Extraordinary Requirements >Day 13

" And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

Did you know that God loves to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things?
Look at Peter. He was just a fisherman, but God called him "the rock upon which I will build my church."
What about Mary? she was an unmarried teenager, but God chose her to give birth to Jesus.
How about David? He was the little guy in the family. When his brothers went to war, he had to stay at home and watch over the sheep. Still, God called him to defeat the giant. Amazing, isn't it?
If your feeling like you're not cut out for this motherhood job, cheer up! God is using you to extraordinary things for His kingdom, too. He wouldn't have entrusted you with his precious children if He didn't believe you could handle it. Of course, it's difficult some days. But, hey, God is a big God-bigger than all of our doubts,transgressions, and faults. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be available. Open your heart and let God restore your hope today. He has extraordinary things in store for you!

Mother To Master;
Lord, do the extraordinary in me and through me today. Amen.

The shocking message of the Bible continues to be that God has chosen the least suspecting of all vessels to do his greatest work. What you are at this particular moment in your life is irrelevant-your nationality, your education, your personality.... What counts most is what and who you are willing to become.
Tim Hansel

Special Gifts!!

Thursday was the kids last day of school. So we took all the teachers and therapists special gifts. We made special cards and put a picture of the kids on them and then made peanut butter cookies for them too. They were all so excited to get their gifts. We will miss them all so much next year. The teachers and the staff there are awesome. Thanks a bunch guys. O yeah we even got gifts for the school bus driver's. We greatly appreciate them they where a huge help by picking the kids up for school. It wasn't easy putting my two little people on that bus for the first time. It's hard to put your trust in someone that you don't know to take your kids to school everyday. But thank God they got them their safely everyday!!

This gift is for an Aide her name is Margie she just loved the kids to death. She is also a special needs and she loves to do word search puzzles so we got her this instead of the shepherd's hook.

These where for the teacher's and therapists
UP CLOSE
Aren't they so sweet???
WE made this for a very special occupational therapist (Mrs.Cindy) she has worked with Faith for almost six years. So we decided to put together a little memory book for her of the times that she worked with Faith. It has been really hard on Cindy to let Faith go.

It's Your Turn! > Day12

And the people, that is, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves. Judges 20:22 NKJV

Do you ever encourage yourself in the Lord? As moms, we encourage everybody else- our husbands, our children, our neighbours. But we rarely take time to encourage ourselves. Instead, we're overly critical of ourselves. We allow the devil to beat us up, telling us how awful we are. If we'll listen long enough, the devil will convince us that we are unworthy to be servants of God. He'll tell us that we are horrible parents and wives. He'll that we're failures in life. The devil will serve us condemnation with a side of guilt as often as we'll let him. So tell him, "NO MORE!"
We have to stop allowing the devil to deceive us.Don't dwell on his lies; meditate on God's Word.. The Bible says that you are fully able to fulfill your destiny. It says that no weapon formed against you is going to prosper. It says that you can do everything through God's strength. Stop focusing on what you can't do and start focusing on what you can do. Quit looking at how far you've got to go, and start looking at how far you've already come. Encourage yourself in the Lord today! It's your turn.

Mother to Master,
Thank You, Lord, for giving me the ability to fulfill my destiny. Help me to stay encouraged. Amen.

You are special. God made you. His undeserved love makes you somebody.
Alma Kern

Under The Influence > Day 11

Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. 1John 3:7

Do you ever worry about the friends that your children are making? I do. I often wonder, Will they be good influences on my children? Will they hurt my children? Do they know Jesus as their Lord and Savior? Will they be lifelong,trustworthy friends?
While I don't know the answers to all of these questions, I do know one thing- Jesus will be their lifelong friend. They will always be able to count on Him. He will come through time and time again. He will stand by them no matter what. How do I know these things? Because He's been there for me when nobody else was.
I discovered early in life that friends sometimes let you down-even your best friends-because they're human. If you put your hope in friends, disappointment and hurt are inevitable. But God is a sure thing.
I realize that I can't pick my children's friends, and I know that I can't protect them from the hurt that comes from broken friendships and disloyalty. But there are two things I can do- I can teach them about Jesus, and I can pray that the Lord sends them godly friends. You can do the same for your kids.
You can start today.

Mother To Master,
Lord, please send my children good friends. I'm thankful that You're their best friend and mine. Amen.

Beneath God's watchful eye
His saints securely dwell:
That hand which bears all nature up
Shall guard His children well.
William Cowper

Good Deal!!

Just wanted to show off our good yard sale find. When we put Faith in it at first she didn't like it. I think it was because we weren't quite sure how to position her in it, but we figured it out. Sunday evening we went for a bike ride up to the college and rode around in there for awhile. We had wonderful weather to do it in.

She wasn't so sure about it but.......

he didn't mind it!!!

Memorial Day Weekend !!!

On sat Morning we went to the Columbus Zoo. We had such a great time just spending time with each other and all of our kiddo's. We were surprised at how good the kids did. The only crying that we had was when the wagon Handle (which is Metal) fell over and knocked faith in the knee o man she did not like that. It left a huge bruise. Then on Sunday we had church and a picnic there and then came home and went for a bike ride. On our way to the zoo at the end of our street they were having a yard sale and we found a bike trailer for Faith and Brady anyways we paid $40 for it which is a super good deal. YAY!! so now we can ride bikes together as a family. Then on Monday we went to Mike's sister's house liz's and we had a little get together there and then we went out to mom's. We had a very very busy weekend but we had a great time and thank God he gave us such beautiful weather to be able to enjoy it!!!

Bryceton Loved touching this snake!!

This Alligator was sunning himself

Stopping For Lunch after we finished here we went into the amusement/ water park that the zoo has added on.

POOPED!!!

The Amusement Park!!! Bryceton LOVED THIS PLACE!! ( we spent more time here in the zoo part it seemed like.) Poor Brady got his first sunburn on his legs. Yeah I 4got the sunscreen!! DUMMY!!! LOL!! O well we know he tans at least. These were some of the rides that they had. We didn't do the water park part but we probably will next time we go.

At Church on Sunday Morning we honored the Flag and all of the Service men they are in active duty or have served in the army or in any type of service. A Great BIG THANK YOU to all of the Service Men who have risked their lives so we could have Freedom!!!!!



Ben Robinson Holding the Flag in the background is Pastor Compton (who was in the military) Jack Robinson standing in for His Dad Alvie Robinson (who has passed away but was a Veteran)



This is SGT. CHAD RUMMELL he is home for two weeks and then he has to go back to Iraq for 6 more months.


These guys are people who are standing in for people that have served.

Left to right Bill Johnson, Teresa Rummell (Standing in for her brother Tim Fluharty who is serving in Japan) Dustin Webb (standing in for his brother Derick web who is also in active duty I'm not sure where he is at)

WE NEED TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!!!!

Your B.F.F (Best Friend Forever) > Day 10

Trust in God. Lean on your God! Isaiah 50:10 MSG


Do you remember singing that song "Lean On Me" by Al Green? I think Club Nouveau remade it back in the '80s. I love the words to that song. I've always thought of it as rather inspirational in nature. Do you remember the words? "Lean on me. When you're not strong. I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on." (You're singing along right now,aren't you?)
I f there's anything moms need, it's someone to lean on from time to time. Can I get an amen, sister? When the dishwasher is broken, the car is in the shop, the kids are sick, And your bank account is empty and payday is a week away....we all need somebody to lean on.
I'm so thankful that we have God to lean on during difficult times. Even if our family or friends don't understand our feelings and even if there's no one else to lean on, we've always got God. He promises in His Word to never leave us nor forsake us. We can lean on Him, and He's happy to let us. So, if your having a lousy day, a lousy week, or even a lousy year, God understands and He loves you. Go ahead-lean on Him. He will be your Friend.

Mother To Master,
Thank you, Lord, that I can lean on you. Thanks for always being there for me. Amen.

When we accomplish our daily tasks, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.
Victor Hugo

Movie-Star Dreams > Day 9

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phillippians 4:13

What do you want to be when you grow up? I asked my daughter, Ally, when she was only four years old. She thought for a moment and then she answered matter -of-factly,"A movie star." "Great," I responded. "Then you can pay for Mommy' s and Daddy's retirement condo in Florida." Children know how to dream big. Do you knwow why? Because no one has told them yet that they can't dream big. I love that about kids. They don't have that inner voice going that says,"You can't be a movie star. You're not good enough. You're not pretty enough. You'll never be able to accomlish your dream." No, they believe that they can do anything. and you know what? They're right! God's Word says that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. All means all, right? That's why Jesus said we should have childlike faith. We should be able to believe big when it comes to the dreams and ambitions that God has placed within us. God wouldn't have placed them there if He weren't going to help us achieve them. So learn from your kids. Get back that childlike faith and start believing.

Mother To Master,
Lord, help me to believe You like my children believe You. Help me to dream big like they do. Amen.


Far away, there is the sunshine, are my highest aspirations .... I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to foolow where they lead.
Louisa May Alcott

Thanksgiving Isn't Just For November > Day 8

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever your face trials of many kinds. James 1:2


I recently visited a web site that made me feel a bit guilty for all the times that I've complained about everyday stuff. It's headline said:

Things To Be Thankful For

The taxes I pay- because it means that I'm employed.

The clothes that fit snugly- because it means I have enough to eat.

The mounds of laundry- because it means I have enough to wear.

Okay be honest. Have you ever been thankful for taxes,extra weight,or loads of laundry? Me neither. But it is an interesting concept. It does make you think, doesn't it? We should be looking for reasons to be thankful-even in the stuff that would not ordinarily fill our hearts with gratitude.

And, we should impart that same attitude into our kids. They'll be much happier children if they'll take that stance in life. So your daughter doesn't get invited to "the big party," she can be thankful that she has mom that will take her to the movies instead. Or when your son doesn't make the football team, He can be thankful that he has free time to practice his guitar. It's really about looking for that silver lining in every gray cloud. Find that silver lining today.

Mother To Master,

Lord, I praise you for the good and not- so- good things in my life. Amen.

Throughout life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give. It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Wonderful Weakness >Day 7

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2Corinthians 12:9


Nobody likes to admit weaknesses but, hey, we've all got them. the good news is this- God can work with weakness. In fact, His Word tells us that His power is made perfect in our weakness. Pretty cool, eh? So, why is it so difficult to admit we have weaknesses?
I'll be honest I hate to admit that I have weaknesses- especially with my children. I like to appear perfect and "superhero-like." I want Faith, Bryce and Brady to think that they have the coolest mom in the world-a mom who love s God, loves them, and can still skateboard with the best of them. But over the past few years , I am pretty sure that my children have figured out that I have some weaknesses-definitely! The cat is out of the bag, so to speak.
And I'm ok with that. If we let our children see our shortcomings, they'll feel better about their own weaknesses. So quit trying to disguise your weaknesses or make excuses for them. Just admit you've got them and let God's power be made perfect in them.

Mother To Master
Father, Thank you for working through my weaknesses. Amen.

As a countenance is made beautiful by the soul's shining through it, so the world is beautiful by the shining through it of God.
Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi

A No Good, Very Bad Day > Day 6

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7


Ever have one of those days? The alarm clock didn't go off. The kids where late for school. The dog threw up on the carpet. You spilled coffee down the front of your new white blouse. Ahhh! It's one of those "Calgon, take me away!" days, right?
But it doesn't have to be. No matter how many challenges you face today, you can smile in the face of aggravation. How? By casting your cares upon the Lord. That's what the Lord tells us to do in His Word, yet many of us feel compelled to take all of the cares upon ourselves. After all, we're mother's . We're fixers. We're the doers of the bunch. We wear five or six fedoras at a time- we can handle anything that comes our way,right?
Wrong! But God can. When the day starts to go south, cast your cares on Him. He wants you to! As mother's we can handle a lot, but it's true what they say-Father really does know best. So, give it to God. C'mon, you know you want to...

Mother To Master,
Lord, help me to turn to you when my troubles seem to big to face and even when they don't. Help me to trust You with all my cares. Amen.

Thou art coming to a King
Large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and power are such
None can ever ask to much.
John Newton

Stopping To Pray > Day 5

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Matthew 6:6

Do you have a sort of bedtime ritual with your children? Some parents read a storybook to their children every night. Other parents share a Bible story or two. Some even make up their own stories to share. Whatever your bedtime routine might be, I hope that prayer is part of it.
Saying a bedtime prayer with your children is one of the most important things you can do for them. It accomplishes several things, such as teaching your kids to pray by hearing you pray aloud, giving prayer a place of importance in their lives, making prayer a habit for them, drawing the family unit together, and enriching their spiritual side. To put it in the words of my daughter Allyson,"Prayer Rocks!"
We spend so much time just doing "stuff" with our kids - running them to soccer practice, helping with homework, playing board games - and all of that is good. But if we don't figure prayer time into the daily equation, we're just spinning our wheels. Prayer time is a precious time. Don't miss out on it even one night. It's a habit worth forming!


Mother to Master,
Father help me to teach my children the importance of prayer time. Amen.


My mother was the source from which I derived the guiding principles of my life. John Wesley

Earth to Mom... Day >4

Let the wise listen and add to their learning. Proverbs 1:5

Listening. It's alomost a lost art form in today's world. Yet according to the International Listening Association, "Being listened to spells the difference between feeling accepted and feeling isolated." Wow, that's pretty strong isn't it?

In professional circles, I am a good listener. I understand the importance of listening to my collegues; yet, I sometimes fail to listen to my children. I find myself interrupting them, trying to get them to "get to the end of the story" while I am still young. But, that's not what I should be doingas a caring, accepting mom. The Lord convicted me about this very thing not so long ago, and I've been working on my listening skills ever since.

Are you a good listener? Do you give your kids your full attention when they are talking to you? Do you nod your head and smile, letting them know that you are truly into what they are saying? If not, you may need to ask God to help you improve your listening skills, too. If we fail to listen to them now, We'll be sorry later when they no longer choose to tell us things. So go ahead. Open your ears and your heart and listen to your chilren!

Mother to Master,

Lord,, please help me to listen to my children the same way that you Listen to me. Amen

The first duty of love is to listen. Paul Tillich

Uncondiotional Love > Day 3

I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8

Sometimes it's harder to walk in love than others. Can I get an "Amen!" on that? There are days when my love walk has quite a limp. On those days, I often wonder how God can still love me. Ever wondered that yourself? I'll think back over something I've said or done that was less than lovely, and my insides cringe.
This is especially true when it comes to my children. Of all the people in my life, I want to make sure that I show my kids that unconditional, always-there-for-you kind of love. So when I fail to accomplish that goal, my heart hurts. But it's in those times that I sense the Father's presence in a big way. I can literally feel His love wrapping around me like a cozy sweater.
No matter how many times I fail, God still loves me. And, on those days when I am defenitly not in the running for the "Mother of the Year," that's good to know. In fact, the Word says that we are the apple of His eye. I like that, So the next time your love walk becomes more of a crawl, remember-God adores you.


Mother to Master,
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me even when I am less than loving. Amen

Love Comforteth like sunshine after rain. William Shakespear

Fishing Trip!!

Today Bryceton and his Paw went fishing. Bryceton was so excited to get to go with him today he doesn't see his paw very much. So this was a nice little treat for him. On their adventure today Bryceton said that they saw alligator tracks, bunny traps, groundhog holes which he almost fell in he said. lol!! They where gig antis mom he said. It was all I could do not to laugh at his excitement. He even found 2 beaches.!!! Then before he came home he found a rock. I think it looks like a tootsie roll or a leg maybe. When dad brought him home he told me he is probably going to take a nap because we walked a long ways. You could tell that he was worn out (bryceton) but to my dad's suprise Bryce never took a nap. Guess who ended up taking one though!!! You guessed it PAW!!! LOL!!! So I 'm not sure who was more worn out!!!

He found this rock that he wanted to keep

I just LOOOOVVVEE Fishing!!!

If I can't get'em with my pole then I'll try with my hands

Just waiting

Fish just aren't bitting

Graduation 2008

Monday was the kids graduation from Preschool to Kindergarten. This was the first year that the Ida Sue Preschool has ever had a ceremony like this for the kids that are moving on to Kindergarten. It was so sad but exciting to see my kiddo's moving on to bigger and better things in their lives. I just cannot believe they are both going into kindergarten. It's hard enough to watch one of them growing but two??? O man I'm gonna have a lot of crying time next year when they start school. This next school year will be the first time that they will be separated from each other in different schools. WOW!!! What am I going to do??? I'm sure they will do fine without each other. It will be a big switch for Bryceton because right now because faith isn't going he always makes sure that he makes her a craft at school when they all do theirs and next year in school he won't be able to do that. He always looks out for his big sissy!!! They will definitely miss each other. O well it will be good and positive experience for them both all of for that matter. I have watched them both grow so much in school this year. It's been a fun adventure to watch and we are excited to watch them develop and grow even more throughtout the next school year.

Here we all are

She's such a SWEETIE!!

Doesn't he looked thrilled??? He didn't like that cap!!

From left to right. Mrs. Diane (teacher's aide) , Mrs. Deanne (teacher), Mrs. Margie (helper) and Nurse Cathy

Graduation class of 2008
Faith's friend Macy
Bryce's BFF Kaedon

Day 2 > WorryWarts

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, " you are worried and upset about many things,but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better,and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42

Do you remember when you where pregnant? In the midst of weird food cravings, swollen ankles, and raging hormones you spent time dreaming of your baby. You wondered things like: "What will he or she look like?" "What will be his or her first words?" " Will he or she be healthy?" and " How will I ever care for a tiny little baby?"
I think every mother worries.It seems like the natural thing to do. Most first-time worry that they won't be equipped with the appropriate parenting skills needed to be a good mom. Then the baby comes - and with it, a whole new set of worries. As the child grows, the worries grow, too. Sometimes, the worries can be almost suffocating.
When I feel overwhelmed with the worries that accompany motherhood. I realize I've forgotten to figure God into the equation. With God, all things are possible - even raising good kids in a mixed-up world. God doesn't expect mothers to have all the answers, but He does expect us to go to Him for those answers. So, if worries are consuming your thoughts- go to God. He not only has the answers, He is the answer!

Mother To Master
God, I trust you with my children,And I give you my worries. Amen.

Let the ways of the childish confidence and freedom from care ... teach you what should be your way with God. Hannah Whitall Smith

Day 1 > Time For A Break

" Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Ahh...rest. Who wouldn't love a day of rest? But let's face it. Mother's don't really get a day of rest. If we rested, who would fix breakfast? Who would get the children ready for church? Who would do the laundry so your son can wear his lucky socks for the big game on Monday?
No, there's not a lot of rest for a mother's schedule. But that's not really the kind of rest that this verse is talking about. The rest mentioned in this verse is the kind of rest that only Jesus can provide. Resting in Jesus means feeling secure in Him and allowing His peacde to fill your soul. That kind of rest is available to all - even mother's.
So, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of your life (even if you're elbow deep in dishwater), you can rest in Him. Start by meditating on the Lord's promises and His everlasting love for you. Make a mental list of all the things in your life that you are thankful for and praise God for each one. Allow His love to overwhelm you... and rest.

Mom To Master,
Lord help me to rest in You - even when I'm overwhelmed with the "To Do's" of each day. I want more of You in my life, I love You. Amen.

If peace be in the heart, the wildest winter storm is full of solemn beauty. C.F.Richardson

Devotional Book

For Mother's Day at church they gave all the mother's this little devotional book called "31 Days With God For Mother's" I think that it is a pretty neat little book so for the next 31 days i want to share this book with you. So I hope you enjoy!!

ACRES OF FUN !!!!!!!!!!

This week we decided to take Bryce ton to Acres of Fun to burn of some energy and that is just what he did. He ran through them tubes, jumped in the balls, climbed the nets and then went and played some games. We even put the other 2 kiddo's in the balls. Bryceton liked covering Faith with the balls as you can see in the pic she's wasn't so thrilled about it. Braydon didn't really seem to mind the balls as long as he had his thumb to suck he did try to lick the balls though if they came to close to hiis face. LOL !!! We all had a GREAT time.