Black Mold Help

I have a lot of experience with black mold because of my side job. An ozone generator does a fantastic job of killing black mold. If you let it run long enough, it will get into the walls and kill mold growing inside those too. A few will argue that point, but I've actually torn out walls after the generator has run for 1-3 days, so I have seen this firsthand. 

Most people don't let them run long enough which is why some will say it does not kill the mold in the walls. I let it run until I smell it as I approach the front door which tells me it has permeated the structure. I use a plug that runs outside so I do not have to enter. I unplug it, leave, and come back later to air out the house. Breathing ozone is harmful to health so airing it out thoroughly is necessary. I use fans to speed up the process of airing it out.

If the house is large, I close off portions and treat small sections of the house longer and multiple times. I agree there are limitations but think about it: If spiders and mice can find their way into homes through the walls, can't air penetrate the small cracks and openings in the walls also? I think most people rush through the treatment so the structure can be occupied again. I believe I am successful where others have tried because I take my time. 

The homes I have treated have zero problems with mold years later, so I know what I am doing is working well. The ozone also kills things like spiders and bugs living inside the walls too. While it may help, it won't eradicate an active infestation of termites or carpenter ants. The structure must be aired out thoroughly before anyone occupies the building again. 

If you have not solved the moisture issue first, new mold will grow. So, you need to solve that before or very shortly after you treat it.

I have been to an abandoned home someone wanted to salvage that had major roof issues that had 80-90% of the internal structure covered in mold. I could smell the mold before Clint and I approached the door. Through the windows, you could see thick mold growing on the ceilings, walls, cabinets, furniture, curtains, etc. We weren't even sure if the structure was sound due to all of the visible water damage from a badly neglected roof. We would not even walk into the place, and we told the person to tear it down. I reckon running the generator for a good long while and doing multiple treatments would kill all of it. However, in that circumstance, I wasn't willing to be the one who tested the limits of the generator. Even thinking about that place has me wanting a shower as I type. It was the worst I've ever seen while a building was still standing.

Another benefit is that ozone eliminates pet, smoking, and other foul odors which is helpful in a wide range of situations. One of my sons purchased a car to flip that had been previously owned by a very heavy smoker. When you cleaned the glass, the water turned yellow from the nicotine staining. He brought the car to me and I treated it for 24 hours. After the ozone treatment, you could not tell if anyone had ever smoked in the car. 

I've had my ozone generator for a while and the exact one is not available anymore. The one I have is very similar to this one. There is some maintenance you need to do with them, so don't forget to read and follow the owner's manual. One can pick up side jobs as it gets out that you own one. :-) 

I'm a participant in the amazon associate program which means I'll earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you buy through some of the links on this website, in which case I thank you. #AmazonAffiliate If I don't share the previous sentence, they will not pay me my ten to fifty cents commission. :-D

True Humility - Nat Crawford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnkjAX9YqYM&ab_channel=BacktotheBible

"Humility. How do you define it? Why does God think it’s so important? In today’s episode, Pastor Nat Crawford helps you take stock of your life, the things you do, and where your true identity resides. Find out how you can live life with confidence and true humility."

Seeds for Generations Fire

Our friends, the Matyas family, at Seeds for Generations lost their office and inventory in a fire two days ago. If you care to help support a Christian family and family-owned business, please consider a donation. 

Seize the Opportunities

Lunch

a cup and a half of collards and a sausage patty

 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval. John 6:27

Whose value do you give to humans, animals, and plants?

Psalm 1:1a Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly...

https://www.breitbart.com/health/2023/01/23/lancet-urges-shift-away-from-human-centered-health-care-all-life-is-equal/

Lancet Urges Shift Away from Human-Centered Health Care, ‘All Life Is Equal’

"The once-prestigious UK Lancet medical journal urges a “revolutionary shift of perspective” away from human-centered health care in favor of “ecological equity” attributing equal value to all life.

In its advocacy for “One Health,” the Lancet proposes “an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals, and ecosystems,” asserting that “the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and inter-dependent.”

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:26-33

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27

How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Matthew 12:12

The Bible tells us in Psalm 1 that those who do not follow the advice of the wicked will be blessed. 

Dear Reader, If you are consistently studying your Bible, you will easily spot worldly thinking. Jesus, God in the flesh, allowed himself to be tortured to death for humanity. That should tell us the value to place on humans. 

“It is finished.”

We are the ones who complicate it. Jesus last words weren't "make me proud". Jesus didn’t endure our sin and shame and then tell us to get it together and get to work.

His last words to us were “It is finished.” His words to us were our signal that everything is taken care of for our salvation. We can’t add anything to His saving work.

The real gospel IS NOT “be good so you can feel good and God will give you goodies.” The real gospel is not based on your ability to follow rules.

The real gospel isn’t about telling yourself that you can stop sinning and start being good once you really focus. The real gospel is based solely on the cross and not promises you make to yourself.

When we substitute our version of the “gospel” for God’s true gospel of grace, we’re exhausted, legalistic, and harsh. ~ Jill McCormick

the final forming

Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths,

but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands.

-Anne Frank

He's so proud of himself! :-)

Clint's strawberries have flowers on them!

the hour God has ordained

“There is no one who can die before God’s appointed time and no one who can remain alive after it. There is no tragedy that can claim us before the hour God has ordained and no miracle that can save us after it. God and God alone has ultimate authority over life and death.” -Tim Challies

Champion

This life is full of battles, isn't it? 

Thankfully, we know the Champion over them all!

Please pray for a sweet friend named Karen.

Amanda's Spider Count

The picture of the spiders organized by type and in groups on the floor had me choking on the water I was drinking. I sure do love that girl!

Dear Reader, Stay tuned for more spider fun. ;-)

How to Walk With Others - Nat Crawford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNpT3OE7_C8&ab_channel=BacktotheBible

Restore. Keep Watch. Bear each other’s burdens. These are the things God calls you to do as you walk with others.

Seed Starting in Trays with Soil Technique

Once I have my soil in my trays like I want it, I wiggle the blade of a knife to make a diagonal groove to the right depth inside each sell. I overseed my trays for two reasons. I start hundreds of plants every year for my family, neighbors, friends, and also have enough to sell. Also, I do not like reseeding or having empty cells.

Once I seed the trays, I use the blunt backend of the knife to gently tamp the soil down. You want the soil to stay in contact with the seeds so they stay moist to germinate.

My love to all!

If you knew you were dying...

I was asked, "If you knew you were dying, what would you stop doing?"

My answer: The principal of my Christian school taught me to look at life backward when he asked us "Imagine you are at the end of your life, what would you wish you had done differently? what would you change?" Because of that, I've always had that perspective. So, I'd just keep doing what I am doing: loving on and taking care of my family, loving and encouraging people, and ministering and evangelizing where I can.

Dear Reader, How would you answer this question? Have you ever taken on the perspective of it being the last day before you stood accountable to God? What would you stop or start doing?

Down Time with My One and Only

 

Let’s hurry my love,
away from everybody
in the silent night, to a place where our fresh bodies can speak to each other,
in a language that only two can understand.

-Thomas Duncky

Clint's Office Garden So Far

Clint's promotion came with a nice, large office.

He has two or three more hydroponics systems coming,
but this is what his garden corner looks like now.

I bought him the Meyer's lemon trees, strawberries, and the hydroponics planter.

The small cedar tree was a gift from a local store manager.

The pepper is a cutting from one we had growing outdoors last year. It went into shock but is recovering and has new leaves.

He has purchased himself some more grow lights.

I had no idea how much joy the bonsais I purchased him a few years ago would bring my beloved. He lost one, but the other is thriving to the point he has given other co-workers cuttings off of it.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3

She found one while I was visiting.

Amanda found one of the spiders while I was there. She flicked it out with the Sharpie marker and with a smile put it in her jar.

Amanda's Collection

Spiders found so far.

:-)

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Michelle!

I hope your birthday is fantastic!

it will surely come, it will not tarry

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habbakuk 2:3

This verse comes in two parts. The first two lines parallel each other, and the last two lines parallel each other. "An appointed time" and "at the end" mean the same thing. In Daniel 12:4, God tells the prophet, "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end" (see also Daniel 8:17; 10:14). God is telling Habakkuk the same thing. The message was not necessarily for him and the people of his time. It is for the herald who runs and the people he will deliver the message to. It will be sealed until the appointed time, then it will be revealed.

This, then, is a revelation for our time today. He says, "At the end it will speak," an interesting image. It literally means the message will pant, like a runner after a marathon. Again, it is the heraldry image. The herald runs for miles with his message, and when he arrives, he is out of breath, panting. Then, he speaks his message to the recipient before he has recovered his breath, emphasizing its urgency. It must be given at the right time because things will happen swiftly, and the recipient must be ready. The wording mixes excitement with fatigue and urgency, a messenger rushing to get the words out because of shortness of time and breath!

God immediately reassures us that the message is truth. It will not lie. It will come. It will begin to be fulfilled right away. But it is God's truth, so we should believe it!

"Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry" is also a parallel construction. God is saying, "Be patient. If things seem to be delayed, it is only your perspective because it will come right on time. I do things when I want them to happen."

What is the vision? In Hebrews 10:35-37, Paul not only quotes this verse, but he interprets it for us.

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry.

What God has promised is His rest. The Israelites could not enter into His rest because of their unbelief (Hebrews 4:1). They showed no endurance. They did not see it all the way through to the end. So Paul says we need endurance to claim our reward.

Though the wording is somewhat different, the meaning is the same. Paul explains that what God told Habakkuk is, "Christ is coming!" That is the vision! That is the urgent message that we must understand—and not just that He is coming but all the end-time events too. Bad things and good things accompany His coming. Which side will we be on? The side that gets the bad things? Or the side that gets the good things? This is the revelation, the vision, that Habakkuk receives from God: that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, would come and solve the problems he is so worried about. source

Brandon

He has really come into his own with the new job with Honeywell.

He passed the training courses faster than the others that were hired at the same time. After his first two jobs, he was asked to lead projects which is very rare for a new hire. His boss said that everywhere he goes, she receives very high praises about his work and his conduct.

All of this means he is very high in demand which means his mama doesn't see him as often anymore. He is making very good money and has some short-term and long-term goals.

I was spoiled by his daily visits for years. I so miss our daily chats, but I am so very proud of him and happy for him.

Dear Reader, You know, even though I was certain it was the Lord leading Clint and me to homeschool, I was apprehensive about taking on the responsibility of educating my children. At least until I realized it was the Lord's work to do so through me. I had to recognize that if He led me to it, He would equip me to do it. The burden I felt came off of me and was placed onto Him. It all worked out better than I could have imagined. We can safely trust where the Lord leads.

Bob

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/hampton-va/robert-behrens-11114209

Bob was Clint's coworker and good friend. Clint really enjoyed working with Bob, and I enjoyed hearing the stories from those experiences. Bob loved his family and especially his grandson so very much. His very sudden departure from this life shocked us and broke our hearts. There are so many people who will miss this loving and kind man, and my dear husband is one of them. If you feel led, please say a prayer for Bob's wife, Sherry, and loved ones. 

Clint's Strawberries

Clint's office strawberries are really taking off!

The ones I have at home are doing well, but do not have this much growth on them. His office is temperature controlled. We keep our home pretty cool in winter.

graces that cannot be seen in a time of health

“[Suffering] brings out graces that cannot be seen in a time of health. It is the treading of the grapes that brings out the sweet juices of the vine; so it is affliction that draws forth submission, weanedness from the world, and complete rest in God. Use afflictions while you have them.” -Robert Murray McCheyne, Comfort in Sorrow

Clint's Desk

This is a small section of Clint's desk.
He has Emily's artwork for his backgrounds.

Bottles of Teeth for Bethany

While she was here for Christmas, Bethany shared a story about a culture that collects the teeth of loved ones. She was joking around about how she would do that with our teeth. When she got home to Chicago, she had a delivery she wasn't expecting- two bottles and realistic-looking fake teeth. She laughed and sent this picture...and her laugh (and the memory of having fun-loving parents who listen) was the goal.

Attacks on Energy Infastructure

Are you aware that there have been NINE attacks on our energy infrastructure since November? 

How are you preparing for your loved ones in case of outages or shortages? 

Christian Leadership Course

 I received this today and thought some of you may be interested, so here it is:

Dear Homeschool Parent,

Our students are not growing up in the same world and job market you and I grew up in.

As a young man, if I wanted to learn something new, I had to go to the library, pull the catalog, check out the book, take notes, etc.

Now, our kids have answers at the tap of a button in their pocket.

The world has changed, and the skills needed to learn, work, and live well in that world have also changed.

Employers are not just looking for able students. They’re looking for leaders who know how to ask the right questions and put the answers into action.

I’d like to invite you to get more information about Unbound’s Ascend program. This program helps students like yours learn Christian leadership skills, build strong community, and put their education to work in the real world.

We’re so confident in Ascend’s value for young people that we’ve included a job guarantee you can read here.

REQUEST INFORMATION

Take the next step in equipping your student for the changing world by getting more information about Ascend today.

Jonathan Brush President & CEO, Unbound

I won't chew one of these again...

I apologize for the sideways picture, but it is another day of "controlled chaos" at Contentment Acres. I am in the middle of quite a bit, but I had to document the story contained herein.

The bowl has turmeric roots soaking before I plant them. I added the moringa seeds later. Soaking seeds or roots will help provide the moisture necessary for germination which can speed the process up.

I try to grow something different every year, and this year it is moringa. They grow fast and tall. The plant can be used as food, medicine, and livestock feed.

I read that in Africa, they chew the moringa seeds. I bought these to plant so I can get the leaves of the tree for food/livestock feed, but I thought I'd try a seed. 

Shew! The seeds have a very strong bitter licorice with something else taste that I just wanted out of my mouth. And, it hangs around. Emily and Hannah laughed at me, so I offered them one. After chewing hers, Emily said my advice not to chew it was top-notch. I did enjoy seeing the expressions on their faces and hearing the ring of their laughter.

Clint chewed one when he got home. Then he chewed another. He can't taste the strong taste the girls and I can. He said they only have a slight licorice flavor.

Dear Reader, I love trying new things and new foods. I look forward to trying the moringa leaves and seed pods, but  I won't be chewing a seed anymore. Blech! I'll swallow those whole if I decide to partake of them. What new foods and things have you tried lately?

Happy Together in My Lap

Elderly Dog and a Puppy

Marty and Penny

Loving the chilly weather

Clint and I were able to go to our getaway for the long weekend.
The chilly weather was perfect for snuggling in front of the fireplace together.

The beautiful flames are from a large holly tree Clint cut down.

Dehydrator

 I am asked quite often which dehydrator I use. 

Background: I have been dehydrating food since my early marriage. I have used sun drying methods, attic drying, car drying, oven drying, cheap plastic dehydrators, homemade dehydrators, the NESCO plastic dehydrators, and the big metal box style dehydrators. I would like to build a solar dehydrator and use that, but for now...

I am mostly using the big metal box-style dehydrators. I own two of the same make and model. I use at least one of them multiple times a week. I am very pleased with their quality, ease of operation, and performance. I have no complaints whatsoever.

Now, I could have gone out and bought the pricer models out there, but I believe brand loyalty is a sucker's game. There are plenty of things without brand names that perform just as well. Why would I go invest money in something simply because of a name? 

I compared friends' Excalibers with what was on the market, and I settled on the Yescom dehydrator. It has performed so well, I purchased a second one. Why two? Garden harvests and sales in the grocery store can be abundant, and with a large family I like to take advantage of that abundance. If I do not have the ability to dry it quickly enough, I can't take advantage of it.

I use this style mat (again, who cares about the name?!) to line the racks. I have one set by another vendor and a set by the vendor at this link. 

#amazonaffiliate I'm a participant in the amazon associate program which means I'll earn a VERY small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you buy through some of the links on this website, in which case I thank you. 

Son helping son...

Caleb gave up his evening to help Joshua do a repair on his truck.
I am continually touched by the way my children show love to each other.
I am so thankful for all God has done in and through this wonderful family He has given me.

The Lord Provides

This man owns a multi-generational company in our area, and he is very generous. 

If I told you of all the things God sends our way just out of the blue, you'd be very amazed. I don't want to discourage those who are struggling. I also don't want people to think we are bragging or saying "Look what we have!!"

I will say God is an amazing Father who provides abundantly for our family. I am humbled that He thinks of us and am so thankful for all He does for us.

Take note of where they come from

What is causing the quarrels and fights among you?

                    Don't they come from the evil desires at war within you?

James 4:1

Emily Named Her Reese's Pup

As soon as I come in to rest from working outside,
this little puppy crawls right up my legs
and wedges herself between my leg and the recliner.
Then she passes right out!
Every time!

Dear Reader, There is something precious about little things.
Watching them sleep can bring relaxation to a weary body, mind, and soul. I am so thankful God allows His creation to reproduce so we can witness these tender moments.

Clint's Strawberry Garden: The Beginning

A while back, I purchased Clint a hydroponics system "just because," for his new office which he received with his latest promotion. He has not had much time to do anything with it as he has been working hard to find new employees as well as work to reduce waste and get the machines running smoother. 

I just purchased him strawberry plants to grow in it. He snapped this picture and sent it to me with a thank you note after he got them planted.

Everbearing strawberries will produce three crops a year in a hydroponics system. They are one of the easiest crops to grow this way too. I also have four hydroponic systems growing newly planted strawberries indoors at our home. The runners from all five systems will be planted outdoors to add to what we already have in our gardens.

I would love the time to build a large vertical system, but this is not the year for that. Clint's new job is a big blessing for which we are very thankful, but it has set us back on some of our other life goals. We are determined to finish those before we take on anything else. 

Dear Reader, If you shop around, you can find smaller hydroponic gardens as inexpensive as $30-35. I know because I have one I found at that price. It works just as well as the pricer models too.

He that followeth

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy 

findeth life, righteousness, and honor. 

Proverbs 21:21

righteousness: behaving rightly, acting in accord with divine or moral law

mercy: to withhold punishment and/or show compassion and kindness to someone who has committed an offense

Dear Reader, I want the latter, so I am willing to do the hard work of the former. I hope you are also. My love to all!

Worth the Time to Read: Enneagram

THE ENNEAGRAM PART 1: A CRASH COURSE

 https://mamabearapologetics.com/the-enneagram-part-1-a-crash-course/

Abstain from all appearance of evil. I Thessalonians 5:22

think about it

"Interesting paradox.

You don't feel qualified to educate your own children so you answer that fear by putting them in the same system that left you feeling unqualified."

-Matt Beaudreau

I'm a happy girl!

I have a lot of friends who say they can't grow from seeds.

My advice, try rock wool. It makes it SO easy!

I use rock wool for some things that are harder to grow like lavender.
This particular time, I used it because I didn't want to go get the soil to fill the trays because my plate is full today. Someone gave us a free pig, so I am trying to decide where to put it. I have a trailer of composting material to unload, baby bunnies to sex, puppies to assess, a hoop house to repair, vegetation to cut to feed my goats and rabbits, etc. My days are very full, but I work for myself and am my own boss.

To keep algae and bacteria from growing in the water, research using hydrogen peroxide.

Knowing when it is time to transplant them into cups goes a long way too.

Oh, and keep them CLOSE to the lights. How close depends on the strength and type of grow lights. I use shop lights for most things and my plants are set about an inch under. I raise and lower the trays as needed.
Light-starved plants get leggy and are weakened. Research that too.

Dear Reader, Keep trying until you succeed. You will learn something and get better each time you try. I believe in you! Send me pictures of your failures and your successes. We can figure this out and celebrate together. My love to all!

That's ALL she's found so far?!!

This post goes with Brave, brave, brave, child.

I told you she'd collect them and put them in a bottle!

If I get time, I am going to go over there, find that jar, and rehide those spiders.

Regrow Celery

So, Walmart lowered the price on their celery to a dollar. It might still be on sale in the store in your area, but my local store is out so I could not verify. 

When I saw it went down about 33%, I purchased 12 right away. I added more to the next few orders until I had 26. There's no reason for the number, it's just how many I ended up purchasing to this point. I made soup and chopped and dehydrated the rest of it. Then I put the ends in the window in water to root.

A few days ago, I planted some of the rooted bottoms into soil in cups I have used for gardening several times. Several celery ends are still rooting in the window. The cups that are too cracked to be used alone are doubled so I can continue to reap from my investment in them.

This is so easy to do! It is almost effortless. You do need to keep them watered and change the water to keep it from growing bacteria, but even my black/brown/grey-thumbed friends (grey just for you, Roanna) can succeed at this.

I am in zone 8. It used to be zone 7a but they have shifted the zone lines over the years. Right now is a good time to grow these indoors. I will harden mine off and put them outside starting at the end of February. I will get at least double the yield for my initial investment. 

I may try to keep some plants going until next season, but we'll see. Celery does not like the heat, so it may die. I would like to try, but I have so much other stuff on my plate that it will probably get overlooked.

Free Online Medical Care (donation requested)

https://myfreedoctor.com/pages/learn-more

As a faith-based, national telehealth service, our mission is to provide you with access to quality healthcare professionals. Our doctors are available to meet your basic healthcare needs and provide treatment for a growing list of urgent and ongoing health conditions quickly and from the comfort of your home – for FREE.

Modeling loving service

When we choose to graciously overlook our children’s messes, faults, and accidents, we are teaching them to be patient and forgiving with the mistakes of others. When we react sensitively, thoughtfully, and patiently to them, we are helping to instill these qualities in their lives.

As they benefit from our unconditional love, they learn to extend it to others as well. As they watch us extend hospitality, care for others, and pray for them, they learn to make service a part of life.

.

And as they observe us searching Scripture, spending time with the Lord, and making faith-based decisions, they learn these things as well. Modeling loving service to our children gives them something to emulate in their own lives. -Sally Clarkson

Homeschooling Yields Good Results

For some reason, Flickr would not allow the picture, so I removed it. It was a comment by a friend stating that the most well behaved children she's ever met were Clint's and my seven.

To God be the glory!
It is He who led us to this path!
When you are there to correct behavior as it happens,
the results are much better.

I want to go here and see this...

 https://www.bigbrutus.org/map.html

16 stories tall!!!

Thanks for sharing, Betty!

See it on Google Maps: 
https://www.google.com/maps/place/6509+NW+60th+St,+Scammon,+KS+66773/@37.2734162,-94.9388542,246m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x87c7fc7c3faf0e63:0xf3b7e0b30c04f463!8m2!3d37.2736259!4d-94.9386633

Build Them Up

Dear Reader, Text messaging is a simple and quick way to build up and encourage your family and friends to live for the Lord. It takes me less than 30 seconds to send a text to everyone in my family in the mornings. Technology can be used for evil. It can also be used for the glory of God.

No Version

"There is no version of Christianity that permits you to continue sinning just because of God's love for you. 

True love inspires true obedience." 

-Shane Pruitt

My job today...

I said I would mud it as well.

It's not my favorite job, but I am thankful for the skills that allow me to be a help to others.

Thankful for Crows

Yesterday, Hannah and I heard the crows get fighting mad. Since we were too far apart to hear over the racket, I signaled Hannah with my hand to stand still and just watch. Sure enough, the battle came right over us! The crows were sending a hawk on its way which helps keep my livestock safer.

I love the crows! They are the watchdogs of the forest. I always know when something is up because they let me know. I have even been warned when a man was sneaking around our woods. They have also alerted me to foxes and coyotes. If the crows start sounding an alarm, I pay attention.

I am thankful Hannah and I were able to share that exciting moment together!

Brave, brave, brave child

 

 Shhh! Don't tell Amanda! She'll find out soon enough! 😃 

 Note: Everyone in our family has a very good sense of humor, and we play with each other often. 

 So, Amanda left two large plastic spiders for me to find in my bed and bathroom. I jumped at the first one and laughed at the second. Then I went looking to find the prankster. 

 Hannah: "I warned her not to do it. I told her that if she played with you, YOU WILL play back with her. She said she wasn't worried because she doesn't live here anymore and would be gone when you find them." 

She forgets I have a key to her house. I have washed her dishes, left her chocolate on her pillow, fed her pets, and left her meals before. This time, I am leaving her something else. 

 I purchased 240 plastic spiders just for my darling daughter. Clint said I should buy another package of 240 of them. I love that man and the way he thinks!! 😃 

Clint, Hannah, Emily, and I are going to hide them ALL OVER her house. With what I have planned, she will find them for years. 🙂 

Knowing her, she will collect and display them in a glass bottle for the chuckle and memory keeping.

Emily's Painting

an Emily Asbell original

She painted it for me after I described what I wanted and showed her the colors I'd like to have incorporated. She did a fantastic job of capturing what I was envisioning. I love it! This is now in our home where it will minister to our family several times a day.

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
    and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11

CA-EBV

Added 1/5: I apologize to the people with whom I had to make cancellations. When I am running a fever, I have to rest. It feels like the flu. I don't know too many people who feel like doing things when they have the flu. They are usually in bed. If I do not rest, it intensifies and the active phase lasts much longer. If you still want to get together, please call. Thank you again to those who checked in on me. 

*****

I've had a few people ask me if the CA-EBV is still plaguing me.

I can not feel it at all and have not for several weeks. No fevers, no exhaustion, no swollen lymph nodes, no sore throat, etc. PTL!

I give the glory to God for showing me things I could do to support my body as it fought back. 

I should have already given an update to those who were praying for me. I apologize for that. 

Once I started feeling better, I started focusing on what I could do to help my husband reach our goals and also how I could help my son Brandon while he is away from home so much. Then the holidays were upon us. 

I was outside today using the chainsaw to cut brush for our livestock and made a little firewood. I wanted to take some fig cuttings, but the rain chased me inside.

 

the very promise of salvation to all

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is not just historic truth,

it is not just the miracles of all miracles,

it is the very promise of salvation to all who believe and repent of their sins.

-Albert Mohler

We enjoyed having Bethany home for a few days!

She brought a card game called Fluxx to share with the family.

All His Ways Are Good! You can follow Him without fear.

To God be the glory!

He gets the credit because this is where He led us.

I missed one. We actually have a fourth income stream
and are working on a fifth and have viable plans for a sixth.

Thanks to those who checked in on us..

Thanks to those who checked in on us...

UPDATE 1/3: HE HAS BEEN APPREHENDED

We are fine. It was not close to our home but is an area we pass through frequently.

https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/corbin-winnington-wanted-01-02-2023

There are several articles on the internet.

Official statement: 

https://www.facebook.com/GloucesterCountySheriffsOffice/posts/pfbid0sXcwkCnuUqQZ3TeHDzX3JbgrBzZCdonZtttSF9k3qJmFPNfcFy4hcnH9Pp4ARhFdl

Interestingly enough, Clint and I left home for some time away not too long after we prayed with our children. We drove by this house around the time of the incident, but we did not notice anything unusual. We were talking and joking with each other. I do remember seeing that home with a lot of cars and an outside light on. 

No one in our family knows him or any of the people associated with him. 

We passed the ambulance on the highway just a few minutes later. 

We've heard more than what the article states. The full story, the entirety of it as we learned it, just breaks my heart. Generational. Sin perpetuates sin. Tragic.

Sin ruins everything! We all need Jesus desperately, so very desperately. I am praying for the salvation of everyone involved in the situation.

My soul longs

 My soul longs, 

yes, faints 

for the courts of the Lord; 

my heart and flesh sing for joy 

to the living God. 

Psalm 84:2

Happy New Year 2023!!

 Happy New Year 2023

to our family and friends near and far, 

old and new,

close and estranged 

from The Asbell Family!

We spent last evening with five of our children. The other two called in to join us for prayer at midnight. We continued our tradition of thanking the Lord for the year before and asking His blessing for the year ahead.

Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Proverbs 31: 23-24