Day 17

30 Days of  Dealing Living:  Day 17


Romans 12:3-8 NIV

³ For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. ⁴ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your^[a] faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,^[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.


I was trying to find a scripture about going out of your comfort zone.  You can be called to do things outside of your comfort zone.  I have found that out quite a bit since I have started attending Godsippers.  I never would have thought I would go and help out with a clothing ministry let alone being the director.  It isn't my favorite thing to do as I am self conscious about being around other people I don't know.  I tend to come across differently than I think I am.  I have upset people without trying or knowing.  But, God will lead me through.  I also never would have thought a year ago that I would be doing a blog and sharing the way I am.  It is mind blowing that I have had people from Germany, the UK, Portugal, Ukraine and others reading my thoughts.  What a wonderful way to share the word of God.   I always thought that God called me to teach children and that was it.  HA!  That was like when I prayed for God to let me specialize in working with Autistic children and he gave me one of my very own.  God has plans and you have to be careful with what you pray for because you may get it.  But, you have to remember that God will make it possible for you to do what he has called you for.  Even though at times, I have thought I had no direction or how to take care of Steven.  But, God has always come through for us.  Such as the past several months Steven was throwing fit day after day and no end in sight, the end has pretty well come.  He has been going to class happily for the past couple of weeks.  It is so nice to have him back to happy with going to school.  It is so much easier when he is happy.  Today was kind of a rough day for me as my fibro was acting up pretty good.  We will see what tomorrow brings and go from there.  I refuse to worry about how I am feeling as it isn't permanent as God is in control.  We had a small group at Godsippers, but fun none the less.  I love those ladies and thank God for me going.  This goes back to the comfort zone thing, it took me several months of trying to convince myself to go because I was worried about how I would be viewed and if I would be accepted by them.  Let me tell you that Satan was laughing all that time I was scared to go, because they are wonderful.  It is so important to have a group that you know has your back when you venture outside of your comfort zone for God that will cheer you on and let you lean on them while you find your way. 

Blessings
Steven walked to class
Godsippers
couldn't walk as far as usual, but could walk some

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

My darling son, that in hind sight I asked God for.

Day 16

30 Days of Dealing Living: Day 16


Ezekiel 36:26
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

 

Well, I have made it over half way in my journey.  I will tell you I feel so much better.  It is nice to have such a different look out on life.  I have definitely stopped dealing and started living.  I know I will have rough days as that is just life.  But no more of day in and day out of focusing on the negative.  Steven is having better days at school and seems to actually look forward to it again.  I am enjoying the workouts, which never happened before.  I am so much happier.  I must say today did have a down time.  Bryan and I have always said that Steven can be worse when he is happy.  Tonight was a prime example of just that.  The past couple of days Steven has been very screamy and hyper.  I had to be a mean mom and put my foot down hard.  That meant a fit to where Steven threw things, hit and kicked for about 5 minutes.  Then he stopped and calmed down with no more screaming.  We will see how tomorrow goes.  I hate doing it, but sometimes it has to be done. 

Blessings:
Steven still walking to class
I was able to walk a mile today and do some stretching this evening

Take care and God bless,
Sherri


A calm and happy boys makes for a calm and happy home.

 

Day 15

30 Days of Dealing Living: Day 15

“Big sisters are the crab grass in the lawn of life.”
― Charles M. Schulz


I thought I would put a quote about siblings today.  I found a picture today from Thanksgiving of 1971 and thought I would share it.  I know that my brothers and sisters tormented me growing up.  Well, not so much Julie and Shirley, but the rest did.  Julie and Shirley just moved out,.  I guess I really got upset with Julie moving out.  I was to little to remember.  It was mainly the three above me.  Terri, Jeff and Steve who tormented me the most.  They found all sorts of ways to do it.  Hanging my stuffed animals by the curtain strings and locust shells on the light switches to name a couple.  I won't mention how Terri caused me to have bad dreams because she tricked me into coloring on the walls.   But, I wouldn't be who I am without them.  At times, I wish Steven could experience it, but he wouldn't understand a lot of it.  Steven did have a good day today and walked to class again!!!  They said he had a good day all day.  He wanted to take the laptop in today and I let him.  He got to play it at 2:00.  Which is their down time before they leave.  So, he got Wendy's tonight.  I didn't feel good today and didn't work out.  Bryan didn't understand how bad I felt until he went to Guitar Center.  I told him I would wait and not even go to Gordmans.  Then he knew.  Back to my siblings, I cherish each and everyone of them.  I know that I am not as close as I would like to be, but growing up and having our own families can cause that.  The best thing is that I know they are there for me come what may.  I want to thank Julie, Shirley, Mike, Terri (yes even her), Jeff and Steve for being there for me and loving me. 

I am behind on blessings, so here is a catch up.

Day 12-
no meltdown with Steven wanting it to be Sunday

Day 13-
Church
Steven had a pretty good day

Day 14-
Felt good
Got Steven to sleep early and got to watch my favorite show

Day 15-
Steven had a good day
My wonderful brothers and sisters.

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

Just look at Terri's face and ours, tell me she didn't cause all the problems at home. :) Also, no clue why the picture was taken at a funky angle.

Day 14

30 Days of Dealing Living: Day 14

Isaiah 40:31 NIV
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Today started out pretty rough.  Actually at home wasn't bad and most of the drive went good.  But once we got on the interstate he wanted to go home.  He didn't walk to his class today, but it was after a 4 day weekend that wasn't expected.  Especially after him being so upset over Saturday not being Sunday.  He also wanted today to be Sunday.  We pray that tomorrow will go better.  I didn't get a lot of exercise done today as my hip was hurting.  But, I did get some in.  I am thinking of chaning up to where I walk at the gym and do some weights here.  I have to get my weight down.  Of course, I need to get eating better.  I didn't do bad today.  Not as good as I thought.  I was surprised to find out the Charbroiled Cod tacos I had at Hardee's were 300 calories and 18g fat each.  I didn't think they would be that bad.  I guess I need to look before I eat.  I did find an app that will ehlp with calories.  It even has fast food in it.  The way home was pretty good, but Steven was pretty hyper.  It continued here and then he decided he wanted me to print the same picture out for him everytime I turned around.  I told him no after two and he had to wait until tomorrow.  So he decided to shove the laptop off of the bed, which I caught.  Then I still wouldn't do it and he threw his Kindle.  I knew pretty well when he was hyper that he would crash quickly once he went.  I knew even more with the way he was reacting to everything, he would go quick.  He stopped and crashed about 7 and was asleep by 7:15.  I have been enjoying the night, especially since I got to watch Bones for the first time in I don't know how long.  I love that show.  I feel really good tonight and it will keep up I know it! 

Take care and God Bless,
Sherri

The eagles in Missouri across the Alton bridge. 

Day 12 & 13

30 Days of Dealing Living: Day 12

Proverbs 13:16

Wise people think before they act; fools don't--and even brag about their foolishness.

Well, today wasn’t too bad.  We woke up in a pretty good mood, but Steven got a little warpy around 9 as he thought it should be Sunday and time to go to church to see Tami.  Finally, we went for a ride and showed him there was no one at church.  We did a few activities at home and some exercise.  He didn’t take a nap and got kinda cranky towards the end of the day.  Of course, it is partly my fault.  Right now, we are down to one computer that can get online and I decided to try and set another one up while Steven was awake.  What a STUPID move.  I know good full and well Steven is not going to wait patiently while I set it up.  So he got mad because it wouldn’t work right and shoved some stuff off of the table.  Again, it was stupid of me to try it.   He went to sleep by 7:30 last night since he didn’t nap.  I went to town and got items to try and get the computer hooked up.  It was a no go.  Oh well, I will survive.  Gloria Gaynor now going through your head?  Eating went pretty good yesterday, I just need to get back off of the pop.  Not a lot of housework done, but a lot of boy sitting done.  We did go out to see Bryan’s mom.  Steven always wants to go, but never wants to stay.  Overall a good day and I didn’t have to deal with a lot other than my own stupidity.  Seriously, there has never been a time he stayed away when I have tried to set something up, what was I thinking. 

Take Care and God Bless,

Sherri

Here is another stupid thing I did.  I had this computer on the bed and pulled the sheets and then knocked it off the bed and the screen broke. 

 

 

 

30 Days of Dealing Living: Day 13

Well, Sunday has arrived!  Steven was excited for it go finally get here.  The morning was uneventful before we left.  Usually when we get to church we have a hard time getting Steven to actually get out and go in.  Today, he was half way to the building before Bryan and I got away from the van.  He was so happy to see everyone.  I know I said it last week, but it is so wonderful how much he is accepted there.  We had a good day overall and had a good time hanging out.  We did go off our diet today and tried the new Pizza Hut sliders.  Oh it was good, I forgot how much I love Pizza Hut pizza!!!!  We went outside and played for a while and Steven climbed into the camper and had fun.  He kept asking to sleep out there, but never had a fit over it.  I asked him if he wanted me to make him a tent and he said yes.  Every time I went to go make it, he would take the sheets and lay on them.  I don’t think he understood what I meant.   He fell asleep pretty easy and seemed to be happy about going to school tomorrow.  We will see how it actually goes.  I am kind of looking forward to getting back to the gym tomorrow.  Hopefully we can go more than two days this week.  I don’t think it is supposed to snow much if at all this week.  Oh and by the way, I had an epiphany, hook up one of my laptops that the monitor doesn’t work to the stand alone monitor instead of it on a tower.  How I missed it, I am not sure.  But there we go we now have two computers to get on the internet and with Steven’s videos.  I am so glad it finally came to mind.  I pray you all have a safe and happy week.

Take care and God bless,

Sherri

 

Steven with the computer that is now hooked up to the monitor.

 

 

Day 11

30 Days of  Dealing Living: Day 11

2 Peter 3:8-9

⁸ But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.


Well, today has been a roller coaster ride.  Steven has been happy then all of a sudden, he is tired and cranky and throwing things.  The morning was pretty uneventful.  He was a little mad when we stopped at Wal-Mart today to get new pillows after last nights fun.  But he calmed down and I was able to go in.  He did good until he got tired about noon.  He wanted me to lay down with him.  I told him to go and I would be right there.  By time I got in there, he had destroyed his shirt.  He kept asking for it back and I wouldn't let him have it.  Next thing I know, I have a Kindle being thrown at me.  Then he asks to go play computer and I told him to go ahead if he wanted too.  Well, he went over set down and shoved it off of the table.  So, we went back to bed and he eventually took a nap.  When he woke up we went shopping and he was fine.  We played and did some activities which he was in a great mood.  Then comes bedtime.  I let him play his computer until about 9pm and he was having a hard time staying awake.  He was playing his game just to keep himself up.  Well, I took the computer and put it up.  He then commenced to hitting and kicking.  He was not happy.  He finally fell asleep about 9:30.  I hope he sleeps in some tomorrow.  I haven't been very hungry today.  I just made myself eat supper, so I wouldn't wake up hungry in the middle of the night.  I haven't had any exercise really to speak of the past two days.  I need to get myself and Steven out and do something tomorrow.  We will see how that goes. 


Blessings:
Steven did good when we were out shopping
The ice is gone


Take Care and God Bless,
Sherri

This is Herbert the Snail.  If you don't know who he is, Google him and the song Patience he is in.

Day 8,9, 10

30 Days of Dealing Living: 8, 9 & 10

Isaias 40:29  NIV
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.


I didn't plan on putting these three days together, but I need to get it done and I am exhausted.  I am going to sum up my days by listing the dealings and the blessings.  Sorry, but that is how it will be.

Day 8
Deal:
Dealt a good bit with Steven's near meltdown when we got home from school because we wouldn't sleep in the camper

Blessings:
No real fit going back after a 3 day weekend and being sick during it
Walked to class
Meltdown was adverted

Day 9
Deal:
Being tired

Blessings:
Walked to class
Did better wanting the camper

Day 10
Deal:
Steven threw up all over our bed and himself.  He hates taking a bath and washing his hair.
No Godsippers

Blessings:
Didn't have to go to the school and worry about driving in the weather
Moved myself and the computer right before Steven got sick
No Godsippers, so I was here when Steven got sick

Well, that is all I am putting on.  Steven's school has already been cancelled, so we will be home tomorrow as well.   Hope to get more housework done and with any luck a better blog.

Take care and God bless,
Sherri


Just like Steven leans on Bryan or I when he is tired, I need to lean on God for my comfort.

Day 7

30 Days of Dealing Living: Day 7

Psalm 61:2
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.


I come to you today to tell you that my boy is still sick. :(   I keep thinking the next day he will be fine.  Well, we have decided to keep him home from school tomorrow, so we will see about going on Wednesday.  He is doing better still, but just not quite there.  Bryan got out and got some exercise.  I did get a good bit of housework done and some work done at the church.  I decided to stop at the church before I killed myself.  I was trying to carry things up and down from the attic and almost fell twice and called it quits.  I didn't think it would be good for me to kill myself.  We went out for a ride this evening and it decided to rain, but it was a good one.  Of course Bryan may say different as the wind was howling as he was trying to drive.   Praying that I can sleep better tonight, the fibro is making it rough.  I am having a hard time getting to sleep and getting quality sleep.  Also, the wind is still howling and that doesn't make it easy for me either.  Well, I am go to get off here and try to sleep.

Blessings
Steven is feeling better still
Not as much pain today

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

Day 6

30 Days of Dealing Living: Day 6

Definition of KOINONIA
1 : the Christian fellowship or body of believers
2 : intimate spiritual communion and participative sharing in a common religious commitment and spiritual community <the koinonia of the disciples with each other and with their Lord>

Origin of KOINONIA
Gk koinōnia communion, association, partnership, fr. koinos common

I love my church family SO MUCH!!!!!!  I love Sundays!  There is nothing better than going to church and seeing the smiling faces.  Unfortunately Steven wasn't able to make it.  He is doing better, but I didn't want him going and getting in everyones faces.  He was missed and he missed them.  It is a wonderful feeling to know that Steven can be Steven there and no one thinks twice.  We had a pretty good day at home.  We took Steven out for lunch just to get him out of the house for a little bit. Bryan was talking about a Sharon and Steven thought he said Sharilyn.  Steven wanted her to come over and take him swimming.  It has been a couple of years since she helped with him during the summer, but he still thinks about it.  He got over that, but woke up wanting to sleep in the camper.  A few small outbursts about it, but nothing to worry about.  It has overall been a really god day here at the Gibson household.  I was able to even get some housework done. 

Blessings
CHURCH!!!!!!
Steven is feeling better
A calm happy day for everyone!

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

When I see a sky like this, all I can think of is God is shining a smile down on me.

Day 5

30 Days of Dealing Living: Day 5

Luke 19:37-40 NIV

³⁷ When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

³⁸ “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

³⁹ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

⁴⁰ “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”


This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible.  It just tells me that Jesus is worthy of praise and even inanimate objects know it.  I praise you Lord!

Today has been kind of an off day.  Steven woke up at 4am, he wasn't bad, just couldn't sleep.  Bryan and I have spent most of our day cleaning our son's nose.  He has caught one heck of a cold.  I have already told him that he probably can't go to church tomorrow.  That will be two weeks in a row he will miss.  I did get a good bit of housework done before he became clingy and some done while he took a nap.  I pray he sleeps well tonight.  I was able to get a little shopping and cooking done.  I was also able to do some with the clothing ministry.  Overall, I think I lived pretty good.

I realized I didn't type any blessing on day 3 or 4, so I will put them today.

Day 3
Steven walked to class.
Got to go to Godsippers for a while.

Day 4
Steven walked to class
I was able to sleep in bed and not the chair.

Day 5
Felt good enough to do a good bit of housework
Steven seems to be feeling better tonight.

Take care and God bless,
Sherri


It isn't easy typing and moving the mouse with my helper, Callie hanging on my arm.  It is her favorite spot when I sit at the computer.

Day 4

30 Days of  Dealing Living:  Day 4

Galatians 5:1 NIV

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.



Friday was kind of a dealing day with tensions still being high from the meltdown the night before.  Steven did walk to school for the third day in a row!!!  We didn't do a whole lot, but decompress.  I did go to the Belleville SSI office and found out that the letter I got from Vincennes was correct.  The medical report only came back marked for a disabled child, so now we have to go through everything again.  I didn't do to bad there other than waiting over an hour.  We stopped at Sam Dale State Park and threw some rocks in the water.  We saw about 30 turkey buzzards hovering over one sot.  I have never seen so many at once.  We saw a lot of deer on the way out.  Steven loves watching them run.  Last night was pretty uneventful, but I was tired.  For the first night in a long time, I was in bed before 9pm.  It felt good to get the sleep.  Overall, it was a good day of living. 

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

I couldn't get a good picture of the buzzards, but this is what it looked like.

Day 3

30 Days of  Dealing Living:  Day 3

Duet 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.


I am not going to lie to you.  I know this is several days late, but there was no energy in me the past two nights to do this.  The scripture above was handed to me on Thursday night at Godsippers.  Bev said she wasn't looking at them and whatever one we got, is the one God wanted us to have. AMEN!  I needed this on Thursday.  I had to leave Godsippers early as Steven had a meltdown and wrecked the house.  That is why I had no energy or time for that matter to do this on Thursday.  I couldn't even really tell how the rest of the day went other than Steven walking to class.  I was dealing, dealing, dealing on Thursday night.

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

Day 2

30 Days of  Dealing Living:  Day 2

 

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.


Today was a humdinger let me tell you.  Steven was upset on the way to school because a computer game wouldn't work right.  He was kicking some, but ended up being fine.  Which is good, because the van was making a tapping noise, then we stopped outside of Lebanon.  When we left, the van made like a back fire and then the tapping was very loud and the van lost some get up and go.  We eventually limped our way and took Steven to school and then went to Car X.  We were all but convinced that the van was done for and the motor had been blown.  They looked at it and the fifth spark plug had blown completely out.  Not what I was expecting to hear, but affordable.  It was going to take several hours for it to get fixed, so Bryan and I headed out on foot and went window shopping and to have lunch.  We spent a good bit of time walking around and doing nothing.  So even though we didn't get to the gym, we got our workout in.  It ended up taking longer than they thought once they were in there.  The school agreed to keep Steven over while we waited for the van.  Finally about 3:40 Bryan walked back to the school to get Steven.  4:10 the van was done! :)  Bryan was heading back with Steven and they were all but there.  We got home late, but we got home with our van.  I have done some laundry and that is it.  I want to be in bed actually, but I need to decompress more.  BTW, if you ever have car trouble in Fairview Heights the Car X guys are wonderful.  They are honest and respectful.  This is my second time being there and I had the same experience both times. 

Blessings:
1- The van didn't break down completely and strand us
2- The motor of the van wasn't blown
3- Car X was able to fix our van today
4- The weather was beautiful for Bryan and I to walk around in
5- Steven walked to class!!!!!!

Take Care and God Bless,
Sherri

Our van that seems to like adventure and drama

 

Day 1

30 Days of  Dealing Living:  Day 1

I'm trying so hard

To stop trying so hardJust let you be who you are

Lord, who You are in me

From Casting Crowns-The Altar and the Door

These are lyrics my sister Terri shared with me this morning and she is right, this hits the nail on the head with how I am feeling.  It was a pretty good day all in all.  I ate pretty good until it came to the Doritos Sour Cream and Onion chips.   I walked 1 mile at the gym walking 2.3 mph with a 0 incline.  It was kind of a rough morning and didn’t feel too ambitious.  I got some dishes and laundry done.  Hubby helped me with the laundry some.  I had one down time.  I had to call SSI about a letter I received about Steven and they seem to have lost paperwork that has already been done.  I was talking to Vincennes and everything was done with Belleville.  I definitely was dealing with this. L  I should have prayed before making the call, I will make to do that before I contact Belleville.   

 Steven had a big fit when we left the house for about 30-45 minutes.  He was getting physically aggressive.  He didn’t want to go back to school, he wanted to go back on vacation.  I was able to keep my mind clear enough to start praying and I finally decided to ask Steven if he wanted his Ren and Stimpy music.  He immediately sat up and calmed down and almost feel asleep while listening to it.  We had some trouble with the computer and he was doing pretty good with it where as other times it would have been a major fit.  He had a decent day at school, but he didn’t walk to class.  We had a good ride home and he was good overall tonight at home.  Uncle Mike came over to pick up some stuff and he was happy to see him.  We had some trouble because Steven wanted to sleep out in the camper.  Nothing major and he fell asleep by 8:00 while playing computer. 

I am going to end with the blessings of the day.  I don’t see how I can ever leave out my loving husband Bryan and our boy-boy Steven.  It is also a blessing to have ICA taking care of Steven’s schooling.  It is definitely a God send.  Also my sister Terri, as I stated above she hit the nail on the head with the lyrics she quoted to me.

Take care and God bless,

Sherri