Another Lesson in Patience
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Patience: the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
For those of you that might not know, I use a special computer that tracks my eye movements. I have been using this type of computer for about the last ten years and have learned to do virtually everything a “normal” person can do (with a computer:-). But about a month ago my computer crashed.
Unfortunately the company that made the software I have been using for 10+ years was bought by a larger company that did away with the software. I am now having to learn a completely new system and it has been a real challenge, but it’s a challenge that I’m determined to conquer.
This is why I have been so slow in replying to blog comments and email… I was without a computer for three weeks and the computer I’m using now is a loaner from MDA (I am so thankful for MDA). I am in the process of ordering a new computer, but it’s a slow process.
I hope to get back to blogging soon.
Posted on February 25, 2014, in Uncategorized and tagged ALS, Christian, MND, Patience, Trials. Bookmark the permalink. 149 Comments.
Unshakable Hope 
And to think, I just wrote about my impatience with my son who cannot seem to remember to take out the trash. My goodness. Perspective is everything!
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Thank you, Cassi.
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I’ve gotten behind on blog reading. Sorry to hear of your computer issues, but I hope your new equipment is even more helpful to you.
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Lovely you are back on track and able to communicate by means of modern technology, giving inspiration to those who also have difficulties but also to the healthy ones.
Keep going strong.
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Thank you very much.
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As always, you are an inspiration. And being a lover of technology, I find it amazing that a program like that exists. It’s also comforting to me, not knowing how far my own condition will change my body, that there are things like this that can help. I appreciate you reading and liking my recent post “Prepare My Way” and I’m glad you will be writing more. I’ve missed seeing things from you and look forward to future posts.
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Thank you, Laurie. I am thankful for this technology!
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So proud of you for learning a new system. You give us all reason to find our purpose and to keep going. You are a light to follow. Keep shining. I hope you find it easy to learn the new system.
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I have missed reading your blogs. I’ve had a Mac lap top for about 8 months and haven’t managed to switch from my very old and demented PC to it yet! You inspire me. Sorry you are having to make all those adjustments, but you are right , it is a great developer of patience.
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You are such an inspiration! I will keep you in my prayers.
Nancy
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Thank you, Nancy.
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I’m so glad you shared this for two reasons: I’ve missed your posts and prayed you were still with us to bless us with your wonderful faith through writings and I’ve wondered (as I’ve shared your story with others) how you manage to communicate with us. It’s incredible to think of the amazing tools created to help us navigate life obstacles. I’m so thrilled you have “outlived” your software, but I’m sorry for the additional challenge of procuring and learning a new one. I’m praying for you. Once again, your tenacity to share the truth and goodness of our Lord humbles and encourages me. Thank you!
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Thank you so much, Laura. God has been faithful to us and I know that, no matter what challenges we face, God’s faithfulness will continue. I know that you feel the same way.
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Wow it’s amazing that you typed by tracking your eye movements. Keep up the good work with learning how to use your new programme too 🙂 Sending good vibes your way 🙂
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Thank you, Lucas. It’s great technology – when it’s working properly.
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You have been greatly missed. You are an inspiration.
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Thank you, Anna.
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Wow.
I heard of this lady who uses speech recognition and I am amazed by her.
I think you’re cool too 😀
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Thank you, Jackie.
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Bill, I’m going to take a moment to pray for you and your situation right now. “[You] can do all things through Christ who strengthens [you]” (Philippians 4:13).
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Thank you for your prayers and the faith-building verse, Danielle.
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Thanks for informing me. God is doing a mighty work through you as you go through this learning process. As we know that all things work together for good to those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Looking forward to read from you when you have overcome these challenges. Have a bless one my brother in Christ.
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Thank you so much for your encouraging message, Gertrude. It will all work out…
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This is my first exposure to you Sir but I know that it is no coincidence…it was no trouble hitting the “follow” button in fact I couldn’t wait. God’s BLESSINGS to you courageous soul!
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Thank you for your comments and for the follow.
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You are immobilized in a chair. Much in the church is immobilized by pointless, distracting program. I pray that God will give you many provocative messages that MOVE believers unto compassion, thanksgiving, foot-washing, social justice and outrageous acts of mercy in His Name. I sit here and read some of your thoughts and marvel at your courage, Sir, and your tenacious hold on the goodness of God.
May the computer be up and clacking soon…
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Thank you very much.
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Bruce said it all – glad you are doing well and it is only your computer. I pray you catch on quickly and it is not a hard program to learn.
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Thank you, Patty.
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Thank you for persevering! You are an inspiration to all of us. You are the living embodiment of hope~ someone we can look to in our own struggles to motivate us to keep trying when all looks so hopeless. Because you don’t quit, it gives us courage to not give up! Your life is such a BLESSING to all of us! I thank The Lord for you and keep you & your family in my prayers daily. Thank you for continuing to write your excellent blog. God bless you~Suzanne
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Thank you so much, Suzanne, for your encouragement and for your prayers.
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I marvel at your perseverance and patience, Bill! We all look forward to the day when you’re blogging again.
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Thank you, Nancy. ALS has taught me patience, but the perseverance is God’s grace.
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Hi Bill. Wow did you ever imagine 10 years ago that you would out live that company? Thanks for facing another challenge with such strength and courage the outcome will be worth it as I and many others are encouraged by your blogs. Blessings Bill.
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Thank you, Phil. I like the way you put that; I outlived the company. Actually, I outlived the first two company’s that provided my software.
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Yep. I know that is frustrating. Hang in there. The words you share are hope and encouragement to many. Thanks!
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Thank you, Bruce.
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I’m encouraged by your perseverance. Things like this can often distract us from seeking Him first, but God allows them to give us another opportunity to wait on Him. God bless you!
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You are so right! Thank you.
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How frustrating! I’m glad to see you back though, Bill. Your posts are always so encouraging and thought-provoking. I will pray for you to adjust quickly…and for peace throughout the process. 🙂
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Thank you, Rebeca. I am learning that learning a new system might be less frustrating than getting my insurance to cover the new computer. We begin the insurance battle today.
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Reblogged this on Life of a Hypoglycemic and commented:
Patience is a virtue; one I must learn to have.
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You and me both, Autumn!
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I too had then wondering about you. I was praying for you tonight at prayer meeting. I cannot imagine losing your life line like that. I will be praying that you learn this new system quickly and that you get your own very quickly also. it had to be very discouraging and yet you keep pushing on. you are such an encouragement to me. if I feel I’m having a bad day or a trial I know it is nothing compared to what you live and yet you keep praising the Lord. my cousin’s son in law has just been diagnosed with ALS. I mediately directed her to your blog and she was sothankful for it. thank you for continuing to serve the Lord as an encourager.
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Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I’m sorry to hear that this man has been diagnosed with this horrible disease!
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Praying for you and this situation. I’ve missed your blogs! God bless you!
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Thank you very much, Joye.
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You are quite the inspiration, Bill!
I don’t know many people as tenacious as you are.
I’ve missed your posts, and look forward to your swift return !!
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Thank you, Denise!
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You are an inspiration… glad to know you are doing great
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Thank you.
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I second everyone’s comments about missing your blogs, and wondering how you’ve been. On a recent flight, I sat next to a disabled Army veteran who was missing both of his arms, and learning how to function with the “new” ones. We talked, and like your blogs, I came away more aware of those daily functions/tasks that I take for granted which are a challenge to others. But thank the Lord for technology that enables folks to rise to the challenge.
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Thank you, Karen. These war injuries have been horrific, but the technology (to help them) is amazing! Your comment about the soldier reminded me of one of my favorite movies;”The Best Years of our Lives.” One of the characters returns from WW2 missing both arms.
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I’ve seen the movie you mentioned. It was touching, and an eye opener for it’s time.
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Thank you, Karen.
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Wonderful to know you will be overcoming this hurdle, too! 😀 Inspiring you are (in my best yoda voice hahaha)
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Thank you, Yoda/Stephanie:-)
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I’m glad to hear from you. Thanks always for the updates. It reminds me how I can more effectively pray for you — which I do! God bless my friend.
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Thank you for your prayers and encouragement, Pastor Keith.
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I always watch for your posts and read them first, Bill. Wishing blessings upon you with your new computer when it comes. The sharing you do is valuable and rare in the blogging world.
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Thank you so much for your encouraging words, Peg.
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I have missed hearing from you. Things that cause us do things slower can be irritating. I continue to want to be as normal as possible (with my limitations to polio) and I simply have a hard time doing that. Patience is my best friend all day long and by the end of the day adjustment has to come into play because I didn’t get all completed for the day that I had planned. There is always another day and a new chance to finish the task at hand. I will be praying for you and your continued patience in the road ahead. Good luck with your new computer. It is good for the mind to always keep learning. My computer skills are better than they were when I started my book project. “All The Steps I have Taken” was published in August 2012 and I continue to learn something new all the time.
God’s Blessings to you and your new challenge.
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Thank you, Linda. You are so right about learning and that’s how I’m viewing this challenge – just another learning experience.
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Learning new technology can be so frustrating but at least you are willing to learn. Having to practice patience develops our perseverance and character which brings glory to God – He is being glorified in you!
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Thank you, Shelly. You’re right, it’s all about character development.
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After reading your quote re patience, I’ve decided that I am not very patient. I hope God is able to transform your situation into a blessing. Love and prayers
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Cheryl, before ALS, I was SO impatient. I prayed every day for more patience. Be careful what yes ask for:-) Just kidding, I know God doesn’t work like that.
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Haha yes fortunately he doesn’t. I think often we think we’re patient until we go through trial n we have no choice but wait on/for God. That is when the anger and frustration comes to the surface, when you begin to feel anxiety that God’s not going to help. You start looking for sin, wrongs or the enemy thinking that they may be causing a barrier and that is why God is not responding or can’t hear. It’s that horrible feeling that you no longer have control. Often there is no barrier other then waiting. The act of waiting is difficult. There are many Psalms about the challenge of waiting for God, fortunately they also speak about the blessing that results when we do.
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“The act of waiting (on God) is difficult…” I know it’s only been two months, but so far that quote is in the running for the understatement of the year 🙂 I think waiting on God is the hardest thing we do.
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Wow, I can’t imagine what that felt like and what it still must feel like. You are an inspiration! God’s abundant blessings on this new, challenging journey!
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Thank you very much, Jennifer.
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I hope you are up and running soon. I have great patience in many areas of my life (Patrick is a good example), but in some areas I have no patience at all. When it comes to learning anything new for the computer, that is where my patience blows away like the wind. I may not comment on all of your blogs, Bill, but I read every one. I treasure your insights.
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Thank you, Hilda. Being a caregiver, especially for an Autistic child like Patrick, takes a level of patience that few will ever reach. But I understand exactly what you mean about being patient in some areas, but not in others. It makes sense that most of us lack patience when it comes to technology; when our computers… are not working properly, it disrupts other areas of our lives. For me, this is amplified because I literally live on my computer during the day; I read my Bible and books, blog and email and the computer is my only way of communication. Losing my computer was like losing my voice all over again.
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I can only imagine that (needing a computer to survive). With Patrick, I can see his frustration in his not being able to communicate, and for reasons unknown he has decided to stop using his IPad’s Proloquo2go program. I get frustrated when I can’t figure out what he needs or what is wrong. We have a certain degree of being able to read one another through nonverbal communication, but sometimes that is not enough. I will pray for an easy transition to the new software for you and raise up praise and gratitude to MDA for the loaner. XXOO
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Yes, Hilda, communication problems are frustrating for everyone involved. Not being able to speak is by far the most challenging/frustrating aspect of ALS.
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Every time I see your little picture icon, it lifts me up. Always positive words that come from you, in such a difficult situation. May others, and your new gadget, lift you up as well.
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Thank you for lifting me up, Cindy:-)
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I’m sorry to hear about your computer. Knowing your never-give-up spirit, I am confident you’ll be blogging again in no time. I will pray for the details to all come together quickly for you!
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Thank you, Lori.
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Happy to see your post! I have been concerned (worried though I should never worry). I’m glad you are able to work through the challenges (but you don’t need any more). I have missed you–a selfish thing? Yeah–sorry. Keep pushing. 🙂
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Thank you for your concern, Amy. Answering these comments has been good practice for me on this loaner computer..
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You continue to be an encouragement and a testament to His goodness. I am always touched by how you face adversity with patience and tenacity. I am sure your tech problems will work out. Looking forward to more posts from you 🙂
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Thank you, Stephen. You’re right, it will all work out.
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I read your blog because I love your faithfulness in the midst of the cross that you are carrying …
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Thank you very much, Mark.
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Praying God will continue to bless you with patience, learning, and a solution to your computer dilemma as you minister words of encouragement to others through your blog! God bless!!
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Thank you, Ali.
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Bill, I hope your learning curve is not too steep and that you will be sliding down peacefully posting on the other side soon. Your Blog is one of my favorites — so glad to hear that you are overcoming yet another challenge with your “Unshakable Hope.” You are such a huge blessing to us all. (Hi to Mary.)
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
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Thank you for your encouragement, Wendy. I am slowly learning, but it’s become clear to me that this software wasn’t designed by people that HAVE to use it 🙂
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Bill, I’ve always thought that about vacuum cleaners. 😉 I admire your persistence.
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So wonderful to hear from you! Mastering new software can be overwhelming at times. As a matter of fact, mastering any technological wizardry is difficult for me! I look forward to reading your next post, Bill. I always do.
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Thank you, Diane. I suppose that mastering new technology is difficult for most people so I’m normal in that respect:-)
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Bill,
Your blog is like a tasty treat of wisdom. You are right, ALS does teach patience and you have been our teacher of ALS. Keep sharing with us. May God grant you patience and a quick learning curve on the new computer.
Mary Beth
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Thank you, Mary Beth. ALS does teach patience, not only to the person with this frustrating disease, but also to their caregivers.
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Bill, I wondered why we haven’t seen you in a while. It’s so good to hear from you. Thank God for MDA and eye-tracking computers.
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Thank you, Terry. Yes, I am very thankful for eye-tracking technology, especially after being without it for a time. MDA has helped me out numerous times over the last 17+ years.
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You are such an encouragement! Your continued faith and trust in our loving, amazing Father and Lord is shown by your tenacity to share His work in your life with us.
I am praying and praising Jesus for you!
Stephanie
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Thank you very much, Stephanie.
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I’m new, but looking forward to your blogposts, and commend you on the patience you already have in all areas of your life. Bless you!
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Thank you very much, Linda.
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What a post, thank you for letting us know what is going on.
God bless you, you’re a very encouraging blogger. 🙂
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Thank you so much for the encouragement.
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You are an Amazing Grace! With your Patience & Perseverance you will be blogging again soon! Your Encouragement & Love is contagious! Pamela xoxo
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Thank you, Pamela.
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Whether your posts are few or frequent, they are always a welcome sight. I pray for the Lord’s continued provision and strength to overcome this obstacle. ((hugs))
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Thank you, Rene.
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I so appreciate you and your tenacity to be a blessing, which you are. May The Lord bless you in all you set your heart to do for Jesus.
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Thank you, Nin.
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Praying for you!!
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Thank you, Sr. Dorcee.
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Bill, what the enemy meant for evil God will use for good. Your life and blog are encouraging. 😀
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Thank you.
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You have been missed on here Bill! I hope you will get that computer up and running soon so you can continue encouraging and blessing others with your life and with your words! I’m looking forward to hearing from you on here again soon. Be blessed!
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Thank you for your encouraging words, Anna.
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Bill, I was praying for you this morning. I am sorry to hear about the computer issue, which for you is so vital to your quality of life. I will be praying that you learn the new system quickly and that it performs smoothly. That through God’s help, you overcome this hurdle. You are an amazing encourager…look forward to when it is all resolved.
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Thank you for your prayers and encouragement, Sue. you’re so right about the quality of life thing!
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Oh that is so hard! Techy problems are difficult anyway, and this kind of techy problem – I can’t imagine how frustrating it would be. You are a wonderful example of patience and perseverance to all of us. I’m praying God will keep you content, joyful, and patient in the midst of your trial – and also that the learning curve will quickly even out!! Oh those techy problems!!!
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Thank you, Barb. I suppose I should be glad that a computer is the only technology I have to learn; I have never had to learn how to use a so-called smart phone or any other techy devices.
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The LIGHT you bring to so many won’t be denied! 🙂
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Thank you, Ed!
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You have been missed. Praying for lots more blessings in your life so you can continue to bless us! What an inspiration you are!
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Thank you, Hope.
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Miss your posts Bill, but glad to hear that you are getting back on track. My laptop had to be wiped and restored recently and I was without it for a few days. I couldn’t believe how behind I got with everything, so you have my every sympathy! Blessings to you my friend 🙂
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Thank you, Sherri. Technology is a blessing for people like me, but, as you’ve discovered, it can be a challenge too.
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Oh yes 😉
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My prayers are still with you. Delays can never stop God’s plan for your life. What he allows, he is in complete control over and has a purpose for everything. Patience is indeed a virtue well worth the wait.
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thank you, Marianne. My problem is that I want patience right now! 🙂
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I know what you mean! My friend, I don’t understand the ways of God but I promise you that I am praying for his greatest work to be done through you.
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Thank you, Marianne.
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Thanks for the update and praying that the transition into your new system goes smoothly. You got this ❤
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Thank you, Angie.
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Blessings and hope the new adjustment comes easier than expected! Always look forward to your posts.
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Thank you, Lori. I hope so too.
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Dearest Bill – you just continue to amaze and bless me. “May the mercies of the risen Lord Jesus Christ, who is present with us now enter into your soul, your mind, your body and heal you from all that harms you and give you His peace.
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Thank you so much, Craig.
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Technology has taught me many lessons in patience. Persist, as you do in all other parts of your life. I thought of you this past week and am glad you will return. I look forward to your blogs
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Thank you, Michael. You are right about technology teaching us patience.
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Stay strong! There is always a lesson in being patient…I, for one, am still learning that myself 🙂 Best of luck with the new system. Sending prayers your way!
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Thank you very much, Tammy.
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wishing you well and prayers for you – learning anything new can be challenging and I’m sure yours is even more….. you can do it. 😀 Looking forward to hearing more.
cate b
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Thank you, Cate.
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May God bless you in the learning of your new system. I look forward to your posts once things are in place and you are all ready to blog again:-)
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Thank you.
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Bill
I am praying for your computer situation!!! I only LIKED this post because I am glad you are okay but not glad that your having to be so patient! You already know how to be!!!!
xoxo
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Thank you, Diane. ALS does teach patience 🙂
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It’s good to hear from you! Thank you for updating us. I’m sorry your computer decided to crash and hope you are back up and running with the new one soon. Praying for you as you master the new software Bill. God bless you.
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Thank you so much, Elaine.
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Your blog posts are cherished. I look forward to seeing you overcome yet one more hurdle. The gold is yet further refined, and will be worth it my brother.
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Thank you very much for your encouragement.
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