Steven Gibbs

Cincinnati Bound

On Sunday John and Debby fly to Cincinnati via Indianapolis. We have some great friends in Indy, so it will be a comfort for Debby. On Monday John goes for pre-op and another swallow study. On Tuesday they will perform another scope to check out his larynx.

He is definitely having issues breathing again. It is clear that the scar tissue has returned. While not unexpected, it is unnerving. It makes John really tired to have to use so much effort to breathe. It is hard for him to get up in the morning due to the fatigue, and he doesn’t quite understand. I asked him if he wanted some cold water thrown on him…

I’ll fly up Tuesday for the test, and then fly home Tuesday night. We REALLY want to avoid any further reconstructive surgery. Please pray for that. Also, pray for my other kids as Debby and John are traveling. It brings an added dimension of stress around here.

Oh yeah, the insurance thing is still a challenge. Keep that on the list. Thanks.

Backpacks of Hope

Hope you guys have finished your Backpacks of Hope for Hope for Guatemala. We finished ours up last night. This Sunday is the last day to bring them in, so do not forget!

John Update

John has been doing pretty well lately, continuing to progress in his eating and going to school. We are looking forward to thanksgiving lunch with him!

He has had some respiratory issues, which are hard to diagnose and treat due to his other issues.

It’s clear that some of the scarring has returned, as we can tell by his breathing and talking. We also visited a craniofacial specialist again, who did a FEES (snake camera up the nose). He noted some scarring as well.

We are continuing to face insurance challenges, so if you would please pray for that to get straightened out. Debby and John fly back to Cincy next Sunday, Dec. 1, for our doctor to take another look-see. Please pray that things are progressing well, and that nothing major needs to be done.

Thanksgiving

Well, it is thanksgiving, so it’s probably a good time to actually think of our lives and the good stuff that is going on. These are in no particular order:
• John’s progress. I’ll be updating on him in the next couple of days.
• My marriage. Even with all of the stress we’ve been under, our marriage has made the difference.
• Anna Lee, Ethan, and Bennett. These guys have been the picture of ultimate flexibility during this season in our lives. I could not be more proud of these kids.
• Stonecreek Church. I am blessed to be part of a group of “called out ones” who care so deeply about seeing lives changed.
• Grace. Lately, God has been teaching me about some of the richness of grace, and how it can transform our community. Man, that Jesus dude makes it happen for me.
• My Mom. She has been able to provide stability during the times Debby and I have been away.
• Exercise. Dang, I need more of it.
• Gasoline. Pretty soon I won’t be thankful for it.
• Water. Seems this may be more crucial than we all thought (smile).
• My bible. It has given me some serious comfort lately. Specifically the book of Jeremiah, chpts. 29-33 and Nehemiah.
• Early morning prayer time. I crave time with God like never before.
• Our church staff. These guys are so committed to the vision of seeing lives changed that it makes me get out of bed in the morning.
• Our elders. I have never met a group of more encouraging men. In the ministry, you constantly need that, and these guys get it.
• Christmas at Stonecreek. The month of December is going to be incredible!

Anyway, just a few random thoughts. Be sure you think of things you are thankful for.

Also, check out Ken’s post here on thanksgiving. Hilarious.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Sunday

Tough message topic yesterday on divorce, but some incredible steps taken by couples make it worth the struggle. This week we’ll hit parenting. While I have kids, I feel inadequate so many times. Studying for this message has been very good for me so far.

Send us your stories! We’ve gotten some great feedback on this Whole Family series. Email us at stories@stonecreekchurch.org, and let us know the impact it is having in your family. We'd really love to hear your stories about family meal time. I can only imagine there are some great thanksgiving stories about to happen!

For those who know me...

Check out this link. I couldn't agree more.

Grace and Truth

This week’s message is on divorce. So many people have faced this in some way, either experiencing it themselves, or knowing someone who has gone through it.

I cannot even think about the pain so many people have gone through when it comes to divorce – it makes me angry and sad, all at the same time. So much has been stolen from so many.

As I said Sunday, I am praying that this message will be one of the most healing messages that we have taught. You probably know someone who is in the middle of this, or is reeling from the pain. You should invite them on Sunday. When Grace and Truth collide, some pretty cool things can happen. If you have a story about a marriage being on the rocks and pulling through, I'd love to hear it. Please email it to me. Also, if you have been through a divorce and have some insight on it's difficulty, I'd enjoy your insight as well.

We’ve got some pretty cool things happening musically. Mark Brown will be leading worship, along with the Stonecreek Band. We are fortunate to have 2 gifted worship leaders on staff in our church. Mark, along with Ken Murphy, models what it means to be a Christ worshipper.

Also, check out Ken’s post from Sunday regarding Worship Songs on iTunes. I particularly am digging "O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing" from the album, "Remedy" by David Crowder Band right now. If you're not checking Ken's blog regularly, you need to make it a habit. He's got some pretty cool stuff.

Meal Time

On Mondays the girls in our house are at horseback - so us guys are left on our own. Have no fear, Super Dad is here! I thoroughly enjoy slaving over a hot stove to provide a healthy culinary experience for my family.

But with alot of help from Debby before she leaves...

Family Meal

My first video blog attempt. Completely filmed and edited by one of my kids!

Quote

I love a good quote. I may have posted this one, but it's worth a repeat.

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.
Albert Einstein