Keeping Hogs and Goats

Hey Clint, how do you keep your hogs and goats in a fence? Can they share a pasture? 

FYI: Cattle panels are taller than hog panels. Hog panels have an extra row of wire to keep piglets from escaping. Both are 16 feet long. (There is also something called a combo panel you can find in some feed stores.)

We used cattle panels to fence in some of our woods and fields. We like having both forest and field fenced because it allows the animals the freedom to graze/browse and shelter where they want. 

For fencing, we used a T-post in the middle and one on each end of a cattle panel. 

Our electric bill is high enough so, we ran a length of barbed wire at the bottom about 6 inches up. This keeps the hogs from pushing on the fence. None of our animals have ever been injured by the barbed wire, and it has completely eliminated escapes by the hogs. 

When the hogs are about to farrow, we move them to a pen with hog panels to keep the babies inside. The goats have been able to climb over the hog panels, so we have few acres of cattle panels and a few acres of hog panels. They get along well with each other for us, but we give them plenty of space and shelters.

wash each other's feet

"And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet."

–John 13:14

The Secret to Life

 The Secret to Life

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

in the latter times

I Timothy 4:1-5 

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall 

• depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 
  
• Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 
• Forbidding to marry, and
• commanding to abstain from meats, 

which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Wild Yarrow

Yarrow grows wild all over the United States. It is one of the more widely available and versatile plants to learn how to use in herbal medicine. It is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial..and so much more. You can even make a first aid powder that will quickly stop the bleeding of deep cuts. We have harvested and dehydrated 13 dry quarts so far this year.

Prayer for family friends

A long-time friend's father, who was a well-loved pastor in our hometown, passed away. Please pray for his family and loved ones. He made quite an impact on our city while he pastored Suffolk Pentecostal Holiness Church which was right down the road from our school. He was an incredible servant of the Lord. Mr. Starling's reward in Heaven will be great! (Obit)

Another Lively Off-Road Adventure

Where there are no roads, we make our own!

Chainsaw necessary!

This extreme off-roading is not for the faint of heart or ill-prepared!

Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 

Isaiah 43:16-19

Thank you!

 Thank you, Jim, for the mayonnaise and pickle buckets! 

We will put them to use right away!

Hens run off a strange cat.

I like observing animal behavior. I just watched a strange cat (a stray) enter an area where one of my chickens was standing. The hen immediately realized this is not one of our cats. She held her body very erect. She did not retreat. She started clucking loudly and constantly. One by one three other hens came to join her, also clucking in the same manner. The geese came to the area to see what was happening. The cat became intimidated by the noisy hens and left. The hens quieted and went back to normal.

Sadly, the cat has a huge injury to its back. My guess is someone did not want to pay a vet bill, so they dropped it here. If I can catch it, I will treat it.

Harvard Panel: Homeschool Parents Share Success Stories

Harvard Panel: Homeschool Parents Share Success Stories

God Answers (I just need to pay closer attention.)

We had a lot of elderberry growing in the back and along our driveway. Some of it has died off. In other areas, I can't get to it easily-meaning I have to spend hours cutting through thick brambles and poison ivy to reach it. About three years ago around the time I lost access to some of the plants, I talked it over with my Heavenly Father. In my ongoing conversations with Him, I asked Him to send me some elderberry I could easily reach. 

That spring/summer, we had a lush "weed" that sprung up beside one of our backdoors. One day it was easy mowing. Seemingly on the next, there was a huge tough stemmed plant. I never even considered what it was because it was growing next to the house and I wanted it gone. I cut it down with my machete. It came back bigger. I had Caleb take it out. It came back. Joshua cut it back and dug around it. He used a pickaxe and removed a lot of the roots. "The roots are very large and tough, but I think I got all of it." It came back again. Clint had a good turn at it too. 

This year, I meant to ask someone to cut it back but I never got around to it with me being home only three days a week. (Life is crazy busy!) I had some work to do in the backyard on one of the days I was home. As I marveled at how big the "crazy weed" had grown and how healthy it looked, I thought I recognized the leaves. FINALLY, with a big smile and some laughter, I finally realized God had answered my prayer. He put the elderberry right at my back door! It's not where I expected it. It's not where I would have put it. Not my way, but His.

Dear Reader, God not only gave me exactly what I asked; He even put it right under my nose! For nearly three years, I was so busy with life, I missed the gift He had given me and put right where I'd stumble over it again and again and again. Not only did I miss the answer to my prayers, but I actually tried to remove it by force from my life several times. 

How often do we miss the things we've asked God for because they didn't come where and when we wanted and in the form we expected? How many times do we overlook His goodness to us? How many times do we ask for His help and then go about our way without watching and waiting for His answer?

Father, give us new eyes and help us to better recognize and acknowledge Your answers to our prayers. Help us to realize more fully Your goodness in our lives. Thank You, Lord, for my elderberry plant. Help me to be a good steward over the gift You have provided. Help us all to grow closer to You each and every day.

economy

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/transitory-or-not-inflation-is-here.-it-could-be-much-higher-than-you-realize-2021-06-20

copy and paste into your browser

If you have a yard or walk a dog outside or partake in outdoor activities, you should join this snake bite group for the education.

If you have a yard or walk a dog outside or partake in outdoor activities, you should join this snake bite group for the educational aspects.

If you are the one people or pets in your household look to when they are injured, I highly encourage you to join the Snakebite group shared in this post. 

Do you know how to treat a snake bite? Do you tourniquet? Suck and spit? Benadryl? Elevate? Ice? Ibuprofen? Some of those are correct, and some are wrong. What should you do if your child or dog is bitten? What hospital near you is able to properly treat a snakebite? Not all hospitals are equipped or follow the current standards. If you must go to a hospital that does not have up-to-date treatments, what doctor can you get to call them to make sure they follow the best protocols to lessen the risk of permanent injury and disfigurement? What conditions can happen days after a bite and how are they treated?

If you live where vipers live, this group is a fantastic resource to get the knowledge needed to get the care your child, pet, or self need to minimize damage. Doctors all over the country are on this list and give their treatment protocol and can direct you to the best place in your area to receive treatment. 

A lot has changed about treating pit viper bites in the last decade. What is very troubling is how often the vets and hospitals are treating the envenomations incorrectly causing even more problems. For that reason alone, I am staying on the group. 

What also amazes me is how many people living in suburban areas are finding pit vipers in garages and around items like trash cans, etc. One of our cousins told us she has seen a rattlesnake in New York state. I had no idea they were that far north. 

Warning: I look at the pictures in the group from an educational/treatment protocol standpoint. I have disciplined myself to have a strong mind and a strong stomach because I am the first one in line for my family's, pets' and livestock's care. However, if you are very squeamish, you might have some problems with some of the images. It's easy to scroll on if you can't handle it. 

Please Note: You can join, but you can not reply to any posts in this group. Only the doctors and vets can. I really like this approach. This keeps the information easy to find and not buried in a bunch of needless comments. 

I am thankful for the education I have received through the group. It has corrected incorrect information I was given through First Aid manuals and online info. It has also opened my eyes to complications that can take place long after the bite and the length of time it takes to recover from one. 

Happy Father's Day!

 Happy Father's Day, Clint!

We give thanks to the Lord for the excellent father you 
have been and continue to be!

Thank you for all you do for us!

We love you!!

Father's Day Menu

Father's Day Menu 2021

We love you, C-Dawg!

Entrees:

Grilled Chicken (sweet chili, bbq, pineapple teriyaki)

Grilled Hickory Smoked Denver Steaks

Grilled Andouille Sausage

Grilled Brats

Sides:

Seasoned Grilled Yellow Squash and Zucchini

Bacon Scalloped Potatoes

Mexican Street Corn

Garlic Green Beans

Biscuits

Beverages:

Sweet Tea

Lemonade

Peppermint Tea

Dessert:

Chocolate Marble Cake with Chocolate Whipped Frosting

Brownies with Frosting and Pecans

Orange Popsicles

Pineapple

The Cross is the Danger Signal

"The cross is the danger signal to you. It warns you that if God spared not His only Son, He will not spare you. It is the lighthouse set on the rocks of sin to warn you that swift and sure destruction awaits sinners if you continue to rebel against the Lord. Hell is an awful place, or Jesus had not needed to suffer such infinite agonies to save us from it.

It is also fairly to be inferred that out of this danger only Christ can deliver the ungodly, and he only through his death. 

If a less price than that of the life of the Son of God could have redeemed men, he would have been spared. When a country is at war, and you see a mother give up her only boy to fight her country's battles-her only well-beloved, blameless son-you know that the battle must be raging very fiercely and that the country is in stern danger: for, if she could find a substitute for him, though she gave all her wealth, she would lavish it freely to spare her darling. If she were certain that in his heart a bullet would find its target, she must have a strong love for her country, and her country must be in dire necessity ere she would bid him go. If, then, "God spared not his Son, but freely delivered Him up for us all," there must have been a dread necessity for it. It must have stood thus: die he, or the sinner must, or justice must; and since justice could not, and the Father desired that the sinner should not, then Christ must; and so he did. Oh, miracle of love!" 

-Charles H. Spurgeon from the sermon For Whom Did Christ Die? 1874

it may be seen plainly that what they have done

John 3:16-21

New International Version

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Phone App: Plant Identification, Wild Edibles, Herbal Medicine, Foraging

I've been using this since it started. This is an EXCELLENT resource for those who like plants and would like to know what is growing in their yard or neighborhood, at a park, or as a volunteer plant in their garden. It can be used to identify plants for foraging or herbal medicine. If you catch your child or pet chewing on a plant, you can identify it to make sure it is safe.

I recently shared the app on my phone with Clint and Bethany. Both of them disappeared for quite a while as they walked around snapping pictures and getting identification. They both downloaded the app into their phones after they finally brought my phone back with big grins on their faces. 

There is an Apple version also.

Enjoy! My love to all!

Take Heed!

You will never speak to anyone more than you speak to yourself with your inner voice. Make sure that voice is speaking with patience, kindness, truth, and love. 

Love to all, 

Mama Asbell

The Canines While Camping

Girly was not too keen on the stream, but she did obey and learn to walk over the stones in the stream to get to Brandon's camp. I had a video of her first crossing where she stepped right where Brandon pointed, but it was lost when I tried to get it to transfer to my computer. Here she is as far away from the stream as she can get.

Maggie, the shaved poodle, is pretty good about staying very close to me. The newly adopted canines are not as well trained. I am working with them and am seeing improvement which is amazing considering their very harsh background. Maggie was some kind of put out when I put her in that crate. She does not consider herself to be a dog, so to have been locked in with these two was a terrible crime on my part.

Clint's Opportunity

Clint has continued to be sought after by recruiters. Most of the time, they can not meet his pay. Today, he was offered a 6 figure salary to run the maintenance department for a company in Blacksburg, VA. He makes more where he works now, but the job will be less demanding than what he currently does. He is praying about it and asks that our friends pray with us also.

Spicy Ginger Candy

If you like ginger candy that is more spicy than sweet, these are really good. I buy them to help settle stomachs, freshen breath, and as a sweet treat. The pieces are generous in size and the flavor lingers. https://amzn.to/3xltKeK

Welcome, Stephanie and Family!

We are cheering you on as you set up your homestead! 

Your "internet aunt," 

wendy

Another Look at Em's Art

I think there are a few in this shot she did not include in the others.

Psalm 91 KJV

 I had to learn this in elementary school. I am so thankful I did!

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Gardening Mother of Many Tip

Large Family / Gardening /  Homesteading / Self-Sufficiency Tip: Divide and plant every potato that sprouts. 

Some people will hem and haw and tell you grocery store potatoes can't be grown. When I have asked these people how many they have chitted and planted and how many times they have tried to do it, the answers are usually none to once. "I heard they had something on them to keep them from sprouting." I keep a pile of potatoes on hand and mine are always sprouting. Yes, the ones from the grocery store can be planted! I do it all of the time with SUCCESS! 

I plant potatoes year-round. Mine are planted on top of the ground because our ground is often wet. The method in this video is very similar to what I do in my garden for potatoes. I also use 5-gallon buckets with holes drilled in the bottoms. I used the buckets initially for tomatoes, but the tomatoes did not do well in them. I think they overheated. Even the tomato plants in the white buckets seemed to be stressed from the heat. For potatoes, I even use recycled woven plastic feed bags. The fun thing about gardening is there aren't many hard and fast rules. If something does not work, you can try another method. https://youtu.be/GlratwBT5OI

Dear Reader, If I had listened to all of the naysayers, I would not have accomplished half of what I have. There are more people repeating "it can't be done" because they heard it somewhere else than people actually DOING THINGS. Don't be afraid to TRY. My love to all!

My $20 Greenhouse

I have two indoor greenhouses with grow lights I use to start seeds in late winter and mid-summer for my summer and fall gardens which help feed my family. I still need more space to start the plants I grow, so I wanted to find another greenhouse to use outside. I found one over twice as big! It was $120 but on sale for $80. I had $60 from Swagbucks, MyPoints, and some receipt apps. I purchased myself a nicer, larger greenhouse for $20! 

I love challenging myself to find the best deal for the items I need for my family and farm. There is value in not only working to earn money but also in working to keep the money you earn. This is a form of stewarship.

Clint often praises me in front of others about how our family is richer because I stay home and work to maximize his income. Not only have I learned to make the most of what he earns, but I have also learned how to earn money at home through farm sales and other more lucrative ventures. 

Blueberry Muffin in an Orange Half baked over a campfire

from our camping trip

It was YUM!

Nothing to Fear If Here

"Outside the will of God there is nothing I want.

Inside the will of God there is nothing I fear. "

A.W Tozer

Article: Harvard Panelist: Homeschooling Does Not Endanger Children

It is a shame that after decades of homeschooled students consistently outperforming their public schooled peers that we still have to defend ourselves. This is yet another way homeschoolers have been falsely accused and now it too is proven baseless. 

Harvard Panelist: Homeschooling Does Not Endanger Children

"She tracked these statistics from the 1990s to the early 2000s to see if there was any change correlating to reforms in state laws making it easier to homeschool—which in turn prompted a significant increase in the number of families who homeschooled. 

“Overall the picture is one of little to no effect of homeschool rights on child safety,” she concluded.

...

We wholeheartedly agree. And we’re glad to see new research supporting our contention that homeschooling is not only a safe and effective way to educate children, but that it also helps build strong families and communities."

Caleb's New Job

Caleb, who JUST turned 20, has started a new full-time job with a recreational vehicle dealership. Today is his third day on the job. He is still working two positions (trainer and maintenance) for CFA four days a week. He also has a couple of side hustles going. 

God keeps sending opportunities to Caleb and has greatly expanded Caleb's sphere of influence. Caleb's reputation for his work and his character is spreading, and he is fairly well known in four counties now. He has several well-known businessmen who have said they will help him develop his own business whenever he is ready. Please cover Caleb in prayer to keep his heart aligned with God's will and to make the most of these opportunities for God's glory.

He is working as quality control for a line of RVs which are made in Indiana and shipped to this dealership. He examines the onboard equipment before they are taken home by customers. He is also doing repairs and making modifications on recreational vehicles that are brought into the dealership.

Caleb met a member of the family which owns the dealership while working at CFA. She asked for some help in cleaning up her property before she relocated to another state. After Caleb worked with her for a day, she offered him a job and gave him his choice of hours and how he wanted to work (hourly or as a contractor, full time or part-time). 

Years ago, Clint and I purchased what would become our favorite RV out of the seven we have owned. It was a large solid-sided motorized fold-up camper with beautiful large tinted glass windows. 

While we were doing the paperwork on that purchase, the owner of the dealership noticed my maiden name. It turned out he knew my great grandparent and grandparents! His family was a customer of my great grandparents in their Churchland (Portsmouth, VA) florist business. He was so happy to see someone from my family and spoke so fondly of them. It was nice to hear his sweet recollections of my great grandmother who was gifted in the knowledge of the natural world including herbal medicine. Caleb is now working for this man's children and grandchildren. 

So far, Caleb is enjoying the work and getting to know his co-workers. He is the youngest person this company has ever hired to work in this position. Most of his co-workers are in their 50s and 60s. Caleb gets to work on and move around some very expensive models. He has been told he can have free propane and can borrow an RV for free for a week at a time. I told him we need to park a big one next to a lake and fish for a week!

Teaching Skills

A female friend of Caleb's asked him if he would change her oil. He told her he would TEACH her how to change her own oil so she can be independent in that area. It will take more of his limited time to teach her than to do it himself, but it's a skill he can give her that she can take into her future. Then she can pass it on by teaching her younger brother when it is his turn to learn. She can also change the oil in her mother's car to help her save money.

Amanda also teaches friends how to work on their cars when she is able. One woman told her, "This is easier than I thought it would be."

There are many young people in our county who know how to do some work on their cars because of Caleb and Amanda teaching them. Quite a few times, the people they help learn grew enough confidence to try other maintenance and repairs on their cars.

My children were taught these skills by their AMAZING DADDY! Clint's time in teaching them is reaping rewards far beyond what we expected!

Eastern Painted Turtle

 

People love to show me turtles. 

I love seeing them!

This is an Eastern Painted Turtle.

What a gorgeous shell!

I could tell from her weight she was gravid (carrying eggs).

Hopefully, she found a good spot and laid a large clutch.

Back to Basics and Go Bags

On our camping trip, we gave Emily and Hannah a course on how to start a fire. The plastic bags you see were for the first step of the first starting lesson using a magnesium rod and flint. We used the bags first so they could SEE the shavings fall and learn about how much to shave off before they struck the flint with the back of their knives. 

In order to earn their magnesium rod and flint, they later had to start a fire with nothing but natural materials and no help from anyone else. They also learned how to build a shelter, how to start a fire with a fresnel lens, purify water, and a few other things. We have taught all of our children and youth basic survival skills. When one of our students learns to be proficient with an item, we give them the item to keep.

 

Our children have their own go bags. (Look, we've seen some stuff. Search the blog for hurricane, flood, wildfire, appendectomy, etc.) Each of them has a machete, knife, magnesium fire starter, water straw, a three-day supply of food, a change of clothes, toiletries, a mylar tent and blankets, change for vending machines, a map, etc. We're covered fairly well no matter if it a weather threat or a trip to the ER. It is a simple thing to quickly unpack things we do not need for a situation to lighten the bags if necessary. My husband and adult children keep their go bags in their vehicles. 

Much of our survival gear, we received free because I was willing to test it with our family and share any pros and cons I saw with the product developers. That was a lot of fun!** I had made all of us go bags after an event we went through, but these items added to our bags by helping fill in holes. 

Life is unpredictable. Our human minds handle events better if we have thought ahead and prepared as best we could for them. This is why buy insurance and practice childbirth techniques. Helping my children face whatever crises come tomorrow is my main goal in teaching them. Teaching others how to purify water, forage for edibles, and other skills gives them confidence and makes our community stronger during those big events. Teaching these skills has been very beneficial to youth who are struggling with self-esteem issues. Their confidence grows step by step. Just believing in these young people as Clint and I work with them builds them so much. 

Dear Reader, The Proverbs wife thinks ahead and prepares her family for the coming storms. I believe almost every sincere Christian wife/mother will see the wisdom in following that example given to us in Scripture. I was approached by a reader who is concerned about cyberattacks. She asked me how life might change and how we might prepare for them. I jotted down some notes and will share those thoughts soon. 

*While I have the images from my digital camera, I lost almost all of the pictures and videos I had on my phone's camera of our camping trip. I am having some kind of time with my new phone and new computer. Clint or Brandon might be able to recover the files I lost. I've not asked yet because everyone is quite busy.

**For many years, I worked with manufacturers of household goods and outdoor gear in and outside the US. You may have read my written product details in advertising and not even known it! 

to our own evil

By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil, 

and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are. 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dear Reader, Pride is such an easy sin to fall into. Examining our own lives frequently keeps us honest about ourselves and helps us to show more grace to others. What areas has pride crept into in our lives? Who can we show more grace and understanding? Today, I am asking the Lord to help me identify areas where I need to repent and work to change. I hope you do this too. We should never rest in trying to become more Christ-like towards others in this life.

Pray for Wesley (Snake Bite)

6/5: News story about Wesley: Stafford County teen bitten by snake, treated at Wichita hospital
He was helping someone move and was moving something outside. (A huge Quonset metal barn was moved to another farm via semi-truck. I believe they were cleaning up where it had stood.) He was not trying to move the snake. He is 12, not 13. Speaking from experience, the news often makes mistakes like these.

6/5 update: From Wesley's mom: He is ok, has cycles of pain, but we are learning how to respond and meet it. He is a bit grumpy as he is a very active kiddo, lying around with his hand in the air is not satisfying his need for doing things. Being his writing hand and having to lay on his back most of the time activities are a bit hard to come up with... I spy can only be played for so long. 

6/4: Wesley has shown significant improvement since the last time I updated. He is going to be released today. They have a bit of a drive home. Please continue to pray for his healing. The doctors have him using Play-Doh for PT. 

Betty says Wesley (12 years old) was bitten by a young Eastern Massasauga Rattle Snake which is common in their area (KS). You are probably aware that is a bad scenario as far as how much venom he received. She sent a thank you for the prayers. His hand/fingers have started swelling again. They do not want to give him any more anti-venom (risks there) so they are discussing what to do. The pain drugs they have him on are not working. The drs are looking to see what they can do there too. Betty is going to ask them to do a phone consultation with a specialist as soon as she can. Please pray Wesley fully recovers with no damage to his hand/fingers.

6/3: Wesley is the young son of a fellow mom of many. He was bitten by a viper. He was taken to the ER where they intended to observe him overnight. After a few hours, they life flighted him to a hospital where he could get anti-venom and more experienced care. He is currently in PICU there. He is scheduled for two more rounds of anti-venom. 

Our friends are asking that we pray the swelling will start going down. It is increasing at the moment. More swelling = more tissue damage. Thank you for praying!

Gear and Dears

 

This particular campsite is a walk-in site. We use folding wagon and this aluminum dolly/hand truck.We can carry in two coolers with a couple of bags attached to the handles at one time. Converted to the hand truck, we can bring in a considerable amount of firewood which is purchased locally. One person pulls it through. Another person follows and pushes when necessary. It requires some finesse over the rocky parts of the trail, but it is well worth it for the time and labor it saves.

 

Brandon camped across the stream with his dog Girly.
CHRIS, the cooler you purchased Brandon is in the picture.
We thought about you while we were camping.

 

Amanda is making sure we stay on the constructed ford as we crossed a wide stream. We have done many water crossings, but this was the first time there was a ford built to protect the banks and stream bed. Amanda was only able to join us for two days. It was sweet of her to drive so far to be there for such a short time.

Prayers for a Neigbhor

One of our neighborhood's watermen's boats caught on fire. I do not know him personally. His sister, Kayla, says Rocky was burned severely and life-flighted to Sentara. Please pray for him and his family. I may not hear anything regarding him, but if I do, I will try to let you know.

Come sit and laugh with us!

If the viewer won't play, click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5iGKVwPuGc&ab_channel=contentmentacres

While all nine of us were sitting around and reminiscing, we were informed of something that had happened years ago. We learned why our youngest needed to go to the ER with a stomach ache years ago. One child knew, but she didn't tell us. This is how we found out. Come sit inside our living room and laugh with us! We laugh like this almost every day for one reason or another. Life is an adventure! Life with seven children is amazing fun! Clint and I would not trade this life for any other!

Straight Line Winds and Tent Repair

 

From a previous post:

These are two 10 x 20 cabin-style tents that allow us stand up straight inside. They divide into three rooms and are quick set up tents. They can be set up in around 5-15 minutes each depending on who is helping me and how windy it is. Each comes with two dividers so they can have three separate rooms if wanted. There is even a panel for an air-conditioner and a special hole for extension cords for those who use them. The closest I could find to them today are here and here.

Staked down properly and weighed down with some of our gear, these tents have held up very well in 45 mph sustained winds with 50+ mph gusts. One time, we were staying in a "rustic cabin"* and had only a few pieces of lightweight gear in the tents (less than 50 lbs in each). We only staked four corners because no bad weather was expected. Well, a thunderstorm popped up. We had 70+ mph straight-line winds that took down three trees around us. Yeah, that was something! Our shower tent was completely ruined from the wind. One of the tents you see above collapsed on itself. It sustained one tiny tear in the mesh. The other was lifted and rolled three times into a grassy field. It received a tear on the corner which is attached to a support pole. It also had a few holes in the mosquito netting. I'll share how and what I used to make the repair in another post.

How I made the repair:

The repair in the corner was significant because the pole of the tent was attached to it AND it was also where a stake went through. 

The pole had completely detached. There was very little fabric to work with due to the nature of the tear. I carried my sewing machine outside to the opened tent and did the best I could with the material that was left. 

Then, I used Tear-Aid See Thru Fabric Repair Type A. I followed the directions on rounding corners with scissors and using a wider piece of tape than the tear. Because it was a portion of the tent that would see a lot of stress when set up, I also went under the corner with a long strip and carefully folded it over the first making sure I had the material spread out smoothly. Then, I went over the top where that piece's seams met. The repair held up great even in 45 mph winds!

I also used this tape to repair a long rip I made in the mosquito netting of a door with my shoe as I "gracefully" tripped getting into the tent. The tape did a fantastic job there. I did not. I put it a little too low, so the zipper hangs up on that side. To solve the issue, we just use the other side.

This stuff is pricey, but it makes very strong and nice-looking repairs FAST. For gear you plan to keep using long term, it's a must!

For the holes in the mosquito netting, I used Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Mesh Patches for Tent and Bug Screen Repair. One of the holes was quite large, so I used three on one side and three on the other with adhesive parts touching. It also has held up wonderfully!

Prayers for Donna

Our long time realtor, advisor, and friend, Donna, fell and broke her hip over the weekend. She had a hip replacement instead of pins, so she should heal quickly. She is in a rehab center currently. Please pray for her.

Girly

I did draw a picture of Girly.
Maybe you missed it?

Thanks, Carter!

 JMU Super Dad Sweepstakes 

Mature Up!

Being hurt or angered by someone's words/opinions is part of life, it happens to all of us. Whether we want to admit it or not, we all cause hurts to others. Remembering that should make it easier to show grace to those who hurt us. 

It is counterproductive to stay in and operate from that place of
hurt." As the body of Christ, we should desire to move in his love and righteousness forgiving others.

Unity in the body of Christ is more important now than ever. Mature up in Christ; show grace. Unity in the Body of Christ starts in our own hearts. 

We have better things (a higher calling) to do than divide ourselves over such minor things. And, it's all MINOR in light of salvation and eternity. We need to stop allowing ourselves to be so easily distracted and divided. All that serves is to keep us weak and ineffective.

When we Christians focus on and are offended by our own sins (humility) instead of those who sinned against us (pride/anger), we stop being so easily offended. God will take care of the one who harmed/offended you. It is enough work to weed our own lives from sin, to guard our own minds, and to be His Hands and Feet in this troubled world.  

If we are so certain someone else is incorrect in their thinking, we should ask the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts to the truth and change their mind. We should remember He is more than able to do that without our help. But, when we pray that prayer, let's also pray that if we are the one with the incorrect thinking, He will work on us too. Pride demands others change. Humility leaves plenty of room for others to grow while we work on self.

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. 

I Corinthians 1:10