He is Risen!

Today is when we celebrate Easter, when Christ conquered death so that we may have life with Him. By Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, He has fully paid for our sins.

Friday evening, I watched this video about Easter that covered some of the fabrications that have been made to say Jesus was a myth. However, paying close attention to what Scripture actually says can easily see through deception.

Several of the myths say that the record of Jesus was actually other gods and their information was changed to the Bible. Some of the supposed facts were that the gods were born of virgins on December 25 and were visited by three kings. However, Scripture does not give a date of Jesus' birth or how many wise men visited, just that three gifts were given.

It is also said that the disciples stole Jesus' body and made up the resurrection. Jesus physical body was seen multiple times, touched, and even witnessed by more than 500 people at one point. Trying to say everything was a hoax or hallucination would be a miracle of deception. Even secular sources from Rome confirm the biblical writings.

As we celebrate Easter, we can be assured it is the truth and can be fully trusted. Further evidence is also available by seeing the conversion of Jesus' brothers, Paul, and the major change in Jewish customs.

Living the quad life, I see daily how I sin against God and deserve His just wrath. I know I can never earn salvation, but Christ fully paid the debt I owe and deserves my full praise. Soon, I hope to be able to share the gospel with more people in person, but look for the opportunity anywhere. Have a blessed Easter and week ahead!

Easter Sunday

Today is Easter Sunday. It is one of two Christian holidays that many people go to church, even if they don't the rest of the year. Unfortunately, the true meaning for the celebration has become hidden in other activities.

For much of my life, Easter egg hunts and egg laying rabbits have been associated with Easter. It may be fun to watch kids run around and gather eggs in someone's house or lawn, but it has nothing to do with the holiday. Sadly, even the "church" has forgotten what we celebrate.

After three years of ministering, Jesus was betrayed by one of His disciples and arrested by the Jewish council. In an illegal trial, He was determined to be guilty of blasphemy in claiming Himself as God. Jesus had very clearly demonstrated He was the predicted Messiah to come and was God in flesh. However, He wasn't what the leaders wanted and was turned over to Pontius Pilate.

Pilate found no guilt in Jesus, nothing deserving of death, but he give in to the mob's demand and had Jesus crucified. He died on what's known as Good Friday, and rose again on Easter Sunday.

Studying the Old Testament, it clearly predicted Jesus' life, sacrifice, and resurrection. Jesus was the only good, or perfect, person that has ever lived. His death on the cross paid the debt for sin that no other person ever could. Now, all who repent from sin (lying, theft, hatred, lust, blasphemy, etc.) and trust in Jesus alone for salvation, not our works, will be saved. That is the clear message this world needs and should have been preached from every pulpit this Resurrection Sunday.

Unfortunately, Steven Furtick from Elevation Church, has been recorded as saying he will say nothing of the resurrection or Christ's blood shed for our sins. This has long been a group of people that call themselves a church, but isn't the case at all. Others include Bethel and Hillsong, groups that only teach a feel-good message and not from Scripture.

As you go through this day, be sure to remember why we celebrate and be sure to come to Christ for forgiveness while possible. This week, six people died in a bridge collapse just while doing their regular job. We never know when our time to leave this life will come, and we can't afford to wait or change the message.

What Am I Reading?

When I read, I usually have physical books that require setting up on my book board and page turning with my stick. It takes a bit of work, but it's what I prefer and I know what I'm reading. With digital books, that may not always be the case.

A couple years ago, I installed a program called Accordance. It's a Bible software program that allows you to study the Bible, compare English with Hebrew/Greek, and several other features. I mainly just use it for Scripture reference and some basic reading, so I have hardly looked at how to access all the available features. However, I have added a few electronic books to the program, other than Bibles.

One book is by Dr. James White, Qur'an: What Every Christian Needs to Know. I started reading it around November in order to help keep up my knowledge of world religions and how to bring toward

Christianity. The first chapter was interesting, but the next time I opened it, I had a list of word definitions. It had been a few weeks since I last read, so I figured I forgot something and Dr. White was defining key words or something.

Through December and January, I would return to it on occasion and reluctantly drudge through more definitions. I kept telling myself this section had to end soon and I would be back to the point. Just to be sure, I also checked the title and saw it was still on top.

Early this week, I saw an advertisement for more books available on Accordance (a weekly occurrence), but one screen shot showed the book's table of contents listed. I started my software, looked around, and saw the same button. Clicking it, the book I was reading only listed chapters with alphabet letters, A, B, C, etc. Therefore, I had been reading a dictionary for two months and not the book I thought I was in.

I closed the dictionary, clicked the same book title I had been seeing all along, but it now was a regular book. This week, I have returned a few times with much more enthusiasm and progressed through a few chapters.

If I was reading a "real" book, nothing like this would have happened. I'm not sure why it switched, but it may be a good idea to actually take some time and further learn about the software I'm using. Finding how to navigate between chapters in one click would have saved much scrolling in earlier books I've studied. I guess I will mark it as a quad life learning experience and go from there. Hopefully this coming week won't include any more surprises, but still learning opportunities.

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.

The Marker

I still read physical books, the "outdated" type that require shelves and manually turning pages. I prefer them over digital and know they'll be around even if a hard drive crashes. For most people, reading actual books requires a marker so they can know where to start reading again.

Friday, I finished a book that covered about the first 600 years of the Christian church. It was around 400 pages long and I used a small sticky note to mark my progress over the past several weeks. It often ends up that the note's sticky section stops sticking when I complete a book. It's easy to recycle and get a new one for my next literary adventure. However, I have one marker that has outlasted any other and continues to adapt.

In high school, I started reading a chapter of the Bible most nights. Over 20 years later, it has progressed to multiple chapters every night with (currently) reading commentary as well. I have changed Bibles once in this time, but I have continued using one simple marker to note my progress.

I'm not sure exactly when I got it, but it's just a scrap piece of paper torn off of a larger notepad forgotten long ago. As I go through God's Word, the folds of pages adjust along with the crack between each side. My marker folds and adapts as I move along, conforming itself at needed. When I complete another time through Scripture, a crease has developed that fits well into Revelation. Going back to Genesis requires some reforming, but it adapts within a day or two.

Through the years, as I complete each night's study, I carefully place my marker into its new position. Sometimes, as sleep battles to close my eyes, I don't get it quite stuffed in it's location. Gravity takes over and it drops to my table, or bed. In an attempt to do everything as independent as possible, I carefully work to get it back toward it's roost, with the smooth side facing in, and firmly push it in. My caregiver sits about ten feet away and could gladly help, but I only ask as a last resort.

I've tried other markers, but they are often too stiff and plastic to adapt and allow me to get it in place. Therefore, my trusty marker keeps diligently working every night, noting my progress and where to start again. It's a small part of the quad life, but one that has become important and a practice in independence.

Good Practice or Consuming Thought

I have had a Facebook profile for several years. I used to share a lot of pictures and updates on my activities, but now I rarely do. That is mostly due to privacy violations that have occurred in the platform, but I share plenty of my life on here and YouTube already. Therefore, I primarily only post Scriptures passages on my timeline. This year, I decided to do an extra challenge.

Somewhere around late November to early December, I was unable to sleep and had random thoughts going through my head. This is when I got the idea to post verses whose reference corresponds with the date. Such on January 1, or 1/1, I posted Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1. I started planning for the challenge a few weeks before the end of 2022, but only figured out the first week of the year by the time January came.

Since then, I have found myself constantly looking for passages that will work for the year. The chapter has to be 12 or less and verse 31 or lower. Whenever I'm doing my morning or evening reading, I have a type of radar for verse references. It also goes on when doing our family devotions at supper and while listening to preaching at church.

If I'm not by my computer, I continue to review the verse coordinates in my head, have someone write it on a note, or use my Amazon Echo to remind me. I am starting to become so attuned to looking at locations and remembering what months need help, I sometimes miss what is actually being read or taught. When I record a passage to use, I often wonder if something else would be better and keep looking for more. I even have my mother helping with the project and I get emails from her daily devotional as well.

When this endeavor is complete, I think it will have been enjoyable. For now though, I need to remind myself not to get distracted from hearing God's Word while working to share it more with others. Hopefully by the end of January, I will get in a good routine and always rely on God's guidance.

Where is that passage?

In January 2021, I started reading the first two chapters of Matthew. My goal was to read two chapters, every day, for a month and then move on to the next two chapters. I am very familiar with the early chapters of Genesis and can reference where events can be found, but not as well in the New Testament. I hoped that constant review of the same passage would help retain where to find different items in the gospels.

I kept the practice going all through 2021 and at the end of February, I finished reading all 28 chapters of Matthew. On March 1, I moved on to read Mark 1-2 and plan to continue going through the New Testament with constant review. However, I can't say I have achieved the results I hoped to get.

Sometime around March of 2021, I watched a movie that only read the text from Matthew while actors somewhat portrayed the events. At that point, I knew when they got to a new chapter, what to expect next, and recognized when the movie progressed beyond where I had read so far in the year. If I went back to watch it again, I know I wouldn't do well in clearly knowing where they were at in the book.

Like everything new, we get excited to start a project and look forward to learning. In 14 months, I have only missed reviewing a few days. However, my mind wonders off into whatever else I have going on and I remember things I forgot to do. By the time my head catches up to my eyes, I have already gone several lines, or paragraphs, without comprehending the text.

After completing one book, I can point out key areas such as the sermon on the mount in Matthew 5-7 and the trial and crucifixion of Jesus in Matthew 26-27. However, that's not much better than what I already knee before starting. If I was asked where a certain parable or miracle was recorded, I would still need to look up the reference.

Comprehension or not, I think it's a good practice to continue. If God let's me live long enough to go completely through the New Testament at two chapters a month, I'll see what I can remember for my next time through. Until next time, I'm off to read through the opening of Mark.

Leviticus, why bother?

Other than snow and cold, it has been a pretty calm week. I spoke virtually to a class of RT students, but that was about all. Every morning, I continue reading through the Bible. I am now in Leviticus, and some may wonder why this is needed in modern Bible study.

The main point of the Old Testament is to point toward the coming Messiah and His payment for our sins. This book, while sometimes hard to read, is a major illustration of what is needed to cover sins against God. While it is aimed at the Levites in their service in the tabernacle, it also has application for Christians.

First, the animal had to be perfect to be accepted as a sacrifice. It couldn't have any blemish, and then it had to be offered on the alter in a prescribed manner with only certain pieces of the animal. Every part had a function, and even the ashes had a required method for disposal. Sacrifices were also required regularly, some at prescribed festivals, but others every morning and evening. They were to be a continual reminder of the need for forgiveness.

In the New Testament, Jesus was called the lamb of God. Just as the lamb had to be perfect for sacrifice, so did Jesus. He was the only one who had not sinned, and was holy, blameless, and acceptable to cover our sins. The blood of sheep and goats could not cover our sins for all time, but Jesus' one act on the cross paid for the sins of all who truly come to Him for forgiveness.

Other sections of Leviticus tell the Israelites how to live as a distinct nation, apart from the people around them. Just as they were not to follow many of the practices of other nations, so Christians are to be distinct as well. In 1 John 2:15, Christians are told not to love the world or the things in it. While the world moves further away from God's Word, we need to hold to it and live as His people, no matter the cost.

Just reading through some of the Old Testament can be a challenge. However, when we pay attention and apply it, the difficult passages make sense. If medical personnel in the Civil War, or Black Plague, had followed Leviticus and separated sick people from the well, and cleaned instruments with running water, it would have saved many lives. This is why it is still useful to read books such as Leviticus and see how it can point to today.

Snow and Cold

There is saying that if you don't like the weather in Iowa, just wait a few minutes and it will change. I'm waiting, but I don't like the change that's predicted.

We were very fortunate the first weekend of 2019 with very warm temps. Since then, it has turned snowy and very cold. So far this month, six of my nursing shifts have been missed with all but one due to weather. This week doesn't look to have much snow, but extreme cold. I think I will be rescheduling a hair cut I'm supposed to have this week for a hopefully warmer day.

It's no secret I don't like cold weather and winter. I try to base my thinking according to the Bible and have concluded that winter, as we know it, is part of the curse of sin. I'll try to explain my reasoning for this thought.

When God finished creation week, He called everything very good. The crown of creation was mankind, made in God's image, man and woman. Part of their rules were to work and keep the garden of Eden. The first couple, and all animals, were to eat what the earth produced. Lastly, before the corruption of sin, Adam and Eve did not wear clothing.

This shows several things when we stop and think. In order to have food all year long for every creature on earth, plants would have needed to be growing and producing all year. That also allows for Adam and Eve to fulfill their job of working the soil. Finally, with going around naked, the first couple didn't need protection from the harsh elements of a cold winter.

On day four of creation week, God said the stars were set in place to mark seasons. Therefore, the four seasons would have been set in place from the beginning. However, based on the above thinking, it likely would have been much more mild, maybe something like southern Florida experiences.

Unfortunately, the first couple sinned against God and brought the curse on all creation. The flood during Noah's time would have drastically changed the earth's climate with an ice age to follow. As I look out my window at a snow covered landscape, it reminds of this history.

God still uses the world in it's current state to show His love. In Isaiah 7:18, and other passages, God promises our sin stained life will be made white as snow. I look forward to that time of after the quad life and the new creation,

Long Snow

As winter drags on, I'm hearing more people asking, "Is it spring yet?" I'm included in having the same question. We had snow a few times this year, but it seemed to melt a few days later with warmer temps. Unfortunately, the latest rounds have deposited several inches and the cold is staying as well.

One thing I hear a lot of people say during winter is that they are tired of clouds and want to see the sun. For me, I can't say I'm really bothered if it's a clear day or not. Bright sun on the white landscape is almost blinding and I almost prefer some cloud cover until everything melts.

Winter does also seem to pass slowly, at least compared to the summer. When I was in the hospital in November, a few people sent balloons for my birthday. There were originally five, but two of them have kept their helium and are still anchored in my room. Looking at them reminds me it has already been over two months even if it doesn't feel like it.

I also have an escape from winter, at least in my head. I recently purchased a game called American Truck Simulator where you drive semis around the southwestern U.S. I have driven several in game days and so far have always had clear blue skies to live my dream of driving truck. When I'm flat, I also do some virtual farming which generally includes clear sunny days as well. Even though it looks cold and dull out my window, I can experience better simulated conditions.

Ecclesiastes 3 says for everything there is a season. During the warm months of the year, the land produces its crop and we enjoy the bounty God provides. Winter gives a time of rest before another season of growth comes again. Those who work the land can also take time to prepare for the next year and spend energy on other endeavors, such as reading and playing simulated farming!

Anticipating what may come is good, but don't forget to also use the time you currently have.

Reformation Day

This Tuesday, most people will be celebrating Halloween with kids going around collecting candy and adults watching scary movies. Before the commercialization we know today, October 31 was reformation day. This year marks an anniversary for the reformation that is unlikely to be in the news.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. This started what we now know as the protestant reformation. Luther saw how the Roman Catholic church was not following God's Word and boldly declared his work on the church door.

In the 500 years since the reformation, many denominations have started and are now based on God's word. The other reformers such as John Calvin, William Tyndale, John Wycliffe, and others worked to get the Bible into a language that everybody understood and made it possible for all to read. Some paid with their lives and we see the results of their efforts today with Bibles freely available in most countries and languages. However, we're getting close to needing another reformation.

In many of today's churches, we water down areas that talk about a need for repentance from sin. People sitting in church pews (or chairs more often) are often just their for an hour of entertainment and anything that just feels good. It's also common for churches to abandon early parts of Genesis to secular interpretation with evolution and just say to trust in Jesus.

As in Luther's day, the church is following man's ideas and not scripture. Modern evangelism touts God as love and will fill a God shaped hole in your heart. The hearers then just add on Christian to their title and don't lead a changed life.

The world has now invaded the church instead of the church influencing the world around us. I pray that the 500 year anniversary of the reformation will help to remind the Christian church about its roots and start digging back to them. I'll see what opportunities I get in this coming week of the quad life.

Progressive Week

The past few weeks have felt like I keep working toward eventual goals, but never get anywhere. This week was a nice change with a lot of work seeing completion.

In May, I was fitted for a new back rest and in August it still hadn't arrived. Thankfully, after more than three months, I received the new cushion. After getting it fitted, I sat much straighter than before and more comfortably. It will take a while to get adjusted to sitting correctly again, but this is a great step in the right direction. In talking with the technician though, he said his company has changed policies and it usually takes 3-4 months to get anything done. Therefore, I will be very thankful for times of having a working chair.

Speaker Joel

The biggest milestone came yesterday morning. I have thought about getting my license to substitute preach for a few years, but never pursued it. In July, I finally felt led to go ahead and try for my license and get tested. Yesterday morning was finally my time for examination.

It consisted of three parts, first giving a short sermon for devotions, then questions about my spiritual journey, and finally questions on church doctrine. The final section was my most concern as I do not spend any time studying doctrine. After a full hour of talking and answering, the structured section was complete. A few questions were asked by the general audience and I tried my best to get everything answered.

Afterword, I was asked to step (roll) out while the delegation discussed my fate. I barely got out the door and adjusted my seat before I was asked back in. It was a unanimous decision to allow me to have my license to exhort.

At church this afternoon, I barely arrived on time for our annual outdoor picnic. Shortly after getting a place to sit I was told that I would be leading the congregation in prayer for our lunch. Maybe one minute later, it was my time to lead already. I guess I learned to always be prepared to be asked to lead.

I don't know where this new venture will take me, but I will continue to follow God's lead. I'm somewhat excited and nervous about what may come, but I know He will be with me and let it work for His purpose.

Bloat

No, I didn't eat too much Chinese, or Mexican, and look pregnant. Getting spiritual bloat is another problem completely.

With the last few years of being flat, I have been doing a lot more reading. I continue to read book after book, but never do anything with the knowledge I've been given. I do use a little on her sometimes or during school visits, but not very much. As one author put it, I'm getting spiritual bloat. Continually ingesting knowledge but never using the information, or maybe head calories.

My church's denomination, Christian Reformed Church, allows lay people like myself to be examined and get a license to exhort. It would allow me to lead sermons at churches in my area and help fill in when a pastor is gone on vacation or some other reason. The idea of getting my license has been stirring for a long time, but it has finally been poured out.

For the last couple months, I have been talking with my church's pastor and one that leads the governing committee, called classis, in my area. They went over the basic process and what some questions may be asked during examination. This week I put in the formal request to my church for a letter of recommendation to be considered for testing.

Now that I have sent the letter, the seeds of doubt keep running through my head. Would any church actually want me to speak? How many sermons can I come up with? Will churches take a quad speaker seriously? I keep reminding myself that God is in control and if it is His will, then it will happen. With the past several years of speaking in different schools and being given time to study, I feel like I'm being lead toward this direction.

If I make the deadline, testing would be in mid-September. If not, then it won't be until spring sometime and I never know where God will take me by then. I will wait and see if I start the preacher quad life or maybe later. Until then, I will serve in whatever way I am given.

Meaningless says the Teacher

In my nightly reading, I just started the book of Ecclesiastes. It was written bu king Solomon and goes through how everything in life is basically done for the moment and is meaningless, unless it's done for the Lord.

Every summer I try to see how tan I can get my legs. It has no greater good and I've yet to achieve a golden brown, but it is a way to get out and enjoy God's creation during the warm months of the year and that is a good thing. Reading Ecclesiastes can get a bit depressing, but it also serves as a good reminder that everything in this life is temporary and we need to be working for God at all times.

I come from a Dutch background and anyone who is familiar with the Dutch knows we tend to not like to spend money. I call it being frugal and spending wise, but I guess I can see both points of view. Living on a primarily fixed income, I do need to be careful with expenditures, but I also have long-term needs in mind.

Especially as I get older, I don't like spending money on myself for things that aren't needed. A book I recently finished told about one area the author worked at in Ecuador that a child could go to school for one year for $51. When I think of things like that and other non-profit organizations I work with, like CHAMP Camp, Answers in Genesis, and many others, it gets hard for me to purchase something like game additions that I'll likely only use for a year or two.

When I stop and look at the world around me, there are so many things I could be doing with the quad life, but I don't always take the opportunity. Working at CHAMP Camp a couple weeks ago kind of recharges me in things that are possible to do if I really want to do them.

As we celebrate Independence Day this week, gives thanks for all the freedoms and blessings we enjoy in the US. Then, remember to take advantage of those freedoms and use time and material blessings to the best use possible. I will be trying to make more of an effort at it myself as well in this week. I'll see what God gives me to do and report back soon.

Word Wobble

For the past few months, I've been watching a few British based shows on Netflix. First, I watched a series on people looking for for homes in the country, then I followed that up with some British baking competitions. Listening to the accents of everyone is interesting, but word usage can be rather odd at times.

When searching for a new home, families often wanted to have space for a "holiday let" and start a business. As near as I can tell, this is basically a bed and breakfast type of situation, but without the breakfast. Their version of country also doesn't coincide with what I would expect. Some homes were in the middle of open country as I would think, but they could also be in the center of a small town, or village as they say. This could easily just be different understandings, but some get even more strange.

I'm very familiar with charged and dead batteries as the difference can mean a day out and about in my chair or stuck in bed while it charges. In the U.K. and other European countries, a battery without charge is flat. I guess that means one with a full charge is bumpy, but I can only guess. In Australia, if you're nursing a baby, it simply means someone is taking care of a baby and is something that men can do. In America nursing a baby means, something entirely different.

Not only do words have different meaning depending on what country you're, they can also change over time. One example is the word unicorn. Today, this word brings up images of a horse with a horn coming out of its head that is used in different fairy-tales. However, an 1811 dictionary has unicorn described as: "An animal with one horn; the monoceros. This name is often applied to the rhinoceros." If you look at the scientific name for a single horn rhinoceros, it is "rhinoceros unicornis." Therefore, if you read a King James Version of the Bible, from 1611, and read unicorn in passages such as Job 39:9-10 and other places, you must consider its meaning at the time it was written.

Modern vocabulary can be very interesting when you get away from your familiar roots. Be careful you don't go flat out like a lizard drinking (Australia) and be too quick to assume a meaning. It could make for confusing encounters at best, and major embarrassment at worst.

Book Worm

With all my time spent laying flat, I keep looking for more ways to be doing something. I ran out of a few series I was watching on Netflix and YouTube hasn't been as appealing this year. Therefore, I've been reading more while I'm down during the day.

For Christmas, I received a total of five new books and I just finished the third one Friday afternoon. Two magazines were also squeezed during that time, but they come every couple months. My first book for 2017 was Judge Not by Todd Friel and the other two were How Could a Loving God... and One Race One Blood, both by Ken Ham.

I watch Friel's YouTube channel and somewhat knew what to expect, but this was the first title I've read by him. He uses humor throughout the text to keep it fun to read, but also deals with serious subjects. Each chapter deals with different compromises that are evident in evangelical, conservative churches and gives good advice on how to approach making changes that go back to Scripture.

Ken Ham is a popular author in my library and I generally like his work. I did a full review for How Could a Loving God... in my church newsletter. The short version is that the book deals with a common feeling of uncertainty during times of trial, especially long-term struggles with disease and death. Ham takes you through a time of when his faithful younger brother was suffering a degenerative brain condition that lead to his death. He reminds us of the big picture of why there is pain and suffering in the world and how to apply it to individual cases.

Finally, One Race One Blood also answers a common question of all the different people groups came about if we're all descended from one original couple. It is a more in depth study of a presentation I've seen a few times using simple genetics and modern day examples to show how differences came about.

My last two books are a little more technical, so they may take a little longer to study, but I look forward to it. That's it for the quad life this week, I'll see what's coming with the first full week of March.

Instinct

We have all inherited certain characteristics from our parents that are natural for all people. Some of them are rather odd when you're a quadriplegic.

As we grow older, we generally pick up after ourselves and if something drops, we either catch it or pick it up off the floor. When I see something fall in the corner of my eye, my head twitches in the same direction as if to try and catch it. That sounds logical, but not when you stop and think about it. What am I going to do about it? Will I throw myself on the floor and attempt to catch the object in my mouth? It might be fun to try, but I don't see it happening.

The broken bones that would come as a result of falling out of my bed or chair should be a deterrent enough. Also, no only will the item need picked up, but me as well! Something else we inherited from our original parents is the sin nature, and a conscience, knowing right from wrong.

Today we celebrate Easter, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the dead. With God's sacrifice of his Son, we can be forgiven of our sins and have everlasting life with Him. Our conscience tells us it's wrong to lie, steal, and commit adultery or lust after another person. Despite knowing they are wrong, these, and more, are things we as sinful humans consistently do in some form or another.

Whether you're living the quad life or not, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord (Romans 14:11). God's punishment for sin is Hell where adulterers, thieves, and those who sin God will have eternal punishment (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Take the free gift offered on Calvary 2000 years ago and turn from sins.

As descendents of Adam and Eve, we all have certain instincts, not all of which were originally given. I pray that today you celebrated that gift, or will realize before it's too late the need for that forgiveness.

Mountain Seed

In my daily readings, I have been in the New Testament for about a month. I'm currently near the end of John in the morning and halfway through Acts in the evening. If you look back to early August's post, you will remember my schedule.

The first four books of the New Testament go through Jesus' time on earth and some of the miracles He did. The apostles were also enabled to do some as well. When the Holy Spirit was received by the apostles, and Paul, a number of miraculous healings are again recorded. In the two thousand years since then, I've been curious if some of these abilities have been passed down or if it was a one time thing.

Jesus said that if anyone has faith the size of a mustard seed, he can tell a mountain to throw itself into the sea. I haven't found any pesky mountains in my front yard lately, so I can't say I've wanted to move any. However, I believe mountains don't necessarily need to be made from dirt and rocks, they can be things that must be overcome in life.

My own personal thinking is that the power given to the early church following Christ's resurrection was a one-time thing. You occasionally hear about faith healers today, but any I've seen are in it for the money and could likely be labeled as more anti-Christs.

Having the ability to go out and boldly proclaim the gospel and back it up with miracles would be great to see. Really, people going out and just being bold for Christ and His word is great to see and hear these days. Unfortunately, I don't see these abilities returning until the return of Christ.

Just some random thoughts I've had the last few weeks. This coming week looks to be the first signs of winter, we'll see what comes by the next entry.

Labor Day 2014

Today is the day of labor, the time every pregnant woman looks forward to. Well, maybe that's a different subject.

This year has felt like a labor of different sort for me with all the work of trying to keep funding for my caregivers and stay at home. My actual labor of web development continues to be on the slow side, but that's not bad.

In laboring to keep my body in good shape and down to the appropriate number of holes, I continue to spend a lot of time flat. I got to thinking the other day, and realized I only sit for a total of around six hours a day. It's no wonder that even short jobs for VMT seem to take a lot longer than they should. Yesterday dad said that he noticed the one wound is half the size it used to be, so working to be off the back side is helping.

Friday afternoon, we learned that the funding that was set to expire yesterday has now also been extended to January. However, we don't know anything beyond that. Due to this, I've been working on scheduling my school talks this fall instead of spring as usual. It will be different doing them early in he year, but it may work out better. If funding does continue beyond January, maybe I can try for more schools at my normal time. Before that time though, I need to continue to work on new insurance that is more affordable and will cover my needs. If that is even a possibility will remain to be seen.

We read in Colossians 3:17, "Whatever you do in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus..." As this labor day ends and I look toward changing seasons, activities, and regular life changes, I need to keep this in mind and work toward the final goal.

Morning Catches Evening

In high school I started to read the Bible mostly every night, but slowly. I just one chapter every night, no matter where it ended. After graduation I increased to two and eventually three chapters at a time. This is a habit I continue to follow today, nearly fifteen years later. There are nights I miss, if I'm too tired or we get a late start for some reason, but I generally get my nightly reading in.

A few years ago, a friend wanted to get into regular Bible reading and maybe we would get the Bible read in a year. I did a little searching and found the reading plans at Bible Gateway. We looked over the options and picked one, but we were already behind starting in February. Simply reading two days' worth at a time would get us caught back up though.

Unfortunately, the busyness of life got to my friend's schedule too much and I lost my reading partner after a couple weeks. I didn't see a good reason not to continue, so I just keep going with online reading in the morning and the physical Bible before bed.

After the first year, I encouraged another friend to read along with me online and it proved to be a learning experience for both of us. We did different plans for three years until I took 2013 off to read daily articles by Answers in Genesis. However, I took up the morning reading routine at the beginning of this year.

My nightly reading started with Genesis 1:1 in early December 2013, with my morning reading doing the same on January 1. I have stayed about the same distance apart in my readings for several months, but my morning reading has been catching up to nights since June. It looks like this week, in the last half of Isiah, my morning plan will catch, and pass, my night schedule.

The NIV Bible was revised in I believe 2011, and that is the NIV that Bible Gateway uses. I don't like how some words are translated, so I switched to NKJV online. My Bible is the 1984 revision of the NIV, so it has been interesting comparing the translations. I also have a hard time concentrating when reading and my mind tends to wonder off. Going through an area again has been helpful for spots I missed as well. By next week, it looks like my morning will be in the lead, and we'll see what else comes up in the quad life.