Cape May-Lewes Ferry

This is a time saver!
I am excited to learn the ferry can handle our two large loads on our trip next weekend.

Prayers for a Sweet Lady

A very sweet lady has been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of stomach cancer. Doctors say she has weeks. Please pray for her and her family. 

A Swan, My Girl, My Love

I sent this swan to Bethany after she moved to Chicago to remind her that I love her.

It's One of Their Happy Places

Many years ago, we started taking our children to ethnic grocery stores to introduce them to foods from around the globe. Emily and Hannah say we do not take them nearly enough. On our last visit, Hannah broke a $100 bill she had earned. :-)

New Drug Slows Alzheimer's Decline by 35%

"A new study reports Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's drug slowed cognitive and functional decline for people with early stages of the disease.

The data, published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found the experimental drug donanemab slowed decline by 35% compared to a placebo group based on a measure of daily activities such as driving, managing finances and talking about current events. Researchers also shared the data at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Amsterdam."

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/07/17/alzheimers-drug-donanemab-eli-lilly/70419630007/

Clint's the Chef for the Day

He's grilling for the day shift and night shift workers.

A Small Way to Say I Love You

Brandon's TP holder broke a while ago and he has been too busy to replace it.
I picked him up one and wrote "I love you!" on one side with I Samuel 1:27-28 on the other.

 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.
I Samuel 1:27-28

Cute Glasses Clint

Clint is always borrowing my glasses. He did not have safety glasses available for this job. He wanted to keep the fine wood from getting into his eyes, so he took my 1.0 readers. They were good enough for the powdery dust that was falling.

Will this be how they explain the Rapture of the Church?

This narrative is everywhere nowadays. Is this how they will explain the Rapture of the Church? When I was a child, Christian leaders predicted the increase in the talk of aliens in the last days. Sure enough, it's happening! You can't help but bump into news about UFOs lately.

Dear Reader, We are seeing a convergence of the end times signs. All of the pieces are in play. I hope you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior so you can be "caught up" and avoid the Tribulation.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12

"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:2

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." 1 Peter 3:18

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

Centennial Wheel

Bethany loves the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago.

dare to be holy in spite of men and devils

"Cowards never won heaven. Do not claim that you are begotten of God and have His royal blood running in your veins unless you can prove your lineage by this heroic spirit: to dare to be holy in spite of men and devils." William Gurnall

Capping Herb

Part of my day entails encapsulating some herbs to use as natural supplements. My Cap M Quik is close to 30 years old. It's cracked on one side from where I dropped it. It is stained from use and is missing the spacers, but it's still going! Capping my own allows me to know I am working with quality ingredients and can avoid unnecessary fillers companies use to lower their costs. I do buy supplements already capped, but I make a lot of my own too. My Cap M Quik machine is one of the best purchases I have ever made.

You Can Rest In (On) God's Word

Dear Reader, Even a very old half-blind and half-deaf chihuahua like Marty knows where to find true rest. I was tucked away in our vacation spot to get some time alone with the Lord. 

I laid my Bible on the bed and left the room. When I came back I saw she had snuggled up to the Word. I couldn't resist taking a picture and making a post about it. My love to all!

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Thanks Phil!

I blurred the address for our privacy.

Thank you, "Uncle" Phil, for the gift to the family!

When Clint saw his name was on it too, he was so happy.
I thought I'd have to arm wrestle him for what was inside until I saw you sent TWO big ones and a smaller one!!

Thank you from all of us!

Smarty Pants and H-Bug will enjoy this too!

Caleb Helping A Friend

My 22-year-old son does good work. Caleb's helping a buddy by turning a second-story of a shed into a living space.

Acrobatic Antics

After seeing cardinals, I put up a bird feeder at my getaway spot. The cardinals were loudly fussing, so I looked out and saw they had competition. It is a bold little thing! He or she just sits and looks at me when I open the window and talk to it. Hannah took one look at it and named it Charles. So Charles it is!

Do you know why this is significant?

Do you know why this is significant? 

Biblical red heifer could bring million visitors to Samaria

He's warning the unrepentant...

But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. Romans 2:5-13

Pray for Amanda

I can not share details about this situation now, but I may at a later date. All I can say is there are forces at work against her getting what she deserves. If you knew what was going on, you'd be outraged that she is being treated like this. Anyone would be. If you knew the reason why, it would anger most people. Sadly, what she is facing is a common problem in our society, but God is stronger. The situation has been ongoing for months with no end in sight. We have hope in the Lord that He will break through this barrier for her. Ask the Lord to destroy the obstacles. Ask him to encourage her and keep her going. Thank you very much! Please let me know how I can pray for you and yours.

Compost Tip aka Ditch One Chore and Save Money on Chicken Litter

A compost bin has to be turned and watered regularly. If you use a compost bin vs a pile, the container also needs to be cleaned out and washed. Some people check the temperature of their pile frequently, but I never have. Composting is not an overwhelming job. However, it is added work when you already have too much on your plate.

I used to keep compost piles and bins so I could be a good steward of our leftover organic material even though it added more to my to-do list.  

I gave away my barrel composter and stopped composting in a pile. I now toss everything into the chicken coop and let the chickens turn it over. They are very happy to do it too!

My chicken coop is very large. It use to be 40 x 20. I use to have peafowl in that pen and they needed the room. I have since cut that in half to 20 x 20. (I have so many chickens now that I may have to open it back up.) I use to keep straw for the litter in the coop to keep the chickens and their eggs cleaner. I don't do that anymore either.

Now, I take all of my organic matter including torn cardboard, and throw that into the coop as litter. The chickens turn it over and it breaks down much faster than it did when I was trying to compost it myself.

This has saved me time by reducing my workload by a few chores. It has cut my chicken feed costs because the chickens eat what they can. It draws insects to their coop which they gobble up immediately which further lowers my feed expense. I also save because I no longer buy litter. It has also saved room in the yard, and I don't have to mow around the pile or bins.

Whenever I need soil, I pull the top layer over and collect the soil I need from underneath. I am happier and the chickens are happier.

I still use one big bin I keep in one of my fenced gardens. I work to fill it all winter. When summer comes, I grow a heavy feeder, like a tomato plant, in it.

Clogged Ears?

 Ever since I was a child, I have had issues with my ears clogging which resulted in ear infections. I was told I have a curve in my ears that makes it easy for them to retain fluid. Recently, I was exposed to a cold virus which was very mild but had some congestion. Like always, it went straight to my ears.

My friend Tom has the same issues with everything going to his ears too. He was told about a device that helps open clogged ears. He tried it, and it helped him. He shared the name with me. Thank you, Tom!!

The NeilMed Eustachi is basically a gentle air pump that puts pressure into your sinus cavities. When you swallow while using it, it helps your eustachian tubes to open. The Eustachi does work. 

I started using it as soon as I received it. I found it worked better for me if I was sipping a straw while using it. Now, you have to get a firm seal as you apply it to your nostril. You have to pinch the other nostril closed and close your mouth. So, I received some strange looks as I sat there doing those things while drinking through a straw. 

My ears were seriously clogged, and it was making me miserable. A difference was felt the first few times I used it. I continued to use it about 20 times the first day. The next day, the pressure was not so oppressive. I could function at a higher level. I continued to use it on the second day and continued to see improvement day. By the third day, my ears were only a little congested. 

I did get a little dizzy feeling off and on, but that makes sense since our inner ears vestibular system influences balance. Other than that, it was very helpful to me. I am sharing here to help someone else with this aggravating condition.

My love to all!

 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. Daniel 9:27 

Make haste to get yourself right with Christ. Don't delay.
You will wake up one day to realize you have run out of opportunities.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12

"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:2

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." 1 Peter 3:18

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

Dear Reader, I care about you and your loved ones. Please do not put off getting yourself right with God through Jesus. If you have that blessed salvation through grace, then please share the gospel with others.

I believe we are so very close. There are Christians claiming we have another 10 to 20 to 30 years. I could be wrong, but I just do not see that myself. My lamp is filled with oil. Is yours?

Baby Loss Bereavement/Grief Resources

 N.O.A.H. No One Alone Here 

Broken Crayons Still Color Ministries

These are run by a Christian friend of a Christian friend. If you or someone you know is struggling with a baby loss, please check these resources out.

View from Navy Pier

Bethany shared the view at sunset at the Navy Pier in Chicago.

Homeschooling Truths

 Your homeschool day doesn’t have to begin at 8am.

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You can let your kids sleep in and you can drink an extra cup of coffee in the quiet.

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You can do morning time in the afternoon.

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You can do your read alouds in bed at night.

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You can homeschool in the evenings, on the weekends, or during baby’s naptime.

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You can get all your homeschooling done before 10am if you are early risers.

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You can homeschool in the pockets of your day - when you’re in the car, waiting for an appointment, while you’re cooking dinner, or on the sidelines of a sibling’s at soccer practice.

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Your homeschool rhythm doesn’t have to look anything like a traditional school day.

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The beauty of homeschooling is that you get to decide what works for your family. The where, when, and how is up to you - there is no wrong way to do it.

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If your family doesn’t like mornings, don’t pressure yourselves to begin your day early. This is the freedom of homeschooling.

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You can build your homeschool rhythms around your work schedule, farm chores, the seasons, or sleep schedules. This is the freedom of homeschooling.

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You can homeschool year-round, take a break every six weeks, or take an entire month off in the middle of the year because of illness, a new baby is born, you move across the country, or you need to care for a loved one. This is the freedom of homeschooling.

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Build your homeschool around the life you actually live - not the life the system says you’re supposed to live.

*copied and pasted from Facebook, author unknown

a commitment to holiness means

"As Christians, we are called to maintain lives that can be 'toured' by outsiders at any time, without embarrassment. A commitment to holiness means having a life that is always 'ready for company' and open for inspection--a life that can stand up to scrutiny--not just in the obvious things, but in the hidden places where most might not think to look." ~Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth from the book Holiness

#amazonaffiliate "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Friend's Daughter Needs Lifesaving Surgery

I am friends with Lynelle, Lydia's mother. This is a legit need for help. I share that info because I know how sketchy online fundraisers can be. Lynelle and Lee raise sheep in Virginia and are hardworking, salt-of-the-earth people. 

"Hi, my name is Lee and my wife and I found out today that our youngest daughter Lydia has been diagnosed with a mass in her abdomen. It is the size of a flattened basketball and it is compressing her internal organs. She is in a lot of pain and has lost over 40 lbs in the past month. She has yet to be scheduled for surgery at UNC Hospital. Unfortunately she has no insurance other than Medicaid. She is scared and worried about all of this. She's only 21 and has come through a lot in her life."

https://gofund.me/fd34b777

no longer condemn or hate a brother

“I can no longer condemn or hate a brother for whom I pray, no matter how much trouble he causes me. His face, that hitherto may have been strange and intolerable to me, is transformed in intercession into the countenance of a brother for whom Christ died, the face of a forgiven sinner.” ―Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Prayer, real prayer, is not only hard work; it is transformative! As you sincerely pray for them, you find love for them despite the trouble between you. Real prayer moves the mountains in your heart. If I am still angry or bitter about how someone wronged me or others, I know *I* need to humbly go back to the Lord and work it out with Him by praying for that person like I would pray for myself.

HAPPY 4th of July!

 HAPPY 4th of July!

to our family and friends

near and far, 

old and new,

close and estranged

from The Asbell Family!

Thank You Father for making us American citizens and giving us the freedom, privileges, and responsibility you have blessed upon us!
May we conduct ourselves as worthy servants and bring YOU glory!

Dear Reader, Our country faces many challenges now and in the future, but I am still very thankful to be an American where I have experienced great freedom. No matter where you live, I hope you know the freedom that comes from knowing Christ.

John 8:36

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

I love living along a salt marsh by the river...

...I have been told numerous times that my home is a place of "rest and beauty" "where time slows down." Since I live in an old farmhouse with a "practical whatever works and lasts" decorating style I knew they were referring to where our home is located rather than the actual house. 

I never put much thought into why people feel so relaxed here until recently when I came across an article about how scenic beauty is good for mental health in that it reduces stress and elevates mood. Scenic beauty is definitely abundant from the swaying reeds to the whispering pines to the water birds to the different hues of color the river takes on, and, let's not forget the spectacular sunrises and sunsets! I also love watching a storm come in from the river.

The rich biodiverse ecosystem draws so many creatures for a fantastic and up-close observation of wildlife. I pause frequently to watch the osprey build their nests and train their young or to see the crows chase off a bald eagle or observe a mama raccoon work hard to feed her young. Graceful deer show off their babies in our front yard even while we are on the deck.

There is so much to enjoy here. Boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and photography allow me to slow down and thank the Lord for the gorgeous place I call home. 

Homeschooling along the river was beneficial for my children. They not only made use of valuable educational opportunities, but they also conducted science experiments. One of my children even earned a scholarship and an opportunity to work with scientists for a day because he experimented with bull minnows by decreasing their water salinity. Being here gave my children a deeper appreciation and awareness of this fragile system and helped make them aware of how to be better stewards of it.

Then there is the blessing of seeing my neighbors benefit from the area in which we live. Most of our neighbors are watermen who fish or shellfish harvest. Others host sightseeing or historical tours and/or fishing expeditions for the many tourists who come to our community. Many of our neighbors have a crab pot or two that help feed their families. I know where a pastor likes to go fishing for striped bass to feed his growing boys. We also have many neighbors who hunt deer, rabbits, turkeys, and etc to not only feed their families but to provide meals through local charities.

The peaceful days with the views of nothing but nature all around me have given me a sense of solitude which has been good for my healing. God knew what He was doing when He led us to this 14-acre haven along the river. I am so thankful to Him for providing it as a place to raise our children. I would be content to spend the rest of my days here. 

Dear Reader, There are only a few things I do not like about where I live. I do not like mosquitoes, but I have learned a lot in recent years about how to keep their numbers low. (Build a shallow pond as a "trap" and put hungry minnows in it.) I did not particularly enjoy it when Hurricane Isabel flooded our home by 18 inches, but I am thankful for the trust in the Lord, self-reliance skills, patience, endurance, and more that grew from that one experience. Overall though, I am absolutely thrilled with where God has given us to call our earthly home. It's like He placed it here just for me. Do you love where you live? How has it been a blessing in your life? 

Text Message Bible Lessons

Evaluate:

1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love for the father is not in them.

Where does the devotion of your time, attention, and financial investment go? That will tell you what you love the most. 

Tip: 

James 1:5 Now, if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given unto him.

If you want wisdom to know how to love God better than the world, all you have to do is pray and ask Him to help you do that. He will bless a sincere prayer and a sincere effort.

The litmus test: Does this person, place, thing take me closer to or take me further from God?

Dear Reader, I am not a pastor or a Bible teacher, but I still make an effort to build up my children's faith with text message lessons like this one. I usually do a short summary of a sermon I have just finished and use voice to text or short videos to keep from typing so much. How do you use technology to build up other's faith?