Farmer's Market in Chicago

cheese curds, smoked white cheddar, and mustard seed gouda

freshly baked baklava and Turkish coffee in a cafe near the Farmer's Market

Bethany is enjoying the delicacies found around her apartment.

First Meetings

The first time Clint took me home to meet his mother, she looked me over from head to toe a couple of times with a very rude and hostile face. Clint surprised her with my presence, but she was definitely not polite or welcoming. I learned later that she did not care for my mother, so I imagine that played into it. 

I have never forgotten how that look of contempt in those first moments made me feel unwelcome in her home and her life. I have also often reflected on how her first meeting and reaction to me told the tale of how the relationship would progress. It grieved my heart that she rejected me from the outset, and she died without making things right with my husband and me. 

I am so thankful for her example which led me to do differently so that I can choose to do better for the girls my sons bring into our lives.

Every time my sons bring home a girl, right off the bat, I crack a joke to make them laugh to put them at ease. Then, I hug them like my paternal grandmother, Elsie aka "Buttercup," taught me. She hugged everybody who come to her home. As a follow-up to our first meeting, I give them a bracelet with a Bible verse on it. I choose the verse based on what I learned about the girl during our meeting. So far, I have given four girls bracelets. I chose that particular one for Elora because I believe she has a lot of inner strength from her health issues.

Only God knows which girl I meet will be "the one," so I show all of them His love and acceptance with an eye on the future relationship. 

I have not come up with a gift for the young men my girls bring home yet, but I have been very friendly and welcoming. We had one who participated in Bible studies with Clint for a long time. I would like to find an appropriate gift that will remind them of how we welcomed them into our lives.

Dear Reader, Not every person who treats you poorly is a bad person. Nor does their dislike of you mean you are a bad person. It simply means the two of you do not get along. We humans have so many hang up and flaws that is natural that some relationships will not be what we would like even though we are thriving in many other relationships. Some people remind us of someone else or another situation we were in and cause us to put up defensive walls. I think that is what my mother-in-law tried to explain to me once when she apologized for how she poorly had treated me. What is wonderful is that when we are hurt by someone, we can CHOOSE to learn from them how to do better for the next person we encounter. My love to ALL! 

$54 Zero Turn Mower

 

 Clint teaching our children as he did things and having them work beside him continues to reap benefits. A man gave this mower for free to Caleb. He said it was a pile of junk that could not be salvaged, but Caleb could use it for parts. The man had the blades on upside down. Caleb bought three new relays which cost a total of $54. It runs like new now! Caleb is pleased as punch about it too! I rejoice every day that the Lord called us to homeschool. It has been such a blessing to our whole family in so many ways!

What Homeschooling Looks Like

Hannah, 14, working on her high school course
while holding a very spoiled Mercury.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. Psalm 145:17

#6 of 7 has her learner's permit!!

Emily passed the test for her learner's permit yesterday. She told Clint as she drove home that she had been waiting for that moment since she was seven years old. She drove our suburban. Then, Joshua let her drive his SUV home from Brandon's house. She is as happy as she can be, and the rest of us are all happy for her!

I bow my knees before the Father

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 

Orange Twinkie

Amanda's cat, Orange, enjoying the view at the bird feeder Amanda put in her yard.

Twinkie is insisting Amanda change the focus of her attention.

Caleb and Elora

They enjoyed the evening boat ride!

Vitamin Packaging

Clint and I take supplements to keep ourselves healthy. I make it simple by packing them into small bags. That is the only way I am able to stay on track with my traveling so much. I use the silicone cupcake liners to hold them while I dispense them. Then I am able to squeeze the cup to make them pour neatly into the bags.

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
2 Peter 1:5-8

Dear Reader, First Timothy 4 tells us that looking after our bodies brings a little good to us, but it is less important than living a godly life which brings eternal value. In what ways do you look after your physical body? How do you build up your spiritual self? My love to all!

Repent! Judgement is coming!

God sent Noah to warn the world that His judgment was coming. 

He sent angels to warn Sodom and Gomorrah that judgment was coming. 

He sent prophets to Israel to warn them judgment was coming. 

And He told the whole church of the signs that judgment is coming.

The world may not like to hear it, but part of the gospel message we are to take to the world is that judgment is coming, so repent! Tell someone about Jesus today. He is the only way to escape the things that are coming upon the whole world. -Amir Tsarfati

Health Benefits of Plantain

Broadleaf plantain, Plantago major, has been used for centuries for food and medicine. Briefly here are some of the medicinal benefits:

speeds wound healing due to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

great as a poultice for bee or other insect stings (needs to be crushed or chewed)

a salve from this plant can help soothe and heal minor cuts, scrapes, and rashes

works to alleviate rash and inflammation from poison ivy (and often grows nearby that vile weed-isn't God good?!)

anti-inflammatory properties help with arthritis and gout

loosens phlegm and alleviates coughs

mild laxative and diuretic properties

antioxidant properties that help reduce the risk of chronic diseases 

great for oral health due to the antimicrobial properties can be used as a mouthwash or poultice

For food, you can dehydrate and crush the leaves to make a nutritive mix or grind them to make a nutritive powder.

Dear Reader, I keep plantain tincture on hand to use for poison ivy rashes. What native plants do you use for food or medicine?

Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain

Bethany shared this picture of the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain in Chicago which is near her new apartment.

sought your precepts

And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules. I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts. Psalm 119:43-45

Penny Leftovers

This is leftover fur from Penny's clipping. I often joke that there is enough fur left over to make another dog. Hannah shaped this and proved me right!

Dear Reader, Penny's abundant fur reminds me of the story of Absalom in the Bible. Absalom was considered very good-looking and had a marvelous head of thick hair. His pride was his undoing and led to his death. Even though his sins against his family were great, David still greatly loved his son which is shown in how he mourned for him. David shows us a human example of how God loves each of us. Genuine love never fails to show itself even when that love has been deeply wounded. May we all show Christ's love to those He has placed in our lives. My love to all!

I Shaved Penny

 

 Penny had her first close clipping this spring! Because she is young and still learning to sit for the clippers, I did it over four sessions. She was very patient until the last session. This is a closer shave than what I do the rest of the year. It makes it so much easier to keep poodles tick and flea free. I will time a clip that won't be as close as this one in the fall. That will give it time to grow out before colder weather comes in. While Maggie did OK in summer with her white coat even when at a longer cut, Penny has been overheating even with a shorter cut when the temps get in the mid-80s. We've had one scary moment with her already. We are hoping this closer cut helps keep her from overheating. We'll see if it helps. Emily says Penny looks regal even without the fur.

Bethany Rode the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier

Amanda Took Her Daddy Lunch

Where do you place His authority?

"Should unsubmissive Christians expect God to answer their petitions when they regularly flout His authority in their lives?" ~Steve Gallagher in i: The Root of Sin Exposed

Joshua to D.C.

Joshua and Samantha took a long weekend to tour D.C. with some friends aka "The Usual Suspects."

I may be wrong, but I believe that is the shirt Sam purchased for him.

Health Benefits of Viola Sororia aka The Common Blue Violet

picture was taken on my property

The common blue violet, Viola sororia, has long been used for food and medicinal purposes. It is known to reduce inflammation which can relieve pain in arthritis, gout, and skin diseases like eczema. It promotes wound healing through its antiseptic properties. It supports respiratory health through its expectorative properties which relieve respiratory congestion. Topically it can relieve itching, rashes, eczema, dry skin, etc. It can relieve digestive discomforts and support healthy bowel movements. It is rich in antioxidant activity which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It works as a diuretic which can help remove toxins and excess fluids from the body. The leaves have antimicrobial properties and can also be used to make a mouthwash to fight oral bacteria and reduce gum inflammation. People make jelly and vinegar from the flowers. The leaves can be added to a dried nutritive green mix. The leaves can also be used fresh for salads, cooked greens, or added to soups.

Dear Reader, I love learning about what is growing around me and how it can be used for the betterment of health. What nutritive and medicinal native plants do you have growing around you? Have you learned how to use them?

He offers me holiness at the price of relinquishing my own will.

 “The Desires Of My Heart”

Elisabeth Elliot

I had been praying for something I wanted very badly. It seemed a good thing to have, a thing that would make life even more pleasant than it was and would not in any way hinder my work. God did not give it to me. Why? I do not know all of His reasons, of course. The God who orchestrates the universe has a good many things to consider that have not occurred to me, and it is well that I leave them to Him. But one thing I do understand: He offers me holiness at the price of relinquishing my own will.

“Do you honestly want to know Me?” He asks. I answer yes. “Then do what I say,” He replies. “Do it when you understand it; do it when you don’t understand it. Take what I give you; be willing not to have what I do not give you. The very relinquishment of this thing that you so urgently desire is a true demonstration of the sincerity of your lifelong prayer: ‘Thy will be done.’”

So instead of hammering on heaven’s door for something that it is now quite clear God does not want me to have, I make my desire an offering. The longed-for thing is material for sacrifice. “Here, Lord, it’s yours.”

He will, I believe, accept the offering. He will transform it into something redemptive. He may perhaps give it back as He did Isaac to Abraham, but he will know that I fully intend to obey Him.

Excerpt from A Lamp Unto My Feet: The Bible’s Light for Your Daily Walk by Elisabeth Elliot

He's a fun one!

I mess with him and he messes right back!

A Cup of Happy - Moringa Pineapple Ginger Kombucha

What makes me happy? homemade ginger pineapply kombucha

I use black tea, moringa powder, ginger, and pineapple in mine.

***

Health benefits of kombucha:

better nutrient absorption

improved digestion

detoxification support through enzymes and acids that aid in detoxing the liver

improved immune function

anti-inflammatory effects (inflammation is a key component in disease)

antioxidants that slow aging and prevent disease

heart health through lower cholesterol and blood pressure

improved mental well being-healthy gut/happy mind

increased energy

increased mental clarity

health benefits of ginger:

stimulates digestion

reduces bloating

the compounds gingerol and shogoal are anti-inflammatory

relieves morning sickness (but not hyperemesis gravidarum ask me how I know)

relieves pain and soreness by inhibiting prostaglandins

improves circulation by dilating blood vessels

supports healthy immune function

improves insulin sensitivity

soothes irritated airways, helps respiratory conditions

improved cognitive function

health benefits of moringa:

super food packed with essential nutrients

high levels of antioxidants which protect cells from disease-causing damage

anti-inflammatory

strengthens the immune system

bioactive compounds that inhibit the growth of cancer cells

reduce risks of certain types of cancers

improves insulin sensitivity

lowers LDL cholesterol

improves digestion

skin health improvement

health benefits of pineapple:

nutrient dense

promotes good energy levels

immune system support

skin health

bromelain breaks down proteins which promotes better digestion 

better nutrient absorption

anti-inflammatory

promotes joint health by reducing swelling from arthritis

helps protect the eyes from oxidative stress

reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts

promotes electrolyte balance

reduces mucus and congestion

weight loss benefits attributed to the better digestion

Dear Reader, Making this fizzy drink for my family to consume brings me joy. It also keeps me busy since I have to make six gallons of it a week. Then I have to chase down my glass bottles! (They don't always bring them back home.) I hope you are having a good week! My love to all!

I sent my shower cleaning fairy a thank you.

 

 

#6 of 7

We have homeschooled driver's education for all of our children so far. It is state approved and very, very thorough. Clint received his driver's instruction from the public school he attended. Mine was through a private instructor. Neither of us received the in-depth classroom or behind-the-wheel training our children have through the homeschooled programs we have used.

Bethany and the Anchor at Navy Pier in Chicago

Brandon's Birthday

Clint and I gave Brandon a luggage dolly for his birthday. This should save him time and energy when he checks in and out of hotels. Now he won't have to go looking for the hotel's dolly which is often in someone's room when Brandon needs it.

The Scales on Pine Mountain FSR 613

This is the road to the Scales Campground on Mt Rogers. It takes around 45 minutes to go the 3.5 miles to the campground. It's one lane, and you may need to back up to find a spot wide enough to allow another vehicle to pass. There appear to be 3-4 dispersed campsites on this road. One is close to a waterfall. FSR 613 Most trucks and SUVs can easily do this road without 4WD. Horseback riders and hikers also use the road. I was told ATVs are not allowed.

When I took this picture, I had descended the AT (Appalachian Trail) facing Scales Campground on Pine Mountain in the Mt. Rogers area. It is really just the open field you see in the picture. To get to this point with 4WD, you go through two fences. We camped in the far corner (see the Suburban) which I recommend due to the number of AT and day hikers that cross this field. There are approximately 20-25 campfire rings in this field. There are two vault toilets. There was plenty of firewood to pick up as the forestry department had been cutting down some of the trees and brush. This is free a dispersed camping area.

If you camp here, take extra TP because the AT hikers take it out of the bathrooms. I refilled it twice in one day, and they took all of it. I didn't mind..expected it and planned for it. I also took extra water and snacks to offer the hikers to foster better relationships between them and the 4WD community. We do both hiking and off-roading, so we hear both sides. Most were very grateful.

One hiker bit my head off with "NO! I DO NOT!!!" and then quickly changed his tone and sheepishly thanked me. Others used the offer to ask us questions, get directions, or just talk.

One hiker was very rude to us because she didn't like our suburban being there, but she was ignorant of the road use. We checked with the forestry service before we went. Vehicles are allowed. We just stayed polite until she took herself and her attitude away. We saw 4-5 other off-roaders in the campground and a few more on Rt 613. One retired military Jeeper came to make himself coffee and breakfast over a campfire and watch the sunrise. Then he left.

A long time ago, livestock was raised in this area because they would grow nice and fat on the pasture there. The road was so rough that the animals would lose significant weight on the trip down the rugged mountain trail resulting in less money. The farmers started selling the livestock at the field to get top dollar. They call it Scales because that is where they had the scales to weigh the animals before the sales.

The ponies were put there to keep the area cleared. The ponies never came to the fence, but we hiked into their area and found them. We saw someone (rangers?) on a quad feeding them hay daily just up the ridge. This is another managed herd like you will see in Chincoteague and Corolla.

It's very quiet. I fell asleep in the sun...twice. There were many songbirds singing and pretty views. If you climb the trail to the ridge, the views are even better. The stars shone so brightly and the air was so sweet. We saw several falling stars while here too. On the road that connects to 613 are at least three campgrounds where you pay a small fee in an envelope when you arrive. They offer the same deal...vault toilet, no water, no power.

This hiker was so excited to see us! He wanted to know how to get to the Scales by 4WD. He has family he wants to share this area with but they have special needs and are not able to hike into a forest. Clint helped him plan his route, understand what he'd face on the road, and know what he'd need to bring. He showed him where he could get cell phone reception in case of emergency. Now, this man's family can go into the forest and experience nature according to their abilities. THIS is why I think it is important we work to keep as much access to our public lands as possible so all of us can enjoy them. 

The rest of the chapter is just as important

The mainstream American church culture is always seeking the Jeremiah 29:11 life and wants nothing to do with Jeremiah 29:6. -unknown

Why do we, as the Church, only quote the blessing when there is more the Lord wants his people do? Jeremiah 29

15 years old and graduated!

God led me to the right name for this girl. Emily JOY!

AKA "SmartyPants" per her Uncle Phil. :-D

We are very proud of her for putting in the hours of study that allowed her to graduate from high school at 15 years old!

We called it "war paint."

 

 This goes with the previous post.

Pocket Kittens

Mechanical Talent

God gave Amanda a very strong mechanical gift. Clint was working on a car when she came to visit me. As soon as he got up to get something, she jumped into the spot and started helping him. I just chuckled, grabbed a chair, and sat down to watch how it would play out. She wouldn't budge, so he never got his spot back. 😃 They called each other names and there was some grease spread on exposed skin. (Amanda shared some with me too. 😌) He didn't mind and was quite proud of her when she pulled the alternator out.