Pole Cat?

 I also came home to this predicament:

Apollo, one of our barnyard mousers, on his precarious perch 
He's very young. He's been climbing everything in sight for days and was recently stuck about 30' up in a pine tree for almost 24 hours. Hopefully he will learn his lesson this time.

All Around Me

Sometimes I forget how beautiful my life is...

and then God speaks to me through something as simple as a peach blossom's sea of pink on one of my walk and talks alone with Him.

I just have to be still and look around to find countless reasons to praise the Lord and give thanks to Him.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9

Dear reader, stop for a moment and look around you. What beauty and goodness can you give thanks to God for right now? I challenge you to take a minute and give thanks and praise His name. There is always, always, always a reason to thank the Lord!!

Update: Lending a Hand to Nature This Morning

I had the opportunity to help this little fellow out around the middle of April. He was hit in the road and lost part of his shell. There was another part of the shell barely hanging on, so Clint helped epoxy it the way a vet taught us. That did a great job of affixing it to help with some of the pain. I do have pain medication for them, and this guy became more active after his dose.

If infection does not set in, he might make it. The fractured part Clint epoxied will heal in approximately a couple of months. However, he can't live in the wild until his body can heal his shell which will take a long time. There is a slight chance the big hole can be repaired with a prosthesis. We will check into that down the road. He is a tough little guy with a strong will to live. It appears he has survived another break in his shell in the past too!

We have two protected places outside where he can enjoy a more normal life once his open wounds heal. He will have to come indoors in the winter because a broken shell will not allow for safe brumation. He has an opportunity to get well, and that is more than he had before he came here. We will see what happens. 

It angers me that we have a certain group of watermen in our area who have a hatred for all turtles. They will literally turn around to run one over. Amanda and I have been yelled and cussed at for protecting them, but it did not deter us. They kill them every chance they get, so I stay busy this time of year getting the poor things across the road and out of harm's way. 

Most of the time when I find one that has been hit by a vehicle, the only thing I can do is apologize and end the pointless suffering. It helped my weary and discouraged heart to find this one with a chance of survival. A little hope now and then does such good things for the heart!

UPDATE: I am still not home, but I've been asked multiple times how the turtle was doing and have quickly answered "See blog soon!" It took a while until I had a quiet moment to pull out my tablet. 

Lil Dude, as C-Dawg named him, has survived 13 days past the day he was hit by a car. Even though his shell was cracked, his hip (BLUE) was not broken which is surprising. His leg (RED) does have a break that cannot be repaired. He will be able to live fine with three good legs. I have seen three legged male turtles successfully reproduce. 

two offspring

Lil Dude traveled with us because he needed 24/7 care. Some of the things I've had to do have not been pleasant for him or for me. This was a particularly gruesome injury. I will spare you the gorey details, but the injury is getting better looking every day. I will do things simply because they need to be done, but that does not mean I do not struggle with them. 

Survival odds in this kind of circumstance aren't very easy to determine. He could still die tomorrow or a week or even a couple of months from now. So far, he seems to be very strong, and the healing process is well underway. There are no discernable signs of infection. There is an issue that cropped up a couple of days ago that has me concerned. It hasn't returned so far. 

If you are squeamish, stop reading now. 



Don't you dare fuss at me in person because you did not heed the warning above!

The pinkish area isn't flesh, it is cayenne pepper (numbs, kills bacteria, stops bleeding). In the picture, I am using a salt water soak to pull up the cayenne poultice to see what is underneath. I was happy to find it was healing faster than I expected. I gave him another salt water soak with a few drops of tea tree oil in it. I came up with a way to coat his injury with triple antibiotic ointment without having to touch it. (I melt it slowly in the corner of a baking sheet and once it cools to a skin safe temperature but is still "syrupy" in consistency, I pour it into the cavity. It takes two people to do this.) I will be able to switch to comfrey and goldenseal salve soon. That will really speed the cell turnover rate. (That can not be used on deep wounds because it can heal the top before the deeper area is healed. Healthy deep wounds produce clear or very pale yellow fluid and need to drain which is a normal part of the healing process.) The opaque color is from the epoxy. He almost lost his entire back end. It is amazing he is still alive and moving around as much as he is. I am surprised his right leg is working fine. 

Caleb's Latest Woodworking Creations

This cedar bowl is smoother than any of the wooden bowls I have ever purchased. It has not been coated with oil and beeswax in this picture. Caleb got the wood for free, so he is able to sell them for $20 each. This bowl is smaller than his $60 bowl which was posted previously. 

A bowl, similar to his $60 bowl, is selling for $120 on etsy. Caleb is offering a very good deal on his.

He has quite a few orders at the moment. If interested, you can contact him through the email in the header with the subject CALEB. It will go directly to him. 

Can you pin down what will be the next project to turn on his lathe?

Following Christ Means...

"As Christians, following Christ means following the teachings of God’s Word. We are to seek to live our lives in obedience to His Word. He's the one who defined sin, and out of His love and mercy, provided a remedy for all sin through repentance and faith in His Son, Jesus Christ."
-Franklin Graham

Mother's Day Came in February This Year

A friend forwarded these texts to me because she wanted me to know I had helped her and to also see how much my daughter values me. I was very thankful to know God has used me to reflect Him in both lives. 

Shortly after that, a new young friend compliment me on the level of maturity and responsibility of my oldest five children and shared an observation about how well they are all doing in life. Then he told me he wished he had had a mother to raise him like I had my children, because he wishes he was more mature and further along in life than he is. I told him God led me how to mother and did all he mentioned in our lives. 

Then some young people asked me if Clint and I could teach them from the Bible because they want what our family has. Praise God! Clint is going to teach, and I will assist him with the materials.

Then, one of our children's bosses sent home a compliment on how I raised my children to "a level of responsibility and maturity not often found in today's workplace." It was a blessing to be able to give the credit to God's and how He led me to raise them.

Right after that, a cashier asked if my children were homeschooled because "They are so well behaved and respectful." She said they stood out from all of the rest of the children in the store.

I am very humbled and thankful when God sends a window to share His name and gives me affirmation. It is a gift to my heart. 

Any good you see in my life is due to Jesus. He is the One Who has molded and shaped my surrendered life according to His will. I asked Him what He wanted from me, and He led me to stay home as a wife and mother looking out for the best interests of my husband and children. Obedience in that one critical area changed my life for the better in many, many ways. He will answer you as you seek Him too. To God be the glory for all He has worked in and through my life!

Dear Reader, I challenge you to reach out today to encourage someone who has been a blessing in your life. We all need a pick me up now and then. You can be God's instrument in their life by strengthening them just when they need it.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, 
just as you are doing. 
I Thessalonians 5:11 

For our young friends: It Gets You Nothing

So many people get involved with carrying grudges 

and having these moral battles with people, 

where they cast themselves as the righteous 

and the other guy is the dirtbag. 

They waste tons of energy on it, 

create all kinds of darkness 

around themselves 

and the other person. 

It gets you nothing.

― Stephen J. Cannell

I know it is crazy out there. I know the downside of working with the public. Don't get wrapped up in drama. Your time and emotional energy are better spent. Bring your thoughts captive to God's Word. Also, remember you are just as sinful before Jesus as the person who is offending you, and it will make it easier to forgive them. -Mama Asbell

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 

Matthew 6:14-15

Hammock Time

I can never get enough of this!

Do the Best You Can

When we do the best that we can, 

 we never know what miracle 

 is wrought in our life, 

 or in another. 

-Helen Keller

To the young homeschooling mothers that come here from the groups on Facebook: 

I know mothering and homeschooling can bring long, tiring days where you often feel like what you are doing is not enough. I know all of the questions and self doubt that run through your head. I also know how discouraging it gets when something isn't working well.

Keep doing your best! The reaping season will be here before you know it. Do not listen to those negative words playing in your head. Trust what God is doing! Don't be afraid to try doing things differently.

Keep your Bible open (read it). Keep your eyes on the Lord and your journey (not someone else's journey). Pray without ceasing.

God will take your efforts with your children and multiply them. You will be amazed at what God is doing through you! The sacrifice and hard work is worth the great effort and dedication. What you are doing has eternal value. 

My love to all!

-Aunt Wendy

Home Grown

home grown, grass fed, antibiotic free, gourmet quality, heritage hog, Asbell raised pork

The infamous "butt fries" made with Asbell pork 

that the young people (and the old) ask me to make time and time again.
It feeds them fast and keeps them full a long time.

Thank You, Lord, for the provision!

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,  

because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
I Timothy 4:4-5

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 
for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6

Camera Shy

If you look under her chin, you will see two bony protrusions. In male Sulcatas, these are much larger. They use them for defense and competing with other males. They can even use them to flip each other over.

Storm Damage Update

The twister that went through our neighborhood took out three different power lines (one section over 250'), damaged trees, took down a few others, destroyed a large building and some of the fishing gear contents, and destroyed a large refrigerated seafood truck. Parts of the building and truck were blown across the street and scattered in two directions. The building and truck were at Brandon's neighbor's house. No one was hurt. There may also be some damage to the back of the person's home. 

Our neighbors need prayer as they try to overcome the financial blow. Most of the watermen do not have insurance on their personal property due to financial reasons. 

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this,
that even the winds and the sea obey him! 

Matthew 8:27

All of our praise and worship wil never be enough.

Read it slowly; let it seep into your soul.

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4

And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2: 8-11

Yeshua Hamashiach - Jesus Is Lord - Majesty - Lyrics

This song is on my daily "Happy Morning" playlist:

Happy Easter
to our family and friends
near and far, old and new
close and estranged!

He is RISEN!

God gave His only Son because He loves us so very much. For our sins, Jesus suffered and died horrifically on a cross. He was entombed, and then He rose again on the third day in victory over sin and death. It is because of Him we have forgiveness and eternal life. It is because of Him and His gift we celebrate Easter!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 
1 Peter 1:3

Twister

Our neighborhood had a small twister hit on one side and then land on the other side last night. I had received the warnings on my phone, woke up Clint, then texted our children and told them to take cover at Brandon's house, moved the metal chairs in front of our safe space, and kept Maggie in my arms. 

Then, I put my ear to the open screen door listening. I heard something that sounded "different." It sounded a little like a train, but there was something else in that sound. I am at a loss for words to describe it. I know it made me move very quickly to take cover under the stairs! That sound I heard was the same time the damage happened and our power went out, so I can only conclude I heard the twister.

I have not been out today, but those in my family who have, say the twister literally skipped over our house and Brandon's house. The damage was on either side of the two houses. Praise God for His protection!!

Prayers Please

We have been asking prayers for a family who has two daughter with Lyme disease and coinfections for a while now. Their oldest is 18 and has been treated for two and a half years. They have tried herbs only, antibiotics only, and both at the same time. Nothing they do has helped their daughter improve. They, and the doctors, are very frustrated. The young lady is very weak and not able to do very much. She frequently has heart or breathing issues that necessitate calling 911. 

Will you please pray with me for the Lyme and coinfections to be taken away from her? Our God is able to heal her today if that is His will! 

Teaching Another Round of Survival Skills

Smokin hot!
The popcorn eventually caught fire.


You can make out the cooked egg white, blistered yolk, and the hole seared right through the ham.


Some of them originally tried to cook the egg in the shell, but impatience got the best of them.

Homeschooling friends: A fresnel lens is a good jump start for a science and history lesson.

In the right conditions, one can start tinder smoking in mere seconds.
If your children are not well behaved and responsible, don't teach them how to start a fire.

Clint and I enjoy teaching children, teens, and young adults. One of the things most of them want to learn are basic survival skills. Many of the teens and young adults are very concerned for the state of the world and are very "prepper" minded. This is a powerful way to engage them for sharing the good news! We can also guide them with sound Biblical teaching and encourage them to look to the Lord.

We buy the tools and after the skill is mastered, the student gets to keep each one. That is some strong incentive! Then, they love sharing what they have learned with others.

There's nothing like knowing you can take care of yourself in almost any situation with a few simple tools and knowledge. That confidence carries over into other aspects of life.

There is a Biblical lesson to be applied and learned from every type of survival skill! These skills also involve a way of thinking that carries over and applies to many areas of life. They also make one stop taking things for granted and be very thankful for modern conveniences.

Think being prepared for hard times is unbiblical? Car, health, and house insurance is a form of prepping. Stocking your pantry well is a form of preparing for the future. Saving for college and planning for retirement is another form of prepping. 

Our government (FEMA) wants us to prepare at a minimum for three days for possible natural disasters. Other organizations recommend a minimum of three weeks. If you pay attention to what communities go through during natural disasters and understand the difficulty of getting into areas along with the empty stores and supply issues, you know it is sensible to plan to be self sufficient for a month or longer. 

A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t, and even brags about it! Proverbs 13:16

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

Proverbs 22:3

An example of preparing for hard times in the Bible:

Let Pharaoh take action to appoint overseers in charge of the land, and let him exact a fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven years of abundance. Then let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and store up the grain for food in the cities under Pharaoh’s authority, and let them guard it. Let the food become as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which will occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land will not perish during the famine.

Genesis 41:34-36

If God wanted them to prepare for that natural disaster, don't you think He wants us to be reasonably prepared for natural disasters today?

I personally see it as being a good steward of my time and money to prepare for hardships. Hopefully it means my family will not be a burden to others during a crisis, and we will free up needed resources for someone else. We will also be able to assist others. It worked that way the last three hurricanes and also during several other storms. 

Our family can testify that God's people helping others during a time of crisis is a powerful platform for witnessing!

Not the End of the Story

This has been a hard week. Several people I know have died in the last few days. Close friends lost their loved ones. I opened my computer this morning and found a message from a dear friend saying her life is in danger from another deadly disease. Another friend has lived past her disease's "expiration date" and says she doesn't expect it to be long before she passes. My heart has been weary, very burdened, and overwhelmed. 

Imagine how Jesus' family and friends felt as they watched him suffer and die. The sheer brutality He experienced right in front of them had to have caused them great anguish. It must have taken them to their limits. It is brutal to watch those we love suffer. 

Today, I rejoice that Good Friday was not the end of the story. 

Jesus rose on Easter Sunday and set us all free from sin and death! 

That comforts my weary heart as I watch friends go through heavy trials and as I say goodbye to others.  This is not the end of the story! This life is only temporary!

What is broken today will be restored! What is old will be new! We will be set free of these present sufferings and will be reunited with our loved ones! 

Jesus did that for us, and I am so very thankful for it!

I am looking forward to meeting my Savior and thanking Him for all He's done for us. 

We have hope because of His victory!

Dear reader, I challenge you to rejoice with me that Good Friday was not the end of the Easter story, and these present sufferings are not the end of our story either! 

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5:3-5

Giving Thanks for Hannah's Safety

 Only one row of scales under the anal vent: venomous!
Nonvenomous snakes have split scales below the anal vents.
Caleb said the gender was female.


The very pretty copper color and hourglass pattern 
means bad news if you are bitten!

When we started going to the new location, I warned everyone in our group about snakes. I told our youngest children there would be different kinds of snakes than back home. I taught everyone places snakes like to hide and how to lift things away from their bodies for safety. 

In over 20 years, we have never seen a pit viper on our farm. The older generations tell us vipers don't like the salt water. I don't know if that is true, but I do know we have not seen one on our farm. The site we were working at is in close proximity to fresh water. 

Hannah and Emily were running circles around a building. The grass in this area was short, and in some places it is bare. It was mid-day. When Emily saw this adult female copperhead pull back its head, Hannah was only two feet away from it! Emily told Hannah to stop because there was a snake about to bite her. Then Emily told Hannah to move slowly backwards and go into the house to me. 

Emily came to me and told me what happened. She said the snake was not a black snake and looked possibly venomous. It was a type she had never seen before. My stomach dropped.

I yelled for Clint, who was wearing his thick canvas pants, and some others to grab tools. I warned everyone to be quiet, stay clear, and for those helping to closely follow Clint's orders. I grabbed my favorite KA-Bar Kurki machete and ran through the building and out the back door. Venomous snakes scare me, but I have my husband's back and look out for his best interests no matter the battle. He was already out there watching the snake from a few feet away while he waited for a tool to hold down the head.

It is interesting that most of our group could not see it even after we pointed to where it was in the short grass. It blended in with the ground that well! My theory is that it was moving from one section of forest to another and cut across the open area. Snakes are more active when the temperature is 72-85F, and it was 80 degrees. 

There was only one choice in this situation. It was too dangerous to throw it into the woods like we had previously with a black snake. 

Clint ordered me to stay clear because I was barefoot and wearing shorts since I had been working inside. He moved slowly until he was in position. Then he pinned the head down with a shovel and made very short work of it with the machete I tossed near him. I gave him a canning jar with a lid to put the head in for everyone's safety. The head was still trying to strike as he put it on the shovel and into the jar. 

Clint seized the moment to teach everyone about snake identification through the head, eyes, color, and scales below the anus. Everyone got a safe close up look of a pit viper. At least the life given served to educate many. Even the knuckleheads who didn't listen before were paying attention this time. 

We complimented Emily for keeping herself calm and getting her sister to safety. As Hannah shared the story with each person there, she mentioned that immediately obeying her sister kept her safe. Clint used this an an opportunity to share with our group how obeying God keeps us safe.

After it was over, we gave thanks as a group to the Lord for keeping Hannah, Emily, and the rest of us safe. Please join us in thanking the Lord for keeping us all safe and for allowing Clint to safely eliminate the threat. 

Hannah had some fear issues about going outside later. I told her the same God that kept her safe the first time would keep her safe again and she could trust in Him even though she was very afraid. She needed to do her part and be aware and stay out of the places snakes like to be. I also told her that she could call upon the Lord with confidence that He would answer. Her simple trust in God's Word about His protection set her free from the fear. She was good to go after that!

When Hannah arrived at home, she gathered all of the rubber snakes we have and checked each one's scales below the anal vent. She was upset that all of the manufacturer's only put one row of scales there. With her upset apparent, she showed every member of our family. "This is not cool! They are all venomous even though they look nonvenomous from the top. Someone needs to fix this!"

Hannah only weighs 70 pounds, and the area we were at is at least an hour and a half away from a hospital. One of Brandon's former professors has a horrible bowl shaped scar the size of a fist on his leg and walks with a cane due to the muscle damage from a copperhead bite he had treated very quickly. I am very thankful the Lord spared her from being bitten. 

Copperheads are the least venomous of the vipers in our region, but they often bite more readily than others and often strike more than once according to an ER doctor/snake bite treatment expert. The pain from them can last over a week and recovery can take weeks. The recovery can be complicated by serum sickness which was explained to me as a severe flu-type illness. Depending on the amount of venom per body weight, it can be four weeks before one feels near normal again. Some people die of copperhead bites. Thank You, Father God, for Your protection over my sweet H-Bug! 

Mothering can be very hard. After a scare for their safety, I want to hold my children and not let them go, but raising them according to my fears would be unhealthy for them and for me. I have to accept I am too weak to protect them from the many dangers lying in wait for them. Like Hannah, I have to call upon the Lord with confidence knowing He hears and responds to my pleas for my family's well being. Like Hannah, I have to place my simple trust in God's Word and set myself free from the fears we mothers often have for our loved ones. He is faithful and worthy of that trust. We can rest easy knowing He loves them more than we can ever comprehend.

Thank you to those who were praying for our safety. I did not have snakes in mind when I asked for those prayers, but one came. I ask for your continued prayers of protection over us. Please let me thank you by sharing how my family can pray for you through the email in the header.

Of one thing you can be certain, when we are shining the Light, darkness will put up a fight. -Wendy Asbell

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.
Isaiah 26:3

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the only one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

A Sweet Lunch Lady

Mrs. Babb was the mother of three friends. She was my school lunch lady, sometimes bus driver, and room mother. She even liked turtles! She was also a Christian lady who always had an encouraging word, a smile, and a loving heart. She gained victory over cancer and death last night through her salvation in Jesus. I am rejoicing she is alive and well with the Lord, and at the same time I am deeply saddened I will never see her again. My heart hurts for her family. Please pray for her family and loved ones. She was very special, and there are a lot of tears in my hometown today.

Two Years Ago Today

Two years ago today, my cousin, Jerry, took his life. He was 52. My heart still hurts. I will always remember his smile and his laughter. I thought he was so cool when he could drive us younger cousins around! He was the oldest of all of us local cousins. 

Dear reader, I ask that you please remember my aunt, uncle, and my cousins in your prayers today. 

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

Inexpensive Easter Gifts for a Large Family a Group

CreativeWare 24 ounce tumblers sold in sets of 10 for $11 from Walmart
leftover colorful gift bags

leftover thrift store purchased ribbon

tags printed out free from here
Our group loved them, and I know our family and friends will also.

For the Easter breakfast table, I will use plastic Easter Eggs from years 

past opened on 38¢ Easter grass with these printouts here.

Choose Your Battles Wisely, Young Mothers

I do not say a word about how Caleb comes in the house because it is too important to me that he KEEPS COMING to show me his creations. It is his eagerness to include me in his life that I want to reinforce. Caleb is very considerate and helps clean the house, repairs things without anyone asking, and also works on our farm. Sweeping up after him now and then is no big deal. I love that he gets so excited about showing me his creations he forgets about the shavings clinging to him!

As a young child, I picked wildflowers from my yard that I thought were pretty. I gave them as a gift. "GET THOSE WEEDS OUT OF MY HOUSE!!!" is what I received. My gift was rejected harshly, and my then tender child's heart was broken. I never took that person flowers I picked again. I took them to someone else who always welcomed them. I give thanks to God that lesson stayed in my heart, and it greatly shaped how I mother my children. I hope you can learn from it too, dear reader.

Be a wise woman, and BUILD your house. Think about what matters the most to you. It is easy enough to clean house, but it is not easy to mend a child's/person's heart. I'd rather keep a close relationship with my son than fuss over a few cedar shavings. 

On this day in 1986

Clint gave me his high school ring to wear in exchange for mine. He had only worn his a day. He had lost his first one, right after he got it, playing football in the yard of a friend. His second ring had just come in on the 16th, so he asked me to wait a day so he could wear it at least one day. I am thankful to have been his friend, best friend, girlfriend, and wife. What a blessed journey we have been on together. 

This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 

Psalm 188:23 

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
Luke 8:39

Caleb's Cedar Bowl

Caleb took blocks of cedar from trees we cut down and glued them together to make this bowl.

He sold this bowl for $60.

A friend is going to make him a brand to burn his name into his woodworks.
He signs every piece.

He also made chopsticks from pine which is also grown on our farm.

I love how frequently he comes to show me his creations!

Came Home to Find

Our old friend is not doing that well.

Miracle has lost weight and is more wobbly. She has very few teeth, so she is on a wet food diet. When I am home, I will prepare other food for her, so I think some of the weight loss is because I was not here to do that. 

So far today, she has eaten almost 3/4 of a salmon steak I pureed for her. Her tummy is so full; it is tight! The family at home did feed her every day, but they don't think of pureeing different foods for her. Miracle is like a toddler in that she wants some of whatever I am eating. 

I've also noticed she likes to stay in whatever room I am in when I am home. She's at my feet as I recline while I type this. I think she knows I will watch over her while she is sleeping. 

She has been declining visibly over the last few months. I've spoken to everyone in the family and warned them her departure may be getting closer. I dread the day I have to make the decision. It's going to be very painful for everyone, including me. 

What Dark Did You Conquer

Now, everytime I witness a strong person, 

I want to know;

what dark did you conquer in your story?

Mountains do not rise without earthquakes.

~Katherine MacKennet

I love hearing people's life stories. There is so much useful knowledge and wisdom to be learned. We don't get strong from an easy life. Opposition teaches us humility. Struggle teaches us persistence and strength. Suffering becomes the story of endurance and patience. Grief becomes a story of grace. 

Dear reader, what have you battled and how has it made you stronger? What are you battling now? What kept you going when you wanted to give up? How can you use your stories to help someone else? Has hearing other people's stories ever helped you? 

I do not know who you are or what you are going through, but I know there is a God who does, and He loves you. If you need prayer support, send us an email through the address in the header. Our gang and our group will intercede. We would love the opportunity to pray for you. 

Another Hidden Blessing

One of the studies found that women with three or more children had a 12% lower risk of dementia than women who had only one child. 

-These 6 Lifestyle Changes Might Help Prevent Dementia

On This Day in 1986

On this day in 1986, Clint asked me to be his girlfriend. We were 16 years old. We had been friends since we met in 1985. 

Little did we know of the great adventure God had planned for us ahead! It has been such a great life! We are truly blessed!

This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 

Psalm 188:23 

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
Luke 8:39