White Crested Polish Chicks

1 week old white crested black polish bantam

If all goes as well as it did last year, we will have these for sale next year.

"Polish chickens have many interesting characteristics. They are excellent layers of medium-sized white eggs, tending to begin a bit late in the season but persistently laying once they commence. Polish chickens are non-sitters and rarely will go broody. Their crests tend to obscure their vision, which makes them more prone to aerial predators. Polish chickens are easily surprised and a bit nervous, so care should be taken not to startle them. They are similar to Leghorns in both size and type. And Polish chickens come with or without beards on their faces." read more here

What Have We Been Up To?

Correspondence has become backlogged as we have taken advantage of breaks in the weather. We are really crunched for time as we try to meet a deadline to start a big project this year.

We have a few trees he cut down last fall but never had a chance to cut up.

throwing pine cones into the fire

snuggly sisters

brazen brother

sunset through fire

He is Holy

"When we preach the love of God there is a danger of forgetting that the Bible reveals not first the love of God but the intense, blazing holiness of God, with His love as the centre of that holiness." --Oswald Chambers, in The Philosophy of Sin from the Quotable Oswald Chambers.

Article: When Your Rooster Crows

However, the accuser continues to crow—reminding us of our past sins and failures. He tries to drown out the song of grace with the caw of shame. He crows. We remember. Perhaps even weep with Peter behind the wall.

You know what I’ve decided? Rooster makes a fine meal. Let’s wring the rooster’s neck and cook him up once and for all. Don’t let the enemy accuse you of what God has already forgiven you of? Don’t let him fool you into thinking that the cross wasn’t enough.

I wonder what went through Peter’s mind the next time he heard the rooster crow. I think he smiled and thought of God’s amazing grace. That’s what I’m going to do tomorrow when I hear that rooster crow.

What about you? The next time the devil reminds you of all the times you’ve failed, will you stand with me and answer the caw of shame with the song of grace? -When Your Rooster Crows

Virginia Spring Festivals

I apologize for the goofs on the blog lately. While I was pregnant/miscarrying, I fell behind on scheduling posts. We are also in a very "busy season" of life.

Virginia Spring Festivals festival dates and locations for all regions of Virginia

Godfrey Miller Home

History

thick walls!

Wildlife Cam

Our wildlife cam caught our middle children's play!

Bethany was going after her older brothers, and it looks like she meant business!

Having the Wrong Rightness

Sitting in judgment of anyone can lead us to have the "wrong rightness," as my friend Shonda calls it. I don't feel harshly towards the rude woman in the story because I have been both judgmental and wrongly judged. Both have taught me valuable lessons! If we let it, experiences with the meanest people we meet can make us the sweetest people others will ever meet. I believe the author demonstrates that well.

"Standing on the corner waiting for the light to change, I became so lost in thought pondering what could be wrong with my precious boy that I almost didn’t hear her. My husband’s abrupt “Excuse me!?” snapped me out of it. ... She had aggressive body language, matched only by the angry look on my husband’s face. “I said he’s old enough to walk,” she said gesturing to my child sleeping soundly against my husband’s chest. I stood looking at her my mouth literally gaping. Did she really just say that?"  read more here

All Your Works Praise You

York River, Virginia, © Wendy Asbell

Psalm 145:10
All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you.

A Good Recipe to Try for Easter

Clint loves Key Lime pie, so I thought this poundcake might make him happy for Easter. Key Lime Poundcake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Frosting

For those who take a lot of prescription medicines, here is an inexpensive way to minister to others:

Medicine Bottles For Malawi

Landfills Do Not Need Medicine Bottles!

Anyone on prescription medicines finds themselves a bit uncomfortable when throwing away so many empty medicine bottles. It is obvious our landfills do not need these plastic containers! There is enough trash going into the landfills already.

Medicine Wrapped in Paper
While first world nations throw away perfectly good medicine bottles, medical pharmacies and hospital facilities in Malawi often find themselves with nothing except torn pieces of paper in which to wrap medicine for their patients. This is often seen in rural hospitals and villages where the poorest of the nation try to live and survive. You can help to change this.

Please Remove the Labels
Save up a group of your containers when you have completed that portion of your prescription. Place them in boiling water until you are able to easily remove the labels, and the glue. Then box or bag them and send them to the Malawi Project for shipment to Malawi.

Safe and Out of Reach of Children
It will help families in a third world country keep their medicines clean, out of reach of small children, and safe while they are being used.

Malawi Project Inc

3314 Van Tassel Drive

Indianapolis, IN 46240

On a side note: Look at the creativity of their low cost wheelchairs. I love the ingenuity found in third world countries. I think we in the developed nations have a lot we can learn from the undeveloped nations. 

Alzheirmer's Hope: Of the mice that received the treatment, 75 percent got their memories back.

"The team reports fully restoring the memories of 75 percent of the mice they tested it on, with zero damage to the surrounding brain tissue. They found that the treated mice displayed improved performance in three memory tasks - a maze, a test to get them to recognise new objects, and one to get them to remember the places they should avoid."

Read the article here. 

Spring!

Solomon 2:11-12 For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.

Prayer Please

My friend MaryAnne, who has so much on her plate, learned today her boyfriend, Chris, has only three months left to live. He is in a nursing home type situation. Her mother with Alzheimer's had another hospital stay too. Thank you for prayers you lift on their behalf.

Hill's Keep

part of First Presbyterian Church

Impromptu Math Lesson with Daddy

Moms, back away and let your man father his children when opportunity arises. They need those moments as much as we do. On a recent Saturday morning, Emily asked me a question that led to an opportunity to teach math. Hannah came to watch. Clint sat down to see his girls learn. He loves time with them but gets much less than I do. So, I said to Emily, "Your Daddy is good at math, so I will let him share more." Then I faded into the background. He was so happy to take over lessons, and they loved having him teach them! He later complimented me on how I homeschool and how far along the girls are in math. 

All of us received a blessing!

Don't Abuse the Freedom

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

- Galatians 5:13

Why I *Try* to Never Say "Luck"

I do not believe in luck or good fortune. 

I believe in the blessing of the Lord.

Here's why:

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Wait Upon the Lord

Following the Lord's leading over the last 10+ years to not defend myself to those who judge me harshly for a situation they know nothing about has been both difficult and good. Placing my trust in the Lord as my name was slandered has minimized self and given Him more of a rightful place in my life. It has been challenging because I have had to battle very hard to be quiet against my flesh's loud and selfish cry to defend myself. I've run the whole course from wanting to beat the snot out of them, to turning the other cheek and loving them while despising their actions, to going back to the start and running the whole course through again. I am humbled and thankful for God's love even when I fail. I know the anguish and outrage of being falsely accused of horrible things I have not said, or done, or felt. This has been good in that it has taught to patiently wait for His vindication and to also look deeper in others. This situation has given me wisdom on which people to let in or avoid. The right kind of people's hearts are revealed when they don't judge or mistreat someone based on others' words. I had affirmation last week that God is at work in this difficult area of my life which was a blessing and a boost of strength to my battered heart! I didn't like the place God put me, but this week, I have been given reasons to praise and thank Him for putting me right here, right now. I've been kept clear and safe of things I'd rather not have involvement. My children have thanked me for handling it as I have. My husband has told me I have shown forebearance. This God given encouragement has made me more determined to bow my head and keep waiting the storm out. Our Father never fails in taking care of us when we place ourselves in His Hands. I want to thank the few who know the truth, have seen the fierce struggle, and have prayed and encouraged me through the times I wanted to give up. I also want to thank those who have stepped up and been positive influences in my life. God is good, and He is worthy to be praised! Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

Article: Rules for Mothers-in-Law

Ten Rules for Mother-in-Laws By Elisabeth Elliot

This article contains wisdom that can make a new addition part of a stronger family. What a blessing Mrs. Elliot must have been as a mother-in-law! I especially appreciated the advice in 3,4,5,6, and 9. 

This life is hard and most young people have had about all they can take thrown at them. They need a dose of gentleness and grace not more condescension and criticism. Remember you only see part of the whole. 

You will either choose to build or tear apart. If you consciously or unconsciously tear down, everyone will lose a great deal, but the one who will lose the most might be you. 

In Order to Bring me Down, You Have to Be Able To Reach me...

In Order to Bring me Down, You Have to Be Able To Reach me...

and HERE is where to find me...

Psalm 91:1-2

"You can go to God Most High to hide.

    You can go to God All-Powerful for protection.

2 

I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress.

    My God, I trust in you.”

Gardening: Natural Antidepressant in Soil

Note: It's fitting this post comes up today, on the day my grandmother is laid to rest. She loved her garden.

Now I know why gardening makes me happy as a clam! Combined with the mood effects of exercise and sunshine, gardening is wonderful way to boost your spirits!

"Did you know that there’s a natural antidepressant in soil? It’s true. Mycobacterium vaccae is the substance under study and has indeed been found to mirror the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide. The bacterium is found in soil and may stimulate serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier. Studies were conducted on cancer patients and they reported a better quality of life and less stress." Read more here at Gardening Know How.

In Flight

Snowman George's Wife

She faces the road and the house!

Sadly, she will not get stored in the freezer with George.

Emily made an Olaf!

Fixing the Suburban with a Little Help

First Presbyterian Church Winchester, VA

I love visiting old churches. It is a joy meeting other Christians and hearing how passionate they are about their church. I also enjoy the beautiful architecture and rich history. I have visited dozens of historical churches but only have a few of them in the blog.

First Presbyterian Church, Winchester, VA History

I Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Clint's and My Nine

I use to walk onto the deck and ring the bell eight times. 

Now, I will ring it nine.

We named him Jonathan "gift from God" David "beloved" because even knowing he could not stay we considered him a gift and loved him very much. We will know him but not right now.

"There is less than 1% chance" of natural conception at 46." I feel dumb admitting this, but I missed all of the pregnancy symptoms due to that one statement. "Improbable, unlikely, not unheard of but very rare, unexpected, etc" were other words we heard. 

God sent Jonathan to my womb despite the odds. There is a reason and a purpose for that. Every day since Jonathan was made known to us, we have given thanks to the Lord for His gift and future promises. 

While we anticipated a longer wait, God was merciful and let the physical part start sooner than it has in the past. On March 5th, we said goodbye. We are looking forward to the day we say "Hello."

Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Matthew 18:10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.


I Corinthians 2:9 But, as it is written, What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him

His Favor is Worth Having

A relative often said I was one of the "luckiest" people they knew and always seem to have things go in my favor. I am not lucky. I am a follower of Christ and a student of Scripture. Although flawed, I do try to live for Him. I have tried to take each area of my life and ask Him, "What do you want from me in this area? Please give me wisdom and show me what to do." I have acted upon what is in His Word and how I feel Him directing me. I am not perfect, far from it, but He doesn't require my perfection. He has rewarded me for my heart: sincerity and effort. What you see isn't luck for there is no such thing. It's His blessing!

Proverbs 28:20 
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

Psalms 5:11-12 
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Prayers for My Grandmother

Please pray for Wendy's grandmother, Elsie Bailey aka "Buttercup." Grandma Bailey has pneumonia and is not responding to the IV antibiotics as the doctors hoped. Thank you.

Article: How a vitamin cured my anxiety

Doesn't treating the root make more sense than masking symptoms?

From the article:

“Some people with a double mutation don’t necessarily respond dramatically to folinic acid, which is why I use a methyl B12 in combination as there might turn out to be other pathway disorders,” he says. “I’m treating at least a couple of hundred patients with this now.”

And those patients don’t only include those with anxiety or depression. The doctor has seen improvements in people with fibromyalgia, migraine and hypertension; kids with ADHD and autism." read the rest here.

A Heart to Heart

Ephesians 6:4 

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Mom, Where's Dad?

Dads are so much fun!

Save on Hotels with Christian Hospitality Networks

Read how here at Raising Real Men. 

"Hotel rooms every night will eat up your budget pretty quickly, so we had to find an alternative."

Mom Prays, Dead Son Comes Back to Life After 45 Minutes

He was dead for over 45 minutes. They called his mother into the room and she started pleading with the Lord for her son. Within a minute or two, his heart was beating again. His rapid recovery is baffling the doctors. Read the story here.

Should I Have Told Him?

Video: It's a Mystery

Click for a great Video by James Richards.

For the Tired Mama

The tiredness you feel is to be embraced as precious and valuable because you earned it by giving your best to your family. It is earned not only from hard work but also from self sacrifice. These challenging and sometimes frustrating days of motherhood are some of the most important because it is through those hard days God is working to smooth your imperfections. The hard days have purpose. The tiredness has purpose. Enjoy every precious second even the long hours of sleepless nights. Never desire to miss a single one of them. There will be a day when you look back and realize how priceless every minute was, along with how very much God used it to prepare you for the next part of the journey.

Tired Mamas, I am praying for your commitment to God and your family to be renewed along with your strength and energy.

Article: KIDS AREN’T EXPENSIVE, BUT THAT OTHER THING SURE IS

KIDS AREN’T EXPENSIVE, BUT THAT OTHER THING SURE IS

This article touches on something Clint and I have tried to explain to people who make comments about our family size. I've learned something as I've tried to explain: Most don't want to hear it. They want to fill life with things rather than slow down and make the changes necessary to make a time investment in their children. Either they don't understand, or their pride won't let them stop competing with other parents. It is not the things that make connections and keep relationships strong. Rather, it is the moments between the things. 

In the Midst of Trials You Discover...

Even in the midst of disappointment, surprise, and mystery, you will discover an amazing thing. You will discover how very reliable and trustworthy God is—and how secure you are in His hands. -Charles Swindoll read the rest here

Sometimes my prescheduled posts minister to me when they are published. This is one of them. February was a time of grief/loss with the promise of more loss to come. 

Grief, the pain of loss, can sneak up on us when we are least expecting it. Several of my friends lost children in the first two weeks of February. Going through the journey of baby losses over and over again knocked the breath out of me. 

Several of my friends and family received bad health news in early February. 

A friend has asked me to walk with her through her daughter's life endangering behavior. Watching this young lady, who has been taught better, spiral downward is so awful I lack words to describe it. Sometimes the home training is there, but it doesn't take root.

A few of my friends announced last month they are dying or watching their spouses die. One, unless God intervenes, has begun the beginning of a long, painful, and ugly death as predicted by his doctors. I miss the fun and adventurous person he was even while loving and admiring the more "careful with his energy" person he is now. I dread what is coming. 

Loss is a part of life. So are the normal aggravations, of which, February wrote an unusually long list. From an electrical fire to frozen pipes that turned our one hour morning chores into a three hour endurance marathon for two weeks straight to livestock that decided to establish territorial boundaries in midst of a snow storm ...and, well, so forth, it was a hectic time. Demands on me were great. I am also waiting on medical test results for myself. (It's probably nothing, but we decided to test, in case.)

I became very worn down. Life does that to you.

When I can't take it any more, 

I get alone 

and rest 

and pray 

and read the Promises. 

With a rested body and renewed mind my soul sings "Yes, Lord!" to His comfort and of His promises. 

Some people recharge with song, or dance, or need lots of people around them. For me, it is in the stillness where I can hear and feel Him. I get so much out of my "walk and talks" with the Lord. When my heart is heavily anguished to the point it is affecting my physical body, I go to my room, close the door, lay down, and talk to the Lord until my energy is spent, and then sometimes, I sleep deeply.

I am thankful He is a well I can always go to. He never refuses me and never runs dry. He is reliable and trustworthy. I am also thankful that while He is supplying me with my needs, He is supplying the ones I care about too. Even better, He is there for you too, dear reader.

Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.