Christmas 2016 has come and gone and in a few hours the observed holiday will be over and everything returns to normal. For a few days anyway, then the new year celebration begins.
I notice every year that the holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, seem to all clumped together. Three holidays in a five week time span during a time of year that is not always favorable for going out and traveling. During the summer months, the three U.S. celebrations of Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, are spread out over three months. They are during the time of year when it's great to get out as well.
It would be fun to live n the southern hemisphere and have the scrunched holiday schedule during summer. Spending Christmas and New Year's on the beach in New Zealand with school out for the summer would be great. Families can travel to relatives' houses and not have to be concerned about getting home before school resumes.
The southern U.S. experiences part of this though. Yesterday I saw friends from Florida hanging out in the pool on Christmas day. I hear several people say they like a white Christmas, but I think I could get used to a green one very quickly.
No matter my varied thoughts, it was good to celebrate Christmas again with both sides of my family. When I only see some of my cousins' kids once a year, it's a challenge to identify who goes with who. A child who used my chair to help steady himself to walk last year is now running circles around everyone and talking.
Yesterday at church was also great to celebrate the birth of Christ. The official celebration is over and I'm sure some gifts have already been returned, but the gift that was celebrated never ends and has no boundaries. It has been a full year in the quad life and I look forward to what God has in store for 2017.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Cold Snap
November was one of the warmest Iowa has had on record. Mostly everyone I know enjoyed the extended fall temperatures and wanted it to stay. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and reality has returned.
December started off pretty well, but the last ten days haven't gone above the freezing point. This weekend has been a large shock to the system for cold. My dad's side of the family had our combined Thanksgiving and Christmas last night. When we left the house, it was a balmy 6° outside, before wind chill. Getting in and out of the van at my grandparent's house in the country felt like rolling into a deep freeze. However, I think a deep freeze is set warmer than the temp was.
This morning I woke up to my outdoor thermometer reading -13°, but with very little wind. As a result of the cold and yesterday's snow and ice, almost all churches in town cancelled their services. I missed last week's morning service due to no night nurse, so today was an excellent time to listen to what I missed. I was surprised to hear my name mentioned during the sermon, so likely a good thing to know.
As I write this, my thermostats are averaging at 0° outside, too cold to go out. However, this is Iowa and conditions change quickly. Tuesday is forecast to be in the upper 30's with most of the week having similar readings. After a month off, I'm hoping to finally bike again and try my new breakaway sweatpants made just for the occasion.
The warm to cold happens every year, so I knew it was coming. I think when living the quad life and moving very little, the chill seems to have more of a sting. No matter what, I'll live with what God has given me, and be thankful for a warm house, stacking caps, jackets, and everything else to ward off this fallen world.
December started off pretty well, but the last ten days haven't gone above the freezing point. This weekend has been a large shock to the system for cold. My dad's side of the family had our combined Thanksgiving and Christmas last night. When we left the house, it was a balmy 6° outside, before wind chill. Getting in and out of the van at my grandparent's house in the country felt like rolling into a deep freeze. However, I think a deep freeze is set warmer than the temp was.
This morning I woke up to my outdoor thermometer reading -13°, but with very little wind. As a result of the cold and yesterday's snow and ice, almost all churches in town cancelled their services. I missed last week's morning service due to no night nurse, so today was an excellent time to listen to what I missed. I was surprised to hear my name mentioned during the sermon, so likely a good thing to know.
As I write this, my thermostats are averaging at 0° outside, too cold to go out. However, this is Iowa and conditions change quickly. Tuesday is forecast to be in the upper 30's with most of the week having similar readings. After a month off, I'm hoping to finally bike again and try my new breakaway sweatpants made just for the occasion.
The warm to cold happens every year, so I knew it was coming. I think when living the quad life and moving very little, the chill seems to have more of a sting. No matter what, I'll live with what God has given me, and be thankful for a warm house, stacking caps, jackets, and everything else to ward off this fallen world.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Christmas Fun
A regular part of Christmas is putting up decorations. Some people go very extravagant with lights timed to music while others keep it more simple. My family does more toward the easier end.
For the first week of December, my primary day assistant was ill and couldn't come. Dad stayed home with me three of the four days she missed, so he had plenty of time to decorate. I did my usual train
tree in my room, but we added another train this year. A friend gave me a small set to go around the tree as well, so we have two train trees this year.
Decorating is one of the fun activities to help celebrate the season, and spend time with family. I saw a Christmas quiz that this week that had a few fun facts as well.
True or false: The Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year.
Which U.S. state was the first to recognize Christmas as an official holiday? New York, Florida, Alabama, or Texas
What unusual thing do the lyrics of these three Christmas songs have in common: “Jingle Bells,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Sleigh Ride”?
For the answers, and more questions to stump your friends, download this free PDF from LivingWaters.com.
While we celebrate Christmas one day a year, remember the real reason to celebrate. It isn't to receive, or return, packages from people, but the gift of the babe in a manger that we may receive everlasting life.
With winter cold, I haven't had a very active quad life this month. I'll see what another week will bring!
For the first week of December, my primary day assistant was ill and couldn't come. Dad stayed home with me three of the four days she missed, so he had plenty of time to decorate. I did my usual train
Decorating is one of the fun activities to help celebrate the season, and spend time with family. I saw a Christmas quiz that this week that had a few fun facts as well.
True or false: The Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year.
Which U.S. state was the first to recognize Christmas as an official holiday? New York, Florida, Alabama, or Texas
What unusual thing do the lyrics of these three Christmas songs have in common: “Jingle Bells,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Sleigh Ride”?
For the answers, and more questions to stump your friends, download this free PDF from LivingWaters.com.
While we celebrate Christmas one day a year, remember the real reason to celebrate. It isn't to receive, or return, packages from people, but the gift of the babe in a manger that we may receive everlasting life.
With winter cold, I haven't had a very active quad life this month. I'll see what another week will bring!
Monday, December 5, 2016
Word Roles
I don't know how many people do this, but I often find common phrases somewhat amusing. I sometimes wonder if the person realizes what they're saying. I've made such errors and laughed when I realize what I actually said.
One area I often hear fun phrases is announcing a new pregnancy or birth. You will often hear, "Mr. and Mrs. Jones are expecting a child!" I'm glad they clarify, otherwise I may have mistaken the excitement, and increase in belly, with a kitten coming. A few months later you're told they had a little boy. Good to know he didn't come out as a teenager, the couple may have sent him back.
Other phrases I love to play are simple questions like, "What's up?" This leaves a wide range of responses available, the opposite of down, the ceiling, clouds, gas prices, your time, and many others. The list goes on.
"Be careful, that just came out of the oven, it's hot." I would hope so, if something just came from the oven and was frozen, it's time to get it fixed.
"It's always in the last place I look." It could be the first place you look as well. Unless you continue to look for an item after you found it, you'll always find it in the last place you look.
We park in driveways and drive on parkways, and then wonder why English is a difficult language to learn.
We've been given the gift of communication that we can help build each other up, entertain, and also spread gossip and slander. If used correctly, it can be a great tool. As you meet with friends and family in the coming weeks, pay attention to both funny moments, as well as serious. Both in and out of the quad life, every word needs to be considered and used wisely.
One area I often hear fun phrases is announcing a new pregnancy or birth. You will often hear, "Mr. and Mrs. Jones are expecting a child!" I'm glad they clarify, otherwise I may have mistaken the excitement, and increase in belly, with a kitten coming. A few months later you're told they had a little boy. Good to know he didn't come out as a teenager, the couple may have sent him back.
Other phrases I love to play are simple questions like, "What's up?" This leaves a wide range of responses available, the opposite of down, the ceiling, clouds, gas prices, your time, and many others. The list goes on.
"Be careful, that just came out of the oven, it's hot." I would hope so, if something just came from the oven and was frozen, it's time to get it fixed.
"It's always in the last place I look." It could be the first place you look as well. Unless you continue to look for an item after you found it, you'll always find it in the last place you look.
We park in driveways and drive on parkways, and then wonder why English is a difficult language to learn.
We've been given the gift of communication that we can help build each other up, entertain, and also spread gossip and slander. If used correctly, it can be a great tool. As you meet with friends and family in the coming weeks, pay attention to both funny moments, as well as serious. Both in and out of the quad life, every word needs to be considered and used wisely.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Packaging
I don't ever remember being accused of being normal, which I think is a good thing. With black Friday and cyber Monday past us, Americans have started the purchasing frenzy toward Christmas. The thing I wonder about, is the packaging for all of it.
In modern society, almost everything we purchase comes in a package of some sort. It can be a box of various sizes, plastic wrap, or a combination of items. For those that shop online and have everything shipped, like me, it adds another box and packing material to the already packaged item. With Christmas presents, we adorn these outside coverings with printed paper, bows, and cards.
What's the first thing that we do after receiving our item? We dig through the protective packaging to get to the adorned object and discard the container it came in. Much of it goes to trash or recycling never to be seen again. However, some items pause before their final departure from our houses and businesses.
No matter what toy a child receives, they favorite item is often the box it came in. As imagination takes hold, it can turn into a car, plane, train, tunnel, fort, or anything else that can be imagined. Kids aren't the only ones that find joy in these items, adults can as well. I have often heard protective bubble wrap popped in my house by various people around me. Alas, after the fun is gone though, the fate of a lowly package is out to trash bin.
Not all packages contain items to be given though. Our bodies are also temporary containers for our souls that will one day release its contents. Just as every item has its purpose and container, so do the lives we have been given.
As you go throughout the next few weeks, likely giving and receiving, pay attention to every container of every sort. They may be something handy in the quad life, or in the one to come.
In modern society, almost everything we purchase comes in a package of some sort. It can be a box of various sizes, plastic wrap, or a combination of items. For those that shop online and have everything shipped, like me, it adds another box and packing material to the already packaged item. With Christmas presents, we adorn these outside coverings with printed paper, bows, and cards.
What's the first thing that we do after receiving our item? We dig through the protective packaging to get to the adorned object and discard the container it came in. Much of it goes to trash or recycling never to be seen again. However, some items pause before their final departure from our houses and businesses.
No matter what toy a child receives, they favorite item is often the box it came in. As imagination takes hold, it can turn into a car, plane, train, tunnel, fort, or anything else that can be imagined. Kids aren't the only ones that find joy in these items, adults can as well. I have often heard protective bubble wrap popped in my house by various people around me. Alas, after the fun is gone though, the fate of a lowly package is out to trash bin.
Not all packages contain items to be given though. Our bodies are also temporary containers for our souls that will one day release its contents. Just as every item has its purpose and container, so do the lives we have been given.
As you go throughout the next few weeks, likely giving and receiving, pay attention to every container of every sort. They may be something handy in the quad life, or in the one to come.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Three Seconds
Since February, I have been going to Des Moines almost every week to use the FES bike. My caregiver and I know the routine very well after so many sessions. The bike does a warm up for two minutes, then for the next 25 it's a combination of the bike's motor and my leg muscles. After this, it's just up to my legs to do the work. They go for 24 seconds before the speed drops too much and I'm just along for the ride, except once.
A few weeks ago the routine was broken, my muscles decided to add a bit of effort and went another three seconds longer. Granted, this is a pretty minor amount of time, but it is an improvement. I've wondered how long my legs would go if I had my own bike and did it more often, but I am thankful for the ability to get to use it as much as I can.
Several times the past few months, I have visited my friend Ken in the hospital after my bike session. He has been in and out of the hospital all year and I'm one of the few people that visit him. I did again this past Friday and was glad to see an improvement in that he recognized me and responded correctly to my bad jokes. The previous week, I didn't get the same response as he was having more problems. I visited him again this afternoon, but not after biking.
I received a message when I sat up after lunch that Ken wasn't doing well and I was the closest one to try to get to him. After a few phone calls, my dad and I were on our way to Des Moines. We found his room and was thankful to see a handful of his cousins were there. About half-an-hour later, the order was given to stop artificial breathing, and Ken passed on from this earth.
Three seconds is a small amount of time, but it's enough to thank those around you. You can thank God for the life He has given you, no matter the circumstances. I'm thankful for the times I was able to help celebrate Ken's birthday and witness his baptism almost exactly one year ago.
As we head into Thanksgiving, remember to take a few seconds even to look at the gifts, and people, around you. In another three seconds, they could be gone from this life and on to the next.
A few weeks ago the routine was broken, my muscles decided to add a bit of effort and went another three seconds longer. Granted, this is a pretty minor amount of time, but it is an improvement. I've wondered how long my legs would go if I had my own bike and did it more often, but I am thankful for the ability to get to use it as much as I can.
 |
| Ken and I after his baptism |
I received a message when I sat up after lunch that Ken wasn't doing well and I was the closest one to try to get to him. After a few phone calls, my dad and I were on our way to Des Moines. We found his room and was thankful to see a handful of his cousins were there. About half-an-hour later, the order was given to stop artificial breathing, and Ken passed on from this earth.
Three seconds is a small amount of time, but it's enough to thank those around you. You can thank God for the life He has given you, no matter the circumstances. I'm thankful for the times I was able to help celebrate Ken's birthday and witness his baptism almost exactly one year ago.
As we head into Thanksgiving, remember to take a few seconds even to look at the gifts, and people, around you. In another three seconds, they could be gone from this life and on to the next.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Presentation Prep
Today was my last scheduled school talk for 2016. For this school year, I went to four grade schools, one college, and today a high school.
Speaking at a high school chapel service is something I haven't done in several years, so I wasn't sure how it would go. My voice drys out quickly and I have drink breaks worked into my regular presentation. With only 15 minutes to present and not having regular audience input, I didn't have my routine stops.
As I usually do, the first time I did my talk verbally was when I was with my audience. Reviewing in my head the past few weeks, I had several different directions I could have taken and couldn't fully decide on which one to take.
Of course, my night nurse was out Monday night due to an illness, so mom and I stayed up until 2:00. Thankfully, I didn't yawn my way through the presentation and it went pretty well. One student tracked me down afterward and said I was an inspiration for her. A few of the instructors, some of whom were my teachers, thought it went well also. They were happy to see I was able to keep the students' attention!
After I got home, I opened a package from one of the grade schools filled with thank you notes. Many of them said they were glad I came to class, I'm fun, and God loves each of us. Since that is part of what I teach, I love to see they were listening.
Some days are a challenge and I wonder if I should still be trying to live at home. However, days like this when I can fully work to help others make a good argument for keeping on as we are. Another week will come in serving as I am given opportunity.
Speaking at a high school chapel service is something I haven't done in several years, so I wasn't sure how it would go. My voice drys out quickly and I have drink breaks worked into my regular presentation. With only 15 minutes to present and not having regular audience input, I didn't have my routine stops.
Of course, my night nurse was out Monday night due to an illness, so mom and I stayed up until 2:00. Thankfully, I didn't yawn my way through the presentation and it went pretty well. One student tracked me down afterward and said I was an inspiration for her. A few of the instructors, some of whom were my teachers, thought it went well also. They were happy to see I was able to keep the students' attention!
After I got home, I opened a package from one of the grade schools filled with thank you notes. Many of them said they were glad I came to class, I'm fun, and God loves each of us. Since that is part of what I teach, I love to see they were listening.
Some days are a challenge and I wonder if I should still be trying to live at home. However, days like this when I can fully work to help others make a good argument for keeping on as we are. Another week will come in serving as I am given opportunity.
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