Article: Women Who Give Birth Later In Life May Live Longer

"The new findings, published June 23 in the journal Menopause, are in line with those of a previous study by the same researchers, which found that women who gave birth to a child after age 40 were four times more likely to live to age 100 than women who gave birth to their last child at a younger age." 
-Women Who Give Birth Later In Life May Live Longer 

Know the Source of Your Wisdom

Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:13-18

Snowman George Lives!

George's head that we save from year to year. He's about 17 years old!

George reborn!

George looking in the window!

Stages

This happened as a fluke. I was gifted two of them. Then I found one in a thrift store and realized I had stages of parenting represented. I want to find one of an older couple with grown children and grandchildren around and one with an older couple dancing with 3 John 1:4 and/or Psalm 92:14.

Article: What Is Your Doing Saying?

When God puts something on our heart to do, do we do it, or do we run from it? Do we start to head in the direction the Lord is leading but then falter, turn around, and make excuses about why we can't? Then, do we work hard to push the situation out of our minds until the next time the Holy Spirit attempts once again to convict our hearts into action? Don't we realize that every time we say no to the Lord it affects our level of closeness with Him? and our testimony? Do we deceive ourselves that we are better off where we are than doing what God wants us to do? We can't sit back and say "Let God's will be done" if we aren't obeying what He wants us to do because God often works out His will through the actions of His people. You have to follow through with obedience to grow in your faith.

Article: What Is Your Doing Saying?

"So if we want to know what we really believe, we must look at our actions." 

"Faith, by its very nature, produces action. It’s intrinsic. Each of us is wired to feel and act in accordance to what we believe to be true. We cannot help it."

"But since on the Great Day there will be a separation between the sheep and goats based on what their works said about their faith (Matthew 25:31–46), and since, even among the sheep there will be a distinction between those who built with gold, silver, and precious stones (more faithful) and those who built with wood, hay, and straw (less faithful) (1 Corinthians 3:12–15), we must “look carefully how [we] walk, not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15)."

"Our works reveal where our faith is. Jesus told us that a “tree is known by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33). The wise seek to make the tree good." read the rest here.

Sermon for the Discouraged

This will take you to the outline. A link for the video is at the top.  Overcoming Discouragement

“Any of us who have survived a life-threatening disease or other significant trial in our lives understand that answers aren’t always readily available. I was shell-shocked when my cancer diagnosis came twenty years ago, and God didn’t give me all the answers I wanted. To this day, I’m not fully sure why the Lord allowed cancer to invade my body. I’ve lived long enough now to have seen some of the benefits from the experience, both in my life and in the lives of others. But I still don’t know why the Lord allowed me to face this terrible disease or even why He spared my life. God moves in mysterious ways. We don’t always know why He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.” –David Jeremiah

Ford

I kept hearing a noise at night in my bedroom. I thought some animal was in our walls and was very upset at the notion! I asked Clint to see where he thought it was coming from, but it would stop the noise every time! I was frustrated! No one else could hear it except me! I looked where I thought the noise was coming from but could not find anything. 

Finally, it made noise where Clint could hear it and kept making the noise long enough for him to find it. In the back of our closet, well hidden, was a single newborn kitten!!! 

The poor kitten was cold and dehydrated. I had to give emergency care right away.

Beside it we found the shriveled up umbilical cord which falls off around day three. I know I had heard the noise for two nights. The area was clean of signs of birth, so we knew the kitten had not been born there. 

All of our cats were spayed except for one who had kittens about six weeks earlier. BUT...

We had a cat who desperately wanted to be a mother. She would steal other cat's kittens and try to take care of them. We think she stole a kitten from a litter of a neighbor's cat! I guess when it was too much for her, she snuck in through an open door and hid it in our closet. Not knowing who or where the mother was, we decided it was up to us to give that tiny life a chance. 

We warmed it and bottle fed it. It was so weak trying to eat! I warned the children that I did not know if it would live. It ate and grew in strength over the next several hours. For a few days we were feeding and cheering the little one to health!

Then, we asked Miracle to care for it. She is a special cat with a special history and name. She has also, at times, been the biggest pain in the butt, but despite that, we all are fond of her. 

We moved her kittens out and put the pathetic little baby against her stomach. She looked at it. She looked at us. She sniffed it. Then, she started cleaning it vigorously from one end to the next. It nestled in against her and found a teat and began to drink. Her milk supply had dwindled since her older kittens had been weaned, but it was just enough for the tiny kitten. That was the last thing we had to do for the kitten. Miracle raised it as if it was her own.

Brandon grew attached to the little fighter with a rough start. He let Amanda name him "Ford" and had him neutered. Clint and I prefer for cats to be outside, but Brandon petitioned us to let the cat live in his room. Ford, a "specially delivered" cat, has been a joy to all of us!

Back in December...

Outside of pregnancy, I rarely get sick. But, it does happen. 

In December, I was knocked down for a couple of days with a stomach bug. On the first day, I handed 15 year old Joshua my phone and entrusted our family, homeschool, animals, and household to him. I went back to bed.

When I checked with him late afternoon to make sure no living creature had been neglected, he said, "MOM! I don't know how you do it! I've been running around ALL day, and there's still stuff to do! I am glad you don't get sick often! I need to go to bed at 8 tonight for tomorrow!" 

That single conversation has given me a chuckle and encouragement for a couple of months now!

This Little Piggy Got a Shock

Right after we moved the baby pigs to a larger area, this little pig thought it could ignore the zap of the fence long enough to get through. I am sure she had visions of rooting freely. It tested the zap a few times while we were working nearby. What she did not expect was getting stuck in the fence and the zapping to continue non stop. After the hot wire was off and the piglet was free, I used the story as a lesson on fences. We can't outrun or outsmart God. His fences are there for a reason. Sometimes a negative experience or two is a great teaching tool.

George Washington's Office and Statue

George Washington's Office
George Washington used a little log building, now the middle room of George Washington Office Museum, as a military office from September 1755 to December of 1756 while Fort Loudoun was being constructed at the north end of town. 

Time to Bond Together and Pray

"The militant Islamic terrorist group ISIS has released a video called A MESSAGE SIGNED WITH BLOOD TO THE NATION OF THE CROSS showing the beheadings of 21 Egyptian Christians who had been kidnapped in Libya. Can you imagine the outcry if 21 Muslims had been beheaded by Christians? Where is the universal condemnation by Muslim leaders around the world? As we mourn with the families of those 21 martyrs, we’d better take this warning seriously as these acts of terror will only spread throughout Europe and the United States. If this concerns you like it does me, share this. The storm is coming." Franklin Graham

What to Give Up for Lent

It is of no consequence to give up the physical if you are not working on the spiritual.

Looking for something to give up for Lent?

Give up resentment and become more forgiving.

Give up hatred and return good for evil.

Give up complaining and be more grateful.

Give up pessimism and become more hopeful.

Give up worry and become more trusting.

Give up anger and become more patient.

Give up pettiness and become more noble.

Give up gloom and become more joyful.

Give up doubt and turn to God.

author unknown

One More Thought on Work

When we work at something we do not enjoy, or we feel what we do doesn't matter, it can become boring or stressful which detracts from our life. If we enjoy it and see Divine purpose in it, our work becomes our passion and adds to our life. God is pleased when apply our minds and hearts with what He has given us to do. 

Titus 2:3-5The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

More Verses for the Discouraged

Discouragement is something we all face, but we do not have to stay in that place. It is possible to experience great joy and peace in the midst of trying circumstances. Soak your mind in Scripture. God's Word is powerful and will enable you have victory over the discouragement and will enable you to glorify the Lord despite your circumstances. 

Isaiah 49:13 Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. 

Isaiah 57:1-2 Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die. 

Jeremiah 1:8 "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. 

Lamentations 3:25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 

Micah 7:7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. 

Romans 8:18  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Psalm 18:2  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

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

Psalm 73:26  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 22:24  For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

Psalm 27:4-5  One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.  For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

Psalm 30:5  For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Psalm 34:18  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

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

Lamentations 3:31-33  For no one is cast off by the Lord forever.  Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.  For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.

The Command to Love

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7

The agape love we are to have for all other people is self-sacrificial (them before us), never ending (doesn't stop), and unconditional (no limits). We are called to love the misfits, the rejected, those with no social status, and our enemies in this manner. The kind of love God showed towards us and tell us to share with others is the kind that impacts lives and changes others. This kind of love for others defines our faith and gives purpose to our time on earth. 

How are you showing others your love? Saying "God knows how I feel" isn't enough. He says to put love into action. God doesn't want us to talk the talk but to walk the walk of the redeemed.

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (Note that last part of the verse!)

I John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Romans 12:9-21  Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good.  Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other.  Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home.  Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying.  Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good.  If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.  Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord.  Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.

Article: How Real People Make Shades of Real Love

This could have been written about Clint​. He is an excellent husband, father, and friend. I love him so!

"The dark you cupped me through after my heart had been sledge-hammered and I couldn’t seem to pull all the shards out. You said the scars became me —- that they had made me become. I forgot to shave my legs. You said it never mattered. My waist thickened and rolled and softened, stretch-marked thin over this love of ours that grew me larger with all the six kids. My sagging, rounded mother body wears it like a badge: I’ve surrendered to love in a thousand ways. And you pull all of  me close. You whisper it there warm at the nape of my neck, you tell me that I’m your trophy bride: we’ve won real love and wear the battled age to prove it."

"I could weep for a quiet love like this, the kind of love they don’t write movies about, but the Maker writes down in a book of His own. ... It’s not the kind of flashy that makes any red carpet, but it’s the kind of unforgettable love that runs red. ... It doesn’t matter one iota what the checkout glossies tout: Sacrifice is the most attractive of all. ...You have lived and bore the weight of it —- I am far worse than I ever dreamed. And yet you have loved me beyond what I could ever dream. You have lived Gospel to me." read more at How Real People Make Shakes of Real Love 

Skyline Caverns Part 2

shallow pool
They reflect so well because the minerals in the water form a mirror like surface.

looking down into a running river
There wasn't that much water, but the sound was loud due to the echoes off the rocks.

anthodite crystals
aka cave flowers
Skyline Caverns is one of the few places you can see these.

more anthodite

another cave river

a close up of the rock wall above the river

Skyline Caverns Part 1

S. Amos noted a sinkhole where the parking lot is today. 

This told him there were caverns near, so he started digging.

A natural chimney was discovered by accident. 

They built a fireplace around it to warm visitors while 

they waited when the caverns first opened.

Painted Desert display

Approximately 1,000 lb stalactite that was cut from the ceiling by S. Amos. He drug it quite a ways through thick clay mud before giving up and leaving it here where it was later mounted. There is a string of celebrities who touched it when they toured the caves, but I was more impressed with the hard work the man put into moving the stalactite.

This rock is hollow and rings when struck. Visitors are encouraged to hit it.

Part 2 will be featured tomorow.

Bored Children

This goes with the posts from the 9th and 10th. 

My children have learned not to say they are bored. If they are young, I will try to help them find things to do by listing options. If they can't settle on something, I say, "OK. Since you can't think of anything to do on your own, I thought of something I need you to do for me. You can sweep the floor and while you do it, see if you can think of something more interesting to do with your time after you finish. If not, I can help you find something else to do." They have to finish the task I give them before they can go do whatever they find more interesting. Once usually fixes it, but a few have needed reminders off and on. 

For older children who complain once in a great while, I will encourage with words. Sometimes lives are out of balance. We are tired or stressed and need to rest or work in some fun. Routine wears us down. Sometimes we need exposure to new things. I evaluate those things and advise accordingly.

A continually complaining child will be told to help me do my chores. As they work beside me, we discuss other things they find more interesting to do than to shovel rabbit poo for transport to the garden. They have to finish helping me. This teaches them to see a task to completion. I also share:

"A bored person is a sign of a dull mind. God expects you to apply your intelligence to all areas of your life. Whatever task you are doing, you can make more interesting by applying your heart and your mind to it. You will find each role in your life as interesting as you make it. Realize the impact of the work you are doing, and you will appreciate the ability to do it. Your humility is also required. We should never think a task is below us, or we are too intelligent to do something. Jesus, Son of God, washed dirty feet. We are here to serve. A good and faithful servant will give thanks for his task and will also find joy in simply being able to serve. He will make those tasks more interesting and meaningful to himself as he takes joy in doing them."

I often couple this advice with examples of people who would love the chance to do some of the things my child finds "boring." We know many who are sick or face severe limitations.

If I catch myself complaining, I often correct myself out loud where they can hear. Children emulate their parents, so be careful of the example you give. If you will openly correct them, you should openly correct yourself in front of them. A child will respect an honest and humble parent.

Prayer Request for My Friend

Mary Anne's mother, who has Alzheimer's, was rushed back to the hospital for bleeding again. They had to give her two pints of blood and later sent her home. They know the cause and are working to fix it. Mary Anne is her main caregiver and also helps her father. Mary Anne's boyfriend has stage 4 cancer and has entered a nursing home. She also is helping her son through college. This week, she is waiting for results on tumors found on her thyroid. Her strong faith is such a blessing to witness, but she needs prayer support. Will you please pray for her?

Post by Alzheimer's Inspiration.

'Dementia Village' - as it has become known -- is a place where residents can live a seemingly normal life, but in reality are being watched all the time. Caretakers staff the restaurant, grocery store, hair salon and theater -- although the residents don't always realize they are carers -- and are also watching in the residents' living quarters. Dementia Village

As Working for the Lord

Hobby farming is just one aspect of my life. I also homeschool five children, cook, garden, preserve my own foods, do laundry, run a kennel, handle farm sales, and try to make a pleasant home for my family. 

I embrace each part of my life and try to make the most of it by keeping in mind that I am a servant who has been entrusted with a portion. I will one day stand before my Lord and answer for what I have done with this portion. I will either show I was stagnant or had a loss or increase. I am not perfect in this, but here is a bit of how I approach life to keep menial tasks more interesting.

Housework. I often do it in spurts to keep it from being so overwhelming. I do 15 minutes at a time several times a day. I have also read books from professional cleaning services on how to maximize the use of tools and cleaners as well as maximize my time through efficiency. I know the difference between a cluttered home and a home in need of cleaning. I also know how keeping the clutter in check makes cleaning so much easier and faster. Keeping to the homeschool schedule keeps the house cleaner too. 

Cooking. I took that frequent task and made it more interesting by studying the chemistry of cooking, taking online cooking lessons from reknowned chefs, trying new cooking techniques, investing in higher quality kitchen tools, and purchasing tools with an interesting history or unique story. I applied my mind to the task and now my heart enjoys cooking so much more. My third born told me my cooking is so good that he is going to open a restaurant with my recipes and name them all after me. My daughters love learning from me which also makes it fun and rewarding. 

Laundry. Attitude makes a difference. I think of it as providing clean clothes for my active family to keep them covered and warm. I rejoice that I have a large and active family who can keep me washing two super sized loads of clothes daily. I have learned how to cut down on loads by minimizing usage. I enjoy how toned my arms are from hauling those heavy baskets of wet clothes to the clothesline. 

I installed two washing machines instead of having a dryer. I love being able to do two loads in the time it takes one load. When I fall behind, I can catch up quickly. I have been known to time myself at the clothesline to see if I can beat my previous times. Most of the time, the younger children hang them out since it is an easy task and they enjoy having the animals come say hi as they work.

Rough jobs. Overflowed toilet. Puke that almost made it to the trash can. I remind myself to be thankful I have the strength and ability to do it. I remind myself of Who I am doing it for and who it will bless. Then, I get to work, and get it done. I don't like to take breaks in jobs I don't enjoy because that will delay me in getting to the finish line. "The quickest way through it is to get to work doing it and work straight through it!" 

That is a little bit of how I try to approach the things I have to do as a stay at home mother. My attitude is not always perfect. However, when I keep my purpose and gratitude to the Lord in mind, it makes the hardest or most boring job go better. 

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Video: Astroturf and manipulation of media messages | Sharyl Attkisson | TEDxUn...

I am surprised by how many don't know about this.

The Flip Side to Hobby Farming

2 puppy shots and 1 penicillin shot for a sick turkey

I can't tell you how many times I've been told, "I'd love to have your life on a farm and enjoy all of these animals!" A lot of people who have never experienced farm life think it is filled with cute animals and happy moments. It often is! It is a lot of fun! However, there is another side most do not even consider before they jump in with both feet. 

Now, don't get me wrong, I love my life! I am constantly challenged to step outside my comfort zone, research, and learn new skills. I read vet manuals and scientific research papers. I seek out and learn from professionals as well as long time back yard enthusiasts. I've learned how to trim hooves, dehorn, castrate, sew stitches, perform minor surgeries, do injections, start IVs, read mucous membrane to tell parasite loads, prevent and relieve bloat, and do my own fecal exams after making my own floatation solution. I can spot when birth is imminent or days away. I have a good knowledge of the use of many chemicals and medical preparations. I know what hypocalcemia is and how to use calcium gluconate by IV or injections to correct it. I know how to tell when a freezing cold rabbit kitten (aka kit or baby) is dead or still has a chance. I know how many strains of coccidiosis there are and also know the conditions that make it flare up on my farm. I also know how deadly it can be and how to stop it in its tracks. I know how to give an autopsy and determine quite a few causes of death. I know which diseases are communicable to humans and between other species. I've been hobby farming for 20 years in June and am still learning and gaining new skills. I seek out new skills to learn because it keeps it interesting.

Some of the farm life is very tiring, like around the clock care for sick animals. Some of it is stressful, like seeing your goat's kid not presenting well and worrying you will lose both the kid and the $600 registered goat. Some of it is disgusting, like pulling bot flies out of a rabbit's skin or putting your hands in the goat to push the baby into the right position. Some of it is heartbreaking, like making the call to euthanize an animal who has fought so hard but is growing weaker and suffering more. Sometimes those decisions stay with you for days. Some of the animals you grow fond of leave a mark that takes a long while to get over. 

Vets are wonderful resources, but they can be expensive and are not always available. Most of them like to leave the simpler things to the competent animal caretaker to free them up to handle more serious issues. That's why they will teach you so much if you have a good working relationship with them. Through the internet, I am connected to a group of vets from all over the country that willingly give their time look at pictures and information sent in from farmers to help them learn and treat their animals. Seeing the wealth of information they collectively share, I'd be willing to pay for a membership, but they freely share it. That tells me they genuinely care about the animals and the farmer. 

If you truly care for your animals, you need to acquire as many skills and as much knowledge about caring for them as you can. If you are going to give the very best care as soon as possible to your livestock, you have to be willing to embrace all of it no matter how challenging or repulsing it is. The fun days and heartbreaking days are all a part of it. 

When Discouraged

We all face discouragement. Thankfully, God's Word tells us how to deal with it...

Why are you downcast, Oh my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise him my Savior and my God. Pslm 43:5

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  Ex 33:14 

Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jer 33:20 

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. Is 25:1 

Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Heb. 10:35-36

How Many Children Do You Have? Author Unknown

This poem touched my heart and also sheds light on a difficult question for us mothers with losses. How to answer the question of how many children you have honestly, without garnering sympathy you don't want, without dredging up emotions at a vulnerable time, or feeling like you are denying/excluding the children no longer living is a challenge. 

I often say, "Seven here. Eight with the Lord." If you have lost a child, I am praying for you.

How Many Children Do You Have? 

Author Unknown

"How many children do you have," they ask. 

Oh, that dreaded question.

"How much time do you have," I wonder silently to myself.

Do you really want to know? And, do you really care?

Am I up to going through the crazy, confusing tale?

If you have the time, my friend, here's the answer I will give...

I have children that dance and children that sing,

children that cuddle all kinds of live things,

children with freckles and dimples and bows,

children that run through the sprinkler and hose,

children that color (on paper and walls),

ones that love stomping and jumping in puddles,

children that ask, "What is that for?"

and spill glasses of milk on the floor,

children that laugh and children that cry,

and constantly ask Mommy and Daddy, "Why?"

But I have one that is different, set apart from the rest,

and I've never known the joy of nursing at my breast,

One we can not cuddle, and we cannot hold,

though we will in our hearts as we grow old,

She I cannot rock when stormy is the night,

or tuck snugly in bed with fading of day's light.

Though here with me now, four is all that you see,

"I have five children," I'd say, with a glance at the sky,

Four that can run and one that can fly.

See our nation's leaders be witnessed to by a humble servant of the Lord.Worth Watching

See our nation's leaders be witnessed to by a humble servant of the Lord. If you love the Lord, this is worth watching. 

Darrell Waltrip's Speech at the National Prayer Breakfast

There are many things that stood out to me in this simple speech. I wanted to point out the big impact of a praying woman who jumped on seemingly small opportunities, like writing a verse on a little notecard. It was encouragement I needed as I keep praying and trying to be a light in this world. 

Off the Waiting List

We have been on a waiting list for these Nankin bantam chicks. These are on the critical list of the The Livestock Conservancy and are one breed selected for Colonial Williamsburg's conservation program. We look forward to raising them over the next few years and hope to offer them for sale to others.

The darker chick in the foreground is a Mille Fleur d'Uccle bantam.
We could only purchase 10 Nankins and had to fill the minimum order of 15 with other chicks. This helps keep them warm during travel. We decided to add to our Mille Fleur breeding stock.

Power Boosts

I see the social games where people are asking friends to give them power boosts so they can keep playing. Often, friends will quickly come to each other's aid. I don't have time to play the games, but I get a charge out of seeing friends helping friends! It must make the game more interesting.

Encouraging words are a power boost to daily living. It is rewarding to hear someone tell us we are doing a good job and urge us to keep on going. A simple comment can fuel us for days on end. This life can be very hard and wear us down. Let's make a point to give each other real power boosts frequently! 

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

Article: A Letter to My Doctor

Yes, this...

A Letter to My Doctor

Prayer Please

My friend lost her baby a few days ago. She is grieving fairly hard. Please lift a prayer for God to comfort her and send her peace.

Article: The Most Frequent Burdens Pastors Face

Pray for pastors.

The Most Frequent Burdens Pastors Face

If you are in the neighborhood, swing on by...

Food will be ready buffet style on sturdy paper plates right before the game starts.

Bring a bag of ice and your beverages.

Turn your cell phones to vibrate only, please.

Super Bowl XLIX Menu

(menu based on requests)

wings + 5 sauces from mild to very hot

meatballs in marinara sauce

eggroll in a bowl

jalepeno cornbread

smokey baked beans

cheddar cheese garlic mashed potatoes

broccoli bake

veggie tray

biscuits 

mountain made: blackberry preserves, strawberry rhubarb preserves, and apple butter

Bethany's Famous Brownies with ice cream

tea

rootbeer

y lemonada

all homemade except the rootbeer and ice cream

Rest In Him

A pastor cried out to God asking what more could he have done to see a child healed. He felt he just didn't do enough and felt responsible for failing the child. The Lord answered the pastor, "The person who takes the blame when I don't move will be the same person who takes the glory when I do!" We are not the healer. God is! We are called to be believers and are called to believe for as long as we have breath. Healing is God's business. -Bill Yount

Yesterday's Post about Husbands and the Performing Arts

Husbands really enjoyed my post yesterday. Slow down, fellas, I'm not letting you off the hook. 

You can show appreciation for your godly woman by, at the very least, renting one recording of a staged performance and snuggling with her to watch it. Calm down; I said renting..no dressing up required! If that still makes you shudder with revulsion, take the children out for a few hours so she can get a nap. Most of us busy mothers would really appreciate the sleep!

Mamas, I always have your back! ;-)

Appreciate Your Godly Husband

My Vice Principal and 10th grade teacher, Mrs. Jordan, made me fall in love with the arts. I am blessed that my husband, a rugged man who works hard at his job and on our farm, does not mind going to staged performances, orchestras, art museums and galleries, wine tastings, and other cultured events. However, many husbands will not participate in those activities. Never mind, dear ladies, about what you think is their unrefined state. If their heart is for the Lord and they are serving Him through a quiet, obedient life, they are much better off than those who pridefully profess to be cultured. Be humbled and thankful for that, and kiss him hard tonight for being that kind of man!

A man who is eating or lying with his wife or preparing to go to sleep in humility, thankfulness and temperance, is, by Christian standards, in an infinitely higher state than one who is listening to Bach or reading Plato in a state of pride. C. S. Lewis

Stand. Stand therefore

"We cannot lower God’s standards in the hope that if the terms are easier, more people will repent." -Alistair Begg


We are told to stand not to bend and sway.


Ephesians 6:13-14a Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, 

Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Onion Soup

I like onion soup. When I go near a certain restaurant, I will pick up a couple of 8 ounce cups of soup to bring home to enjoy later. It costs a bit over $12 for the two cups. I made these pints for about 50¢ each. That's a savings of around $11.50 per pint of soup. It took me four hours from start to finish to make 28 pints. The actual time involved was considerably less since I was able to do other things while the soup was cooking and the canner was running. For the sake of argument, we will figure four hours of work time. My total savings is approximately $322. Even with that high figure of time investment, that's like making $80 per hour! That doesn't figure in the other things I was doing while I waited or the other products I have canned or baked for the freezer this week. 

Knowing the value of the work I am doing is encouraging to me. My pantry is filling up, but the extra job and even faster than normal pace to my day wears me down. Figuring how it is saving our family gives me a boost to keep working. It might give you a boost to figure out what you are worth too, busy mama.

Dnn't forget the value God places on a godly living wife: 

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 

Proverbs 31:10