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.