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HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman

 

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1/17/05 BONUS STORAGE, PHOTOGRAPHY IDEAS, PROVERBS, TROOPS, PEACE

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IN THIS ISSUE:

DISCOVERING BONUS STORAGE SPACE RIGHT IN YOUR OWN HOME

UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY IDEAS

PICTURE BOOK OF PROVERBS

PASTOR TALKS OF HEAVEN IN SERMON, LOOKS UP AND MEETS JESUS!

FULLY ALIVE IN 2005

ANSWERS TO BIBLE PUZZLE FROM LAST WEEK

WHO SHOULD BREW THE COFFEE?

A  JOYOUS WELCOME TO PRECIOUS NEW "HEART TO HEART" BLESSINGS!

GOD AT WORK IN ADOPTING ELIZABETH

TO ELIZABETH 

PRAY FOR THE TROOPS!

PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING

 

 

DISCOVERING BONUS STORAGE SPACE RIGHT IN YOUR OWN HOME

By Lois Breneman, © 2004 - Revised 2005, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected] 

All of us have probably said how we need more storage space in our homes.  First of all, getting rid of all those things we really don't need will cut way down on the needed storage space.  Then how about investigating every available space in your home and putting it to good use if you are still in need of more storage space?  In many cases it is available and just waiting to be found!  Here are some clues as to where you can discover extra bonus space right in your own home!

 

Hang a clear vinyl pocket organizer inside the linen closet to hold bandaids, small tubes of medications, a thermometer, ball syringes, etc.  Everything will be easy to see and locate quickly when needed.

 

Hang another clear vinyl pocket organizer inside the coat closet for sunglasses, gloves, scarves, fold up umbrellas, etc. 

 

Hang more clear vinyl pocket organizers inside your children's closet doors, unless the doors are louvered.  I'm sure you will agree that small things stored in these pockets are so much better than scattered all around their rooms!  And everything will all be visible through the clear vinyl!

 

If you are in the process of building or remodeling your home, you may want to consider adding one built-in locker for each family member - near the door, all in a row.  I have seen this plan carried out in the home of a friend and the mother raved how they all loved the convenience of keeping each person's coat, boots, gloves, school books, backpack, etc. right by the door.  The mother also loved how each person was responsible for his or her own personal locker!  A great idea!

 

If you have a deep closet or pantry where things seem to get lost, store items on trays that can be pulled out, so you have full access to everything and are able to find what you need.

 

Small round wooden tables that can be purchased for as little as $5 (on sale) can provide lovely hidden storage!  With a round tablecloth draped down to the floor, no one will ever know what you have hidden there and it provides a nice decorative touch to a bedroom, living room, family room, great room, dining room or sunroom.  A round piece of glass can be purchased to set on top of the tablecloth for protection from spills.  A large round lacy doily or a smaller square piece of contrasting fabric placed over the tablecloth can change the whole appearance.

 

Use empty decorative ceramic containers for storage, as well as decoration.  Examples: Pretty ginger jars, covered ceramic dishes, vases or teapots.  Painted milk cans can hold umbrellas.

 

In the bathroom install shelves to set on or above the tank of the commode for additional space.  Every bathroom can use more storage and this is an excellent space to use. 

 

Use a hanging shelf that slips over the shower head to hold shampoo, conditioner and razors.

 

A shallow overhead shelf or two up high at the end of the bathtub is another possibility.

 

Slide under-the-bed boxes -- where else but under the beds!  I'm sure you can think of something to store in those (gifts, out-of-season shoes or clothing, etc.).

 

Have you thought of storing things under sofas and chairs with skirts?  Yes, even there! 

 

A shallow cabinet (about one or two inches deep) would be sufficient to hold necklaces and bracelets with cup hooks or even push pins to hold them.  Hang it behind a bedroom door where it would be protected by a rubber door stop.  A beautiful painting could even be attached to the front.  Or use the space in the back of your bedroom closet to hang necklaces and bracelets.  Many closets have wooden strips around the wall for the shelves.  Insert push pins into the wood to hang necklaces and bracelets.  This works great and keeps them out of sight.

 

Hang bookshelves along the wall above a desk or computer to make good use of that unused space. 

 

In many homes it would work to enclose the area under the stairs for storage, with a door.  It's amazing how much can be stored there.

 

Inside a closet door, attach lightweight plastic-covered wire shelves designed to slip over the back of a door or fastened onto the inside of the door.  This will hold so much and keep all the contents right at your fingertips.

 

If a closet has too much empty space between the shelves, add another shelf or two for more

organized storage and better use of the space. 

 

Look carefully at each closet and find a way to use all the available space.  By using baskets, square plastic tubs or plastic shoe boxes (with lids) on closet shelves, they can be stacked to maximize the available space.  Be sure to label all containers to make it easy to locate various items.

 

Under-the-shelf storage can be purchased in plastic-coated wire to be slipped on a shelf to make use of that unused space under the shelf.

 

Building shelves directly above your washer and dryer is a great idea, because that is normally wasted space.  Use either open shelves or enclosed cabinets for laundry supplies and many other items. 

 

Stacking makes use of extra space.  At least three six drawer organizers (without the wheels attached, of course) can be stacked to provide organized storage for papers, audio tapes, office supplies, scrapbooking supplies, rubber stamping supplies, sewing supplies, crafts, etc.

 

Add an extra shelf to the floor of a closet, simply raising the shelf up with two bricks on each end.  This will provide extra storage space for shoes.  Use a board that you stained, painted to match the room or covered with matching contact paper.

 

In a child's room, stuffed animals could be stored and displayed in mesh, hanging from the ceiling in a corner of the room.  You can find fish netting in stores for this purpose.

 

Shelves built around one or more walls about 12 to 18 inches below the ceiling of a child or teen's room provide not only storage, but decoration as well.  The personality and interests of your child can be displayed for your enjoyment and theirs.

 

Continue looking for unused space in your home.  Hopefully these ideas of finding bonus storage space in your home will help us all to be more organized.

 

 

UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY IDEAS

By Lois Breneman, © 2005, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected] 

 

I enjoy photography and it has been interesting to try unique photography ideas that I have either seen or thought of.  Be sure to zoom in when you want a close-up.  If you have a digital camera, you can zoom in even after the picture is taken.  Why not try a few of these ideas:

 

Baby's hand in Daddy's hand

Baby's feet in Daddy's hand

Baby sitting, wearing nothing but a cap, turning back, as you snap the picture

Baby sitting in a fall basket with pumpkins and colorful autumn flowers all around

Child hugging pumpkin or bending down to pick it up

Baby, posed to look like he's just fallen out of a basket

Baby boy wearing only a diaper and Daddy's necktie

Baby sleeping on tummy, with knees under tummy - large bow with streamers on his back

Baby in large clay pot - baby's head sticking out among lots of silk flowers - bow around pot

Newborn baby held up beside Mom's face - wearing birthday suit, held discreetly, of course

Hold baby up so the brilliant blue sky and/or a fluffy cloud are in the only background 

Baby holding barbell up in air (Use covered empty tin cans on a dowel rod)

All the family's hands together in a circle

All the family's feet together in a circle  (with and without shoes and socks)

All the family's heads together in a circle

Two members of the family taking a bite out of the same apple at the same time - 123 - Go!

Small child holding a flower - close-up of chubby little hands, face and flower

Small child sitting on the base of a large truck or tractor tire

Toddler trying to pull Daddy in his wagon

Tiny sleeping baby on Mom and Dad's large bed - photograph entire bed

Small child standing behind a small chair

Small child sitting on a small chair

Small child sitting - call him from the back and snap picture as he turns around

Child standing with Daddy's shoes on his own little feet

Little girl in Mommy's high heels

Child holding family dog or cat

Child posing with pet hamster sitting on her on shoulder

Child leaning over, hugging a big beach ball

Child holding baseball and bat, wearing a baseball cap

Child standing by a pillar - with hand resting on pillar

Toddler standing in birthday suit or diaper, painting picture on easel - snap from back or side

Future big brother/sister with head on mommy's tummy - talking to and loving unborn baby 

One child teaching another the hand motions of, "Here's the church and here is the steeple.  Let's go in and look at all the people."

Child with blocks

Child with Teddy bear or doll

Baby (at about 6 months) sitting in a large stock pot, wearing chef's hat with vegetables in front

Child with apples all around him. (Also all kinds of fruit and vegetables around him)

Child with teapot and cup, all dressed up for a tea - wearing a hat with dolls and Teddy bears

Great-grandma and little girl, all dressed up having a tea party with a big Teddy bear

Oldest family member holding tiny baby or youngest member of family

Little girl putting rollers in Mommy's hair from behind, while Mom looks in hand mirror at self

Profile of a child wearing a hat

Daddy and child walking down a path - take picture from behind

Children holding hands, walking away from you - take picture from behind

Daddy and child fishing, then holding up fish caught

Child on bike - picture taken from behind wheel of another bicycle with that tire showing also

Person silhouetted against the moon

Person silhouetted against the sunrise or sunset

Person wearing yellow, standing by a blooming crab apple tree against the brilliant blue sky

Small child, bending over, picking or smelling flower

Small child blowing a dandelion seed pod

Child taking a bath with a frog - frog on side of tub and child reaching for it

Children in bib overalls and baseball caps - arms around each other - snap front and back

Family all standing together on a Japanese bridge

Family all standing on the stairs, behind a railing - with youngest peeking through railing

Lit string of lights on floor - baby on tummy or sitting in the midst of them, looking up at you

Young child, reaching for an ornament on the Christmas tree

Picture of your house - each family member sticking head outside of different windows, wearing bright colors (red and green for a Christmas card)

Toddler walking toward ocean waves - snap from back

Toddler bending over, picking up sea shells

Child, balancing as he walks across a log

Children, acting out the Christmas story

Children in bright colors, facing to the side, one behind another, as if in walking formation, but with the leg of one person forming an X with the leg of another. 

Children in bright colors, standing in autumn leaves with hands full of leaves.  At the count of 3, they all jump as high as they can and throw the leaves up in the air at the same time.

Separate close-up shots of different parts of child's body - face, hands, feet, toes, ear, nose, eye, entire body - Frame each part separately and hang together - or use a large frame with smaller frames within.

Four or five generations of your family

First day of school each year

 

A Few Trick Shots:

        *One person holding another person (or almost anything) in palm of his hand - Position main person closest to you on a lower lever than the person held in the hand.  The tiny person or thing which will appear to be in the main person's hand must be back farther and in a higher position.  The photographer will give prompting to the main person and to the one farther away, to move left, right, forward or backward, until it appears that the main person is holding the other in the palm of his hand.

       * Falling off of Pikes Peak - pose on top of a cliff as though you are hanging on for dear life.  From the view of the photographer, all he can see is the cliff and you against the sky, even though you are on solid ground on the other side of the cliff.  Your face should show fear and terror as though you are falling.

        *Another falling shot - Have a ladder up against a sundeck or other high location.  Have a young child at the top of the ladder, with Daddy right behind.  Shoot a picture of your child pretending to be falling from the sundeck with a terrified look on his face.  He won't really be falling, of course, but from where you are standing, the ladder nor Daddy will be visible.

 

 

PICTURE BOOK OF PROVERBS
By Lois Breneman, © 2005, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected] 

 

Through the years I have collected interesting pictures and filed them to be used in making children's story books.  Although I haven't gotten very far with this, when my children were small, hopefully I will have a chance to use the pictures to make more books for my grandchildren.  Years ago I made two small picture books using many scriptures from Proverbs. They are still family treasures many years later, and now they are laminated to preserve them for many more years.  One book includes miscellaneous scriptures of wisdom, including a picture of a lovely house.  The scripture to go with that picture was for my benefit as I read the book to my children: "It is better to live in the corner of a rooftop than to dwell with a crabby Lwoman in a lovely house."  Proverbs 21:9 

 

The other book is about discipline (What God Says about Discipline and Love).  My daughter suggested I add, "And Love," to the first part, because as I was learning in a Bible study how to discipline my children as a young mother, I was taught to first ask the child privately why she thought she needed discipline.  Then I told her that I needed to obey God as her mother, and discipline her so she would learn to obey and do right.  After the discipline was administered (a spanking, if defiance was shown), I would love her and pray with her.  That step about loving made an impression on her at a young age, in her suggesting that the words, "And Love" be added to the title.  I was glad the love concept registered!

 

Speaking of Proverbs, there are 31 chapters in that book of the Bible.  For extra wisdom and common sense, read the chapter that corresponds with each day's date.  On the 17th of each month, read Proverbs 17, and so on.  You can begin on any day of the month, so why not begin today?

 

 

PASTOR TALKS OF HEAVEN IN SERMON, LOOKS UP AND MEETS JESUS!

Our family's pastor at Grace Church in Virginia from 1971 until 1983, Dr. Jack Arnold, more recently the founder and president of Equipping Pastors International, died Sunday morning, January 9, while preaching in his home church in Florida.  You may have heard Paul Harvey briefly mention Dr. Arnold's homegoing on his broadcast last week.

As Dr. Jack Arnold neared the end of his sermon on the "Cost of Discipleship," he spoke of his favorite verse - "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain."  He quoted from Wesley saying, "Until my work on this earth is done, I am immortal."  He continued, "But when my work for Christ is done..." and slapping his hands together skyward, "I am outa here!  I don't know about you, but when my work on earth is done, I go to be with Jesus.  And that will be gain!  And when I go to heaven..."  At this point, Jack paused, looked up, swayed slightly and he was instantly in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ - face to face! ~ Lois

 

FULLY ALIVE IN 2005 

Copyright © 2005 by Linda J. Stevenson

 

Fully alive in 2005,

Wholly committed to Thee.

Living by grace, each new day I'll face,

Embracing Your plan for me.

 

With renewed hope, each day I will cope

With strength for each battle I'll face.

I know where You lead You'll always precede

And guide me with Your love and grace.

 

In 2005 I'm fully alive,

Saved by Your Son, I'm redeemed!

Undeniably blessed, I must confess,

Much more than I've ever dreamed.

 

No fear of tomorrow, its pain or sorrow,

Knowing that You walk with me.

In faith I will stand while holding Your hand,

Trusting the best will yet be.

 

Your perfect will I want to fulfill,

Anointed with power to be

Fully alive in 2005

That others may see Christ in me.

  

ANSWERS TO BIBLE PUZZLE FROM LAST WEEK

Note: Did you find all thirty books?  For more fun with your friends and family, you may want to copy and paste this puzzle, but first remove the bold print to match the rest of the text.

 

There are thirty books of the Bible in this paragraph.  Can you find them?  This is a most remarkable puzzle.  It was found by a gentleman in an Airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours.  He enjoyed it so much; he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat.  Another friend studied it while playing his banjo.  Elaine Taylor, a columnist Friend was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper Column.  Another friend judges the job of solving this so involving puzzle, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves.  There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact.  Some people, however, will soon find Themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized.  Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it Usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the Difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph.  During a recent Fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi Lemonade booth set a new sales record. The local paper, the Chronicle, Surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the Most difficult they had ever seen.  As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, the Books are all right there in plain view hidden from sight.  Those able to find All of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown.  One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may Occur without their numbers.  Also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal.  A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers.  Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found.

 

 

WHO SHOULD BREW THE COFFEE?

Contributed by Kathy Kramer in Pennsylvania

 

        A man and his wife were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning. The wife says, "You should do it, because you get up first, and then we don't have to wait as long to get our coffee." 
        The husband says, "You are in charge of cooking around here and you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee." 
        Wife replies, "No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible that the man should do the coffee." 
        Husband replies, "I can't believe that!  Show me!" So she fetched the Bible, and opened the New Testament and showed him at the top of several pages, that it indeed says "Hebrews" (He Brews). J

 

Note from Lois: It has been reported that President George W. Bush brews coffee at his house very early each morning and carries two steaming cups back to the bedroom for Laura and himself.  (He must have read "Hebrews!")  Then they read in bed as they drink their coffee.  JJ President Bush said he reads and studies the Bible and prays every day and also reads from Oswald Chamber's devotional, My Utmost for His Highest.  Recently he said that he could not be president without his relationship with the Lord!  If we are not already praying for the President and Vice President and their families each day, we need to do that.  They and all the national leaders need the Lord's wisdom, guidance, strength, courage and protection!

 

Tips on Brewing Coffee: 

Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the coffee for flavored coffee. 

Adding a pinch of salt to the coffee grounds somehow makes the coffee taste better.

 

 

A  JOYOUS WELCOME TO PRECIOUS NEW "HEART TO HEART" BLESSINGS!

Gavin Andrew Franz  was born on September 24, 2004.  He is the first child for Andrew and Jessica Franz, as well as the first grandchild for Rick and Linda Hall and Jim and Jeannie Franz.   All reside in Virginia.

Tyler James Steryous, the first child of Kenton and Laura Stereous, was welcomed into the world on January 6, 2005.  He is the fourth grandchild of Mike and Beta Stereous, all of Virginia.

Emily Faith Thompson was born on January 6, 2005, to Bryan and Kim Thompson.  She is their first child and the grandchild of Harrel and Dreama Thompson, all of Virginia.  The family asks that we please pray for little Emily Faith who has Down Syndrome and will need special care.  She may also need surgery to repair a hole in her heart. 

 

Congratulations to Kenton and Catherine Yoder of Indiana in the finalized adoption of Elizabeth Anne Yoder on November 22, 2004!  She was born on September 8, 2000, but is now officially the fifth child, third daughter and a blessing from God to the Yoder family!  (Read the story of God's providence in Elizabeth's adoption!)

 

GOD AT WORK IN ADOPTING ELIZABETH

By Catherine Yoder of Indiana

(Now read of God's providential blueprint in little Elizabeth's life, in providing a loving family to care for her.  It reminds me of Jeremiah 29:11.  "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."  Catherine agreed to let me share her story with you, as well as a poem she wrote to her daughter. I think it will encourage your heart! ~ Lois)

 

The whole experience of going through adoption again has been a miracle from start to finish. How else would you explain that in January of 2000 I felt an urgent urge to pray for the child we were going to adopt, even though at that time in our lives we weren't seriously considering adopting.  The reason the date is so significant to me is because the birthmom would just have found out that she was pregnant.  Elizabeth was born in September of that year. God chose her for us and surnamed her "Yoder" before the state of Oregon (on the West Coast) had any idea what was happening!

 

At the time God gave me a passage in Isaiah 45:4b-6 to claim for this unknown child.   I know this was written to the Jews, but it really applies to adoption too. "I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me; I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else."  

 

I wrote the date in my Bible and eventually almost forgot about it. When we found out about Elizabeth, it gave me chills to know I had been praying for her before she was even born - as early as I would have prayed for a biological child. Then, the Sunday before the adoption committee met to decide Elizabeth's fate, that very passage from Isaiah was read in our church!  That is GOD at work!  Elizabeth has special needs and an unknown future, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was meant to be our child! 
 

TO ELIZABETH 

By Catherine Yoder   Copyright 2004 
 
I am your mother.
You are my child.
It didn't start out that way for either of us.
You, born to another;
I mothered others.
But now we are connected, you and I.
We share our days,
Our hugs and kisses,
And suckers from the bank.
Everyday the web of love grows stronger.
I look at you in wonder.
You look at me and trust.
To you I am security,
The strong comforting calm in your storm.
To me you are a miracle,
A gift, a meant-to-be child.
I grow stronger to earn your trust,
And as you trust our bond grows stronger.
The love that overwhelms me
Is an inexpressible
Longing I never knew 'til I knew you.
Because...you and me, we belong.
You are my child.
I am your mother.

 

 

PRAY FOR THE TROOPS!

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll      If you don't have specific names of lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll      military troops that you pray for each

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll      day, here are a few to add to your

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll      prayer list:  Sam, Todd, Ted, Zac, Luke,

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll      David, Daniel, John, Justin, Josh,

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll      Brian, Bill, Chris, Michael, Greg, lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll      Bob & Andrew.   Send care packages!

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll      Remember to pray for the families in

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll      the absence of their loved ones.

This flag was a contribution of Susannah Cline, editor of a newsletter for kids who love animals, as mentioned in the last newsletter.  You may ask for her newsletter at [email protected]  

 

 

PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING
By Stanley Moore ~ Contributed by Shelley Camden of Virginia

Source: In Him Confessions by Stanley L. Moore III
Text & Art Copyright © 2003 Stanley L. Moore III
 

I'm not careful for anything; I cast my worries on the Lord.  
I know there's nothing He can't do or a thing He can't afford.
I just pray and thank God for what I need, and then I rest assured.
That He'll watch over and take care of me like He said in His Word.  

Worry defeats faith in God, and is a tool that's used by Satan.  
I won't worry, but I make requests known to God through my supplication.   
When it looks like time to worry or when things start to fall apart,  
I don't fret but let the peace of God rule in my mind and heart. 

 

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:6-7) 

 

Love from your "Heart to Heart" friend,

Lois

 

The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to bring godly and practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family – regarding homemaking, marriage, children and much more.  You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to Lois Breneman at [email protected].

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