Feedback Trouble

It has been another week of juggling responsibilities and trying to keep everything accomplished, but it doesn't always go well. Problems with technology and debating theology only add to the challenges.

I am very thankful that I can continue to use the FES bike at home to exercise my legs and help improve circulation. Starting each bike session requires my setting to be downloaded from the internet, The conclusion of the ride is then uploaded to a database for long-term evaluation. Recently, my Monday bike report showed I have officially ridden 500 sessions for over 1650 miles. However, that may be the last correct report for a while.

My small town started offering high-speed internet about a year ago. I got it last fall and have somewhat liked the service, but it is new and has some bugs to work out. Just over a week ago, a technician came to try to fix slow browsing speed we were experiencing. His work helped, but the bike will no longer connect to the wireless network. I have worked with multiple technicians for several hours, but without any progress. I can still bike without internet connection, but it means my settings can't be adjusted and my sessions can't be recorded. One affordable possible solution still exists, but I will need to find hardware to test the theory yet.

This week, two large web projects also officially started. For one, I have been communicating with the site owner for a few weeks and was eager to get started. However, I keep finding unexpected issues that delay starting on it. I feel bad telling the client I have more areas to solve that start, but I hope to get started and make significant progress soon.

Next week, I am also scheduled to preach at a church in the Des Moines area. I was very reluctant to agree to preach as I know the denomination and congregation have different views on the Bible than me. I did end up saying I would preach with the thought that maybe what God has given me would be helpful to the congregation. I sent my service material to the worship team a few days ago which sparked some lengthy message exchanges on uncertainty on my message and its acceptance for the congregation. I am still going to give the message, but I'm praying more earnestly that God uses me to help teach His Word in truth.

Starting tomorrow, I also have the house to myself for a few days while my parents take a much needed vacation. It has been a busy quad life that looks to continue for a few weeks, but I'm thankful God has continued to help me stay active and be used for His glory.

Outreach Days

The last three days have been the annual Tulip Time celebration in town. For the past several years, I have volunteered with a gospel outreach group. I wasn't sure I would be able to this year, but I did get out for some of the celebration.

Sara has been back for about a month, but she still gets tired easily and can't do much walking. On Thursday, my student nurse Brenda was scheduled to help me in the morning and Sara in the afternoon. I coordinated switching caregivers while I was around church and wondered how to have a calm day for Sara. Watching the weather reports as Thursday approached, it was forecast to be raining all day with cold (for me) temperatures. Rather than try to stay dry, warm, and coordinate switching somewhere, I chose to stay home.

Thursday turned out to be mostly dry with a few glimpses of the sun, but I was thankful I could give my caregivers a calm day. Sara worked all day Friday and I did go with the volunteer group. After listening to two training/educational sessions at church, Sara and I were ready to head out. Thankfully, my group was scheduled to spend the afternoon at an outreach booth and not walk around. I was glad that Sara didn't need to exert herself too much and I had a good gospel conversation with a young couple while having lunch. However, cold weather continued and I came home with a temp of 94.6. It took a while to warm up, but I did eventually.

Yesterday was predicted to be sunny with highs in the low 70's, and it actually was correct. Brenda and I spent the day with the outreach group and it went very well. I enjoyed the sun a little too much and got a slight burn, but nothing too serious. Last night, I didn't have a nurse again and mom and I spent the first hours of Mother's Day together.

I'm thankful for the parents God has given me, and especially mom. They have allowed me to do so much and have made it so I can have an active quad life. I am about to have more open days again, but I know God will provide us with everything we need.

Virtual Children

My friend John has been a regular spotlight on this blog. He and I enjoy our visits, I play with his sons, and quite often a computer gets upgraded, or dismantled. John's oldest son is in third grade and we casually talked about me visiting his class. However, John and his family live in Minnesota and driving more than four hours for a 30-minute school visit seemed a little much. However, when you're dealing with two IT guys, more options are available.

John talked with his son's teacher and she was okay with us experimenting on her class. After a one-week delay due to a popular illness, last Tuesday was my time to "visit." I have done a few college classes virtually, but all the students were adults and also joined me virtually. This would be my first attempt with a grade school and I would be the only virtual person "in" the room.

John and I tested technology options the day before and found a good setup. I logged into class at noon on Tuesday, and we had to again go through some testing. Fortunately, we gave ourselves a full 15 minutes before the students returned from recess. With some screeching audio problems quieted, we were ready to go.

I was on a computer that projected my video onto a marker board, along with my audio. John used the camera on his cell phone to act as my eyes and moved around the room so I could see writing quality and students asking questions.

After the lesson from Mr. Joel was complete, it seemed like everything went very well. I asked the teacher to take some pictures for me so I could use them for my mother's scrapbook and I could see how it went. Looking at the photographs, I noticed she wrote different terms I used on the board as well as my special instructions of having a barefoot class for writing.

It was a fun experiment and I got to do what I enjoy, teach kids about God's world and different abilities. I'm not sure how I could make it work without John's help, but I'll keep thinking of options. Teaching the quad life virtually could be a great way to help more kids learn, and not just in central Iowa.

Feeling Behind

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

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

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

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

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

Problems Relieved

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

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

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

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

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

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

Up and Down Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Surprise Speed Bump Visit

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

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

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

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

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

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