Anxiety

I was trying to look up a scripture I thought would be describe how I am feeling.  I cannot find one.  The only verses I see referenced when talking about anxiety don't describe what I am going through.
They are about worry.  I am not worried, I am having panic/anxiety attacks.  My head feels like I have about 20 baseball games going on at once.  Everyone running everywhere and things bouncing off my brain.  I hate feeling like this.  It feels as though I am on no medication.  God will help me eventually line myself back out, but until he decides it is time, my head wants to explode.  Steven has been pretty good today, just screamy.  He let me take him into the Master's Hands again.  He had to give Bev hugs, he even gave Nicky a hug.  He took a very short nap when we went to McD.  Hopefully he goes to bed at a decent time tonight.  Bryan had a quick load to Missouri and will be back at a decent time.  He will be running his first marathon tomorrow.  I am so proud of how far he has come over the past couple of years with his health.  I am going to head off of  here to try and get some things done.  I am praying that I get to sleep early tonight.  My brain could use the rest.

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

30 Days of Accountability: Day 25

1 Peter 5:8-11  NIV

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.


Today started out with me having a hard time getting out of bed.  I hit the snooze button 3 times.  I generally don't hit it at all.  Of course it was a long day yesterday and I couldn't go to sleep until after 11.  So the morning routine went well and Steven got on the van without incident.  I reset the alarm for Bryan and headed out the door.  So today I got to see Bev, Nick, Jan, Sara, Bob, John, Willard and many others.  We had a great day during coffee shop.  I didn't get much done until everyone else was gone.  Bev and Nick came back to wait for the Tuesday truck to get there.  Nick and I decided to pick on Bev.  It was a great laugh as was a good bit of the day.  The Lord blessed us with a boat load of potatoes, which we will be picking up another half boat tomorrow.  Then I found out that we got in 22 cases of ham.  I don't even know what came in on our usual truck.  Tomorrow we will be getting in another regular truck.  It will be great to see what blessings come in on it.  Steven and I had a good evening.  He was in a good mood and did good when we went to Hidden Treasures.  Then when 8 o'clock rolled around everything changed.  He decided to hit and kick, put on and off my socks, pick at my socks while trying to eat them, throwing items, and just generally acting up.  He didn't want to go to sleep for anything.  I finally got him to sleep about 9.  I can only think of one thing.  It was a great day with blessings coming left and right from God.  Sooooo, the devil is mad.  Well, he can just stay mad!  I don't care what he threw at me tonight, God is bigger than him and will bless me even more!  I am going to try and head off to bed soon.  Bryan is already home so we all be home sleeping tonight and spending the morning together.  Hah satan another blessing!

Take care and God will bless!

Sherri


Sometimes I think we could all be on a TV show. Old time hairdos and all.  Maybe you should start wearing a hat Bev. 

30 Days of Accountability: Day 23 and 24

Well, Sunday went good.  We went to church and gave everyone hugs. It was another uneventful day.  He ate, slept, went to Grandma's, ate and slept.  Bryan and I didn't do to much either.  It was definitely a lazy Sunday around here. 


Steven decided to get up at 3 am today (Monday).  He didn't go back to sleep.  He threw a fit some when he wasn't all but asleep.  We did that for about 2 hours until we finally got up.  He did good getting on the van for school today.  I went into today and we were swamped at The Master's Hands.  We had quite a few of new families sign up today.  I love being able to help them and get to know them.  It was probably good that I ran here, there and everywhere today.  That way I stayed awake.  I was a little stressed out come afternoon.  I went out and got Steven's meds and decided I deserved a mint oreo blizzard.  When I got back, Robin was there and let me know she had my purse there.  I gave her material left over from the quilt I made for my late nephew for his wedding.  It is beautiful.  I couldn't help but cry.  It was such a blessing to see her and to get the purse.  We had a good night at home.  Steven didn't really want to go to bed.  He sat at the computer and played Blue until I made him shut it down at 8.  Literally, had to take the mouse and shut down the game.  He finally laid down and fell asleep in about 10 minutes.  I didn't do any traditional exercise today.  But, I ran my legs off today and then vacuumed my house with a manual sweeper.  That was no small feat.  So now I am here typing to you and thinking about going to bed.  So I think I shall.

Take Care and God bless,
Sherri


Hmmm, I forgot to mention on the last blog about the torrential down pour we had on Saturday.  Here is a picture from Casey's.  It had only been raining 20 minutes.  I had to walk in at least 3 inches of water to go in the store.

30 days of accountability: Day 21 part 2 and Day 22

Well, I am definitely behind on my blogs.  Friday afternoon and night went pretty well.  Steven whined at Aunt Shirley and I pretty well the whole way to Aunt Terri's.  He did better when we got there.  Aunt Terri was able to get him out of the van to get a hug.  We were able to stay about 45 minutes.  Which was about 9 times longer than I thought he would stay.  We couldn't get him to eat, play computer or anything else while there.  Before we left he gave Aunt Terri another hug.  He even gave cousin Courtney a hug.  The ride home was much better.  Not really any whining.  He did eventually fall asleep on the way home.  We got Aunt Shirley home a little before 10 and went home ourselves. 

Saturday found us waking up and asking to go to McDonalds for breakfast.  We had a good day overall.  He didn't want to do very much.  So we basically sat around playing computer and television.  We did go to Hidden Treasures and found a new book.  Fell asleep relatively easy.

My eating was good and bad.  Not much in the way of exercise though.  I was to get some housework done.  I did go into The Master's Hands to print off the paperwork for Monday.  Of course, since they were having their Saturday food line I got tied up for a little bit.  I got out of there and went shopping.  Then I was able to finish cleaning the church.  Bryan wasn't going to work, but they needed the help so he went in. 

Take Care and God bless,
Sherri

Courtney, one of my beautiful nieces.

30 Days of Accountability: Day 21 part 1

Family is not an important thing.  It's everything.
Michael J. Fox

I know I am posting early, that is why this is part 1.  We will be leaving here in the next hour to go over to Aunt Terri's house.  We will be celebrating my niece Courtney's high school graduation along with her upcoming 18th birthday.  Steven had a good morning, but very noisy.  He kept screaming this morning.  That is until Bryan got out of bed.  Hmm, wonder why Steven was being noisy?

I went over and cleaned the majority of the church, I will finish up tomorrow or Sunday morning.  I have the laundry folded, but not put away.  I refuse to go in my room and do stuff as Steven is in there sleeping right now.  Bryan is heading out to Kentucky and should be back at a decent hour. 

I am a little depressed today.  Dodger just keeps getting thinner and clingier.  I don't foresee her making it to the end of the year.  She is very adamant about staying on our laps also.  She is refusing to get down.  I just carried her across the living room so I could go and do something.  She generally hates to be carried, but she wouldn't get off of my lap.  Steven is going to miss her sorely.  Well, we all will.  Bryan has been leaving the tv on with music for her.  She's been a part of this family for 14 years.  It will be hard. 

I think that is about all for now.  We will see how long Steven stays tonight.  He doesn't know we are picking up Aunt Shirley to go to Aunt Terri's.  It should be interesting.  I should have found a picture of Courtney when she was born.  The girl was so little as she was a premie.  She has grown to be a beautiful young lady. 

Take care and God Bless,
Sherri

30 days of accountability day 20

Philippians 4:19 NIV

¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.


Well we've had another good day.  It started out with the boy being very ornery. Bryan ended up sleeping out and Steven thought it was funny to pick on mommy. He got on the van fine though.  I confused them on the van I put his shoes and his backpack and they forgot that I told them I was going to do that. 

I decided I better go to Walmart before I went into the Master's Hands.  Whenever I would do it afterwards I would go there and forget half the stuff I needed. I even get to see my sissy Shirley there.  We were very swamped today.  We did have a wonderful day though.  Of course when you "work" for the Lord it makes it all worthwhile.  I went back after everyone was gone to sweep and mop, next thing I know Bev is back.  It seems Walmart called with more items for the Feed America program.  After we got done putting everything away, I started talking with the guy that picked everything up.  He was telling me how someone told him the other day that God doesn't send blessings anymore.  I found it rather humorous after all that we put away.  If 300+ pounds of produce and 600+ pounds of meat isn't a blessing I don't know what is.

I haven't been able to go to Godsippers lately, since Bryan generally works evenings. They have been watching a study called When Wallflowers Dance. Amy decided I needed to borrow the video.  I sat and cried while I watch it.  I felt like the video was made for me.  The lady had several different points, the second one was choose to stop the chaos.  She was talking about how overwhelming housework can be.  Especially when you're having problems with anxiety and depression.  I related to her talking about how even folding towels makes you want to cry.  She explained how to take care of your house work by using a dot to dot method.  It made sense I'm trying to do things one at a time and connect them instead of looking at the whole picture. 

Our evening went fine here.  He was in a really good mood.  He thought he wanted to sleep out in the camper, but he changed his mind.  So after about an hour we came back in the house.  H played computer and fell asleep about 8:45.  So now I've done a little bit housework, a little bit computer, and a little bit of TV.  Here's to hoping Bryan makes it home tonight.


Take care and God bless
Sherri


Lazy cats on a hot evening.  I'm not sure why Grey Cat is in the sun.  Leroy and G3 look hot enough in the shade.

30 days of accountability: Day 19

Luke 15:7 NIV

⁷ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.


It has been such an amazing and wonderful day.  I may have woke up a little bit early but I've been energized all day.  Steven was initially saying he didn't want to get up and go to school.  But eventually he came around and went.  He does love going on the van to go see Tyrin.  We had another good day at the Master's Hands. I was able to help several families today that were in need of food.  I was also able to clear up with one of our families that I was not mad at them or thinking that they were taking advantage of us.  It was wonderful Bible study time today.  I've been having fun leading it, but today was exceptional.  There was a lot of participation and I loved hearing everyone's stories.  But the highlight of my day came away from the Master's Hands.  I was able to witness a guy that comes up all the time being baptized.  I thank God for him coming to the Lord.  I took him home and he told me on the way that he felt like a new man.

Eating hasn't been the greatest today.  I got a little exercise by going outside and sweeping the sidewalk.  Steven seems to have a good day at school.  He did however tear up his Rugrat sleeping bag.  We had a good night and went out for a ride to Casey's.  Then we stopped and got some Pizza Hut pizza from under the tent so we can have that for breakfast.  Bryan will be home early again tonight.  Steven is excited that daddy will put him into his bed again tonight.  I can't think of anything else right now.  I think I'm going to head off here and finish up some housework.  I have a happy clear mind along with clean sheets and comforter on the bed.  I think that sounds like the perfect combination for a great nights sleep.

Take care and God bless
Sherri

30 Days of Accountability: Day 18

Ecclesiastes 3:1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven


This passage was made very popular in the song Turn Turn Turn by The Byrds.  It is so profound yet so simple.  Everything has it's place and time.  Everything comes and goes.  I think of this often as I work with everyone up at The Master's Hands.  We see the rejoicing and the sorrow.  We see the weak and we see the strong.  God gives us what we need when we need it.  God sends us people in our lives when we need them.  We may not always see it or why God is doing it, but there is a purpose to what is going on.  We shouldn't try and push for things that God is telling us isn't time to happen yet.  We shouldn't push for things to continue when God says it is time to be done with it.  Change is hard and I really don't know anyone who looks forward to it.  I know the saying that when God closes a door he opens a window.   It is the changing of the seasons when he does this.  Trust that God knows what we need when we need it.  A few weeks ago Bob started being the coffee shop manager at The Master's Hands on Wednesdays.  He was telling people this past Monday that Bev set him up.  He has been there two weeks and hasn't been able to close down the coffee shop because he has had to run to Prairie Farms to pick up dairy items they are donating.  We all laughed and I told him that Bev didn't set him up nor did I.  But God did.  God knew that we were going to need someone to go up and get the items for us.  Bob was there just when we needed him.  Last Wednesday, God also gave us a few extra there to help out.  Trust God, he will give you what you need when you need it. 

Steven had a good day today.  He was excited tonight as we got to spend some time with Grandma.  He fell asleep very early and will hopefully have another good day tomorrow.  Bryan should be home soon.  We were able to pick up the gold van, so daddy could get home.  I will be leaving Steven in our bed for daddy to put to bed. 

The eating went pretty good again.  No exercise as it was a rough day for the breathing.  I hope the heat calms down some, but with it being mid July, I don't see it. 

Take Care and God bless,
Sherri

Another VBS pic, just because I love it.

30 Days of Accountability: Days 16 & 17

1 Corinthians 16:18

¹⁸ For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

Yes, I am cheating and putting two days together.  I was tired again last night and went to bed early again.  It was a good day at church.  We had a good sermon, the kids did good in Sunday school and then we all had a great time at the fellowship that followed.  Steven had kind of an iffy at church as one of his favorite people weren't there.  But, he didn't melt down like I was worried about for a little bit with the way he was reacting.  The afternoon wasn't too bad at home.  Bryan got some more yard work done and I did some housework.  Steven got warpy about 5-6 and was hitting and kicking some.  We were sitting down watching That Metal Show and he knocked over an end table by the chair.  I got him to settle down and we went for a ride on the mower.  I thought everything was fine so when we got back I went to get his medicine and I hear the table thump on the floor.  I go walking towards the living room and next thing I know the table is thrown down by the garage door and busts into several pieces.  Now I must tell you that table was special to me.  It was my late mom's.  I thought a lot that table and was none to happy that it was broke.  Steven understood this.  The rest of the night he didn't argue with me when I told him no to something.  The top did stay intact, so I am going to make it to where I can use it as a lap table.  Bryan had a good time at church listening to the missionaries from Mexico.

Monday-

Steven got off to school just fine.  I took off to the Master's Hands to start the week.  I finished off the paperwork for last week and then started on everything for the day.  Bryan came in about 9 and I had to leave so we could dropped the gold van off to get the brakes fixed and then take him to work.  I came back thinking things would be hectic and they weren't.  We had a very slow day today.  It was kinda nice, but also hard to keep focused at times.  The eating was pretty good today.  I could have made it better, but I only had pizza for supper and no salad.  I will save the salad for tomorrow.  We got the pizza and salad from Monical's and you can't let their salad go to waste.  It is just too good.  Our night was pretty good and Steven went to sleep easy.  I have picture at the end of how he fell asleep.  He cracks me up. 

I also have a picture of Steven with his white bear.  I thought about my mom yesterday with the table.  Today I was talking to mom to some people today, that used to work with her.  Talking about how long she had been gone.  Talked about how mom used to work in a meat shop at a grocery store.  When she started she wasn't allowed to wear jeans, but the men were.  That soon changed.  Mom bought the bear for Steven less than a year before she passed away.  It was the last Christmas present mom bought him.  It is actually no longer white, but he loves it immensely.  I miss mom and will every day.

I love the fact that I get to go to church and be with my family there and then the following day I am with my family at the Master's Hands.  It definitely recharges me and gets me going for the rest of the week.

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

30 Days of Accountability: Day 15

Proverbs 22:6

King James Version (KJV)

⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

 

I haven’t done much today beyond VBS.  We had a great turnout today with 19 children.  That is close to double what we generally have.  It was great to see all of the smiling faces.  The teens did great with helping out too.  It was a great day and everyone enjoyed themselves.   We are a small church and it is nice to see how many people pitch in to make it happen.  Of course, Roberta did most of the prep work and I thank God for her and her enthusiasm in serving the Lord.  Faith, Rusty, Mandy, Ashley, Jennie we our teachers and they did a wonderful job with the children.  Our teens Nick, Aaron, Sierra, Rachel, Chris, Bryce, and Brock were great and had fun as well.  Then Larry Joe, Marilyn and Regina helped out too.  Thanks to Larry for making the stands to hold up the containers as the colored sand was put in.  It was so much easier than trying to hold them and pour.  All in all we had a great day serving the Lord and teaching the children.   I will have all the pics and videos from it on my Facebook.  I promised Roberta that I wouldn’t post the video of the water balloon fight on Youtube.   She ended up getting doused in water after the first water balloon fight. 

Steven had a great day at Grandma’s.  He even woke up on Sunday morning talking about it.  He lied down for a little bit with Grandma in the afternoon.  Her dog Frankie went in on the bed with them.  Now generally Frankie and Steven keep as far as possible from each other.  So it was big that she was in there.  But, Steven also kept putting his hand out for Frankie to kiss.  Big steps for the both of them.  He had a good night and fell asleep before 8.  I actually fell asleep with him, which is why this is being posted the following day.  Bryan got some work done around the house.  He also had a chance to sit down and talk with Phil and Larry Joe at the church for a while. 

 

Take care and God Bless,

Sherri

 

The kids outside playing kickball.  It is a good thing we don’t have a fence as the ball kept coming to our yard.

30 Days of Accountability: Day 14

James 1:2-4 NIV

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 

I sit here tonight and think that I have totally changed my way of thinking about accountability since I started this a couple of weeks ago.  I started out to keep track of what I did to try and make me better.  But what it has accomplished is that I may not be meeting the goals I made, but I don't feel bad about it.  Well, the eating part I do.  But, I have been very busy this week.  It would be different if I were just sitting here all day on the computer and not doing.  That is how it used to be.  I am getting housework done here and there.  I am wanting to exercise and will again when I can do it.  I am doing all I can to work for God.  I have found that I am accountable to God and to others.  But to the others I am more accountable to make sure I treat them right and take care of them.  Now, I want to clarify that you can treat someone right, but they think you are being awful to them.  I have found that I don't like to baby people that just want their ego stroked.  I have started to learn when that is happening.  I love the verse that is posted up at the Master's Hands.  It is Luke 17:10 " So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”  That to me is the best description of how we should be to each other.  We don't do what we do for our glory or to be told what a great job we have done.  We do it for God we have only done our duty.  Not that we shouldn't encourage each other and let them know when they have done good.  That isn't why we should be doing our work.  With that being said, I will probably not do to much more on the accountability past exercise and eating.  Which today was a much better day eating.  I will just let you know how the day went and the blessings God gave me.  I will also let you know what the boy did.  Today, the boy had a full day.  He ended up at the Master's Hands four times today.  He even did good the first time he went in.  Of course it was just two people and not much happening.  He didn't take a nap today, but he didn't get grouchy either.  Which is a good thing.  He did throw his Barney at Bev today.  I don't think he meant to hit her, he just wanted to make mom leave.  He got a huge grin on his face when she started playing with it.  I guess I should say he threw it at George.  Not sure why he called he that.  Tomorrow will be VBS at the church and Steven will be spending the day at Grandma's.  Bryan is going to catch up on work around the house for the next two days.  It should be a fun day tomorrow at VBS.  The shirts are so cute!  I think that about does it for tonight.  Thank you for reading my ramblings.

 

Take care and God bless,

Sherri

 

VBS shirt

 

30 days of accountability day 13

well I'm sitting house here in the camper. steven is now sound asleep. has been an interesting day to say the least.  Steven did sleep in after being up early yesterday.  he was ready to go outside early to wait for Mr Lee and Rod.  he was doing really good until he decided to throw his toy computer.  we had a really good day at the master's hands.  I was sittingout front with the laptop again and things were really interesting.  first we had to call an ambulance for someone who wasn't feeling well. then we had four of the most well behaved children you would ever see. of course they were adorable to boot.  then when everything was done I got to go out eat lunch with my hubby.  course we had errands run too.  starting new insurance and then of course lovely Walmart.  I decided against exercising cause this morning with Steven I was not have an easy time keeping up with him.  I had planned on doing housework after Steven went to sleep.  but here we are in the camper so that's not going to happen.  now I'm getting hungry too because someone's cooking out.  well I think that about does it for now.

take care and God bless,
Sherri

steven sleeping in the camper

30 Days of Accountability: Day 12

James 1:17  NIV

¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.


So today has been a day of nothing going the way I planned.  I had planned on sleeping until 5 o'clock.  Well, Steven decided that would change.  He woke up at 3:15 and stayed up.  So I go the sent off to school without trouble.  So, then I decided I would go into The Master's Hands until about 11:30 maybe noon.  Well, first there was the wonderful testimony from Gene Gertsch and his beautiful wife singing.  I don't know if any of us understood what she was singing as she sung in Spanish.  But it was a very moving song.  She sang with such feeling and you could hear her love for God in her voice.  If you aren't busy Saturday afternoon at 4 go up to the Master's Hands as they will be talking about their mission work in Mexico again.  They will also be at my church, Calhoun Christian Church on Sunday night.  Within 15 minutes of him being done we received a call from Prairie Farms with more milk for us to pick up.  We got more than we could hold, so we called some other organizations to share the blessing with them.  Before we could get all of the milk put away, we received a HUGE box of canned goods from a local business.  So that all was put up, so then four hours after starting the paperwork for tomorrow I was able to finish it.  Then before I could leave to go get the pizza from Pizza Hut that we get three times a week for our families, I had to put up a donation of pizza rolls.  By the way we are now at 1pm.  So, now the pizza is done and I have to go shop at Wal-Mart.  I get the items that we needed and what I thought all the items I needed for home.  I start leaving and realize I forgot to have the keys made.  So, I go to Pool's.  Nope, the guy that makes them was gone for the day.  3:10, I am not going back to Wally the keys can wait.  I go and take everything back to The Master's Hands.  3:30 I tell Bev good-bye (which I just got a text from her, she didn't leave until now).  I head to Calhoun and take milk over to the church for VBS on Saturday.  I get home and sit down.  To bad it was a slow day, NOT!  GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!   The surprises didn't stop there.  I was sitting on the porch and one of the cats that think they are ours decided he would sit on the bench with me.  Now G3 whines and meows at us, but we are not allowed to touch him.  This blew me away.  Steven got home and he was in a really good mood for being up so long.  It was a pretty uneventful night with the boy falling asleep about 7:15.  So to sum up, no exercise (per say), I didn't eat great, I did no housework and I didn't get any quiet time until I get off of here.  But, I think it was very productive and a day to be happy about.  I invite any of you who live around Olney to come in to the Master's Hands and check out what God does on a daily basis.  Tomorrow morning is food line day, so there will be people in and out with blessings flowing.  

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

some of me, Leroy and G3

30 Days of Accountability: Day 11

Psalm 100:1-2 KJV

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
² Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.


Today has been pretty good.  I am still on the way to getting get all together, but a good day as far as I am concerned.  We had a good size group up at the Master's Hands this morning.  Sara brought her guitar and there was singing to be heard.  We had to remind someone that God doesn't care if the noise is on key, he cares about what is in your heart.  I haven't done much today, which is probably good.  I have had to use my inhaler twice today, it would have been more if I would have done more.  I spent most of the afternoon chilling out and listening to The Spirit on Sonic Tap.  I am trying to get a little housework done tonight.  I plan on doing more tomorrow. Steven had a good day and fell asleep easy and early.  He is really wanting to go see more fireworks.  Unfortunately, I don't think there will be anymore for him to see.  Bryan will be sleeping out tonight.  He had two loads so, he won't be back in tonight.  I have let Steven know, so hopefully we will be ok in the morning.  If you live around Olney and have nothing to do tomorrow morning, come up to the Master's Hands.  Gene Gertsch who is a missionary in Mexico will be talking starting at 9:30.  There even may be more singing. 

Take care and God bless,
Sherri


I know I have shared this before, but this is my favorite video of my son singing at the church.  Not a hymn, but singing and making me smile non the less.

30 Days of Accountability: Days 9 & 10

Day 9-

Long and short of it is this.  Physically and emotionally- bad day
Mentally-rough   Spiritually-Awesome!   

Steven had a pretty good day until bed.  2 hours later and several fits, he was asleep.


Day 10 I will start with a song

Ananias and Sapphira got together to conspire a plot, to cheat, the church and get ahead.
But they did not know the power that the Holy Spirit had, they lied to Simon Peter and they both dropped dead.

God loves a cheerful giver.  Give it all you've got.  When you're down and out with out a doubt you're in an awful spot.  When the odds are up against you and you cannot do a thing.  Praise God to serve him is a joyous thing.


I have been thinking about accountability and how it relates to responsibility.  We are accountable on several levels.  We are accountable to ourselves, to others and to God.  I think of Colossians 3:15-17 with this. 
¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 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. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

We have to remember that whatever we do we aren't just doing it in our name we are doing it in the name of Jesus. 

I have also been thinking about accountability means not making excuses.  To me an excuse is something you tell a person when you don't want to do something and don't feel like telling them the truth.  Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 decided to tell Simon Peter that they were giving more money than what they actually were.  There was no reason for them to lie about it.  They thought it would be better to tell that they were giving it all.  Whether to make them look better or they thought Simon Peter would try to send them on a guilt trip for not giving everything they received for the land they sold.  How many times do we tell people what we think they want to hear to make them happy.  We know we aren't being truthful, many times the person knows we aren't being truthful and God definitely knows we aren't.  We need to remember that God gave us all different talents and you aren't expected to do everything.  In Romans 12 it talks about how God gives us these different gifts and we are to use it to glorify God.  I use excuses to many times to not do housework or exercise.  I am not doing housework tonight or going exercise in the morning.  Truth?  I had an asthma attack at Casey's earlier and I know better than to do anything but rest.  I don't need to have a major attack.  I will try again Wednesday. 

I am going to sum up with a passage from Matthew 5.  I think this will cover being accountable, responsible and truthful to ourselves, each other and especially God.

³³ “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ ³⁴ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; ³⁵ or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. ³⁶ And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. ³⁷ All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.    

Take care and God bless,
Sherri



^\

30 Days of Accountability: Day 8

Romans 8:14-17 NIV

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.^[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,^[g] Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.


f  The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture; also in verse 23.

g   Aramaic for father

references from Biblegateway.com



My day that I am talking about actually started at about 10 pm last night.  I tried to go to sleep, but a conversation I had on Facebook last night and I kept having the little voice telling me to get up and make a reply.  I finally did, which was the blog about God's unconditional love.  More thoughts about God's love and his blessings kept going through my head.  I was finally able to go to sleep about 12:30.  Then about 5:20 I received a text from Bryan saying he would be sleeping out.  I was unable to go back to sleep after that.  A good bit of it was due to Callie climbing back and forth on my head from the bed to the headboard.  Steven got up about 7.  We had a good day, we kept it pretty low profile for the majority of the day.  The big fun of our day was going down to Evansville to see Daddy while he was on his break.  We were only there about 30 minutes, but we had fun.  Steven helped him check tires and then he climbed inside.  No nap today and fell asleep a little late, but Steven had a good day.  I got some housework done.  I tried to start cleaning in the garage, but didn't get very far.  The anxiety kicked in and I got overwhelmed.  But, I have still been doing so much better.  Before I wouldn't even be able to get to the dishes.  I haven't eaten that great today and no exercise.  I have decided to start walking in the morning before going to the Master's Hands.  I am counting on Bev to gripe at me if I don't do it.  We will see if I can go to sleep tonight or if God has more in store for me.  Next time, I won't try and put it off until morning, I will do it then.  Maybe I can get to sleep a little earlier if I do it when God first tells me to do it.

Take Care and God Bless
Sherri

The boy and his dad

God DOES love unconditionally

You may have already read this, but God is speaking to me to post this as much as I can right now.

Here is my answer about God not loving unconditionally.  God does love unconditionally; he just can’t be with sin.  That is why he forsook his son on the cross.  When Jesus took our sins upon him, God had to turn away.   I will try to explain this how I see it.  To me it is like a child who is on drugs and the parents don’t support them.  They won’t let the child live with them or give them money for their habit, but they still love their child.  They ache for the child and what they are doing to themselves.  They long for the child to straighten out their life and come back to them.  They don’t stop loving their child; they just can’t be around what they are doing.   That is unconditional love.  God is the same.  He loves us and he aches when we sin.  He longs for us to come back to him and hurts that he can’t have us with him.  His love is unconditional.  He doesn’t hold our past against us.  In Hebrews 8:12 it is written: For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. (NIV).  God doesn’t hold it against us when go to him for forgiveness.  God wants all of us to go to heaven with Him. 

30 Days of Accountability: Day 7

Psalm 100:4

⁴ Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.



It has been a wonderful day!   We have had a couple of rough spots, but great none the less.  Steven went to bed late last night because of the fireworks, so he slept in today.  We got up after 7:00 am!  That doesn't happen much around here.  We had a good morning and Bryan was able to be home a good bit of the day before going to work.  I went and got me a phone that works, it cost a good bit but I need it.  I came back home and we watched That Metal Show.  We had McD for lunch and then went to State Farm to get things ready to switch our car insurance.  We made Steven go in, which he wasn't happy about.  He wouldn't go past the front door.  But he was happy when Candi came over and gave him a hug.  Bryan took Steven out so I could do what I needed.  When I was leaving Candi went out to the van and Steven had to have another hug.  He misses seeing her.  I think he was confused that she wasn't at Highway Two.  We got home and we were able to get Steven down for a nap.  This was good because he was a grouch this morning.  He woke up a little happier and so we went shopping.  We went to Pool's which he calls it by the name of the second hand store in it, Hidden Treasures.  It was easier for me to call it that when we used to take him to the swimming pool.  Anyway, we found one of his favorite toys for $7!  He already has two talking Barneys, but it is in great shape and we can always use a spare.  I am picking up a spare of his favorite blanket this week also.  Hmmm, it is also $7.  I am starting to see a pattern here.  He went to sleep easily tonight and was happy to have Barney by his side.  I have gotten some laundry and dishes done.  Decent on the eating.  That was about the extent of what I did today aside from the boy.  I have a hard time doing to much when we are all home together.  It doesn't happen a lot like it used to.  I love when we are all together. 

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

The boy and his Barney

30 Days of Accountability: Day 6

This is going to be short and sweet.  It was late last night before I would have had time to do this and I don't know how long Steven will let me on the computer.  We had a good day yesterday.  I did some housework.  Actually cooked lunch for all three of us, which is a rarity these days with our schedules.  Made a batch of chili to use with Steven's macaroni meals.  I went up to the Master's Hands and helped a little with a delivery.  I was able to get contact paper on a cart I am taking up there to use with the laptop we have for up front.  Got Steven down for a nap.  We went and watched the Olney fireworks with Grandma and had a lot of fun.  Ended the day with Steven being tired and mad that I wouldn't let him stay up and play computer.  We are both unscathed, but it wore me out.  Well, that is the day in a nut shell.  I will post today later tonight.

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

30 Days of Accountability: Day 5

I have been trying to think of a verse for tonight and I have to many going through my head that would go along with my day.  But, so much has gone on, that I can't choose one so I will go without tonight.  It started out a little rough with Steven dumping his laptop to the floor for reasons unknown, which caused the anxiety to start kicking in.  So I decided to go to The Master's Hands a little early to try and get my mind off of it.  We had a good day up there with a decent turn out for the Bible study.
We talked about the freedom with have in Christ and how we become all things to all men to try and teach the word of God.  We talked about how God puts us in situations we never thought would happen.  That we are in the dark with our future, but God has us.  I shared how seven years before I had Steven God had me studying about autism to prepare me for my child.  I thought he was getting me ready for a career not my life.      God has blessed all of us in so many ways.  We just have to take a look at our lives to see what God does for us.  We were so busy with people up at the coffee shop after the study, we had a blast up there.  Of course, we also had 64 cases of chocolate milk donated from Prarie Farms today and had to find somewhere for all of it.  Let it rain!  I got home today and got some housework done.  While I was waiting for Steven to come home, my phone died.  I am sure that Cellular One is closed tomorrow, so I will be without until Friday.  Spent the evening with Steven getting whiney because That Metal Show wasn't on every hour on the hour.  We also talked about going to fireworks tomorrow.  I actually wasn't going to say anything until tomorrow afternoon, but it slipped.  I will hear about it all day tomorrow.

Take care and God bless,

Sherri

30 Days of Accountability: Day 4

Job 22:21 NKJV

²¹ “Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace;
Thereby good will come to you.



The last few months have been very eye opening for me.  I have been serving God in a capacity I never have before.  The time I have spent up at the Master's Hands has been unbelievably rewarding.  Even towards the beginning of the year I have been feeling a change in me.  It has been amazing how I feel since I have gotten my depression and fibromyalgia under control.  My mind has been clearer than it has in years.  I have been able to see myself in a better light.  There have been so many times that I have felt guilty over the smallest thing that I would do for myself.  Not so much anymore.  I don't feel bad about taking care of myself.  It has driven Bryan crazy for years that I have done that.  I have just been into this challenge a few days and I see a difference.  I haven't done any housework today, I didn't exercise, and I ate alright.  The only thing I have really done is get my lesson ready for the Bible study tomorrow at the Master's Hands.  I decided to take a nap this afternoon instead of doing the others.  I don't feel guilty about it at all.  Before, I would be so hard on myself.  It feels great to not have the negative feelings about myself.  The stress level has been so much lower around this house and we love it.  Steven has had another good night and is sound asleep.  He has had a cough the past few days and seemed like he was having some trouble breathing tonight.  I think it is time to go with allergy medicine to see if it helps.  Tomorrow is a new day and I will get some housework done and hopefully some exercise.  

Take care and God bless,

Sherri

Callie was happy for me to take a nap today.  

Which way am I going?

James 5:8  NIV

⁸ You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.


Today has been a long but very good one.  We had a wonderful day up at the Master's Hands.  We had a steady slow this morning of clients coming in, mixed with the flow of water coming under the back door.  We got it stopped and mopped/shop vaced up and put some sand and rocks to help stop it.  Well a little later it was glowing in again.  Bev and I we outside in the rain trying trench the water away from the door, we had another volunteer out there with us.  We all got drenched, but we had a blast.  We finally got it stopped and that was the last of it for the day.  The afternoon was pretty busy and we were shorthanded, but we did fine and got everyone through good.  I had to run out twice to get items for someone, because I didn't get all the info first time.  Hopefully lesson learned.  I have done some housework and promise to do more when I get up from here.  Diet was pretty good today and although I didn't exercise per say, I got a lot of walking in.  I will be doing the Bible study on Wednesday again, so I am getting that together.  Steven had a good night and fell asleep easy.  Of course, he threw his real laptop and 2 toy laptops this morning, so he didn't have those tonight to play with.  I am still unsure if he will get them back tomorrow or Wednesday.  Bryan went towards St. Louis way again, not sure when he will be home.  Anyway, the patience was tested all day.  I had people needing me in three places at times.  I had to be patient that we would get the water under control.  I had to be patient with people who had the same question every week for the past 3 weeks.  I had to be patient with the chaos this afternoon.  More than once I had to ask God to take the negative feelings from me.  But, the good thing is, he doesn't get tired of me asking for his help.

Take care and God bless,

Sherri

This is from  a couple of weeks ago, but it seems to not have changed much as everything is still flooding.