30 Days of Accountability: Day 2

1 Thessalonians 5:17  NIV

pray continually


I had decided to use the app that I have on my phone for my daily verse, but today it didn't happen.  I had a short lesson in Children's Church on the above verse and it seems to be the theme of the day.  I find myself constantly talking to God and asking him to touch and comfort people through out my day.  I do believe that is what this verse is about.  I know I wanted to set aside a time to sit and pray to God along with what I do through out the day.  Yesterday and today I found myself not praying.  Not because I didn't try but that I felt like God was hushing me.  The time I set aside for prayer has become quiet time with God.  It has become a time where I feel the Holy Spirit just holding me, refreshing me.  It is like when Bryan or I are having a bad day and we seek the other one out because we just need to be held by the one that we love and loves us.  Hugging Bryan can make me feel so much better.  The Holy Spirit holding me does that times 10.  Not that I don't pray some, but I mainly sit in the quiet and feel God filling me back up.  Filling me spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.  I must say I have had a better day today.  I have hit 4 of my 6 goals.  I had a much better day eating wise and got most of the housework I set out to do done.  The only thing I set out to do that I didn't get done was folding the laundry.  Which I didn't get to because while I was laying down with Steven for quiet time this afternoon, my wonderful hubby did it before I could.  I love my man!!!  Tomorrow starts a new week for Steven at school, it is going to be a wonderful one I know.  God has it and we will get through it.

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

30 Days of Accountability: Day 1

Psalm 94:14-15  NIV

For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.


I read the scripture above and took it to heart today.  I have been reminded constantly that the Lord is there for me and has me in his hands.  I didn't do the best today, but I did better.  I made my prayer time and half of my housework done.  I ate a little better with having some fruit at breakfast and veggies for lunch.  No exercise and not much done on my God's tasks.  I tried to work on them, but didn't get anywhere with it.  Steven had a good day.  We didn't go anywhere until tonight when we went to the fireworks.  He did take a nap so he was wide awake for the fireworks.  Bryan even got back from his load to see some of the fireworks with us.  We are now home, Steven is sleeping while Bryan and I are watching That Metal Show.  Here's to tomorrow!

Take Care and God Bless,
Sherri

Steven eating his Casey's cookie and waiting for the fireworks.

30 Days of Accountability: Introduction

Proverbs 27:17 NIV

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.



Some of you may be looking at the title and going "OH NO!"  Not another 30 day deal.  Yep, it is.  I have been so many years at not being able to deal with anything, I don't know where to start on getting my life back together.  I am not going to give you blow by blow on here, but an overview. 
I am working on the 6 following areas: prayer time, exercise, eating, housework, God's tasks, and daily verse.  These are areas I need to make sure and hit each and everyday.  I am hoping being accountable to those who read my blog will give me the extra push to do it.  Below are the goals I have for each area.

Prayer time:  I pray though out the day, but I am going to do my best to set aside 15 minutes a day to just do nothing but be with God.

Exercise:  I need to do some sort of exercise.  Even if it is just stretching.

Eating:  Get rid of the candy and eat fruits and veggies

Housework:  I am going to work on hitting 4 different tasks a day.

God's Tasks:  This will be to make sure and take time for the responsibilities that God has given me to do for him.

Daily Verse:  Not only read the verse every day, but try to apply it in some way.

I know making me better will only help Bryan and Steven be better as well.  Mommy happy and healthy definitely helps this house out.

Today hasn't been to bad of a day for Steven.  He didn't take a nap until now (6pm)again, so I will need to get him up in about an hour.  Bryan is out working, he has a route today that he says is really scenic, so that is good for him.  I have hit some of the above goals, but not good. 

I hope you all enjoy reading this and I don't bore you to death.  Any tips to help keep my goals would be appreciated.

Take care and God Bless,
Sherri


Part of my sheet was cut off, but you get the idea.

A new heaven and a new earth

Isaiah 65:17-25

¹⁷ “See, I will create
    new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
    nor will they come to mind.
¹⁸ But be glad and rejoice forever
    in what I will create,
for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight
    and its people a joy.
¹⁹ I will rejoice over Jerusalem
    and take delight in my people;
the sound of weeping and of crying
    will be heard in it no more.

²⁰ “Never again will there be in it
    an infant who lives but a few days,
    or an old man who does not live out his years;
the one who dies at a hundred
    will be thought a mere child;
the one who fails to reach a hundred
    will be considered accursed.
²¹ They will build houses and dwell in them;
    they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
²² No longer will they build houses and others live in them,
    or plant and others eat.
For as the days of a tree,
    so will be the days of my people;
my chosen ones will long enjoy
    the work of their hands.
²³ They will not labor in vain,
    nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune;
for they will be a people blessed by the Lord,
    they and their descendants with them.
²⁴ Before they call I will answer;
    while they are still speaking I will hear.
²⁵ The wolf and the lamb will feed together,
    and the lion will eat straw like the ox,
    and dust will be the serpent’s food.
They will neither harm nor destroy
    on all my holy mountain,”
says the Lord.

This is the scripture we studied today at The Master's Hands during our Bible study.  This shows us a glimpse of our new life when Jesus comes back for us.  Read it good.  There are so many good promises listed for us.  We had a very good discussion on if we will age when the new earth and heaven are here.  Will there be infants?  Will my son still have some of his disabilities?  We know that there will be no pain or sorrow, so I know the fits and unable to communicate will be gone.  But my son wouldn't be my son without some of his autistic traits.  But of course, it also says that the old will not be remembered or come to mind.  So I guess I wouldn't know that he is different. 

Steven has been having some pretty good days lately.  He has taken to sleeping on his floor on sleeping bags instead of his bed.  But, he is sleeping and he is happy.  That is my main goal.  He is still enjoying getting on the van and looks forward to going to school.  My mind has been pretty clear and really enjoy the time I spend up at The Master's Hands.  Bryan is working pretty decently and is sleeping better now that Steven has gone back to school.  So, as of right now, our happy little family is running smooth again.  I hope you can say the same.

Take Care and God Bless,

Sherri

 

100%

Romans 12  NIV

A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ

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.

Love in Action

⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.^[c] Do not be conceited.  ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[d] says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”^[e]

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Footnotes:

1. Romans 12:6 Or the
2. Romans 12:8 Or to provide for others
3. Romans 12:16 Or willing to do menial work
4. Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35
5. Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22

This was pulled from the website biblegateway.com


This week has been a short but long one.  I was only up at the Master's Hands three days this week.  But, it was chaotic all three days.  We have been so blessed up there that we barely have time to take a breather before the next blessing comes along.  Verses like the one above have been going through my head a lot.  We have to remember that what we do as Christians, we are doing for the Lord our God!  We are not doing it for others or ourselves.  We are doing it to glorify God.  So, whether we are students, stay at home moms, doctors, lawyers, homeless, unemployed or on and on and on.  We do what we do for the Lord to glorify him and thank him for sending his son die on a cross for us.  I have been in two Bible studies this week that have moved me.  God is working this day just as he did in biblical times.  Immerse yourself in God with everything you do and the blessings will pour out on you!  Please remember that God deserves not just part of your hear, but all of it.  God doesn't deserve part of your soul, but all of it.  God doesn't deserve part of your mind, but all of it.  God doesn't deserve part of your faith, but all of it.  God gave you all, please remember to repay him accordingly.


Take care and God bless,
Sherri


It's Laminin!   This is what holds us together.  Here is a link to part of a video from one of the Bible studies.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGTI1I_A3Dk


Then at Godsippers, Amy was telling Lori and I to not say I am tired.  It is not who we are.  Then when I was talking more to Amy about it, she said there is only one I Am!  I literally almost fell over when she said this to me.  I had to run and put money in the blessings jar.

Exodus 3:13-14

Exodus 3:13-14

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
¹⁴ God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”  

 

Time for the day

Philippians 4:10-20  NIV

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ¹⁶ for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. ¹⁷ Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. ¹⁸ I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
²⁰ To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


I am not feeling the best this morning.  I am tired, in pain and my allergies are acting up.  I have no patience this morning.  I have to get over this and on with my day.  Steven got on the van great again this morning.  I was a little worried as his regular aide has to be out the rest of he week.  But he walked some to the van and then had to run.  Oh happy!  

I thank God for all the blessings he has given me.  I have such a wonderful, loving and supportive husband.  A beautiful, loving son.  A great family that loves me and is there no matter what.  I have a spiritual family that has my back and shows this family unending love.  I have friends all over that are concerned for not only me but my hubby and son as well.  They show their love to us in so many ways. 

It is the strength of Christ that has me moving this morning.  I would much rather go back to bed and not go into the Master's Hands this morning.  But, I refuse to let the devil keep me from the blessings God has in store for me today.  Being up there, I know if will happen many times over.  I guess I need to make sure and have a lot of change for the blessings jar!

Hoping for an early evening tonight and getting better sleep.  Oh well, not the end of the world if I don't.

Take care and God Bless,
Sherri

A nice peaceful day

Psalm 116:7 NIV

Return to your rest, my soul,
    for the Lord has been good to you.


Well, today was the last day of Steven being on his June break.  It has been an up and down time.  With good day and all out days of horrible.  We have survived the break and looking forward to things getting back to as normal as possible.  I have been prepping Steven for being in a new room and back with an old teacher and aide.  I am looking back to getting back to the chaos that is better known as The Master's Hands.  I have missed the people up there greatly.  Bryan can go back to being able to sleep during the day when he works nights.  Today was definitely a restful day here at the Gibson plantation.  Steven spent the most of his day on the floor playing computer.  He has had me positioned on the couch behind him.  It was a wonderful day and we just enjoyed each other's company.  Steven wasn't even very demanding of my attention today.  Even though I had a spot in the afternoon of being sick, it was a good day for me.  Steven fell asleep by 8:00 and is out hard.   Steven is excited about going back to school tomorrow, but there is a good chance that he will still throw a fit.  So please keep him in prayer to keep the anxiety to a minimum. 

Take Care and God Bless,
Sherri


Steven in his spot for the day (and where he slept last night.)

The simple joys

Romans 15:13 NIV

¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


I cherish everyday with my son as I never know what may happen the next day.  (I miss you Nick!)  Steven has had several days of horrible fits and aggressions.  But, he also has had days of fun and calmness.  Today has been fun and calmness.  He fell asleep very easily tonight.  I did change up some things.  I turned the air down to 68 when he went to lay down.  I gave him some of his medicine later than usual.  I also bought a lavender and chamomile oil Air Wick.  I don't think I will leave it plugged in though, it is very strong.  Steven originally wanted to sleep out in the camper but when his dad came home he was content to stay inside.  Bryan didn't make him home last night and slept out, so Steven missed his daddy.  Of course earlier in the day we got to see Curly Shirly, always a happy time.  Tomorrow we get back to church after missing last week due to being out of town.  I have prepared Steven for Tami to not be there.  So we having been talking about Bert. 

Take care and God Bless,
Sherri


A happy and calm Steven makes for a happy and calm house.

God's voice

I can't find a scripture I like to go with what I have to say.  There are many references in the Bible where God calls out and talks to people.  Two of the ones that come mind the quickest is Samuel when he is younger and Mary, mother of Jesus.  They heard the call and listened to what God had to say to them.  They followed what God asked of them.  I am in the middle of reading a book that I am getting annoyed with for various reasons, but one really stands out.  The book is called Marriage and Other Acts of Charity by Kate Braestrup.  On page 56 she talks about people in the Bible hearing the voice of God and has this to say in the last paragraph of chapter 6.  Maybe the point isn't to know precisely where or how to find God.  Maybe you just need to know how to answer when God at last finds you?  Really?  You this has to find you?  God knows us before we are born.  God is there by us waiting for us to turn and call out to him.  If you talk to God and listen, he will answer you everyday.  He is waiting for us to turn an ear to him to help us get through this life.  He has promised to not tempt us beyond what we can handle.  We can do all things through him.  Seriously?  God has to find you?  Nope, he knows exactly where we are.  We have to turn and see him by our side.  He will send the Holy Spirit to comfort us.  I know I have called out to God before to hold me and the Holy Spirit was there in a matter of a second.  It is a feeling like no other to be held like that.  Jesus died on the cross for our sins.  You really think God would have his son do that and not know where you are?  God loves us all and is there to talk when we are ready to listen.

Take Care and God Bless,
Sherri

P.S.  Not a great night tonight.  I will have to try and get a scented plug in to see if the smell helps calm him. 


I don't have a picture tonight, but I have a link to my favorite Los Lonely Boys song.  I listen to this constantly.  It calms me when I am on the verge of a anxiety attack.  I sit and listen to the words.  When my brain can't pray, this prays for me. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3jlQmKHYsY

Where would I be without my friends

Colossians 3:16 NIV

¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.



I am so thankful for all of my friends.  Whether I have meet you or not.  Raising Steven isn't easy for Bryan and I.  It is great to know that we have family and friends to lean on.  I appreciate all of the suggestions you have whenever I ask for help with a problem with Steven.  I can't thank you enough for all the prayers that have been said on our behalf.  Steven had a very rough night last night and a very good night tonight.  He went' to grandma's some this morning, so I don't know if getting mom out of his hair helped any or not.  Broke the monotony for sure.  I removed a med from bedtime at the suggestion of a friend and he fell asleep fine.  Try it a few more nights to see if it is actually going to work or if tonight was a fluke.  I know Steven misses being at school as he keeps asking for Mr Lee and Rod.  I am so happy he is enjoying school again.  But of course, they are shaking things up when he goes back.  New homeroom, teacher and aide.  Of course he has been in 14 a million times so he knows what that is. He knows Scott (who doesn't baby him in the least) and Tyrin who will put his foot down on Steven too.  Maybe that's why Steven didn't like their classroom.  They make him mind.  :)  I know I have missed my routine of being up at The Master's Hands.  It was great being there today and look forward to getting back on Tuesday.  Of course, I also missed church on Sunday from being out of town.  I need my spiritual family around me.  I have missed it!!!  I will keep you updated on the sleeping and behaviors.

Take Care and God Bless,

Sherri

Well, it's not letting me attach a photo tonight.  Some of you have seen it anyway.  It is on my facebook of Steven sleeping in the camper tonight.

Cutting back and piling on

I know I spend to much time on the internet.  Between here, bubblews and mostly facebook it is shameful how much time I spend.  I am going to have to cut back on these things.  I need to spend more time researching places for Steven.  Unfortunately, we have come to the decision to start moving forward with where to place Steven.  He just can't handle a major change in his routine.  He is asking for Mr Lee and Rod to take him to school.  I am going to try and get him to do some other things tomorrow, but at home he doesn't want to do anything but play computer and ask to go to the pool.  I won't take him to the pool, he is too big.  Even when he is ready to go you have to literally drag him out.  Of course, we are looking close to home.  Mainly because we can't afford to move.  The state of Illinois has us terrified about our son's future.  They are pulling so much money and shutting down facilities.  With the intent of shutting even more down.  I would love to be able to move him to Tennessee or North Carolina.  I just don't see it in the cards.  I was pretty overwhelmed earlier as was Bryan.  It is so hard to face this.  We know it has to be done, but we can't help but feel we are letting Steven down.  We are feeling selfish.  But, we know that we can't do this forever.  Especially with my health problems.  We will see how the rest of the week goes and when he gets back to school.  Hopefully we can hold on longer, but I don't know.  Thankfully I have friends that post encouraging pictures and sayings all day.  They remind me that God will be there with us and hold us tightly while we cry.  So, I ask on all the people that read this that if they know of a facility that takes young adults with severe autism and aggression problems let me know.  We prefer close to southeastern Illinois, but we need to keep everything open.  I thank you all for the concerns you have expressed to me and for your prayers. 

Take care and God bless,
Sherri


A friend posted this today and it really helped me today.  Thanks Denise

Being overwhelmed can be good

Proverbs 11:25 ESV

²⁵ Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
    and one who waters will himself be watered.


It was an amazing day up at The Master's Hands.  I ended up crying I was so overwhelmed with joy.  I helped two people sign up for food yesterday and they both came in today.  The first one all the tears weren't of joy, but some were.  She is going through a rough period, but so ready to get back to church.  The second one were all tears of joy.  She came in and has 8 total in her family.  I told her yesterday to make sure and bring in two laundry baskets or boxes as she was going to be loaded down.  She came in and she had her two baskets and a bag.  I started filling everything and even put some of her drinks in yet another sack.  When we got halfway around, she had to get out her second basket and she started crying.  She was so grateful for all the food she was receiving she couldn't help but cry.  When she was done, she hugged me and thanked me.  I told her God has put us there to help people and he blessed us with the food to overflowing amounts.  She cried some more and hugged me again.  Then there are the ones that have been there before, but I was able to give them items they were in need of as well.  One lady her birthday was today and her daughter was upset that she wouldn't have time to make her a cake.  Well, we got a cake in today that said happy birthday on it, so she took it so her daughter wouldn't have to worry about it.  My next lady had a daughter with a birthday tomorrow and hoped to get stuff to make a cake.  Well, we had one cake left and she got it.  Then there is the veteran that I have had two months in a row now.  He called me shorty when we first started.  (Just cause he towers over me I don't understand the nickname.)  We talked quite a bit as we walked around and he was giving me cooking tips.  Come to find out he went to culinary school.  When he went to leave, he gave me a big hug.  It just all hit towards the end of the day.  I got goosebumps and started crying.  It was such an amazing feeling to be there to help all the people I was with today.  They help me as much as they say I help them.  God is so good!!!  He knows who and what we need to make our day complete.  He will guide you to the right people. 

Take Care and God Bless,
Sherri


This is me with one of the beautiful volunteers I get to work with at The Master's Hands, Marilyn.

Be prepared

2 Kings 4:1-7

4 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”

² Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”
“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.”

³ Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. ⁴ Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”

⁵ She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. ⁶ When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.”
But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing.

⁷ She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

I am set to fill in for Sally who does the Bible study up at The Master's Hands tomorrow.  I sat down this morning and prayed asking God what I should talk about.  I got 2 Kings 4 and went there and found the above scripture.  It shows one of the many miracles the Elisha had a hand in.  It makes me think of all the other miracles in the Bible.  Then on to the miracles that happen in the world today.  I am sure there are some that will tell me I am nuts for thing that miracles still take place.  I will give you the most recent one that I have heard about.  One of the ladies from our church received a call from her daughter who lives in Arkansas.  She asked her mom to pray for her as there was a tornado heading towards their home.  As the lady was in a meeting so she and the other ladies she was with stopped and prayed for their safety.  Her daughter's trailer was the only one that did not get destroyed in the storm.  In the passage above, the widow didn't know why Elisha was having her fill the jars.  She was doing as he asked believing that God would provide what she needed.  We still ask God for help us with our problems.  When we ask we need to be prepared for a myriad of possibilities to be the answer from God.  I always tell people to be careful what they ask God for.  I went to college and received an associates in Early Childhood Development.  I wanted to work with children, especially ones with Autism.  I was praying to God to let me specialize in Autism.  Well, I got it just not how I was expecting.  On August 5, 1994 I got my answer from God.  I had a beautiful baby boy named Steven.  Steven had signs of Autism pretty well from birth.  He refused to breast feet.  At 4 months, he wasn't turning towards sounds nor would he go to sleep without his burp rag.  If I would forget to put him to bed with it he would stand in his crib until I gave it to him.  Then he would go to sleep in a minute or so of me giving it to him.  There were so many other signs before I figured it out.  He wouldn't actually be diagnosed until he was 5.  I got to specialize in Autism but with my own son.  Not what I was expecting.  God knew that Bryan and I could take care of Steven even though there are times we aren't so sure.  I am thankful that God has given me a wonderful husband to go on this journey with our son.  God may take a while to give you an answer, but he will answer it.  Not always like you expect or want, but he will answer it.

Take Care and God Bless,
Sherri

Sorry, I can't make it

1 Thessalonians 5:11

¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.


I attend Calhoun Christian Church.  I love where I am going to church.  We average 30 some people for Sunday mornings.  I do a lot at the church obviously as do others.  We all love each other and get along.  Steven loves going long enough to give everyone at church hugs and tell them that he loves them.  Everyone tells us that his hugs make their week.  It is one thing that will be hard to deal with when he moves out.  I know that people will miss him and his hugs.  Since we are a small church, we rely on each other to get things done if we can't make it.  Tonight is our mother/daughter,father/son banquet.  I am the one who arranges the fellowships for the most part.  This one is a little different as it is the only one that the church provides the meal.  So, I have running to do this afternoon and then setting it up tonight.  I came to realize that I may not make it tonight.  Bryan didn't get many loads this week and had to slot for today.  I didn't know if his mom could watch Steven or not.  However, I didn't panic.  I know that all I have to do is call on some ladies at the church and they will get it done.  I am going to get there tonight, but it would be fine if I didn't.  They also know that the last minute things could change if Steven decides he wants to have a meltdown.  I have gone to churches 3-4x bigger than this and not had the same feeling of knowing it will get done even if I can't be there.  But this family, I have support.  That is what we are to do.  We are family and we support each other.  I don't foresee where my physical family would not get together for Christmas somewhere if I couldn't do it.   My brother Steve has taken over Thanksgiving since mom passed away and I do Christmas.  I know that not everyone has the peace of knowing that their physical family is there for them.  I hurt for those that don't.  I hope that where you go to church you have a spiritual family that will be there for you.  If not, I would suggest a different church.  We are to be there to support, love and care for each other. 

Take Care and God Bless,
Sherri


Some of the fine people at our yearly church work day

Bragging on Steven

I can't think of a verse to go with this, I just want to brag on Steven.  He has been doing so good going to school and going into his classroom.  He is still ripping shirts some and being non-compliant at school.  Which non-compliant could me laying on the floor to do his work to hitting and kicking.  But overall, he is doing so much better!!!!!!!!  Today, we went to change our calendar.  Usually he makes me do the writing or do it hand over hand with him.  Today he was so excited for June he did the majority of it by himself.  It is 95% legible too!  I am still trying to figure why he writes his 9s as he does, but oh well.  They come out looking like an A.  He writes them in the same way you would write an A also.  But who cares he did it himself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Can you tell I am a proud parent?  If anyone out there is reading this and doesn't really know anything about my son, he is 18 and not 5.  This is a huge step for Steven.  Writing without it being hand over hand and legible has been a constant fight for so many years.  Not saying it will continue this way, but one small step at a time.

Take care and God bless,
Sherri


Steven did all of the writing by himself except for the words camping and come home.