Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
I John 16:24
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
We are a Christian homeschooling family of 9 sharing experiences on our 14 acre farm in rural Virginia. Blog entries could feature anything going on in our lives: our walk with Christ, triumphs and struggles, homeschool, family life, helpful hints, tips for large family living, rural living, herbal medicine, etc. If you enjoyed your visit, please drop us a line at contentmentacres@yahoo.com
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
I John 16:24
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
"Satan always hates Christian fellowship. It is his policy to keep Christians apart. Anything which can divide saints from one another he delights in. He attaches far more importance to godly intercourse than we do. Since union is strength, he does his best to promote separation." C.H. Spurgeon 1834-1892
Dear Reader, This quote can apply to all relationships in a Christian's life. Satan is a liar, a thief, and a destroyer who works hard to divide us. We are in a fierce battle. There are eternal consequences. Don't play into the enemy's hands. Let go of pride and love on those within your reach. It won't kill you, and it will glorify the Father which is something we should all desire. For those who won't play nicely, well, love on them anyway! If you are the one who caused the division: don't let shame keep you from folks who forgave you a long time ago.
"But the LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten." –Jeremiah 20:11
Dear Reader, With the Lord standing beside us, we can't lose. What a reassuring verse!
Despite the delays and confusion caused by CoVid, Joshua has graduated from college! That is a third Asbell graduate!
He had been told the last exam was hard and very few before him performed well taking it. He aced it with a 100%!
We are very proud of you, Joshua!
1/11: Joshua took Timmy some food and visited with him for a while Saturday. Timmy says he feels MUCH better. He does not need the 02 any more. Thank you for the prayers.
1/8: Timmy was told that his CPAP machine damaged his lungs. He was sent home yesterday on O2 and steroids to help with the inflammation.
1/6 10 a.m.: Timmy, our neighbor who is like family to us, is in ICU. His lungs are not working properly and are in danger of collapsing. It is not CoVid related. It may be related to Muscular Dystrophy. He went in on the fourth. I spoke with him on the phone yesterday, and they had not given him any answers. He is suppose to be moved from ICU today. He has not been given any answers about how long he will be there.
Someone suggested I share this again, so I am.
First shared Nov 4, 2019:
A cousin requests prayer for his faith to be strengthened despite the harsh realities of his life.
Thank you to those who pray for him.
This is the gift Bethany gave me. I love it!
but I know the different scenarios being put out there. A lot of them seem to be funneling into one direction.`
I have been doing a lot of research and studying with prayerful contemplation.
Some Bible scholars believe we are battling good vs evil while others think there is a battle for power between two evils. With what we know will happen from end times Scriptures, the latter seems more likely.
I am not embracing either just yet. I am watching things unfold with a lot of contemplation. There is a lot of uncertainty every where, but I am very certain of what is needed the most.
Prayer. Lots of it. On so many levels.
Stay very alert and watchful. Keep your mind focused on the truth you find in God's Word. Pray continually to the Lord for understanding.
Dear Reader, I strongly caution you against putting your faith or trust in any man or system on this earth. Keep your eyes on the Lord as we go forward into 2021. Walk circumspectly. Please join me in praying the prayer below or pray your own prayer with the same accord. If you would like, you can symbolically hold hands and pray with me by putting your hand to the screen as I did when I prayed this. That will "connect" us even when we are far apart. My love to all!
Father, let me and my dear ones love nothing and no one more than we love You. Help us to be faithful in reading Your Word so we will know Your voice and will not be deceived by our very cunning enemy. Make his lies easy to spot. Please pour out Your wisdom and discernment upon us and let us be a voice to those around us by boldly speaking Your Truth and pointing out the lies. Let us trust in nothing except You for You alone are worthy of our trust. Help us to remember how the enemy disguises himself as light and to stay aware of the great darkness that lies underneath. Keep us vigilant, and let us not be distracted. Please protect and provide for our family and friends and shelter us from the storms that are coming. Under the precious blood of Jesus I request this from You, the Most High God.
February 2020: Thai health experts say there is no evidence the 'green chiretta' herb can prevent the novel coronavirus
“Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr hospital advises everyone to take care of the immune system with Andrographis Paniculata, a herb that is outstanding in its three properties which are: 1. Immune stimulation 2. Anti-inflammatory 3. Antiviral, especially the virus that causes respiratory infections.
“It acts like a soldier in the human’s body that protects the enemy from the infection and to help to reduce the severity of the virus infection.”
“We think this is not correct. Information from WHO does not mention the use of Herba Andrographidis for this purpose," Brown said.
December 2020: Thailand Clears Use of Herbal Medicine for Covid-19 Treatment
W's note: Fah Talai Jone = andrographis paniculata aka andrographis aka andrographidis aka green chiretta
“Grant that I may worship and pray unto Thee with as much reverence and godly fear, as if I saw the heavens open and all the angels that stand around Thy throne. Amen.” William Law
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021!!
I've dehydrated turkey. I cook it first, pick it, and pull it apart. I chop the breasts.
If I have any jars that do not seal when I am pressure canning a meat, I usually dehydrate those too. Reprocessing is an option, but it further cooks the meat changing the texture.
I have dehydrated several meats (crumbled sausage, hamburger, chicken, rabbit, etc.) I rinse the sausage and hamburger with boiling water to remove as much fat as I can. I've also dehydrated hot dogs for dog treats.
I make bone broth but not this year due to the jar shortages. I put meat or vegetables in every empty jar I had. I have some bone broth leftover from a couple of years ago though.
Dear Reader, when I can, I try to share answers to questions. Time keeps me from sharing most of them but a few make it here. There is a search box at the top of the page. I also try to put the blog labels in the posts (also a big hit or miss) which may lead you to some useful information. While I do get a lot of requests, I do not share pictures of my pantry.
A friend shared this aticle with me yesterday: (Thanks Diane!)
Number 1: Vitamin D, get your levels up, and you can also ask your doctor to test your levels, a very easy blood test.
Number 2: Vitamin C, we know it's working well. There have been some studies on COVID where vitamin C has shown to have very good benefits in the outcome of an illness.
Number 3: Zinc stops viral replication multiple ways, so it prevents the virus from hijacking your DNA, prevents the virus from replicating. It also prevents the virus from entering the cell, so zinc is very important right now.
Number 4: Quercetin, which is what's called a natural bioflavonoid. Quercetin opens up the cells in your body so that zinc can get inside your cells, where it works. So think of quercetin as the key. Think of zinc as the repairman, that is allowed into the house, so-to-speak," says Dr. Osborne.
**************
With vitamin D, there's a therapy that can be done that I recommend, and it's 1000 international units (IU) of vitamin D per pound. So if you're 100 pounds, you would take 100,000 international units of vitamin D for three days. After that, you don't have to keep taking those higher doses, but three days of high dose vitamin D will elevate your serum vitamin D levels to adequate levels," states Dr. Osborne.
**************
For those cheering us on, we passed the first inspection and have been granted a permit for the next big project!
Caleb was sent home from work on the evening of the 23rd because he was running a temp of 101. By Christmas Eve, his temperature was 103.5 and we were forcing fluids to head off dehydration. He became a little dizzy, so I took his blood pressure. It was low and dropped a bit more over the next few hours.
The common thing for the majority of people to do when a fever is detected is to take an OTC fever reducing medication. However, that is usually the wrong choice. When the body detects a virus, it raises the temperature to DESTROY the virus. If we interrupt natural defense mechanism, we can prolong illness.
My rule of thumb is that as long as the fever is not preventing rest and if dehydration is not a major issue to allow the body to do its job.
Caleb knows this and chose not to take fever reducing medications. He wanted to get well as quickly as possible. Something about a special girl plays into that.
I don't like posting dosages on the blog because most people don't research or take other factors into consideration. There is a lot that goes into calculating a dosage. What you see here may or may not work for you, and you should not take it without doing your own research. I am nothing more than a woman who wanted better health for myself and family so I sought out an education and continue to self educate.* Here's what we took:
We started him on a viral protocol which included 10,000 IU Vitamin D, 2000 mg Vitamin C, 25 mg Zinc, and 1600 mg Quercetin** (formulation includes bromelain). He also took a tablespoon of the elderberry tincture that I make for our family. He took it every four hours during the crisis phase.
Clint and I were running temps and feeling poorly later on Christmas Eve. We started taking the same supplements with a variation due to our weight: 25,000 IU Vitamin D, 2000 mg Vitamin C, 50 mg Zinc, 1600 mg Quercetin** and two tablespoons elderberry tincture. We took it every four house during the crisis phase.
At 2 a.m., I went downstairs to check on Caleb. I was surprised and happy to see his fever was breaking (down to 99.5) and his blood pressure had returned to normal. I gave him (and Clint and myself) another round of the protocol before I went back to bed. Clint and I felt right as rain the next morning. We continued the protocol twice a day for the next 48 hours. We will take it once a day for the next week or so.
We were feeling so poorly that I just knew we were going to have to cancel our Christmas plans, but the protocol worked. After decades of using natural medicine with great success, I wasn't surprised that it worked, but I was thankful. I was also relieved that Christmas could continue as normal.
*I also had some outstanding medical doctors befriend me and help me learn.
**The best way to get Quercetin is through diet: In this study, AUC0-24h and Cmax of quercetin following the consumption of onions were 2 and 3 times greater, respectively, than those following the consumption of apples (Lee et al., 2012). Quercetin Tmax did not differ between dietary sources, but t1/2 of apple-derived quercetin was more than 4 times shorter after consuming onions (15 h). These findings support that onion-derived quercetin is more bioavailable due to its greater absorption (Lee et al., 2012). https://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/vol04nospl-issue-conf-october-2016/bioavailability-of-quercetin/
Because Kathy asked: We use Sam's Club Members Mark Vitamin D and Vitamin C. I have had good success with those for many years. The zinc and the quercetin is the NOW Brand. I worked with a marketing company promoting that brand for a few years. I became very familiar with their products. Most of their stuff is very good. I am the kind of person who will pull apart capsules looking for fillers and to test the strength of the herb.
Because Michele asked: I have not tried any brands of elderberry tincture. It's too pricey for a family of nine. I use the tincture because it is the strongest form. I pick some berries from my farm now and then, but it is never enough. I buy the whole dried berries in bulk from herbalcom.com (been a customer for around 20 years) and pour cheap vodka over them and let it sit in my dark pantry for at least a few months. I have some jars that have been sitting for over a year so it's going to be good and strong once I strain it. When we know we've been exposed to illness, we take a teaspoon a few times a day. Sometimes we adults go up to a tablespoon. We have used it after being directly exposed to a symptomatic person (sneezing, coughing) many, many times and stayed well.
What a spectacular day today is!
My heart is singing praises and rejoicing in the goodness of our Lord to His children!
What a great and loving God we serve!
Remember our friends where the husband had a truck fall on him as he changed the tire resulting in a traumatic brain injury? Remember their special needs children and their son with dwarfism needing brain surgery? Remember the brain surgery had the complication of encephalitis that made us all worry he would die or have a lasting brain injury?
Such a arduous journey they have traveled!!
So many horrible things! So many awful people they have had to deal with!
I do not know all of the details yet, but God has worked a miracle, her words!!
God has given them a place to rest their weary hearts and minds.
He has provided a large home on a 12 acre mountain retreat complete with rolling hills and a mountain stream. The property is gorgeous. This is my idea of a dream home, and He gave it to my friends. I could not be happier! They are so worthy!!
I am so thankful they were finally able to buy a home! No more renting!
God gave them a healing haven.
I am not a weepy person, but my eyes are leaking with happiness today!
Many prayers of my family for this precious family have been answered today! Praise God!
She says it was way out of their price range but God worked a miracle and gave it to them.
Dear Reader, will you please join me in prayer that both Lora and Dave (finally I can share their names because the legal stuff is over) and their eight children will heal quickly and fully from all of the trauma and hardship over the last few years? Will you pray and ask a blessing upon their home and their family? Thank you for any prayers you lift on behalf of our friends!
This was recommended to me by some friends. My family and I sat down and watched it tonight. I feel Frederick Larson uses a very Biblical approach and discovers things about our amazing God that left our family in awe! Our redemption in Christ was written in the stars at the time of creation. We purchased this and will watch it every year. In fact, I plan to watch it again soon and take notes to help me share the message here with others. Our entire family loved this documentary. I encourage anyone who loves the Lord or has an interest in astronomy to watch it.
I did not get to see the Christmas star, but it is well with my soul...
because I know the Star of Christmas! -w
The court case for Katherine's custody went as expected. Her father is having to pursue getting her records and the records of his ex wife who has several mental health diagnoses. She, the ex, is unable to drive and her elderly parents are having to support both her and Katherine and drive them to appointments. Katherine's mother is blocking treatment doctors want Katherine to have. Please keep praying.
The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Proverbs 21:31
Yesterday was a big milestone, and if all goes well, today will be too! Asbells are rocking these projects!
I do have pictures of the gang to share, but I am having a lot of issues getting them from my new phone to my computer. I've tried everything I know how to try. I've consulted with Joshua, Caleb, and Clint. As soon as I can get it working right, I will take time to make posts to share them.
Sending lots of warmth and love to our snowed in cousins up north,
W
Southside Baptist Prepares for Its New Christmas Production
Southside Baptist Church is preparing for this year’s Christmas production, “Draw Close.” The production will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20.
Visit Southside Baptist Church’s Facebook page or YouTube channel, watch the live stream at sbcsuffolk.org/sbc-live, or watch on the Southside Baptist Church app available on Roku or Apple TV.
"A few nights before Ryan died, he told Amy that his priorities were:
1. His Lord and Savior,
2. Her, his wife, and
3. His family and friends
Job in the Bible had the exact same priorities. He was absolutely certain of his number one too, hi Lord and Savior: "For I know that my redeemer liveth" (Job 19:25 KJV). He also knew that his priorities would be tested over and over again, but it was his Lord and Savior, his number one, who gave him the will to face any test." A Warrior's Faith by Robert Vera
I am glad I know of Ryan's story and his relationship with and impact on the author, Robert Vera. Robert tells the story of Ryan Job in a straightforward conversational manner. I often felt like he was sitting across from me imparting the lessons he learned about the amazing life Ryan Job lived. This book was recommended by a friend whose loved one has a traumatic brain injury. She also derived a lot from the book. This book reinforces that very bad things happen to very good people but by the grace of God they can be victorious and can lead a life that inspires and encourages others. Our suffering only limits us if we allow it to damage our attitude.
The Day of the Lord
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.