I have in this world.

Toys Collection and Moving

It is Labor Day weekend, a time when families take one last trip before fully diving into school and the unofficial end to summer. Many people look forward to a break from labor, but my family has been laboring to get ready for this weekend.

My paternal grandfather died in 2019, just before Thanksgiving. Since then, grandma has remained living in their house out in the country. Recently, she looked at an apartment at a retirement home in town and decided it was time to move on Labor Day. Therefore, my family has been helping her go through the house she has lived in for nearly 60 years and decide what to take. Part of the process has also meant going through grandpa's things, including his toy collection.

Like most boys growing up in rural Iowa, I played with toy farm equipment and semis. Up through high school, I was in a competition with grandpa on who had what trucks. I had a few he didn't, but he also made sure I got a few special ones while they were still available. Of course, grandpa's collection far exceeded mine and nearly filled an entire room of their house. That room has hardly been touched since 2019, until now.

Dad and I looked through the expansive number of trucks and tractors that were on display. Several of them invoking memories of grandpa and our light-hearted competition. My uncles and cousins had taken a couple items already, and I picked about a dozen trucks to take. However, it hardly made a dent in the number that remain. I would gladly take any my family didn't want, but why?

Sometimes reality hits hard, and different seasons of life often do that. Since I don't have a family, I don't have children to pass memories down to. I am also limited on what funds I can have, so working on selling some items also wouldn't be good. However, the house itself is also a memory and reminder.

Just a few miles out of town, and a nice distance from the main road, it's an ideal location. I would love to be able to move in, live in the country, and help at the farm. Next weekend, grandma's neighbor is auctioning off his farm equipment and many acres of land. In my dreams, I imagine buying the land and operating my own farm, along with my family's adjoining fields.

God's plan for my life is a completely different path. I am thankful for what I have been given, even when reality is hard. I will continue to have memories, and see what my cousins do with the house and land going forward. Now, I need to finalize everything for preaching next week, and the tasks God has given me.

So Much with So Little

Those who are self-employed talk frequently about times of feast or famine. In other words, times of plenty of work vs. times with little work. Technically, I work for mother's business, but it's basically the same thing. The last few months have been blessed with a lot of work, and falling behind.

I advertise my web development services very little. The only promoting I do is listing the business name at the bottom of my client's sites. It's a practice most web developers do and I just follow the trend. Formal advertising is also expensive, plus I'm not allowed to have much income. Therefore, I am thankful for what work I have been provided.

With all that said, this has been a busy summer for site work. A few of my existing clients have had their sites redesigned and I also gained a new client. The new client has an existing site with different functions and it took time to see who had access to everything. After I started building the new look, it went well. The largest part of the project is nearly complete and I hope the site will be live to the public by the end of August. Once this site is complete, I have at least one more that needs to be made completely from scratch.

For most people, the projects I'm working on would go quickly and be done in a few weeks. However, I continue to only sit for 60-90 minutes and then be flat for 1.5-2 hours. This is better than I used to do, but it is still a short time period. In addition to web work, I have also had sermon preparation, work on my autobiography, health maintenance, and several meetings with a disability advocacy group.

Friday was my first of two times at the Iowa State Fair (next week's topic). It was a hard day and I was glad to get home. However, when dad changed my wound dressing Saturday, my skin had a large tear in the area. Therefore, I really need to decrease my time sitting and stay flat even more. This has also been a recurring them this summer.

It can easily get frustrating with setbacks and not being able to do everything I would like. Unfortunately, it's part of the quad life and I know that God allows good times as well as testing. This week's fair trip may be even shorter than my first, but I still can serve God and speak to others.

Missing Summer Start

Summer officially started on June 21, but the weather in Iowa has generally been very pleasant for several weeks. This is the time of year I look forward to the most, but I feel like I have already missed a significant amount of it.

Part of what I enjoy during warm months is getting out on the deck at my house and sitting in the sun. After a few minutes of sitting directly facing the sun, I reposition so that my face and upper body are in shade. I bake my legs and feet, at least, for about 45-60 minutes and soak up my surroundings. Getting vitamin D naturally is great for your health in many ways, as well as just getting out of the house. I am careful to limit my time so I don't get burned.

Unfortunately, I have only been out on the deck 3-4 times this year so far. Spring was relatively cool and didn't allow for much time outdoors. Also, I only have one regular caregiver who is comfortable with getting me in my chair. She is also the one who goes with me on all my adventures (appointments). I have had several speaking engagements the past few months and I didn't have time to sit outside.

For the last few weeks, I was also dealing with UTIs and some of the treatment I was doing didn't allow me to easily get up. Now, my dad has been working on the deck by replacing boards, washing it, then applying stain. With large holes where rotten boards removed, I didn't think it was safe to navigate around them. Thankfully, work on the deck is nearly complete an my school visits are now complete. If it doesn't get too hot, I see more deck visits in my near future, finally.

Living in the upper Midwest, it sometimes seems like we have a brief window of opportunity to enjoy time outdoors in summer warmth; at least warmth as considered by the quad life. Whatever I am able to do, I'm thankful for the life God has given me and the opportunities to enjoy His creation.

Who is in Control?

For me, this past week has been relatively uneventful. I spoke with two classes of second-graders on Friday and it went well. However, a lot has gone on in the country and that is today's post topic. I don't normally exclusively discuss national topics here, but I want to look at a few things.

The first major topic was last Monday, with another school shooting. This time, it was a Christian school in Nashville where three children and three adults were killed. The shooter was a 28-year-old woman who had recently started transitioning to becoming a man. Her manifesto was quickly found, but it has not been released to the public. From what has been seen, it looks like she was targeting Christians due to not being accepting of her transition.

In response, most media outlets and many political figures have said Christians are to blame and the shooter was forced to her actions. This weekend, a planned meeting in Washington D.C. for trans-people was adjusted to be a revenge rally. Much of big tech has hidden it though and may even cause this post to be withheld.

Late in the week, former President Donald Trump was officially charged with a crime and is, currently, expected to be arrested this coming Tuesday. Several law experts have noted the charges would normally never be enforceable and the statute of limitations has expired. However, since his election in 2016, news media and some political parties have been very opposed to the former president and this action appears to be nothing more than trying to press blame and squelch competition.

As the United States, and many countries, fall into more chaos, it's hard not to be fearful of the future. I would be lying to say I haven't had such thoughts, but then I remember to look to God and His word. Speaking the truth isn't popular, saying that all sins earn us the sentence of eternal hell. However, if we care for someone, we will warn them and show how to come to Christ. Jesus said just as the world hated Him, it will also hate Christians. The US has had over 200 years of freely practicing as a Christian, but we may soon learn, and be tested, on what persecution is.

Also, as political factions get worse and those with alternate ideas are suppressed, it's hard to be bold in all circumstances. That is when we need to remember that God is King of kings and Lord of lords. He will judge nations for rejecting His laws, but also spares a remnant of those who truly follow Him.

I don't know what this week will bring in the quad life or the culture. Whatever happens, I continue to pray for God to send workers to the harvest and use me for His purposes.

Merry Christmas

It is Christmas day, one of the few times of year most stores are closed and churches have an influx of people. This is also the day that children anticipate and look forward to opening gifts. Unfortunately, the real significance of this celebration has become obscure.

All throughout the Old Testament, we read foreshadows and prophecies of a coming Messiah. Reading the gospels, especially early chapters of Matthew and Luke, we see the birth of Jesus fulfilled everything that was foretold. He then lived, died, and rose again so that we may have the free gift of salvation. (Romans 6:23)

Receiving gifts at Christmas can be fun, but no toys, books, clothes, or even model trains, can come close to what we have been given in Christ. Objects we receive eventually wear down, break, or become less interesting over time. The birth of our Savior has no expiration date and has eternal blessings that will never fade.

Just like packages under a tree, God's gift doesn't require any amount of works or payment to be received. If we worked or paid for something; it is an obligation, not a gift. We cannot work to cover our sins and attempt pay off our sin debt. God gave us what we could never get on our own as the ultimate gift.

Stores start offering Christmas sales, and decorations, almost in mid-summer. We forget that this day is not about what we can receive, but what we were given 2,000 years ago. All who repent of their sins (lying, theft, adultery, blaspheming, etc.) and trust in Christ alone for salvation have received His ultimate gift.

As we go throughout the year ahead, let us not forget what has been given to us. It isn't just for one day either, but for eternity. Lights and decorations may not be up, but we can celebrate this Christmas gift every day and tell others how to receive it as well. Merry Christmas!

New Neighbor

I spend most of my time in my bedroom, sitting or laying in my bed. The walls and everything around me are very familiar, as well as the sounds that come drifting down the hall. I know what the dish washer and refrigerator sound like from my perch in the west wing of the house.

My nearest neighbor in the house is the laundry room. Almost every day, except Sunday, at least one load of laundry is either washing or drying. The sound of the laundry equipment, just on the other side of the wall in front of me, is a frequent background noise that drums along as I go about my daily routine.

For well over twenty years, I have had the same washer and dryer as my neighbor. The washer has had a number of health challenges with some of its parts wearing down and increasing in noise as problems increase. However, dad has been faithful to take my neighbor out to the clinic in the garage and carefully do surgery with various hammers to replace outdated organs. Sadly, despite three procedures this year alone, my old neighbor became too ill. Dad carefully tried to get a few more cycles out of it, but Neptune was done. She had spun her last load and with a bent shaft to her drum, she was all washed up.

Last week, while I dealt with neck trouble, my new neighbor moved in next door. This neighbor has a much larger appetite than its predecessor and eats more laundry in one gulp than we had before. While the old neighbor was sounded similar to an aircraft taking off, this one has all new sounds to learn.

I think it is similar to me and doesn't always want to get going. After being fed with shirts, shorts, and more, it makes some gurgles before going silent a few seconds later. The process repeats a few times before finally starting to process the meal of cotton and synthetic. I'm getting used to the sounds, but it's taking time. Late this week, my new neighbor's partner in laundry should arrive as well. It has been getting along with the old dryer reasonably well, but mom thought it would be best to have all new neighbors of the same age and model.

Living the quad life has its perks, even when laundry facilities take on a life of their own.