This to shall pass

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

¹ There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

 

I think of this passage and know that soon God will bring Steven around and we will be going down the hall fine to class.  He hasn't walked to class since the day I played 16 Monkeys for him.  I tried playing it again, but it hasn't worked again.  Which I knew would probably be the case.  He has been exhausting his daddy and I.  Last night, he decided to start screaming and throwing for no apparent reason.  He wasn't mad, he just felt like it.  All Bryan and I could do was look at each other and shake our heads.  Of course this morning, I noticed the full harvest moon.  As beautiful as it was, I knew it was part of our problem.  I know that I could have it worse than I do and I thank God for that fact.  I also pray for those who deal with these same problems, worse and not as bad as us.  To each of us we have our own battles.  God will bring us through and remember there is a time for everything under Heaven.

 

God Bless,

Sherri

 

 

I would rather be duped

Matthew 5:42 ESV    
Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.



Today, Bryan and I were walking into the Kmart here at Fairview Heights. A man walked up to us and asked if we could spare some change for a homeless man to get a burger. I don't have a lot right now, but decided what ever 1s I had in my wallet was his. I had $3. As he walked away Bryan said or for beer. Which crossed my mind too. But Bryan knows as well as I do that we can't take that chance. What if he really needed the money for food and I said no. What does that say about my Christianity. Not much I tell you. I spared what I could. My mom always told me to go and get gift cards for from McD or somewhere so you knew exactly where it was being spent. So, if you need to, buy some and keep them on hand so you know where they spend it. But the point being, we are commanded to help out the poor. Matthew 25:35 and on talks about when we help those in need, we are helping Jesus. And yes, you may be in a financial bind, but even a small amount of change would help. Of course, always pray for them. Always remember, it could easily happen to each of us.


God Bless
Sherri

If God is for us

Partial lyrics from Degarmo and Key "If God is for Us"

If you're weary, don't lose hope in fighting the good fight
Just remember, God is with you through the darkest night
In the heat of battle keep your head up high
God is marching with us. He's always at our side

If God is for us, who can be against us ?
No power on earth can take his love away
If God is for us, who can be against us ?
We can live in victory today


Today is a very tiring day.  I am glad I listened to this song on my Ipod this morning about first thing on our trip.  It was pouring down rain, we saw some oil pump containers on fire and Steven was noisy.  I knew I had to keep myself calm because I don't feel real well today, so I pulled out the old D & K.  Thankfully today is my appointment with the rheumatologist, ready to start getting answers.  Steven had another melt down right inside the door at school.  I tried to help Tyrine get him up off the floor, but it was a no go.  His anxiety is so high right now.  All he talks about is going camping.  The worst part is I think next week is going to be harder.  He has been telling me we are going camping on Monday Oct 1.  Well, we aren't he is going to school.  Oh so much fun!  Repeat the lyrics again Sherri.  Deep breath.  It will be ok, God is there to lean on.  Jesus is smiling at me and the Holy Spirit is holding me.  I can do this!  I know a lot of you out there pray for us on a regular basis and I thank you for that, it means so much to me.  I will update you when I get any news from the doctor. 

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

The best thing about camping, he is geneally a happy boy

Do you hear that? Me neither.

2 Timothy 4:7 NIV

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

If you saw my post earlier today, you know I am happy with my boy.  If not, I will bring you up to speed.  Steven went to his classroom this morning after a stint of less than a minute on the floor.  Thanks to Los Lonely Boys' song 16 Monkeys.  Anyway, we picked him up from school and looked at his paper he had a wonderful day!  I don't know when the last time he had a day when he had  no work completed hand over hand and no non-compliance marked.  I am thrilled!  We fought the fight and kept the faith and finished at least part of the race.  I pray that we do not back pedal tomorrow, but if we do today gives us hope.  We had already decided yesterday to take Steven to hike at Cliff Cave in Missouri.  He had a blast getting to throw rocks and have some time out walking around.  Of course toys had to go, but that is fine with me.  It helps him keep himself busy as he walks.  He did great there and had a good ride on the way home.  His favorite Playstation game is still the original Tony Hawk Pro Skater that he played most of the way home.  From Johnsonville to Parkersburg he was in San Fransico purposely getting hit by the trolley and hippie van.  Days like this are so much fun.  I know tonight will be cold, but we are sleeping in the camper.  He deserves some extra reward.  I think I will head off to bed now have a good night.  I thank God for giving us such a wonderful day!!!!  Not only was it a good day with Steven, it was beautiful out to where we could give him good rewards.  Thank you Lord for loving us and caring for us.

God Bless,
Sherri

Steven on the hike after stealing his Daddy's hat.

A beautiful Sunday

Psalm 100:1 KJV

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

We have been having some rough days lately with Steven.  He just hasn't wanted to be doing much of anything except for talking about camping.  He wants to go so bad, but to bad he will have to wait.  Today, he forgot it for awhile and went to church twice so far today.  We went this morning as usual and Steven got out and went in with no problems this morning.  Usually we have to talk him in even though there is no stopping the boy when he gets in there.  We got there and he went in and started jabbering at Tami and others right away.  He then got to see John, who he won't leave alone once he gets there.  Of couse we had to make sure he didn't hit Phil's hurt leg.  He finally decided he had enough and wanted to leave.  So I told him to go out to the van.  He started to head that way, but had to make a stop to say hi to Bert and Betty and then Linda.  He loves everyone at church and they love seeing him.  Roberta tells me his hugs makes her day.  We had a fellowship after church today and I went home and got Steven and Bryan thinking Steven might stay 5 minutes.  Well, Steven (and his computer) made it the whole fellowship.  He sat at a table away from everyone, but sat and jabbered at everyone as they ate.  We were even the last ones to leave the church!  I don't rememeber the last time Steven made it though a full fellowship if ever.  Of course Winnie's good cookies helped out.  It was just really nice to have family time together at church and us not have to chase Steven all over.  Bryan and I actually got enjoy ourselves as well.  Thank you God for such a loving and caring church family that they let Steven be Steven and they enjoy him at the same time!

God Bless,
Sherri

This is Steven playing piano and singing while people were eating. 

My head hurts

Luke18:1 NIV
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.


This verse is from the beginning of the passage for the parable of the persistent widow.  I have to keep reminding myself of this and other verses in the Bible at times like these.  You can only smash you head on a brick wall before it starts to really hurt.  Steven still will not walk to his classroom in the morning.  He flops on the floor in the hallway.  We have even seen his favorite teacher the past two mornings.  The one he talks about constantly on the way to school.  He won't even go to his room for her.  We have decided that Steven doesn't get Wendy's in the afternoon if he doesn't go to his classroom with us.  This started on Tuesday and we haven't been to Wendy's since Monday.  The past two days have been worse at school.  I feel for poor Tyrine.   I just have to remember to keep the path steady and not to give into him.  If I waiver, we will be back at square one.  I pray that God helps me keep it together and stay persistent with Steven.  Of course, Bryan is in on this too, we both have headaches.  Thankfully we have a great support system of people that love us. 

God bless,
Sherri

Part of my support group

Exercise, Exercise All I do is Exercise

1 Corinthians 6:19 ESV
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own

Ok, now how many of you have your fingers going as you say the title?  Until recently I haven't done much of the exercising.  I knew that I needed to for my overall health.  When you have as many health issues as I do, exercise is very important.  When I was at home though I was either busy with Steven or if he was asleep or gone, I found housework to do.  I knew what good it could do for health period, but then I also saw the results Bryan and my brother Jeff got when they started at the gym in O'Fallon.  I started going in June.  Since that time, I have had several set backs.  I found excuses to not do it because of pain.  Well, I have decided pain or not I would do something 3x a week.  Of course by this time I should have been doing more.  Yesterday was the first day for me to walk and not be on the treadmill.  I was not looking forward to it not being a smooth surface and not flat.  I was being passed by people in their 60s and 70s at least.  I felt a little depressed.  But in the end, I did a little over a mile.  Not flat and not smooth.  I knew I had made progress.  Then today, I wanted to check out a part of a bike path for possible use with Steven.  I had not expected to go today, but Bryan had.  I didn't dress the part the best, but off I went.  I knew there was a Casey's down the way a mile or so and wanted to see how long it took to get there.  20-25 min was how long it was.  Perfect for Steven time wise and a reward at the end.  I sat down for about 5 minutes after getting a drink and small snack at Casey's.  I walked back to the van after considering waiting on Bryan and having him pick me up when he got back.  I looked at the map when I got back and the two points on the map were .9 miles apart.  I had to walk a little extra each way, so I will say a mile total.  That means today I walked 2 miles on smooth pavement, but not flat.  I feel great after it too. Yep, I think I need to increase it to 5 days a week of exercise.  I love the fact I am taking care of myself for me, God and a certain "little" boy.  Ok, maybe for Bryan too.  I know it is hard, but try it and you might like it.

God Bless,

Sherri

A quiet hike in the Smokies

On the same page

Numbers 24:12-13  NIV
12Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not tell the messengers you sent me, 13‘Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD—and I must say only what the LORD says’?

This was in the reading I was doing today.  This is a good verse for people who question the stance of speaking when the Bible speaks and being silent when the Bible is silent.  We are not to add to God's word or take away from it.  How can we go and do anything but what God commands us to do.  This the same as Steven's IEP and the overall plan at ICA.  How can we consitently teach Steven what he should do to grow in life if we aren't on the same page.  We have to be as one as we teach Steven.  We also have to be as one when we discipline him.  As Steven sat on the floor this morning by Miss Kim and I someone set off the buzzer to get help with him.  There were about 5 people that responded to the buzzer.  If they all aren't on the same page of what to do, my son would remain on the floor the rest of the day.  But they know the plan and are excellent at implementing it to help my son have a better day.,  Please remember this verse as you go through your day as you are faced with decisions.  Obviously we have to do what we feel is right when the Bible is silent, but don't curse anyone when the Bible doesn't say it is wrong.  I use the word curse because of the context of the verse above.  It doesn't matter what we will receive from the world if we do as they ask, our treasure is laid up in heaven with God.  This way, we can make sure we stand united as Christians. 

God bless,
Sherri

The picture of a parent when the school and them are not on the same page.

Never forget

I remember driving to work on Sept. 11th 2001.  Listening to the radio hearing about the planes hitting the twin towers.  Then sitting at work having the radio going listening to the them talk about the towers falling.  I remember seeing the towers falling on tv for the first time dropping to my knees crying out.  I was 32 on that day and had never felt so much sorrow and pain in my life.  I remember seeing Congress standing on the steps of the Capitol singing God Bless America.  I remember fearing that the turn to God for our country may not last.  I pray that people remember this day and remember God.  Please pray for all those who lost loved ones on that tragic day and pray for our country to turn back to God.

God Bless,
Sherri

What's going on?

1 Peter 5:14 NIV

Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.


Steven has come to love going to church and greeting everyone.  He doesn' kiss them, but gives a lot of them big hugs.  Everyone gets a hi, how are you or what's going on.  Some people even get the joy of my child being in their face multiple times.  It is so good to see Steven love on everyone at the church and so good to see them love him back.  It saddens me to know there have been churches we attended where some people weren't very accepting of him.  I find it very hard to not smile when I see Steven or another child I know with special needs smiling at me.  They have such a geniune smile and love.  It is truly the unconditional love we are called to have. 

God Bless,
Sherri

Go ahead and try to not smile at this beautiful picture.

Light Battery

Psalm 119:105
  105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path

"Light battery"   "What?"  I ask Steven because all I caught was battery.  "Light battery"  Oh ok, so I look around and sure enough there is the burnt out light bulb that is annoying my son.  "Give me a minute, I will get a bulb."  Over and over again he tells me light battery until I finally get it replaced.  I am not sure why Steven is obsessed by the light being burnt out, but it bothers him greatly.  I always try to keep light bulbs on hand for that very reason.  Me I can deal with it and wait, but not my son.  I am assuming it is because it is supposed to be on and things are just to out of place when it is out.  If I ever figure out why some things bother my son when they are out of place and other things he doesn't even notice, I will be a happy mom.  Thankfully, God's light doesn't need batteries or ever go out.  He doesn't have to make a quick trip to Wal Mart to make it work, he doesn't have to keep oil in the lamp, it just burns bright.  It shines constant to help guide us through our dark times where we don't know where to turn.  He will be more happy to make it burn a little brighter if we have our sunglasses on and can't see it, but it is there and God will never, never let it go out on us.

God Bless,
Sherri

The light fixture that Steven gets worried about the most when the bulbs are burnt out.

My Jesus girls

Matthew 18:20 NIV

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them

I usually spend this time talking about my family life with Bryan and Steven.  Today I talk about my family life with Godsippers.  These girls are my sisters!  I know that they are there for me and I hope they know I am there for them.  I have longed for such a fellowship and this is it!  My only regret is I didn't start going sooner.  We laugh, love and learn about God.  It is so nice to be able to go in and talk to them about anything.  I do mean anything!  Those girls want to be there for you with any problem you have no matter how small.  They also want to help you rejoice when you have a triumph no matter how meaningless it may seem.  Any woman who is reading this and is the Olney area, please come and join us!  We meet at The Master's Hands on Whittle Thursday nights at 6:30.  I don't want to seem like I am putting down my congregation or any I have attended in the past.  They all mean so much to me and are a huge part of my walk with God.  I am talking about fellow sisters in Christ meeting and loving one another.  It is an experience that is unexplainable. 

God Bless,
Sherri

(I hope you don't mind I borrowed your picture Bev!)

Comfort

John 14:16 KJV
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever

I woke up today in so much pain.  Why?  I have no clue.  Yesterday was such a good day.  I didn't even have pain with exercising.  Today I don't have to move to be in immense pain.  Yesterday, Steven had a pretty good day.  This morning, not the best.  Not a lot of hitting and kicking, but it was there and we kept waiting for the eruption.  It never came in the van.  We will have to wait and see about school.  Days like this would upset me so bad before.  I am pretty calm just craving some chocolate.  This is even without my anxiety medicine in me!  I am loving the new found Sherri that can handle life so much better.  I don't miss being overwhelmed just by the sight of dirty dishes.  I have gotten back to what is important.  God!  I am studying more and praying more.  God has brought me out of a bad situation and gave me one where I can flourish for Him.  I have remembered the Comforter.  He has been there to hold me so many times.  I still remember the first time I felt Him hold me in a time of hardship.  It is a wonderful feeling.  I am not saying I am through everything and go all the time with out my meds, there are times when the chemicals in my body are just way off.  But, I know that I have God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit on my side and that makes me smile.

God Bless,
Sherri

FOCUS! I'm sorry did you say something?

1 Peter 1:13 NIV
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

I so try to prepare my mind to focus on God and what I need to do.  Reading isn't an easy task for me, it is just SOOOO boring.  I do it to the best of my ability, but I find my mind wandering.  I have been trying to read the book Made to Crave.  It is a great book by Lysa TerKeurst that works on helping you focus on God instead of food or whatever you body craves in order to overcome addiction.  I have been reading it for a while and can't get very far very fast.  I have been reading in the van taking Steven to and from school.  I finally decided to use my ipod to listen to while I read.  It works great!  But then Steven comes along.  I just have a hard time keeping track of where I am and wanting to continue to read when we start talking Sesame Street.  Very, very hard to concentrate after singing I'm an Aardvark.  Of course then you throw in all of the other things he likes to get my attention about.  However, the little voice is there that little voice you can't ignore saying get back to the reading.  It is like when I "ignore" Steven.  I may not look at him, but I think he knows he has my attention.  It is the same with God.  We may try to "ignore" God, but he knows that we are aware of Him and what we need to do.  All I can say is pray for me and others to be blessed with ability to focus. 

God Bless,
Sherri                                 
                                         The ever present boy

The road ahead

Matthew 11:10  NIV cross reference Malachi 3:1

This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’


I know that will be preaching to quite a few of the choir today.  Having a special needs challenge means having to look at the road ahead farther than you want to.  I am thinking constantly of what ifs with Steven's welfare.  Not just once he is out of school, but also when something happens to his daddy or I.  I am not saying others don't have to look ahead, but for the most part, those that don't have a disability can eventually be 100% on their own.  My child never will be on his own in way.  I know when Bryan and I married, we both wanted to live at a house with a pond.  Not happening now.  Even though Steven can swim, he would be hard to keep out.  With Steven's IEP coming up Tuesday, we are facing another round of what to do next.  Before I know it, my child will age out and not be able to go to the school.  I am praying he is able to stay that long.  Sometimes I worry the behaviors will cut it short.  I would love to plan definite what to do for Steven, but it won't happen.  My son comes first in our household for the most part.  Not always doing something for him, but how he will be affected by what goes on with us.  I know I was a wreck leading up to last Saturday.  I was so excited to get to see Def Leppard again after almost 20 years of not being able to attend a concert, but overshadows of Steven and making sure everything went right to get him to Grandma's consumed me.  I know that at the last minute my life can be turned upside down and the best laid plans get thrown out the window.  Not that I was going to die if I didn't go, but it was great concert and enjoyed my time with my hubby very much.  I remember back in 1998 I was shocked to find out my all time favorite band had put an album out in 1996.  I never thought anything could keep me from knowing when a Def record came out.  Steven did.  He was just starting to really show signs of his diability in '96 that outside of my home didn't really matter.  I just know that back then and now God is leading me through all of this.  He paved the way for my child to be in my life and to help Bryan and I assure he stays in our life and is happy.  I thank God for my boy even though he can so wear me out.  I wouldn't trade my child for the world.  I just have to keep my eyes on God and He will lead us on down the road.

God Bless
Sherri