Heading Toward Calm

The last few months have felt like I'm always on the go. This is typical for my summers, but for this year has felt extra busy for some reason. Thankfully, my calendar is clearing out and it looks like slower times ahead for a few weeks. However, this last week was still full of activity.

Tuesday was my second and final day at the gospel outreach group. The booth is sandwiched by two other booths that do not have Christian values, the Democrat party and Bud & Mary's cannabis booth. I usually end up facing the cannabis booth and get a nose full of the free smells they include of their products. It's supposed to just be the scent, but the idea can give thoughts of added influence. For the first part of Tuesday, I started the shift facing the opposite direction.

One lady spent time talking with the political party, showing support for their ideas, and then meandered over toward me. As she looked over the literature we have on display, I asked her about her knowledge of Noah's Ark and the Bible. She had some, but looked more disdained, and said she was part of a liberal Lutheran church. Just as I began asking about sin and salvation, she quickly left. Throughout the rest of the morning, I had a few short conversations with parents as their kids got dinosaur tattoos, but my fellow volunteers looked busier. No matter what, God's creation and the gospel were shared to many people through various forms.

Thursday and Friday night were this week's open shifts. I was thankful not to have any outings as the day starts out pretty groggy. I made sure to review the message I preached this morning, but not much else was done for being productive.

With this schedule of open nights likely continuing for several months, we all need to get used to the routine. Unfortunately, I already see the toll it's taking on my parents' health. God has brought us through another week of the quad life and I will look to Him for strength and energy.

Weekend of Independence

Friday was the Fourth of July, or Independence Day in the United States. It has been 249 years since this nation declared its independence and freedom for all citizens.

One of the guaranteed freedoms the founding fathers wanted for Americans was the ability to worship. In many European countries, the Catholic church had political power and restricted, or outlawed, any other faith. It's still the case today that some nations only allow Islam while others say the country's leader is to be worshiped.

Recently, Christians have been more maligned in American media and beliefs labeled as hate, but we thankfully have remained free to worship. With the current administration, some of the former oppression has reduced, but it still pops up in some areas.

Due to recent passage of some funding measures, I have seen comments on social media how our freedoms have been revoked and we're living in horrible times. Looking back in Christian history, believers were used as torches to light parties and killed in various ways for following God's Word. The only restrictions I've seen now in the US are to enter the country legally and less government funding for abortion providers.

On this weekend, I'm thankful for this time God has placed me to be used by Him. My lungs are still needing more suctioning, but I'm thankful for improvement and access to necessary supplies. No, everything isn't perfect in the United States, but no human institution will be.

Living the quad life, and seeing other countries, I am very thankful to be alive, active, and still able to live independently. Some of these may change in the future, but this weekend is a time to give thanks. 

Two Visits for Three Schools

This week concluded most of my school visits for the year. On Thursday, I went to two campuses of one school and Friday was a virtual classroom.

I have been going to the main campus of first school for several years. The teacher, Mrs. K, is very familiar with me and my routine. The inner-city school typically has very active students with a diverse background. I came in as the class was in the library and got settled in among the desks. As I read names, Mrs. K noted the school is now attracting more families from a Spanish background than African. I was thankful to see I could read most of the student's names this year, which hasn't always been the case.

After the kids returned, I did my regular presentation and noted the class was MUCH calmer than previous years. Mrs. K always does a good job in keeping order in the room, but this group was exceptional. Less than two hours later, and after lunch, I was at the school's west campus to speak with 15 kids from 2nd through 5th grade.

My caregiver and I found the stately, older style, church building and was let in by a maintenance person. The interior was completely opposite the outside with fully modern carpet, walls, and signage. However, the first floor was completely devoid of people with no sign of a school anywhere. We found a brochure to the school and called the number listed for the campus we were apparently in, but couldn't find. Shortly after calling, two women appeared from an elevator and guided us to a room with several chairs, a small inaccessible stage, and faux windows with blue lights. Not long after, children appeared from somewhere in the building that we never saw.

Even with the diverse age group, questions went well and the students seemed to catch on. I apparently didn't specify clearly that markers or pens would be needed for the writing section and a teacher brought a large bag of pencils. They worked for the demonstration, but pencils were much harder to use and not comfortable on mouths. Thankfully, Friday's virtual visit with 3rd graders in Minnesota went well with no unexpected twists.

For almost every class though, I forgot or skipped at least one point I always cover. After 21 years of doing nearly the same presentation multiple times a year, you would think I could do it easily. I guess the quad life is getting older, and I had more affects from last fall's medical trouble than I thought.

One more school remains, but not until mid-May. I don't like that my visits went so quickly this year, but I didn't miss any regular schools and actually added one. Quick or slow, I'm thankful for the opportunity and getting to teach about God's world and love for all abilities.

Schools, Church, and Nearly Forgetting

Since 2014, I have written a blog entry almost every week. I generally write them on one of my Saturday sit times with a scheduled release of 2:00 Sunday afternoon. This morning, as dad was flopping me around to get dressed for church, it occurred to me that I completely forgot to write. Therefore, I'm actually writing on Sunday afternoon, mainly while flat even.

Last Tuesday was my first regular school visit. I had three sections of 2nd graders with about 20-25 minutes per section. The time went very quick and I skipped some of the items I normally cover. However, it was great getting to work with kids again. Short visits once a year are too few, I wish I could be around kids more regularly all year.

My final section concluded with afternoon recess. In wondering around the room as I spoke, I suddenly realized I was beside the coat rack where all 20 or so kids were headed. As children climbed around me, one boy stood about a foot away telling me some apparently serious revelation, but I couldn't hear a thing he said. My caregiver, stuck on the opposite side of me, later said she had the same problem. I didn't like giving generic nods, but it seemed to satisfy him.

Friday was another class of 2nd graders, whose teacher didn't tell I was coming. As students filtered in from recess, they had looks of surprise and curiosity on their faces. I finished more than 45 minutes after starting, but it went well and the active group seemed to learn.

This morning was my first, and currently only, church service scheduled for this year. It was a familiar congregation, but I'm responsible for the full service. I preached on James 2, demonstrating faith by deeds/works, and not earning salvation. I remembered most my points, but had a sore throat after talking for an hour. I considered dictating this entry, but my voice wasn't having it.

I'm thankful the van worked and dad is able to get me going, even with needing to use my hoyer lift. This will be another active week in the quad life with more school visits, but a break is coming!

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.

Priorities

Every four years, Americans get the opportunity to vote for the next president, and other political leaders. For the last 2-3 elections, it seems each one has been the most pivotal moment for our country. They also have a way of making friends and neighbors become bitterly divided against each other.

Depending on your views and life circumstances, most people have different priorities. For some, it can be healthcare, others may see the economy, military, environment, or anything number of issues as important. Ever since I registered to vote, I have been registered as an independent. Therefore, I don't stand with a particular party, but evaluate each candidate on their priorities.

As a Christian, I base my thinking and decisions on the Bible and what God has said. Therefore, one top priority is protecting life at all stages, starting from conception. Unfortunately, the Democratic party has become very strong on supporting, and expanding, the murder of children through abortion. That alone cuts out votes for that party's candidates, but the Republican party is also becoming soft on this issue. This makes the line on one priority slightly blurred, but it's still pretty defined, for this year at least.

Most of my caregivers and I talk very little, if at all, about politics. It's not a subject I give a lot of attention and prefer it that way. Unfortunately, one caregiver, and especially her husband, are heavily into advocating for one party and the topic frequently comes up on her shift. It gets very uncomfortable to have someone be adamant for a candidate that goes against everything Christianity cherishes, while denying plain facts. In these days, I pray for peace, guidance, and clear thought to articulate views and back them up with information.

After Tuesday, America should know who has been chosen for president for the next four years. Whatever the result, we need to remember that God is King of kings and Lord of lords and all nations and leaders are subject to Him. Living the quad life allows me to interact with a variety of people and I pray that my influence, on any topic, points to Christ first.

Who to Trust?

Most people have someone they look up to or admire. For kids, it may be their parents, and adults may point to athletes, experts in various fields, or even pastors. Whoever the person is, the admirer usually wants to be more like them and learn from their success. Unfortunately, we need to be very careful when looking to fellow mankind as people held in high esteem can, and do, fail.

On September 1, I concluded my class on preaching after nearly 12-weeks of work. The main instructor was Dr. Steve Lawson, who had 28 lectures about 30-minutes each. I have heard Dr. Lawson preach a number of times and mostly enjoyed his messages. The final video for class included tips on growing in preaching by listening to other pastors and a reminder to live what you preach. If you preach on not stealing, but take funds from an employer for example. you're not living as a Christian pastor. James 3:1 says that not many should become teachers, or preachers, as they will be held in higher judgment.

A few days ago, I was on YouTube and a suggested video came up from a Christian news source I follow. The main heading read, "Steve Lawson Removed from Pastoral Ministry." Watching the episode, I learned that Dr. Lawson had reported to his church leadership that he had an inappropriate relationship with a woman. As a result, he was immediately removed from his role as lead pastor and will be gone for an indefinite period of time.

Dr. Lawson is a man who many looked up to as a model pastor and have learned much from his teaching, I am one of them. This came as quite the surprise for a lot of people, but it's also a reminder that everyone has temptation, the heart is deceitfully wicked, and no one is good. That includes me and every pastor or leader anywhere.

We need to look to God alone as our admiration and to follow His teaching. Jesus was greatly tempted, but yet never sinned. He then took our punishment that all who trust in Him alone will be saved.

I pray for Dr. Lawson and all those who struggle with temptation. Living the quad life does not free me from wanting to go my own way instead of God's. Let this reminder make us check our own heart and to cut temptation however needed.

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.

Friday Exploration

Another Friday has come and gone, which means further adventures on the roads of southeast Iowa. I have heard many tales, but none too tall, about a few places my parents visit in the tiny towns of Douds and Cantril. I visited them both once before, but they were part of our trip this week.

According to my watch, Douds, IA took just over an hour to reach after leaving home. The town doesn't boast much for tourist attractions except for one restaurant, the Lunch Box Cafe.

Image from Google

The Cafe is only open three days a week and the person who greets you, and takes your order, is Pastor Phil. He has been preaching for 40 years to a small congregation that meets over three miles down a dusty rock road. However, he remembers names and greeted dad, by name, even after a few months away.

Parking by a table in a corner, waiting for our order, I looked around and let my eyes feast on a smorgasbord of signs and nick-knacks. Some had political messages, while others denoted unique events in history. One said that on that spot long ago a one-time event happened in history, a husband won an argument. After dining on our cuisine, and getting acquainted with the Pastor, we headed further east to the Dutchman's Store in Cantril.

It had been about two years since my last visit, but it hadn't changed much and was still a very unique store. Several small shops have been purchased over the years and morphed into one building that now covers an entire block. You can get everything from clothing, fabric supplies, toys, books, and a plethora of grocery items that aren't available elsewhere. The area has a large number of Amish and the store carries merchandise of interest for them as well. We picked up several items on our list, as well as a few extras, before returning west.

Last week Friday, I had an all-day meeting that dad accompanied me to and didn't allow for shopping. Therefore, we stopped at three more stores before finally returning home nearly ten hours after we left. It was a long day of adventure that included two nights (Friday and Saturday) without a nurse. Saturday was a tired day in the quad family life with today not much better. Next time, we have noted to curtail our stops if we head out to locations further away.

Independent and Dependent

A few days ago, America celebrated Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was ratified and signed. It declared the 13 US colonies to be free from rule of any other country and govern itself. One of the original intentions of this new nation was to allow freedom of religion, and not to have one belief forcibly put on citizens.

Many of the guides written in the constitution were based on Christian principals and that all people were endowed with certain right by their Creator. One pastor was concerned about a particular Christian denomination would be required, but a letter by the President guaranteed the government would be separate from the church. This worked well for over a century, but it has been changing over the last few decades.

As Darwin helped popularize evolution, the church slowly lost influence in the US and other countries. If life was just random and a lucky accident, it wasn't important and could be done away with. Therefore, the rise of abortion and euthanasia followed as well as no longer following God's rules for marriage. Now, instead of being independent from foreign rule, America wants to be independent from God.

Public education that once included Bible reading, now does not let a divine foot in the door. Instead it teaches the opposite and reinforces that life isn't special and to do whatever makes you happy. Workers that actually work are getting harder to find as young people feel they are just owed an allowance.

Just as the Old and New Testament shows, countries that rejected God were soon rejected by Him. Romans 1 gives an example of what society looks like when this happens and looks very familiar to the modern world. May we remember that it is through God that we live, move, and have our very being. It is due to His grace alone that we have air to breathe and even our next heart beat.

I pray that God will sen His workers out into the world, including the quad life. It is only be remembering or dependence on God that we will be able to stay independent of oppressive rule.

Graduation Season

For most schools, the year is now complete and kids are free for the summer. Most students enjoy the break before moving up a year, but others have finished their school career.

I saw pictures, and video, of one of the campers from CHAMP Camp getting his high school diploma. I remember many summers of having being in his cabin and the multitude of pranks he helped initiate, and receive. It's great to see "Batman" move on to his next stage in life.

Yesterday, my parents and I went to a graduation party for my cousin's son. He is also a rail enthusiast and has many pictures, videos, and stories from watching trains in central Iowa. In many ways, he reminds me of myself in high school with trains on the brain. Unlike me, he plans to continue his rail interest as a career. Plans are to be a conductor with the Iowa Interstate railroad, at least for now.

Seeing graduates ignites my interest in learning again. I have been looking at a 12-week course on expository preaching. I hope to start it soon, but other factors, such as caregivers and required preaching assignments, need to be considered.

Unfortunately, many colleges and large universities have only become indoctrination centers for radical political agendas. Public high schools, and even grade schools, start the training well before students escape their walls.

Scripture reminds us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). Also, if we lack wisdom, we should ask God who gives generously (James 1:5). School in any form helps gain knowledge, but we need to always remember from where it comes.

I congratulate all recent graduates and pray they go on to serve God in whatever is next.

Picture Phone

In 2020, I did a challenge to include a picture with every post of the year. Looking back, I had fun with the project and thought I would try it again this year. As 2020 started, I didn't know how strange a year it would be and one we wouldn't forget. Hopefully this new challenge won't repeat the past, but time will tell. This week was one of small trial, but it isn't over yet.

Several years ago, I heard about a program through Medicaid called Safelink. If someone received Medicaid or SSI, they could get a cell phone and plan for free. I like the idea of free, and thought a phone could be useful, so I signed up. It was a very limited plan, allowing only 60 minutes of use per month, but it worked fine for my needs. Most months, I got in trouble for not using a single minute or text and had to remember to use it.

Every year or so, I would get an email asking to confirm my eligibility. I went through the hoops and everything went well. I even got a few phone upgrades over the years and now have a basic smart phone. Since more people were using phones in 2020, the monthly limits were increased and renewals were also put on hold. In the four years since, I still didn't get my regular renewal messages. However, I must have missed something.

Using a mouth stick means touch devices, such as smart phones, don't work for me. Therefore, I still use my phone very little. The only use it gets is for entertainment while biking (via caregiver's hands) and verifying codes on some accounts. This is when I noticed a problem.

A few weeks ago, I needed to verify with Amazon I live in the US so I can receive book royalties. In signing into my account, I chose to send a code to my phone. It never came, and further investigation found my service had ended on February 17. I didn't receive any letters or emails, it just stopped.

Web work has been very busy, along with other projects, and I didn't have much time to work on the problem. However, Friday afternoon, I went through several automated loops to try to see what happened and how to restore service. Getting something for free doesn't come with great customer service, but I finally found an actual human that mainly spoke English.

At some point, my service provider changed to another company. I found their online forms, submitted my information and even a copy of my Medicaid card. However, that still hasn't reactivated my account or been accepted as proof. Now, I hope I can get my number back and be able to access accounts again. Time will tell if that will happen or not.

Living the quad life has fun times, and this seems to be the current one. I'm thankful such programs exist, otherwise I would not bother to have a phone. Hopefully this week will resolve it and I'll be back to other tasks.

Dinosaur Mania

Around 2008, I started following creation apologetics. It opened my understanding of the Bible and God's design in the world. Since then, I have studied through online classes, multiple books, videos, and conferences. With this knowledge, I have taught a Sunday school class, preached sermons on creation, and helped teach others about God's world.

Last week, a friend notified me about a four-day conference going on at a local church. Looking at the schedule she sent and a recap of Sunday's message, it was a creation conference. Unfortunately, much of the church in America, and the Western world, have abandoned the truth of Genesis and embraced atheistic evolution. I was thankful to hear the conference was going on and local schools and churches were attending, but I wasn't planning to go. I figured I heard most of the material already and it was a ministry I hadn't heard about. However, Dad and I went to the final session on Wednesday evening that talked about dinosaurs and the Bible.

Arriving a few minutes before the session started, we looked at the church platform filled with replica dinosaur fossils. I haven't seen such a portable display before and was impressed with the number of artifacts. Dad and I found a place to sit in the third row from the front as the worship center quickly filled.

The speaker went on for about 90 minutes and, as I expected, much of what he said was very familiar. However, it's good to hear from multiple sources and some points were new to me. I knew about soft tissue, and red blood cells, being discovered in a T-Rex bone. However, I wasn't aware that a creation scientist wanted to do carbon dating on it and pay for the expenses. This would show the age of the bone and, most likely, that it's much younger than 66 million years. However, the offer did not go well with the bone's owner and very little of the originally live radio conversation could be played with children present.

Overall, it was fun to attend and let Dad hear some of the teaching he hadn't before. Unfortunately, a family with young children sat in front of us and their kids were allowed to run all over the building, including around the speaker. It was rather distracting, but hopefully they will learn from some of the children's resources.

This week, I plan to enjoy mainly at home. With the arrival of March, calm days are coming to an end very soon.

Long Start to 2024

It's Sunday, January 7, 2024. It is the day for my first blog entry of the year and looking back at the past week. So far, this has been a year that has not started off very well.

My parents were not feeling well in late November and early December, but I was thankful to have stayed healthy. Unfortunately, that changed a few days before the end of 2023 and has continued this entire year, so far. I haven't the coughing and chest tightness they had, but mainly just higher than normal temps, little energy, and no appetite. My temp got up to 100.7° a few nights, but not anything dangerous. Finally, by late Friday and Saturday afternoon, I started feeling more like myself. Germs have been around though as my caregiver had to leave early Friday due to being ill.

The year also did not start well for the community of Perry, Iowa. Thursday morning, a teenager entered the before-school breakfast program and opened fire. He killed an 11 year old boy and injured seven other people before turning the gun on himself.

School shootings are unfortunately too common, but one that's closer to home brings it more to thought. I've already seen the regular arguments for increased gun laws that don't do anything except make regular citizens more hindered. If a criminal wants to get a firearm, they will get one no matter what laws are in place. Other tools, such as knifes and vehicles, have been used to kill people in large numbers. However, I rarely see requests for more regulation on them. The problem that causes everything is sin, and living in a fallen creation.

The very first recorded murder was in Genesis 4 due to jealously. Since then, many more have happened, and will continue to increase. Bacteria was also originally good and helped with digestion and decaying leaves. However, now some have changed so that they cause illness and even death. Both of this year's events serve as reminders for the same root cause, sin.

As 2024 continues, pay attention to reminders, both good and bad, of the world we're living in. Repent from sin and trust in Jesus alone for salvation. He is in control of all things, and we may be selected to answer Him for our conduct in life when least expected.

Small Town Life

Yes, this is Thursday evening instead of my usual Sunday afternoon post. Something happened in the past few days that I wanted to write about, so I guess this is my early Christmas bonus blog. In short, I'm thankful I am able to live in small-town Iowa.

Two days ago, Tuesday morning, I was scheduled for my regular haircut. Since my barber is in downtown, I also take the opportunity to run errands while I'm out. I hadn't deposited my paycheck from November yet and planned to visit the bank after getting a trim.

Before leaving home, my caregiver and I prepared the required documents and I signed everything so we could just go in, deposit, and leave. When we got to town, my preferred handicapped parking wasn't available and we had to use alternative parallel parking nearby. It took some work in tight quarters to get me unloaded, but we managed after some bumping and careful driving on my part. Soon, I was sitting in front of a large mirror getting my hair shortened.

At this point, my caregiver noticed my deposit wasn't in her purse where she put it. We concluded it must have fallen out in the van when getting me unloaded. However, when we returned to the vehicle, it wasn't there. It was a windy morning, and our next thought was that it must have blown out of her purse. After some careful looking, my deposit slip was found stuck on a fence post about half a block

from where we parked. That was a good find, but my fully endorsed check was nowhere to be seen. My caregiver looked around a nearby gravel parking lot and alley, but didn't see the missing document. As we drove away, I continued to look as well, but without finding our goal.

Back at home, I called the bank to see what it would cost to have the check held so it couldn't be deposited. That expense was close to the full amount of the note, so I opted to wait and see what happened. The event near dad's workplace, and he also made a thorough search, but without success. I went to sleep Tuesday night still wondering my best course of action.

Wednesday morning, after finishing my Bible reading, I went to post the daily verse on Facebook and saw I had a message. It was from a friend of some of my friends, but nobody I knew. I hesitated to open the message, but decided to read it. The note said she had found my check on her driveway, nearly three blocks from where I parked, and wanted to arrange how to pick it up. Later that day, dad retrieved my wondering payment and everything was in its proper location by this afternoon.

It is unfortunate that the worst is expected, and excitement is found when the correct response happens. I'm thankful everything turned out well and lessons were learned for the future. Part of living in small, rural towns, is that many people know each other and how to get in touch if needed. Doing some Facebook investigation, I saw that the finder is a graduate of the same high school as me and works at the local hospital. Therefore, it's very possible we have met before, but in different circumstances. Most of all, I'm thankful for God's provision and demonstrating again we do not need to be anxious for anything.

Season of Stuff

Just over a week ago, the country stopped and gave thanks for all the blessings God has given us. The next day, stores started offering a multitude of discounts to purchase whatever they are selling. It starts with black Friday, small business Saturday, cyber Monday, giving Tuesday, and so on. Now that we are in December, Christmas is coming in just a few weeks and advertising continues for gift ideas of every sort.

Giving and receiving gifts isn't a bad thing, as long as it's done willingly and with financial responsibility. However, a point comes in life when you have enough stuff already and really don't know what to do with more. However, advertising is meant to make people covet and want the latest thing.

For me, I have collected a fair size library of books. One small shelf I have is full and another dedicated book shelf is also at capacity. I have read most of the books in my collection, but I still have about 6-7 that I haven't touched. What do I do? I gave a wish list of books to my parents and I ordered a new John Macarthur Study Bible for myself. A few nights ago, I was discussing with my night nurse on what I could rearrange in order to fit my new purchase when it comes. I would like another book case, but every square inch of my bedroom is already spoken for, unless I don't want to be able to get around in my own room.

The same scenario exists for much of our train layout. Dad likes older equipment and I like everything modern. As it is, many of our model train cars stay in boxes because we are out of track space and our current trains are getting quite lengthy already. It wouldn't make sense to get more cars, but they were also on my wish list and was the source of a recent pre-order I made.

Amongst all the advertising and accumulation of stuff, we need to be careful to remember the ultimate gift that is celebrated. Jesus was born in a livestock shed to a poor family in Bethlehem. However, His gift of salvation for all who repent of sin and trust in Him alone is worth more than anything we could ever receive. The Apostle Paul also said he learned to be content whether he had plenty or very little. It's something I need to remember in the quad life, but also for most of us.

Thanksgiving in 23

Thanksgiving is a holiday that largely gets overlooked by retailers. However, we need to give thanks every day, not just one day a year, and not forget. Since this is 2023, I decided to list 23 things to be thankful for. If we truly sit down and think about life though, the list could be endless.

1. God's grace
2. Sacrifice of Jesus for my sins
3. God's Word
   
4. Loving parents
5. Caregivers
6. Friends
   
7. Medical funding
8. Freedom to worship
9. Freedom of speech
   
10. Computers
11. Mouth stick
12. Internet
13. Strong mouth
14. Wheelchair
15. Diaphragm pacemaker
16. Accessible van
    
17. Air
18. Vision
19. Hearing
20. Clear thinking
21. Grandparents
22. Furnace
    
23. Getting back on Facebook

Limiting myself to these was actually hard, but a good practice. Happy Thanksgiving from the quad life and let us give thanks continually!