Gnarly

Bethany loved the old trees at Monticello.

Jefferson

Joshua at Monticello

Brothers Teasing Her Stature

Bethany at Monticello
She had two brothers teasing her.

Opossum Article

This is one reason why I let these gentle creatures alone.

Trail Cam Captures Opossum Pulling Ticks Off A Deer's Face 

"We found that the average opossum kills thousands of ticks every week wandering through the forest," says Felicia Keesing, a biologist at Bard College and an Adjunct Scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.

Regarding Lead poisoning:

https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeWildlifeCtr/posts/3103511526329676

One of My Favorite Lunches

collards

God Himself

We have become so self centered 

that we only go to God for something from Him, 

and not God Himself. 

-Oswald Chambers

Go help your daddy by climbing on his back.

When my children were little and Clint was working on something, I'd tell them, "Go help your daddy by climbing on his back! He likes that!" Now, I would know the kind of work was safe, and I'd know Clint would welcome it before I said it. It always brought giggles, smiles, laughter, and a "Thank you, Honey!" A lot of times, he'd let them hold his tools, explain what he was doing, and let them help according to their abilities which kept growing as they worked beside him.

The days of being able to say that are coming to a fast end, but I will do this again with grandchildren, Lord willing. Hannah is the only one still light enough who can climb on Clint's strong back now. I send her when I can. The suggestion makes her face light up and her feet fly as she finds her daddy and the fun with him begins.

We got another time of "helping dad" recently. As you can see from Clint's and Hannah's faces, it brings big smiles which always seems to help lighten the workload.

After she climbed on Clint's back, Hannah got to help by trimming the uneven ends off boards with an oscillating tool. She's happy because it is the first time she's been allowed to use that tool.

Young wives, be wise. Look for ways to lighten your husband's workload. If you can't make the work lighter by helping out yourself, then see if you can lighten it by bringing in smiles. Some husbands do not have the discipline of temperament to work with their children. Your company and good disposition, the children playing in his view at a safe distance, music, snacks, you flirting with him, and more can all lighten the load mentally.

...the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:15b

The wise woman builds her house...
Proverbs 14:1a

Thank You Richard!

You are spoiling our children! They love it!!
Thank you for always thinking about our family and showing us so much love!

My Littles Aren't So Little Anymore

I gave Emily a few tips on aiming. She took them to heart. 

She is a VERY, VERY good shot.
She could hit the star while it was swinging.

She hit it five times in a row.
My daddy's expert marksman skills passed down strong in this one.

I have shared octopuses by Amanda and Bethany in the past. 

Hannah wants you Asbell art fans to know she can draw the cephalopod too!

Hannah usually has a name and a story behind the things she draws.

From Desk to a Pen

My son, Caleb, made this hand turned cherry twist pen from part of the wood from the desk I gave him. He has not put the finish on the wood yet. He brought it to me to see, and I snapped a picture for his woodworking fans.


twist pen parts

Tagged It

Jesus is Lord!
Flicker keeps hiding this one.

Our friend Willie gave me his permission to put our names on the concrete.
The idea came after we found this from 81 years ago:


J.R.S.J. 
1939 right bottom corner

Willie knows the history of the house back to 1942, but he had no idea about the initials in the concrete!

Always Makes Us Laugh

Clint telling us a story that always makes us laugh!

that includes you

Church sign in NC: God can make all things new, and that includes you!

I was certain I was about to meet my end

"Looking back, I examine previous periods of my life and remember how fearful I was in the midst of some of them. Now standing upon just over forty years of ministry, I look at that those places and realize they were integral to where God has taken me and where He will continue to take me. I see that each growth interval of my life was preceded by a planting phase where I was buried in a dirty place. I began to understand that the stages in my life where, at the time, I was certain I was about to meet my end were seed stages for the next season. I could not have produced the fruit without the frustration. And God could not ferment my fruit into His wine for maximum potency without my willingness to relinquish it to His winepress. ...

Transformation requires sacrifice, and I wonder if you have misinterpreted the the Vinedresser's intention. Instead of condemning you to a graveyard, which s what you may feel, God is planting you in richer soil for greater fruit." -T. D. Jakes Crushing 

shaky ground or a strong foundation

Source: Standing Strong: How to Storm Proof Your Life with God's Timeless Truths Written by a man who loves God's people and knows that we can be victorious through life's trials, this is a book filled with the timeless truths of Bible doctrine to help the reader gain stronger convictions for a lasting faith. For the teacher, book provides understandable explanations one can use to answer students' questions and because of that, it is a good book to review before or while teaching others. 

We Never Know What We Will Find in Our Front Yard

God sends resources!
Make the most of them for His glory!

Thank you so much!!

Our group appreciated these boxes of donuts very much!!

New Year's Joy

You have put more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and wine abound. Proverbs 4:7

Tortoise Meal

leafy greens, fruit (crushed to help it thaw faster), and baby shrimp

One reason I wanted redfoot tortoises was because their diet is much like ours. You can find their foods easily in a grocery store and scraps from our meals can often feed them. My sulcata Little Joe, had to have special dried grasses which she was very stubborn about eating.

What do redfoot tortoises eat? They can eat certain dark leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and meat. There are exceptions and limitations for each of those. For those looking for specific information, there are plenty of food lists on the internet.

For all tortoises I've kept over the years, I usually make a varied mix of the foods they can safely consume. I let them eat what they want. In doing that, I've noticed their preferences change with the seasons.

For my redfoots, my only indoor tortoises, I make two plates to last the week. I let them eat what they want of it. After an hour or so, I then cover the clearly marked container and put it back in the fridge until the next day. At the end of the week, I toss the leftovers to my outdoor turtles who can recognize me from my other family members. From the way they "wake up" and make tracks, I imagine they call out to each other, "Alright everyone, start moving to the drop point. That's the food lady!"

I am trying to get Chevelle use to being handled by many people since she will soon be going with me to visit a bedridden man.* If that goes well, I may take her to see others. I am looking forward to listening to the memories that will come to the surface in the minds of those who hold her. 

*His hands will be cleaned before and after he handles her. Why before? Because germs are a two way street. Animals can get sick too. 

Wake Up and Run the Race!

I believe that entertainment and amusements are the work of the Enemy to keep dying men from knowing they're dying; and to keep enemies of God from remembering that they're enemies. ― A.W. Tozer

Know your real enemy. Distraction is a tactic of war. Entertainment can have its place, but we aren't here to be entertained. Our modern entertainment industry can also lead us into sinful thinking and false teaching. Choose your entertainment with an eye on the Prize. Run the race!

From My Scribble Pad 5

This one is my favorite.
The lettering is straighter than it appears. The picture was taken at an angle. 

I was thinking about how my girls would dance and sing with KLOVE radio in their dresses. As I did the gradient, I was thinking about Hannah's love of sunsets.

Dear Reader, I do not know what your creativity looks like. Do you draw, write, paint, sew, bead, scrapbook, experiment in the kitchen, woodwork, create stories, do various crafts, design things so someone else can make them, enjoy decorating your home, write music, or play an instrument? God gave each of us talents and a creative mind. When we are creative, we are reflecting His image, and our creativity can be a form of worship. I am so thankful my girls gave me the many art supplies they did. It has opened a new way for me to relax and meditate. I've been reflecting ever since how we moms pour so much of ourselves into our children. Then they start pouring back and end up filling and even expanding our lives more than we thought possible. All of His ways are good!

A Bit Much?

I could not find the matches which meant I had to use the firestarter I keep in my backpack. So, I added a "few things" to my grocery order so I can find what I need when I need it. I didn't realize what it looked like when I ordered it though. As I unpacked the bags, I wondered what the people who pulled the pick up order thought? LOL!

Is not my word like fire, 

declares the Lord, and like 

a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?

Jeremiah 23:29

He's Very Level Headed

Double Strength Ginger Candy

There is half a gram of ginger in each Gin Gins. 

They are "addictive!"

Patience

spa treatment

Ranger still has not eaten at least not in front of me. When this was posted, it was day 20. I have faith he'll eat when he's ready. He is warming up to us and is exploring the house when he's out.

I do not feed my tortoises in their indoor habitat because I do not want bits and pieces of food that will draw insects. So, the tortoises are taken out of the habitat for meals which is how most people do it.

Because Ranger has not eaten, I am soaking him daily to prevent dehydration. I made a homemade electrolyte solution and added molasses to it. He likes it. I've seen him drinking it! I've also seen him urinate, so I know he's getting plenty of fluids. I rinse the solution off of him before he gets put back in his home.

I am soaking him a little bit longer than normal. To keep the water warm, I set the pan on a covered heating pad. It really helps keep the temperature in the right place.

On a side note, Ranger "shells up" differently than any tortoise I've ever had. He pulls his head and front legs in rapidly at one time while his back legs are still out supporting his shell. The front of his shell falls fast while his back end is still up in the air. Then he pulls his legs and tail inside. 

Dear Reader, Art reflects the artist. God's creatures intrigue me because through them we can learn more about Him. Like every other creature I have worked with, tortoises and turtles have individual preferences and behaviors. They are all unique! To be able to create so many individual differences in so many different living things shows us the vastness of God and His mind. For Him to be able to keep up with them all shows us His unlimited power. 

When birds are sold, two small birds cost only a penny. But not even one of those little birds can die without your Father knowing it. Matthew 10:29

Update: Since it's been since November 18th that he's arrived, I started feeding him in the habitat. I wondered if he was being shy about eating in front of us. I think I was right! He gained 5 ounces in a few days! So, we KNOW he's eating. We'll feed him in the habitat for a while to give him time to adjust to us.

A New Creation

If you find the mention of suicide a problem, please don't read any further. 

Earlier this year, I made a decision to share this story before I parted with the desk. This is why I stated earlier, "If you can't get on board with what is shared here, then maybe you can get on board with WHY." 

This very large cherry plantation desk was a gift from a lady who had gone through multiple personal trials in a very short time period. She and her husband had a falling out with their son and his wife over a simple misunderstanding. The son's family lived right behind her home on land she gave him before the falling out. She would see him daily, but he would not respond politely to words or waves. Her grandchild would ride her bike up and down the driveway beside her home, but the lady could not wave or speak to her because it would get the child in trouble. 

Her husband was disabled and had a disease. Then, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He became severely depressed and shot himself in his home library at this very desk. His wife was the one who discovered the horrific scene. Once he died, she realized she did not have enough money to survive, so she divided her house into two sections. A widowed friend rented the other half of the home from her. So much heartbreak! So many big changes!

The desk was fairly new and worth quite a bit when she offered it to us with a shaky voice and a hesitant smile. Rather than sell it to get much needed money, she wanted to take the item that symbolized her worst experience and turn into something good. She asked me to take it and put it to good use for my family. She knew we homeschooled, liked we had a large family, and knew we would appreciate it. She also trusted me to do as she asked. "Let some good come from this ugly situation." 

If I have been looking at the horrible story, I would not have accepted the desk as a gift. I saw her heart though. She was trying so very hard to recover, move forward, and find some kind of good in her terrible situation. I had two choices, reject it which I knew would have been a hurtful rejection to her. Or, I could accept it, clean it, put it to use, and find a way to glorify God through it. 

I accepted it which gave her much joy. The desk had been cleaned by a company that does that sort of thing, but I still found bits of remains when I cleaned it again. I had a moment where I wondered if I was doing the right thing. I decided that rather than cringe at the history of the desk or what I had found when I cleaned it, I would use it as a reminder to pray for that lady's provision, protection, and for her family to be reconciled.

We never told anyone about the desk because we knew they'd be freaked out about it. Some of our friends can't even handle that we produce our own food on our farm, so we knew they'd be squeamish over a desk where a man took his life. This post you are reading is the first time this story has been shared with anyone outside of our immediate family.

It's been about 20 years since we received the desk. Many times I bowed my head and prayed at that desk for the lady and her family, for my family, for friends, and things that would come up during the day. I cried for babies I lost while sitting there begging the Lord for the strength and even the desire to keep going for my family. The desk that witnessed a life suddenly end also witnessed babies born, a family grow, and a young woman mature in her faith and roles as a wife, mother, and homeschooling teacher.

The top has become worn from many hours of teaching, grading, arts and crafts, science projects, history reports, and so much more. I've used it as a surface for my sewing machine when making Christmas gifts, birthday presents, and curtains and while mending clothing and bed linens. 

My children stood on it while reciting lessons that I had prepared in the same spot. They also sat on it while reading from their books or while visiting me with their happy chatter while I worked. I wrote so many grocery, Christmas, and to do lists on that desk! I stored, signed, and stamped so many greeting cards! Just now thinking about it, I even wrote a good portion of this blog while sitting at that desk! 

Clint has laid his tools on it while we were working on our home. Aquariums and bird cages have found places there. It was flooded during Hurricane Isabel which caused a bottom drawer to stick now and then. I moved it to our farm office where we conducted many sales and signed many contracts on it. 

I did as the lady asked. For nearly 20 years, I gave the desk a new life and a new purpose while I consistently prayed He would do the same in the lady's life. 

It is time for me to part with the desk. I have no use for it and no room for it. I toyed around with refinishing it and selling it, but I decided not to do that. I gave it to my son Caleb. He loves working with different kinds of wood. He is going to take it apart and make many beautiful things from it. He's already made pens and trinket boxes from it. He has given some away as gifts. Per the lady's wishes, the desk that had tragedy happen at it will continue to be repurposed in good ways in people's lives. May God have the glory!

Dear Reader, God can take any situation, no matter how messed up it is, and turn it into something beautiful if only we allow Him to do that. It takes a strong mind and effort on our parts, but He will work through us and give us a new life. No matter how big the pain or the label the sin carries or how dark your story or how broken a situation is or how big the mess or whatever...GOD RESTORES AND GIVES NEW LIFE!!

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19

Clint

Eastwood

Clint loves it! 

He got a kick out of it and says he really likes the handle.

Clint was named after Clint Eastwood and has the same birthdate as the enduring and popular screen legend. We were told Clint's daddy picked out his name, so we assume he was a fan. It seems he might have wanted to give his tiny and very premature baby a strong name.

continually offer a sacrifice of praise

Through him then let us continually 

offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, 

that is, the fruit of lips 

that acknowledge his name. 

Hebrews 13:15

Article

3 Common Traits of Youth Who Don’t Leave the Church

Hour Glass Pen

Here is another type of pen Caleb is turning out with his lathe.

He has some other styles he's working on also.

The beautifully grained wood on this hourglass pen is hackberry.

let it reap a harvest

Even though it offends some people, the Lord knows my heart for the things I share. May He continue to give me strength to share in spite of what others think and assume. Father, please take my very flawed writing in this blog and use them for Your perfect purpose! Let this blog reap a harvest for You! I ask this in Jesus's name, amen. -w

No reason for praying this other than my own concerns as I post things I know others may have an issue with. Another one of those posts is coming up very soon...

Mistaken Identity

When Amanda had her car accident, Joshua's friend jumped into Joshua's car and accidently broke Bones, Joshua's skeleton prop. Caleb fixed it for him and left it in the den, dressed in a robe and wearing muck boots. Maggie thought it was a person and was at first asking, and then demanding, it pick her up. I caught a video of it but I think I deleted it by accident.

Article on Growing Older

The Joy of Being a Woman in Her Seventies

There are some good nuggets for all stages of adulthood to take away from this article.

New Year Quote

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, 
and let every new year find you a better man.” 

Benjamin Franklin

What a fun obit!

I do not know this lady, but her obituary is such an entertaining read, I wish I did! Thanks, Ruth, for sharing!

Hannah with Puppy Dogs

If you could see Maggie's eyes, they'd be temporarily green 

because of Girly's presence.
She doesn't like sharing her humans.

Happy New Year and Happy New Decade

Happy New Year
and 
Happy New Decade

to our family and friends

near and far, old and new
close and estranged

from
The Asbell Family!

We celebrated at home with our children minus Amanda who had to work.
We sent her off to work with a meal and dessert from our buffet.
We had mega dart battle. I am so glad I bought 2k darts!

We ended and began the New Year with our hands linked and our heads bowed thanking the Lord for all He has done and asking Him to keep us close to Him in 2020.

The new year has 366 new opportunities to know Him 
better, grow in faith, and serve others for His glory!

Dear Reader, I hope you are ready to run the race in 2020 and beyond!

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
Psalm 98:1

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
I Corinthians 2:9