It's been way to long

Psalm 85:8-9 NIV

I will listen to what God the Lord says;
    he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
    but let them not turn to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
    that his glory may dwell in our land.

Today I sit at home again away from The Master's Hands like I have done a good bit over the past few weeks.  Between being sick, Steven not going to school and a broken down vehicle I have just sat.   As I have been sitting this morning, I have wondered if I have been listening to God and what He is trying to tell me.  I have sort of, but not like I should.  I do believe that Bryan is right and I need to slow down.  I don't know that I want to, but I need to.  Life throws changes at you and you have to go with the flow.  I seem to usually do like the salmon and try to swim upstream instead.  

Then my thoughts turned towards others.  Who out there isn't listening to God and doing as he asks.  I wonder if people would listen to God and take the time do what they are asked, how different the world would be.  There is so much burn out among Christians who do work for the Lord.  So many people don't want to be the worker, they want to just go to church and fill a seat and make themselves feel good.  But, me not listening and slowing down isn't a good thing either.  Because no matter you aren't doing as God has asked.  

Don't read this and think that I am leaving The Master's Hands or anything that I am doing at church.  Because, I'm not going anywhere.  I am just listening to God and taking better care of myself.  That includes resting my body like I need to.  

I know how Satan can keep you from listening to what God has asked of you.  Satan will plant a seed of fear in you to keep you away.  Satan will plant obstacles to keep us away.  The hardest part of listening to God in jumping up and down to get Satan away.  I have been there so many times as I'm sure we all have.  Let go and let God.

God bless,

Sherri  

We depressed and anxious Christians

I am speaking to you as a Christian who suffers depression and anxiety amongst other diseases.  It is so hard to get the help you need when you aren’t on medication.  It can be hard even when you start medication.  You can fall prey to the clichés of pull up your big girl panties, tighten your boot straps, just get over it and the many others that people may say to you.  If only it were that simple.  The truth is that depression and anxiety may be considered a mental illness, but it has very physical causes. 1  We ARE Christians and we do suffer from depression and anxiety!  We are no less a Christian because of a disease God has placed in our path.  

I suffered along with my husband and son for so many years before, I finally overcame the guilt of not being able to get myself together and sought medical help.  I suffered many years before I was married as well.  It is not one where you suffer alone.  Your loved ones may not suffer first hand, but they definitely feel the effects of you struggling.   

I want to speak to all the Christians out there who feel they are less of a Christian for having depression or anxiety.  We look so much that we should be able to handle this and not need anyone’s help.  We know that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.  We take too much time looking at the beginning of 1 Corinthians 10:13 where it says, “ 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.”  There are so many times we fail to see the end of the verse, “But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”  That is where going for help comes in.  God is providing your way out.  I don’t understand why Christians feel that we don’t need medication and doctors.  God is providing us a way to overcome.  Luke was a physician, clearly God felt it was an acceptable occupation, why else would he allow a doctor to be one of the twelve.  Let me clarify and say that yes there are times that over medication happens, but we need to work on not going to extremes. 

I have been thinking lately of when I came to a time where Steven had a very bad night and I felt so far gone, that I couldn’t pray.  I literally couldn’t pray, set my mind to concentrate on God or be hopeful that God was there for me.  I sat and sent a message to several friends asking them to do the praying for me.  That happened probably a year ago.  I felt tempted beyond what I could bear and that God didn’t provide a way out.  I am realizing as I am typing this that messaging my friends was God’s way out for me.  He had them pray for me and let me just be there waiting for the calmness and blessings he was going to send.    I sit here and cry with this revelation.  How did I not see this before now?  God is great!!! 

God works so much on our side that we don’t even know he is doing it.  In this day and age, you are never truly alone.  Matthew 18:19-20 says “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  We don’t have to physically be together to gather in God’s name.  I had sisters in Christ praying for me at their homes, but God was with us all as they agreed together in praying for me. 

I pray that everyone on this earth has the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual support that I have.  The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful physical family, church family,  Master’s Hands family and friends.  I know that unfortunately not everyone has these blessings that I do.  But please know this, you are not alone.  We may have different trials and triggers, but WE are not alone.  If you are reading this, I am there for you.  I am serious when I say reach out to me.  I can be an ear to hear your cries, an eye to help you look for solutions, a hand and voice to reach out to God on your behalf.  You and I make two agreeing on earth and going to God.  He will be there with us.  I know of others that I can reach out to on your behalf and they will go to God for you as well.  Please if you ever feel alone and you have no way out of what you have to bear, please reach out to me and let me be the way out.  I can be reached at these places.

Facebook: Sherri Ratcliffe Gibson

Twitter: mousehill7

Google+: Sherri Ratcliffe Gibson

Instagram: smrgibson

Please take advantage of the good aspects of the technology available this day and age.  You always have me! 

God bless you,

Sherri

1 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/causes/con-20032977  

one of my many blessings from God

The Time I'm gone

It has been a while since I have done a blog.  So much going on and not writing a thing.  I need to get back into it and get things out of my head and onto paper.  The last several months have been trying.  There has been immense pain, joyous times and depression running amuck.  I won’t bore you with the past, but I am going to work on doing a blog a day on The Gibson World and several small ones elsewhere.    I look forward to getting back into this and seeing how it helps.

Take Care and God Bless,

Sherri

One thing in the recent past I will share soon is the wedding of my nephew Jody.  Here is a sneak peak at their wonderful wedding.

The body of Christ

When you hear about the body of Christ, you tend to think of the church.  But tonight, I'm going to talk about our own bodies.  It has been placed on my mind lately how we need to make our bodies like the body of Christ.  I'm going to start of the top and work my way to the bottom.

I'm going to start with the eyes.  I was not able to find a scripture were talk about Jesus' eyes.  But I think we can figure out how his eyes were.  We know he looked at those in need with compassion.  We night to try and keep our eyes as compassionate as possible when looking at others.  Of course we also have to remember, our eyes can only see the physical not what is going inside of their mind and in their heart.  We also need to keep our eyes open for those who are in need.  Those who need a helping hand to put groceries in their car or those who just need a smiling face.  We need to be on the lookout on how we can spread the love of Jesus.
I really don't think that we've ever heard anything about Jesus and his nose.  I'm not sure how our nose can be Christ like.  But I guess we have to make sure not turn it up at people.  Christ deftly would not have done that.

Let's go on to that pesky thing known as the mouth.  Our mouth can either sign for Jesus or ruin how people think of Christians.  We need to keep our words kind and full of love.  We also need to use our mouth to give the smiles away.  No one is going to want to talk to a grumpy Gus.  We also need to know when to keep our mouths silent and to use our ears to hear.

Which brings us to our ears.  We need to keep our ears tuned to what is good.  We need to keep our ears from listening in on gossip.  We need to block them from those who speak unkindly of others.  If we let too much bad seep in through them it is hard to keep the mind focused on good.
I guess before we leave the head need to speak about our mind.  We need to do our best to keep our mind set like Christ.  We need to keep focused on doing good and helping others.  We need to try and not to focus on ourselves or all of the negativity of around us.  We need to keep our mind in the proper attitude so we can help others.  We also need to use it to show respect and to keep our common sense in line.  Try to keep a scripture or a Godly song in our mind to help keep the bad things out when they try to sneak in.

Now we will move on to our arms.  I guess you include the shoulders as part of the arms.  We need to keep our shoulder strong to help carry the weight of what others are dealing with.  But, we also need to know when to take a load off our shoulders and put on someone else.

Let's talk about the actual arms now.  We need to use them to wrap each other up in love.  We need to be careful, but not be scared to hug each other.  We also need to use our arms to reach out.  Without arms you can't reach very far.
Our hands can do so much good for God.  They can help feed, build, touch, comfort and many other things in the name of Christ.  We have to be careful not to let them hurt others.  Course they can also clapped, wave, shake, and make other gestures to praise God or to give a friendly gesture to someone in need.
Our legs can take us where we need to go to spread the word of Christ.  They can take us to church or to places we need not be.  It can take is down the road to share God's word with a neighbor or to walk away from someone in need.  We can use our legs and feet stand firm in Christ or to kick someone when they are down.  I think we know which ones we need to be doing.
I am sure when I look back at this, I'm going to think of things I meant to put in.  But, I am confident that I have written down what God wanted me to.  I know keeping our body like that of Christ is easier said than done.  I thank God for sending him to die and a cross for me.

My body is in pain 24/7.  Probably for over a year there has not been a day I have not felt at least some pain.  Some days the pain is all but nonexistent and I feel like my old self.  I know though no matter how much pain I feel Christ felt more when he died on the cross.  Even when he was on the Mount of Olives praying before he was crucified he was in such anguish that his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.  (Luke 22:44)  I also have never felt railroad spikes being driven through my hands and feet.  I do thank God that he spared Jesus the pain of having his legs broke on the cross. (John 19:33) I'm overwhelmed at this moment thinking of the pain he felt without that even happening.
I pray you take the time to ask God to bless your body and make it like Christ.  Ask that you pray the same for me.

Take care and God bless!
Your loving sister in Christ,
Sherri

Forgive me for any grammatical errors.  I am not able to reread at this moment.  I pray God gives you the eyes to see past them and see what I meant to put.

Waiting on the truck

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.


Friday afternoon we sat up at The Master's Hands waiting on our monthly truck to come in.  We were all in the coffee shop hanging out.  Talking, laughing and just enjoying each others company.  We see each other several times a week if not everyday.  But, we rarely get a chance to just fellowship with each other with no interruptions.  We have to take time to enjoy each others company.  It can't be all work, we have to take time to fellowship.  It recharges our batteries.  

Then on Saturday, Steven was close to a melt down most of the morning.  He had decided we needed to go to church and see everyone.  I am not sure why he thought everyone would be there a day early.  He really wanted to see Tami, Winnie, Bert and everybody else.  He was craving the fellowship he gets on Sunday morning.  He didn't want to wait, he wanted it now!  He calmed down after getting a nap and didn't ask for it anymore.  

Shouldn't we all be like that?  Maybe not the meltdown, but the craving of fellowship.  We need to crave being around other Christians and enjoying spending time with them.   We need to remember that we all belong to one body and to each other.  Romans 12:4-5 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.

Take Care and God Bless,
Sherri

Snow, snow and more snow

Matthew 18:10

For where two or three are gathered together in my name,bthere I am in the midst of them.

Well, once again we are looking out our windows and seeing snow.  Praying that it isn't enough to cancel school, but time will tell.  We have had more snow this winter than usual.  During the winter, I rarely believe that we are going to get the snowfall they call for.  It usually just passes us by and life goes on.  This winter though I prepare for it, because we have been getting slammed with most of what they say we will get.  Steven has been out of school so much, it is driving even him nuts.  

Then we also have The Master's Hands being closed when there is no school due to the weather.  So much so that we did stay open a couple of days just so we could get the food line run.  We had so many days off in December and January, it was unreal.  

I so miss being up at MH when we are closed.  It is wonderful to be around all of the people that come up not only to work, but just to visit and have coffee. (While typing that last line, I got the call.  No school tomorrow. )  I guess I will just have to hang out with my boy and my hubby.  Which in and of itself is nice.  

Fellowship at home is as important as church and other places we get together with fellow Christians.  It doesn't come by easy around here and I think I will like it.  Yep, I see a half way lazy day in my future tomorrow.

Take time to fellowship with those in your house and praise God together.  Remember you don't have to be with a bunch of Christians for God to be present.  But the more you are around the others, the more uplifted you will feel.  The more opportunity there will be for you to help others and they help you.

Take care and God Bless,

Sherri

Some Daddy and boy time.  Steven was helping Bryan with checking the tires and such on the truck and trailer.

Learn to count, please

An excerpt from What Does the Bible Say About That by Carolyn Larsen

Obedience-Time to Face the Facts

If you say you love God, but don't obey what you know he wants you to do, then your love may be only lip service.  God doesn't insist that you obey because he wants to run your life.  He want you to obey because obeying him helps you be a better person-more kind, fair, loving, and considerate. Obeying him means obeying others isn't an issue.  Obeying puts your love into action.


Today I am going to talk about my fear for the future of this community.  I remember working at Hardee's and having to figure out the change people got back.  Then actually counting it back to them.  Today, it is figured out for them with the computerized cash registers.  Yet, somehow in the past week, I have had three young people at three separate businesses mess up on my order.  I don't remember the specifics on the first, other than I had to point out they were giving me to much change.  The second one happened yesterday.  My order totaled $12.04 and I gave them $20.04 so I get $8 back, easy right?  Nope I got 13.55 back.  Then when I said something he took back a nickel.  I looked at the kid and said I thought it was $12.04.  He said oh thanks and took the rest of the change back.  I again said something to him and so he took everything back and looked at it again.  Finally, I got the right change back.  Today, I went to pay for an order and it didn't seem like I was charged enough.  They said that everything was on there.  When I got the receipt, they charged me for one cookie and not three.  I pointed this out to them and they said no problem just take it.  Seriously?  It is a good thing I am honest.  It makes me wonder how many people they have done this to that aren't honest. This is a scary thought how much the businesses could be losing due to this.  We are a small community, a real small community.  Not a 50,000 people community.  It is hard enough, let alone with people giving away money.  I would love to say that people who say they are Christians would be honest about this.  Unfortunately there are a lot of people who say they are Christians, but don't live it.  Which is why others who are honest have a problem with going to church with "Christians" who do this.  Please don't let those who pretend keep you from fellowshipping and worshipping God with true Christians.

Take care and God bless,
Sherri

Confusion

I just love when I go online to look up information on a problem.  One site says do this and then another site says the exact opposites.  I decided to go online tonight to try and find suggestions on what type of clothing is good and warm for people who have Fibromyalgia.  I was outside in this lovely weather unloading a truck of dairy products.  I all but froze myself.  The truckload was a blessing, but my fibromyalgia did not like it one bit.  I decided it was time to try and find warm clothing.  A cold literally hurts me.  So, I go on one website and it tells me to wear cotton and dark clothing.  Then I go to another one in it says don’t wear cotton and wear light clothing.  I guess I should know there’s no shortcut.  It always comes down to a matter of trial and error.  Of course after talking to a friend about Raynaud’s, I looked up info on it.  Guess what, I had all the symptoms of it too.  Getting older sucks and that I’m not confused about.

Fellowship brings blessings

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.


Lately God has been laying on my heart about the importance of being with fellow Christians on a regular basis.  I am going to spend the next several weeks posting several blogs about it.  


As I am writing this, I have tears for a another wonderful, loving Christian man that God has called home. They aren't really tears of sadness, but of how much I will miss the blessing of being around him.  I rejoice that he knew God and is now with Him.   

It is so easy to bless others around you.  Even a smile can do the trick or a simple hello.  You will find that the more you think you are blessing others, that you are being blessed by them.  It is part of God's plan to help us grow in Him.  It part of why it is important to being in the midst of Christians on a regular basis.  God knows that we need to be blessed and to be filled time and time again with the godly love of others.  

It is truly amazing to see what God has in store for you if you just go and follow His voice.  God will not lead you into a place that He will not be by your side.  For some it is a task as simple as talking to a neighbor who needs an ear.  Where as others are called to go out and work with the homeless on the streets.  There are even those called to go out to other parts of the world to spread God's blessings.  Others of us travel the US spreading God's love.  

It doesn't matter how small or how big of a task God has set for you.  Every single task is just as important as the next.  God puts us where we can best be used.  He will lead us to be His vessel.  

It is like a lady that came in today to the food bank.  She had been in Friday and needed enough to get her through to Monday.  She thanked me for the items I gave her when she came in.  They were exactly what she was needing.  I told her that God has a way of making sure that happens.  

God will put you in situations that you are comfortable with and you know why you are there.  Other times, you will feel uneasy and have no clue what God was thinking.  Just remember to trust God and let His blessing run through you to others.

Take care and God bless,
Sherri


One of the things I love most is to hear and watch the geese as they migrate.  This picture was taken by my friend Bev at Red Hills State Park.

When life gives you lemons, count your blessings.

Psalm 103:2

Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits

The lemon list

uncontrolled depression

It is amazing when you type in symptoms into web md that it comes up being part of your depression.  There are things I never realized were connected to depression

A son with autism that enjoys screaming for no reason at all.  I got some strange looks when I was going through the bank drive through and Steven scream bloody murder for unknown reasons 

Fibromyalgia, with the cold weather and having to be outside some today the wind was literally hurting me

Not having enough time to get paperwork done

I know there are others, but I will stop there

The blessings list

I live in a country where I can get help that I need for my depression

A child that is 19 but still loves to hug his mom and tell me he loves me.  Also tonight, he fell as sleep early.

A loving husband, family, church family, spiritual family @ MH and friends

Not having enough time to get paperwork done-you have to love all the trucks God sends us to have product to give the people in this county.

My depression has been hitting me hard today.  So much, that I am going to finally listen to God and start therapy.  I have music therapy going right now.  A new Los Lonely Boys came out today, so I’m listening to it.  After that, I will find more soothing music to listen to. 

If you are reading this and you have depression that you’re not getting treated, please do not be like me.  I took too long to get on medication and much too long to decide on therapy.  I know that used easier said than done.  I will never forget all of the thoughts that went through my head before I started medication.  They are a lot of what is going through my head now.  God gave us medication and therapy to help us be stronger.  We have to remember that to many people misuse and abuse it.  We can’t let those negative connotations stop us from what we need to do.  Anybody who is reading this and has questions or need help getting started on the path to wellness please contact me. I am serious here, don't hesitate to contact me on Facebook or at one of the ways below.

mousehill7@gmail.com    Skype: mousehill7    

I pray that you all find the comfort and love you need in God.  Surround yourself with people who will uplift you and take your needs before God on your behalf.  They are out there; I will do what I can to help you find them.

Take Care and God Bless,

Sherri

Bloom where you are planted

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

This week has been a little bit of a strange one.  There have been times where I absolutely thought I couldn’t go on.  Then there were other times even though things were rough it was wonderful.  A lot of this week has been a blur and honestly I don’t remember a lot of details.  It was a busy week at The Master’s Hands.  But, I wouldn't have it any other way.  Of course things can get really hectic at home with Steven.  But things have been wonderful overall.  Thursday night it was cold and windy and possibly even snowing.  And everything in my house was wonderful.  We all sat in a living room Steven on the computer, Bryan on the couch, and I was in the big purple chair.  We sat watching old Dukes episodes.  All I could think was how great of a life I have.  Bryan is gone a lot in the truck and Steven can make me want to pull my hair out.  But God has us right where we need to be and I have to trust in him.

Today was a little bit of a rough one.  But one filled with a lot of little blessings.  Steven helped heat up his pancakes in the microwave, helped with the laundry (without being asked to), then he helped load the dishwasher, and even picked up some around the house.  The most impressive thing, he did it without complaint.

Then tonight, Uncle Jeff and Jenn came over for supper.  We had a good time tonight and Steven got very very wound.  But, that happens with Uncle Jeff around, it has always been that way.  I would be worried if it didn't happen when Jeff was there.  It was great having family over; I think we need to have company more often.  Not too long after they left, Steven was ready for bed.  He had a long exciting day, not to mention a cranky one at times. 

Take care and God bless,

Sherri

hodge podge

2 Peter 1:3-11

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

¹⁰ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, ¹¹ and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

You know you’ve heard the old saying, when life gives you lemons make lemonade.   It seems lately I’ve had a lot of lemons thrown at me.  Of course, it didn’t help that Steven was out of school for so long.  Between Christmas break and then all the snow he was off a long time.  Right now he does not have an aide on the van and I’m not all that happy about it.  Hopefully in the next day or so we have someone starting.  I don’t know if people are scared of my son where they just don’t wanna go so far, but the district couldn't find anyone to do it.  I found a person that would do it.  Then there has been the loss that has touched so many lives.  Last week we had to say goodbye to wonderful man.  It was an unexpected loss, but God was obviously ready for his company.  I could go on a rant concerning this situation.  But I have a feeling that the people that really need to see the rant won’t.  So I will save the rest of you from hearing it.

My brother in law was also placed in ICU.  He has been having trouble with his lungs and a blood infection.  Thankfully he is doing better.  To those who have been praying thank you and I ask that you continue to pray for him.  With God’s help you should be out of intensive care soon.

I sit here talking this blog out as the cats run throughout the house.  I’m not sure what has gotten into George and Callie right now, but they think they’re kittens.  I have often considered buying the product I see on TV that lets you talk to your computer and it types it out.   Then I found an out that you don’t need a special program most computers can do it using word.  I have also been able to use it on several sites on the Internet.  With the way in my wrists have been hurting, I hadn’t wanted to do much blogging.  So hopefully I can get back into it.

Take care and God bless,

Sherri 

My new family

Philippians 2:1-4. NIV

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and  compassion, then make my joy complete by being like- minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourself, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

I was originally going to speak about something else. But, I decided to go with something positive instead of the negative that was originally on my mind. I have a wonderful biological family that loves me to no end. I know that they are there for me.   As being the youngest out of 7, I was picked on mercilessly as a kid.  But, even then I knew that they loved me.  If you ever have a problem with my attitude or sarcasm they are the ones to blame.

I have a beautiful family at church as well. That takes us as we are & they have no problems at all with Steven. We unfortunately did not get that every church we went to. It was mainly the bigger churches, where people were more prim and proper.  Steven loves going to greet everyone, outside the building of course you cannot stay inside to greet.  Even when it is not our official time to greet Steven is still a greeter.  And, you have to make sure to greet everyone multiple times not just once. I'm glad that everyone thinks it is funny and no one is offended.

Now for the new family I talked about in my title. My new family, is the one at the Masters Hands.  I have worked there now for about 9 months. It has been a life changing experience to say the least.  I have met some the most amazing people up there. God has placed so many different people in my life that I would have never met otherwise. We have so much fun up there, while sharing the Word of God. We definitely have our moments when we get on each others nerves. But, we know we love each other very much. So no matter what I know they are there for me. We have all come from different backgrounds and our own sorrows. I don't know the anyone else could get such a mish mash of people to get along. 

I challenge you all to step outside your comfort zone and find a group of people to serve God with  in ways you never thought of. I know that's what I did and I couldn't have asked for a better place to be.  It doesn't have to be a food pantry.  It can be simple as a Bible study or a coffee shop group of people to talk with.  God has wonderous plans for us all.  We just got to get out there and find it.

I want to clarify what I mean by wonderous plans.  I was reading different things on the internet when I went to find my verse at the end. It seems that some equate wonderous plans with everything  going right 100 percent. That is not what I mean.  If you are living for God, things will more or less never be a hundred percent right. Satan will see you doing good and try to turn your life upside down. So you can have a wonderful life and not a perfect one.

Take care & God bless,
Sherri

Many Thanks and A Wedding

Psalm 100:4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.


I have so much to be thankful for. 
1.  A hubby that will go out in the horrible weather to make money for the family 
2.  The states of Illinois and Missouri for getting their highways clean of the ice and snow, so when my hubby goes to Arkansas he only has to deal with what is left in Arkansas.
3.  The school district for cancelling school tomorrow.  When I can't go over 10 mph on the Calhoun blacktop without sliding, the buses don't need to be out.
4.  To the road crews that have worked hard to get the roads as clear as they are.  With the temps, it has been hard to do this as the rock salt hasn't had a chance to really work.
5. To Phil E. for clearing our driveways with his tractor so I didn't have to do it with a shovel.
6. For the wonderful people at Casey's and Taco Bell for helping me when I was being stupid.  (hard to believe I was that way I know)
7.  My great family for helping keep Steven happy before the wedding.  Esp. Uncle Jeff and Jen for letting him ride part way with them.
8. For God keeping me safe on the drive to and from Collinsville today and for keeping Steven happy long enough to be at the wedding.

I know there are others that I am missing, but that is what I can think of right now.

The wedding!  My niece Courtney got married today!  I was worried I wouldn't get to go, but I did.  She has gone from a cute little girl to a beautiful young woman.  I wish her and Shane many year of happiness and God's blessings. It was a lovely wedding but also a humorous one.  I hope they keep the humor, they will need at times during their marriage.  I just don't think Shane realizes what he got himself into by marrying into our family.  

Take care and God bless,

Sherri

Steven, Courtney and Baby Bear
Courtney was getting her picture taken by where we were waiting before the wedding.  Steven kept trying to go over with her.  We were teasing Courtney about taking a picture with Baby Bear.  She picked him up to do so and Steven took him from her.  It's blurry but I love it.

Decisions

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.



It happens year round, but right now it seems there are more out there with the holiday season.  I am talking about commercials trying get support for various charities.  I can sit here and think which ones should I support.  How do we decide what to donate to.  Simple it is what our heart believes in the most.  It is more than likely something that has touched our hearts.  I am more likely to give to a charity for autism or cancer than I am to give to one for epilepsy or downs syndrome.  Simply because I am touched on a personal level by autism and cancer.  It isn't because I don't think the others aren't worth the time and money, I just have only so much to give.  I pray when I see the commercials for the ones I don't donate to that God's finds the means for them to receive donations.  I pray that those who can give to a multitude of charities does so.  I realize that not everyone can give money, but possibly your time.  Even taking the time to pray, is a big help.  

God knows when we give to him and others we need to be sincere about our giving.  Ananias and Sapphira didn't and it got them killed.  I don't think we will be killed over it, but it will weigh heavy on us if we don't do it out of the goodness of our hearts.  It will also run the chance of us having the feeling of animosity and less likely to give at a later time to a charity we really care about.  

This goes back to an earlier blog about you never know what someone is going through.  Don't judge someone because they don't support the same charity as you.  Their heart will be touched by what has touched their lives.  

During this holiday season, please keep everyone in prayer.  We have just passed Thanksgiving and coming up on Christmas and New Year's.  It is a hard time for a lot of people for different reasons.  I pray that everyone finds peace this year and a loving place to celebrate the holidays.

Take care and God bless,
Sherri


Nick as a baby.  One reason that Christmas is hard.  It reminds me of losing him.  But, I know that my family will all gather together on Christmas and we will have a great time even while grieving Nick and others we have lost.

Thankful

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV

16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone. So thankful for my family. We went to Bryan's brothers house for lunch. Steven did better than he usually does, we got to stay for about 2 hours.  He was actually there for about an hour and a half before he asked to go for a ride in Uncle Mart's truck.  He didn't even mind that Marco and Macy were in the house.   He would not go to Uncle Steve's house though. I went over without Bryan and Steven, but still had a good time.   Not a lot of the Ratcliffe family were able to get together but we had a good time and good food. Family is precious I love mine to pieces. It doesn't hurt that we can all cook.  :)  Looking forward to everyone coming over for Christmas at my house. Going to have to start getting ready for it . Gotta start cleaning and cooking and decorating.  It's been a little over 4 years since Mom has been gone and we're coming up on the five years of Nick being gone.  Christmas has not been the same since, but the thought of seeing all my family and it helps me through. If you know someone who has family missing this year or no family to gather with , please reach out to them.  Keep them in prayer & in your heart. 

Steven is getting upset that I'm talking & doing my blog.  So I'm cutting this off, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving & have a wonderful Christmas time.

Take care & God bless,

Sherri

The grandkids Thanksgiving 1998

you can't roller skate in a buffalo herd

I don't know how many of you know that song I know it from Roger Miller's version.    it has been stuck in my head all day it has made me happy thinking about my childhood when I first heard it.  the day has been long as Steven is being a grouch, he didn't even want to go see Bev the 2 times we went by.  there was a dinner tonight for those who volunteer at the master's hands,  I really wanted to go. but Steven decided otherwise, so all I could do was stop in a couple times and say hi.  the second time Nick came out to get the soup for my van and talk to Steven for a little bit.  of course Nick was up to his old shenanigans so he made me smile. Steven has been very whiny and not overly cooperative for most of the day.  however, he did take his bath the best he has in a long time.  so I rejoice over that as well.  the housework still has a lot to get done.  but I am still plowing through it @ a reasonable pace and not getting overwhelmed.  so that makes me very happy also.  I'm sitting here in the big purple chair with Callie on my lap debating if I'm going to redo this on the big computer.  I'm using my voice action on my smartphone right now to get this typed it out.   is a blessing to have with the problems I'm having with my wrists and carpal tunnel.  so we'll have to see if I correct all the punctuation and capitalization errors. God's blessings are big and small, sometimes the small ones are hard to see.   but, God knows what we need when we need it even the small things matter to him. 

take care and God bless,
Sherri

Steven and his new panda bear he got. it doesn't seem like much but he loves it. especially since we had to retire White Bear he has not had a big one like this.

The moment when

Mark 12:28-34 NIV

The Greatest Commandment

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

 There is no commandment greater than these.”

32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

I had to go to Champaign yesterday to pick up a script for Steven.  I got to Carle and went to the bathroom.  I looked in the mirror and came the awkward moment when you realize you are fat and ugly.  Then came the joyous moment when you realize it doesn't matter.  It has no bearing on whether or not you go to heaven.  Unless of course you obsess over it and it detracts you from God.  Follow the Lord your God. That is all you have to do.  Not to say it is always easy. There are times when you just want to throw in the towel and take the easy way out.  But, then you think about all the wonderful blessings you have received and bestowed on others by following God and you realize it is all worth it.  Nothing can compare to his blessings and his beauty.  You can have the most money in the world, but it can't but the blessings that God has for you.  You can be the prettiest person in the world, but your beauty is nothing compared to the beauty of nature God has given us.  

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Then comes on the Sonic commercial about appearance and what is on the inside.  We need to remember to keep the inside of your heart clean and it is what matters, not our appearance.


Matthew 23:27  NIV
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.


Take Care and God Bless,
Sherri


The beautiful moon