AA Update

So, it's been awhile since I last update you on what was going on around here at Asher Acres.  Pretty much, it's been busy. :D  We've been working on a dog kennel which I'll be showing pictures of once it's completed (I have pictures of start to finish) and that's been keeping Dad and Abigail quite busy.  We've had awesome weather around here with our first snow on Friday the 27th.  It was warm and sunny yesterday again though and everyone just loves being outside at the end of November.  Last winter was LONG and no one was really looking forward to being stuck up in the house again.  I think we are all finally settling down now though and are now entertaining positive thoughts about that white fluffy stuff. 

Abigail lost her camera for a while and no one really took any pictures but I just downloaded like 300+ so I'm just going to put some pictures up here from the last while.  Then over this week I'll kinda go through a few stories that have pictures attached that happened a little while ago.  For example....playing in the leaves, Millie's trip to the vet, Black Friday, etc.  :)

Here are just a few random photos!  Don't you just love those?  :D

 Abigail on Daisy and Rachel on Hoss out for a ride.

 

 Our Livestock Judging team in the newspaper.

God's blessings!

~Bethany~

The Cross (14)

I'm Thankful for Jesus Dying for Us

The last few days we've been going around the table and saying something we're thankful for.  Almost every time, one of the little ones will say "I'm thankful for Jesus dying for us".  So simply said but how powerful!  I also want to add....I'm thankful for Jesus raising for us!  Dying is one thing, but He rose again so that we may live!  Praise to Him!  Thank you Jesus!  Here is a poem I thought summed it up pretty well:

Thank-You for the Cross

Thank-you for the cross dear Lord,

For the sacrifice You made.

For giving up Your life for me,

Such love You have displayed.

No one else would ever die,

So my heart could be free.

I’m overwhelmed and filled with love,

At what You did for me.

Thank-you for the cross dear Lord,

For the price that you did pay.

Tears stream down my face again,

And I bow my head and pray.

The thought of You up on that cross,

Just makes me want to say.

Thank-you Jesus for the cross,

I’ll thank You every day.

Thank-you for the cross dear Lord,

For dying just for me.

For all the pain You suffered,

While nailed upon that tree.

And for all the pain You felt,

When You felt hell’s fire.

Praising You and thanking You,

Is my heart’s desire.

Thank-you Jesus for Your love,

It warms and fills my heart.

I know because of what You did,

We’ll never be apart.

Because You died I’ll never die,

You paid the price for me.

Thank-you for the cross dear Lord,

You’re love has set me free.

                                                     ~Nancy Burr

Well, this concludes our 14 days of Thankfullness posts!   Let's not forget to be thankful however, for the all the wonderful things that our Awesome God has given to us. 

In Christ,

~Bethany~

5 Senses (13)

I'm Thankful for my 5 Senses

Sight, Hearing, Taste, Touch and Smell....5 senses that I was born with at birth and take for-granted every day. 

Eyes: I have green/blue eyes.  When I was about 11 or 12 I got glasses, but now I'm looking into getting contacts.  We'll see.  :)  I use my eyes constantly (except for when I'm sleeping) and am so thankful for them!

Ears: I won't give a description on those, other than the fact I have selective acute hearing.  :D  Like out in the woods, I can hear squirrels 150 yards away,  but at home when everyone is talking at once, I can't hear any of them.  I'm so thankful that both ears work very well though.  Never had any problems with either one.

Tongue (taste-buds) - Wow, without taste-buds, what good would all the food we are preparing for today be?  I don't know, but I sure know I'm awfully thankful for each and every one of those little spots on my tongue. 

Hands: Ok, hands can be used for so many things!  From physical labor to holding a pencil and writing an essay, hands can be such a blessing!  A mother's hand on a hot child's brow, a father's hand guiding his children. 

Smell: Wooohooo!  I love this one!  I love the smell of cookies baking or supper cooking.  I love the smell of the outdoors or steaks on the charcoal grill.  Yeppers, it's sure something to be thankful for!

~Bethany~

Blogger Friends (12)

Blogger friends!

In my 2 1/2 years of blogging I have met some really really awesome bloggers.  Though I may not be the best at commenting, don't worry my friends, I am defiantly checking them!  They are such a blessing and encouragement to me.   Today, in this Thankfullness post I am also going to do two different awards that I was recently given.  Thank you to Riah and Eldarwen for these awards!

The rules are:
1.  Thank the person who gave it to you.
2.  Copy the award.
3.  Post it on your blog.
4.  Tell your readers seven things they don't know about you.
5.  Pick seven other blogs to award it to.
6.  Notify the winners by leaving a comment on their blog.
7.  Keep on shinning the light of Christ to others. 

Seven things:
1.  I play the piano and have a lot of piano"homework" in the next 10 weeks. 
2.  I have hunted for 4 years and still am "deerless".
3.  I love history!
4.  I do not wear makeup.  Ever. :D (you all know that stuff has pig blood in it, right?)
5.  I love reading....almost through the Left Behind series!
6.  My bedroom is decorated in woodsy colors with buck border.
7.  I don't like raisins.

(ok, so was that random enough?)

I award:

Anyone who's favorite season is SPRING!

Here are the rules:

If you receive this award, pass it on to as many people as you can, and give a reason why.

I pass this on to anyone who wants it!  All of my friends in the blogger word are my friends in Christ!  Love you all!

God's blessings,
~Bethany~

GoodWill & Aldi (11)

I'm thankful for GoodWill and Aldi!

GoodWill and Aldi are two of the best stores around for familes like us.....they have been a huge blessing to us!  Aldi has awesome, everyday food for great prices and of course GoodWill is AMAZING!  Most of our show outfits have come from there....not to mention all of our other clothing! 

~Bethany~

America (10)

I'm Thankful for America

"I pledge allegiance

to the flag

of the United States of America

and to the republic for which it stands:

one nation under God, indivisible,

with liberty and justice for all.

I am thankful for my country and the freedoms it holds.  We see in the Bill of Rights that we hold the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to bear arms and freedom of the press.  While we may be seeing some of the freedoms in peril, we still have them and we need to hold on to them tight.  These freedoms are a blessing and we can't let them go.  God bless America!

~Bethany~

Home (9)

 I'm Thankful for MY HOME!

I have always lived on a farm, and have always enjoyed the peace and quiet found in the country.  We moved out to the middle of nowhere nearly 7 years ago when our farm was just a cow pasture.  Since then, we have built a house (and home), barns, herds, and a wonderful life.  I am so thankful to my parents for all they have done to make my life what it is now.

~Bethany~

FFA & 4H (8)

I'm Thankful for FFA & 4H

FFA and 4H have helped form me into the person I am.  Before I joined 4H (that came first), I was shy, timid and really quite afraid to talk in front of groups of people.  Being on the officer team of our goat club really helped me get over that.  When I joined FFA, giving a speech in front of judges, really helped me expand.  I've since discovered my love for speaking in front of groups.  Then when livestock judging came around, I was able to learn so much about livestock!  My showmanship skills will even be helped because of it.  I learned so much, and all because of 4H and FFA.  Now my advisers are helping me discover my leadership skills and how best to put them to use.  This isn't even including all the awesome people I've met because of it.  FFA and 4H have been a huge, wonderful part of my life.

Food (7)

I'm thankful for Food!

 PIZZA

 

 Spaghetti Casserole

 

 Chicken soup

 

 Pancakes

 

Cinnamon rolls

T Bone.....oh yeah baby!

This is for Ben (5) - CANDY!

During these difficult economic times, many find it hard to even get food on the table.  My dad has been so blessed with enough work this fall and we never have to fear going to bed hungry.  Sad thing is, it is often taken for-granted (though I rarely forget it :D) .

God's blessings!

~Bethany~

Friendships (6)

I'm Thankful for Friends!

I have been blessed with many wonderful friendships.  Several years ago, after we moved, I thought I would never find any friends in our area.  I seemed to be the only girl my age, it was kinda depressing.  After much prayer, I have been blessed with many wonderful Christian friends as well as kept one of the best relationships with my dear friends Jenna, Josh, and their whole family.  It's so amazing and refreshing to be able to share our real thoughts without worrying if we will hurt or offend each other.  To all of my awesome friends.....thank you for you friendship!  You all are such a blessing to me. 

 Ben, Anna and Natalie

 

Jenna and I

All of us playing in the water on a hot summer day while the parents show their wisdom and sit in the shade.

 Late night fair prep.

 

 Fun at the fair (Abigail with some girlfriends)

 

Danielle and I on our way to butcher chickens. :)

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls for he has no one to help him up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Prov 17:17 

 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Prov 18:24

~Bethany~

My Family (5)

I'm Thankful for:

MY FAMILY!

Joshua 24:15  But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.  But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

I am so thankful for my awesome family!  I don't know what I would do without any of them.  I love you all!

A sister in Christ,
~Bethany~

P.S. Eldarwen Failariel @ The Faithful Elven Princess is hosting a giveaway at her blog!  Check it out!  Some very cool prizes there.  :) 

Medicine & Doctors (4)

I'm Thankful for...

MEDICINE & DOCTORS

 

 

 Yep, again I got all of these pictures off Google. :P

After being sick for the last 30+ hours, I am very thankful for medicine and doctors!  Last night I felt like I was dying when I was choking on a swollen throat full of a thick mucous that I couldn't cough up.  I had a nice high fever of 102.8 and of course that brought on the chills.  Yeah, I was pretty miserable.  This morning though, I am feeling much much better!  I no longer can talk for the time being, but I guess that's ok as long as I'm not on my back.  Hopefully I can get out hunting again!!!!!  Yeah baby! :)

God's blessing to you all,
~Bethany~

Wildlife (3)

I'm thankful for WILDLIFE! :) :D 


Today is the opening day for firearm deer season!  I've seen a nice 6 point, a spike buck and a few does so far.  Still haven't gotten anything yet though.  :(  A neighbor of ours got a 10 point across the road.  Congratulations Jason!  I think I'm going to head back out now and see if I can get something this evening.  They might be all scared by this point though.  :(  Anyway, it's been a pretty decent day. 

Genesis 10:9

He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; that is why it is said, "Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD.

Genesis 27:3 

Now then, get your weapons—your quiver and bow—and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me.


Genesis 27:30

After Isaac finished blessing him and Jacob had scarcely left his father's presence, his brother Esau came in from hunting.

Genesis 1:26

And 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 fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Genesis 1:28

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

White Tailed Deer

Paint Turtles

 Coons!

 

 Coyotes

 

 Pheasant

 

Squirrel

 

Bluebird 

 

Turkey

Rabbit

God bless!
~Bethany~

BTW, I got all of these pictures off Google images.  :)

Music (2)

I am thankful for MUSIC!

 Psalm 96

Sing to the LORD a new song; 

sing to the LORD, all the earth.

Psalm 98

  Sing to the LORD a new song,
       for he has done marvelous things;
       his right hand and his holy arm
       have worked salvation for him.

Psalm 149

  Praise the LORD.
       Sing to the LORD a new song,
       his praise in the assembly of the saints.

Isaiah 42:10

Sing to the LORD a new song,
       his praise from the ends of the earth,
       you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it,
       you islands, and all who live in them.

 There are many beautiful different kinds of music that affect me in different way, and I am so thankful for it!  We had the privilege of being able to see 33 Miles last evening, so that was kinda cool.  Oh, and if you were wondering....I play piano too.  :)

God bless!
~Bethany~

license...potatoes....freedom (1)

Good morning everyone! :)
First things first, I am now a level 2 licensed driver!  I'm pretty excited, and so thankful to have segment 1, 50 hours of drive time, segment 2, skills test, road test and 2 written state tests(1 for segment 1, 1 for segment 2) all behind me.  It's a great feeling.

Second things second :).......I just thought I'd let you know what the potato picture is up on top of this post is for.  Our ag class is going to go dig potatoes from a field today!  The owner of the field is donating as many as we can dig to the food pantry.  I'm always rather amazed at how generous the kids in this class are, from donating all their pocket change (gathering $100 in one day) to a girl with leukemia, to gathering potatoes for the food pantry, it's pretty awesome.

And last but not least, my 1st thing I am thankful for!  I am thankful for our country's freedom of religion.  I just hope and pray that it will remain in our constitution and that we will always hold on to that freedom.

Have a wonderful wonderful day and God's blessings to you all!
~Bethany~

Lottsa News :)

I am going to participate in this 14 day Thankfulness series!  If you want to join...it will be a great way to thank your wonderful Lord!

As for other news, I got to the doctor yesterday.  They have me on a medication to see if it's just inflammation.  I got back in 2 weeks if it's still hurting and will have to go in for an MRI most likely. 

Another great woooohoooooo!  I should be getting my license today!  Yaaaayyy!

And one more thing....a prayer request for my dear friends' mother:  She has been having some severe back pain and they have requested prayer for her.  If you could join me,  they would be very thankful.

God bless dear ones!
~Bethany~

Thank you Veterans!

Veteran’s Day Tribute When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand. They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife. They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars. Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought. We salute each and every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave. So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.By Joanna Fuchs Thank you to all of the wonderful men and women who faithfully and lovingly serve our country!   Your work is greatly appreciated!
~Bethany~

I passed!

Just for everyone's information....I passed!  I passed my road test, so now on to Secretary of State today.  Woohoooo!  Thank you for your prayers everyone.  Oh, and one more quick bit of juicy information....Braces are coming off today!  Another quick woohoooo!  :)  Thought I'd quick share that with all you great followers.  :)

Prayer Requests!

I have a couple of quick prayer requests:

#1. My shoulder has really been hurting me lately.  I don't know exactly what's going on since this has been going on for a few months.  We're going to try to get into the doctor soon, but it's been tough since they are always full because of sickness.  Please pray that it's nothing serious and that we can figure out what we need to do to make it not so painful.

#2. I'm taking my driver's test today!  Please pray that I remain calm and that everything goes well!

Thank you everyone!  Prayer is powerful!

James 5:13-16
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

~Bethany~

Tagged!

1. Do you like to write? I love to write.....which is one of the reasons I started up several blogs.  :)  I also have written poems (which I personally think need some drastic help) and some "plays".  For a few particular people....I believe our writing skills will be put to a test quite soon, what do you think? 



2.Favorite books? Ok really, I could fill this whole post with good book titles.  I love reading, but I'll just give you a few titles.  :)  Currently I've been reading The Left Behind Series, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, The Great Train Robbery (though not exactly one I recommend, I'm just reading it for History), FFA history books, agriscience stuff, etc, etc, etc.  You get the idea?  :)



3. Do you compose music/write songs? I wish I wish I wish....but alas, I was born without the creativity gene. 


4. Do you like poetry? Don't even get me started.  I kinda go crazy reading poetry.  BTW, you have to read poetry out loud, it just doesn't come alive if you don't.  ( I know, you're already all rolling your eyes)


5. Love someone so much who made you cry?  Um yeah, yeah, yeah. 



6. Broken a bone? Nope!  Thank you Lord!  So far I've made it without ever going to the hospital (except for when I was born, so actually I never really did "go to the hospital", I just was already there) and hopefully that won't change with my shoulder. 



7.Been in a police car? Hmmm, seems to me like I was but I can't remember when.  Probably for some homeschool field trip. 



8.Been on a boat? Oh yeah!  I love boating, it's an awesome experience.  I don't know if I like motorboats or rowboats better.  Gotta work for those rowboats, but what can be better than the squeak of an old rowboat when heading out on a small private lake for some good fishing on a pretty spring day?


9.Fallen asleep in school? I don't know.  I don't ever remember falling asleep, but maybe I did. 



10. Did you sing today? Ummmm yep!  We do sing frequently around here.....lol



11.KFC, Popeyes, or Church's? Okay, what are KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken???), Popeyes, or Church's??? Ok, I think I've only had KFC, so I'll have to go with that.  Unlike my friends, I like greasy food.  :)  I know I know, not good for me but occasionally it won't hurt.  :) 


12.Chick-fil-a or What-a-burger? Never been to either....


13.Starbucks of McCafe? Ok, I'm not a coffee drinker at all, and everyone else is going to gouge me, but guess what...McCafe!!!!  (Come on, when you don't like it, why pay more anyway? lol)


14.What's your favorite time of year? Tough.  I don't think I could live every year in the heat (like all  you southerners) nor could I live in the cold all the time (like all you northerners).  I like Michigan with all the different seasons, so I guess I like each one for their variety. 



15.Do you ever talk to yourself? Oh yes. I talk to myself, argue with myself and actually make up intelligent conversations with myself on occasion.  Yeah, there is no better company than me, myself and I.  :P



16.Do you have a favorite treat you like to buy on occasion? McFlurry? 



17. Do you believe the Bible is the literal Word of God and is infallible? Absolutely, no doubt about it.  John 1:1


18. What's your favorite sport? FOOTBALL!  I'm a fanatic, and I don't even get to watch it that much.  To me, it's fascinating.  :)



19. What color is your ipod? Ahhhhhh, no ipod!!!!  What is wrong with me????? 



20. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Anywhere?  Anywhere does mean anywhere, so I guess......visit every one of the amazing 50 states of America.



21.If you could go to any fictional place, where would you go? The island in Robinson Crusoe. 


22.Do you love to write or do you just like writing? Or do you write at all? yes, yes yes.  I love writing, I like writing, and seeing as how I am currently writing....I do write at all.  ???  I'm confusing myself. 


23.What do you want to be when you’re a grown up? #1. Wife #2. Mother #3. Crop Farm Manager #4. Farmer #5. Grandmother (ok, you get the idea?)


24.Favorite animal? Farm animals; dairy goats, dairy cattle, beef cattle, hogs.



25. Favorite song? "Just the way He was Raised"


26.Do you like school? Like what part, book study or the ag stuff?  Honestly though, I guess I love both (though ag stuff comes quickly to the top).



27.Are you a people person? Sometimes.  I used to be really shy, but I'm slowly coming out of my shell and stepping out of my comfort zone more. 



28. Do you like to talk? Depends who you ask.  Josh, Jenna, Abigail, Emily, Jill?  Yeah, you all think I talk a lot.  However, many other have called me very quiet. 


29.Favorite food? Homemade ravioli!  Yeah baby! 



30.Hobbies? FFA, 4H, Raising, breeding and showing dairy goats, reading, writing, photography




31.'Favorite author? Harris boys (any/all of them)



32. Favorite weapon? 20 gauge shotgun or compound bow



33.Is this a fun tag or are you getting bored? It's still interesting!



34.Do you like Hannah Montana and all those girly people and movies like Highschool Musical? Ok, I confess.  It's my secret life.  I love Hannah Montana and strive to be like her every day.
(as a matter of fact, I can't stand Hannah Montana and all those girly people, though I do feel sorry for them.  They have no life.)



35.What are you scared of? Obama and America's future.



36.Favorite flower? Violets


37.What is the expression on your face? Grinning, don't ask me why!  :D


38. Color of your eyes? green/blue

Ok, so do you all know why more about me?  Or did you know all this already?  :)  Comment and let me know!  Hey, if you stuck through with me this whole time, I'm tagging YOU to do this on your blog!  God bless!

Have a good evening all!
~Bethany~

Poultry Contest!

 Hey all!  I have a picture update on how our poultry contest went.  We arrived @ the center early (7:45 a.m.) to pick out our chickens and were on the road by 8:30.  After a 2 hour long bus ride, we arrived in Fowlerville and were brought through the whole process.  We had to gut our own chickens (no problem for me, I've done that since I was probably 4) so the two girls on our team (me and another girl) rolled up our sleaves to get in there and "git 'er done".  We had three chickens and needed a third person but COULD NOT get any of those 5 boys to come and do it.  Blah.  The guy finally made one of them do it, but good grief, how hard is it?  Our team did ok (we had the heaviest weight of the BACC, though the individual bird numbers were low), then we hopped back on the bus for the 2 hour long ride back.  We arrived back just in time to be released though I stayed after and cleaned my hog pen.  I really should have gotten a picture of him, sorry I totally forgot about it!

Ahhh, bus rides are so exciting!  NOT!

Hanging.....Killing.....Bleeding out.......Dipping in hot water

The awesome plucker.  It was a nice one, cleaned up the birds really really well.

The finished product.  We got to take a couple home.  They'll make that 4 hours of driving worth while.  :)

Well, that's just a few pictures!  Hope that'll make everyone feel better (I know it makes me feel better!)

BTW, be checking out our new blog, Beyond the Cover!!!!

Have a wonderful, blessed day,

~Bethany~