10/15/03 MARRIAGE PROTECTION, SINGLE PARENT, PINCHER, GOD IN CONTROL
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman
10/15/03 MARRIAGE PROTECTION, SINGLE PARENT, PINCHER, GOD IN CONTROL
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CONTENTS:
THIS IS MARRIAGE PROTECTION WEEK!
HELP FOR SINGLE PARENTS
HANDY CLEANING TIPS
UPDATE YOUR DÉCOR, WITHOUT EMPTYING YOUR WALLET
PEACHY PORK CHOPS
SWEET POTATO MUFFINS
WELCOME TO TWO BRAND NEW BABY BOYS - IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC & MISSOURI
BABIES: HELP TO DEVELOP THE PINCHER REFLEX - OR JUST HAVE FUN!
GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL
DO YOU HAVE DEEP CONCERNS AND HEAVY BURDENS?
TRY WRITING A PRAYER TO JESUS, THEN ADD HIS ANSWERS!
THIS IS MARRIAGE PROTECTION WEEK!
The Heart to Heart Newsletter is sent to encourage Christian families and is not a political newsletter, though at times it is necessary to alert you to things going on in the government which will affect the family. So forgive me if this section seems political, but we do need to use the means of our elected officials in our government to help keep Marriage sacred. The definition of Marriage is in a crisis in America! It will affect us all if Marriage is redefined by our politicians and courts, so please get involved with this issue. Also urge your Senators to use their power and put an end to the Judicial Tyranny in the Senate by allowing an up or down vote on President Bushs choices of Judges. This will affect the future of many unborn babies.
"Marriage is a sacred institution, and its protection is essential to the continued strength of our society. Marriage Protection Week provides an opportunity to focus our efforts on preserving the sanctity of marriage and on building strong and healthy marriages in America. Marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and my Administration is working to support the institution of marriage." -- President George W. Bush
Our President proclaimed this week (October 19-25) as Marriage Protection Week. Recently a Coalition was formed by twenty-five solid Christian organizations as a force to protect Marriage between one man and one woman. Some of the participating organizations include Concerned Women for America, Focus on the Family, American Values, Point of View, Prison Fellowship, Judicial Watch, Family Research Council, Southern Baptists and the National Religious Broadcasters. They all see this as a crisis in America and asked Christians to call their Congressmen.
The definition of Marriage pertains to you and your family, so it is time for each of us to make some phone calls if we are in favor of marriage being defined as a union between a man and a woman. Urge your states member of the House of Representatives and your two Senators to cosponsor or at least support the Federal Marriage Amendment which would amend the U.S. Constitution to say: "Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution or the constitution of any State, nor state or federal law, shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups."
The Federal Marriage Amendment would protect marriage from redefinition by state legislatures and the courts. It would also prevent the courts, where almost every assault on marriage has taken place, from giving away the legal benefits of marriage to same-sex couples or requiring their state legislatures to do so. A two-thirds majority vote is needed to amend the constitution, so every vote in the House and Senate is crucial.
Pray with the President and many Christians for the institution of marriage, that it will be honored in the United States. Pray for marriages around the world to be strengthened and do all you can to strengthen your own marriage. Pray together for your family, friends, your nation and the world.
Carefully read this quote from George Washington and think about where our country stands on October 15, 2003. On June 29, 1788, George Washington said, "No country upon earth ever had it more in its power to attain these blessings than United America. Wondrously strange, then, and much to be regretted indeed would it be, were we to neglect the means and to depart from the road which Providence has pointed us to so plainly; I cannot believe it will ever come to pass."
Well, if you and I don't stand up for the blessings of marriage between one man and one woman, our culture will be on a down-hill slide, much faster than it is going right now! I urge you to make those phone calls to your three elected officials in Congress before this week is over, and continue to hold them to the wall. Dont let them forget how important this is! Call them in Washington, D.C. as well as at their local offices. The reference section of your library can give you those local numbers. If these lines are jammed, call the local offices to get your Congressmens personal D.C phone number. Keep trying this week and until this amendment is passed! Stay informed at the Focus on the Family web site shown below. Join up with http://www.citizenlink.org to be informed as well.
Senate - 202-224-3121
House - 202-225-3121
For very inexpensive long distance calls at 2.9 cents a minute (in-state and out-of-state, anytime), check at http://www.onesuite.com. We have used this service for the past several years and it is the best we've ever found. Just 2.9 cents a minute - no extra fees - that's it! No phone card, yet you can use this number anywhere. You pay online in $10 increments. The numbers can be programmed into the memory of your home phone for quick dialing. It has saved us lots of expense! No one has an excuse not to call their Congressmen now! You can make a call for less than 3 cents a minute!
http://WWW.FAMILY.ORG ~ The Focus on the Family web site, http://www.family.org, is packed full of wonderful information for every stage of your life and family. I would encourage you to spend some time there. You will be amazed at this wonderful resource for all ages!
PARENTING IN THE SINGULAR COLUMN
HELP FOR SINGLE PARENTS ~ By Marylou Morano Kjelle ~ Used with permission
My children were far from teenagers when I became a single mother. My daughter was six and my son had just turned one year old. While I was married, problems with my spouse, working a full time job and dealing with a sick child eroded what little confidence I once had in my mothering. I hardly felt up to the task of being a married mother, and now I was being called to mother on my own. You can bet I had some serious discussions with God at the time.
Fortunately, I had been seeing a Christian counselor who was helping me deal with my divorce and its repercussions. It wasn't long before the emphasis of my counseling turned away from the subject of my divorce and towards setting goals for being a good single mother. "I don't even know how to be mother," I remember wailing. "How am I ever going to be a single mother?"
My counselor taught me four concepts that he explained form the core of all good parenting - whether single or two parent. He told me to be sure I was fair, honest, and loving with my children, and that I disciplined them when necessary. He made it sound simple - as long as I adhered to these guidelines, I would be a good mother - single or otherwise.
Of course as my children grew from the childhood stage to the preteen and teen years, things were not as easy as he made it sound. But those four words - fairness, honesty, loving and discipline have helped immeasurably over the years. Whenever I was unsure of what I was doing - sometimes a daily occurrence - I always had those parenting concepts to fall back on.
My daughter is now 17, my son almost 12. I have learned that parenting styles evolve as children grow older, but fairness, honesty, love and discipline are needed just as much during the teenage years as they are during earlier development. By trial and error, my children, as well as myself, have come to learn that fairness isn't the same as equality. That honesty is a treasured family value and the building block that supports all relationships; it must be adhered to by both parent and teen. That all family problems can be solved when they are approached with love. And that all actions have consequences, and discipline - whether it is adding something on (like extra chores) or taking something away (like computer or phone privileges), teaches the importance of accountability, both in the present and the future.
There are days when single-parenting my teen and preteen feels akin to balancing the weight of the world on my shoulders, but I keep my perspective by remembering that all parents, whether single or married, feel this way at times. The four concepts - fairness, honesty, love and discipline can help in any parenting situation. And it's never too late to start using them.
Marylou Morano Kjelle has written "Handmaid of the Lord: Prayers for Newly Single Christian Mothers" and is finishing an as yet untitled book for teens that discusses every aspect of divorce. Coming soon is a free ezine for Single Christian Mothers called "Gabriel's Message." You can contact Marylou at [email protected] with "singular" in the subject line. Visit her website at: http://www.mmoranokjelle.com
HANDY CLEANING TIPS
Author Unknown ~ Contributed by Bernadine Teague, Missouri
Dirt: Layers of dirty film on windows and screens provide a helpful filter against harmful and aging rays from the sun. Call it an SPF factor of 15 and leave it alone.
Cobwebs: Cobwebs artfully draped over lampshades reduce the glare from the bulb, thereby creating a romantic atmosphere. If your husband points out that the light fixtures need dusting, simply look confused and exclaim "What? And spoil the mood?" (Or just throw glitter on them and call them holiday decorations)
Pet Hair: Explain the mound of pet hair brushed up against the doorways by claiming you are collecting it there to use for stuffing hand-sewn play animals for underprivileged children. (Also keeps out cold drafts in winter.)
Guests: If unexpected company is coming, pile everything unsightly into one room and close the door. As you show your guests through your tidy home, rattle the door knob vigorously, fake a growl and say, "I'd love you to see our den, but Fluffy hates to be disturbed and the shots are SO expensive."
Dusting: If dusting is REALLY out of control, simply place a showy urn on the coffee table and insist that "This is where Grandma wanted us to scatter her ashes."
General Cleaning: Mix one-quarter cup pine-scented household cleaner with four cups of water in a spray bottle. Mist the air lightly.
Leave dampened rags in conspicuous locations. Develop an exhausted look, throw yourself on the couch and sigh, "I clean and I clean and I still don't get anywhere."
As a last resort, light the oven, throw a teaspoon of cinnamon in a pie pan, turn off oven and explain that you have been baking cookies for a bake sale for a favorite charity and haven't had time to clean...Works every time.
Another favorite from Erma Bombeck: Always keep several get well cards on the mantle so if unexpected guests arrive, you can say you've been sick and unable to clean. You figure if you can live in it, they can surely stand it for 30 minutes
UPDATE YOUR DÉCOR, WITHOUT EMPTYING YOUR WALLET
By Kathleen Wilson ~ Used with permission
As the Holiday season approaches, many people are wanting to make some changes to their home décor in anticipation of upcoming events or houseguests, or just because they want a fresh look for the season! However, as we are all so very well aware, money is much tighter for many of us these days, and many of us (including me!) would like bring more meaning to the season, and spend less. Here are some great ideas for updating and freshening your rooms without spending lots of cash!
1.Paint. A gallon of paint can be gotten for around $10 these days, and nothing makes such a dramatic change in a room as new color! Paint just one or two walls in the room a rich or daring color. Jewel tones, rich terra cotta, sage greens, and honey gold are all very "in" colors, and will be for some time. They also bring a lot of comforting warmth to a room. Use a richer form of colors already in your room, and you will need to change little else!
2.Move things around. We all get bored! Try a new arrangement for the furniture in your rooms, even try moving pieces from one room to another!
That sofa table may make a better sideboard in the dining room, and that large fern may prefer a spot by the picture window instead of the entryway. Try planning it out on graph paper first: each square will equal one foot, and you can cut out templates of your furniture using the same graph paper and the one foot scale. Now move the furniture templates around the room, drawing until you find an arrangement that works! Remember to leave 18-24 inches between furniture to walk around, more if that is not comfortable for your family members.
3.Look for wintry photos online, in old books, calendars, catalogs and magazines that you can use to replace your present artwork with. Just open up the frames, and pop the new artwork over the old, then in the spring, you can remove it for a "new" look!
4.Add a little nature to your home! Use natural items that can be gathered on long walks or weekends away to bring charm and warmth into your rooms. Always be sure you collect non-endangered items, and that you have permission to collect. A bowl full of pinecones or seedpods, pressed fall leaves scattered over a mantle, or evergreen boughs in a vase all add wonderful elements to a room.
5.Dress up your window treatments by adding quick and easy layers. Use cloth napkins to lay overlapping a valance to add pattern or color, add inexpensive strings of beads from the thrift shop as tiebacks and curtain "jewelry," or hang cafe curtains under your main treatments by suspending them with ribbon from small hooks screwed into the window frame. Find old quilts at rummage sales and sew a rod pocket to make warm and charming winter treatments.
Great, easy, and cheap ideas to update your home and add terrific style! Bring on those holiday guests!
Kathleen Wilson is the author of "Quick Decorating Ideas Under $20: The Budget Decorator's Bible" and the editor of the free ezine, The Budget Decorator. Find more free ideas and information on ordering her book and her online workshops at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com
<a href="http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com">Budget Decorating </a>
PEACHY PORK CHOPS
From The Best Cookbook Anywhere ~ Not Just Beans.com ~ http://www.notjustbeans.com
(Note from Lois:Try jam with no sugar or simply puree' canned peaches in their own juice.)
4 pork chops
1/2 cup peach jam
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. mustard
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
dash Tabasco
In a frying pan brown meat and cook until done. Combine rest of ingredients, heat in a saucepan and serve over meat.
SWEET POTATO MUFFINS
Wonderful and moist!
2/3 cup cooked sweet potatoes or yams Cream butter; add honey, potatoes and
4 Tbsp. butter egg; Mix well. Add dry ingredients and mix.
½ cup honey Add liquid, raisins and nuts; mix just until
1 egg blended. Do not overmix. If too wet, add a
¾ cup unbleached flour bit more flour. Pour into greased muffin
2 tsp. baking powder tins, filling each completely full.
½ tsp. salt Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 min.
½ tsp. cinnamon Yields 6 large muffins.
¼ tsp. nutmeg Make a larger batch and freeze some.
¼ cup milk or water Brighter colors in fruits and vegetables provide
¼ cup chopped raisins more vitamins, so choose deep orange yams.
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
WELCOME TO TWO BRAND NEW BABY BOYS - IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC & MISSOURI
Congratulations to Lance and Sandy Roberts in the Czech Republic on the birth of their third child, Jordan Matthew Roberts! He was born on September 22, 2003.
Jerry and Margie DeMonbrun of Missouri welcome their fourth grandchild, Benjamin Ryan DeMonbrun, who was born just yesterday, October 14, 2003. Congratulations!
Smile! Benjamin's cousin, Olivia, who turned four last Saturday told her grandma a cute statement. She calls her grandma, "Nina." Olivia said to her Nina, "When we were looking at baby Benjamin, my Daddy said we needed to go for a walk down the hall. I was in trouble! He said I did something I shouldn't do. That's what trouble is, Nina; it's something you shouldn't do." Her Nina asked her what she did to be in trouble and she thought it was because she was running around a lot and Daddy had told her not to do that. She said, "I think running around is not what I am 'spose to do."
BABIES: HELP TO DEVELOP THE PINCHER REFLEX - OR JUST HAVE FUN!
By Lois Breneman, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]
Recently when our daughter and son-in-law were visiting with our 5 1/2 month old grandson, Justin Daniel, I had so much fun as I helped him practice his pincher reflex. You wouldnt think we could have so much fun with just an empty cardboard tube from wrapping paper and a long scarf, but we certainly did! The black and white scarf was about sixty inches long. Of course, black and white are intriguing to babies, and he loved it, but bright colors are also fascinating to them! The scarf was stuffed into the tube with the handle of my long lambs wool duster, so some of the scarf was sticking out at each end. Then the fun began!
I held onto the end of the scarf at my end of the tube, swirling the long dangling scarf at the opposite end back and forth over Justin, with his eyes intently following it. I also draped the scarf behind him, holding it upward as his eyes got bigger and bigger, while he stared at the contrasting black and white. Next we played Peek-a-Boo with it, as it took his breath in his excitement! There was no doubt about his delight in this new game, as he waved his arms, kicked his feet, squealed and laughed out loud, in between his deep concentration.
It was fun to almost see the wheels in his brain turn as I pulled the scarf up through the tube, either fast or slowly, leaving just an inch or two, asking him, Where did it go? or What happened?
Next came practice for the pincher reflex! I would lower the end for Justin to reach up and get the end of the scarf with his thumb and index finger or middle finger. It took him longer in the beginning, but he seemed so proud to get it in his little hand. As soon as he had a grip, I would pull the tube back, causing the scarf to grow longer and longer at his end. Id gently pull it from his hand then and say, Thank you!
And we would begin all over again with the swirling, draping and Peek-a-boo! Im sure we did this at least seventy times that day, but he never grew tired of it and he perfected his grip. He also learned the sequence, because as soon as I pulled the scarf through and he saw the end sticking out of the tube, he would automatically reach way up with both hands as far as he could to grab the end. He knew it was his turn! He definitely seemed to favor his right hand, so I moved the end of the tube closer to his left hand just to be sure he could pinch with his left hand as well.
The empty cardboard tube alone was fascinating to Justin. As he was lying on his back, I moved it slowly to the left and the right, then slightly behind Justin's head. His big eyes followed it wherever it went! What fun Justin and his grandma had! And no expensive, fancy toys or batteries were needed!
GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL
A Very Touching Story! ~ Contributed by Annamarie Kresge, Virginia
A man from Norfolk, VA called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003. His Name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:
"A few weeks before Sept 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'Amen' we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight.
Both very upset, we drove home. I received a call from my father who was retired FDNY. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can just sit by for, I have to do something.' I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off the phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild.'
Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort. My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger. Anger at God, at my father, and at myself. I went for nearly 2 years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say goodbye.
Then something happened. About 2 months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.'
He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, 'There is something else you need to know.' His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news. Now I know that when I get to heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves."
When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew in honor of the man who gave his life so a mother and baby could live.
This story should help us to realize two things: First, that though it has been two years since the attacks, we should never let it become a mere tragic memory. And second, but most important, God is always in control. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.
DO YOU HAVE DEEP CONCERNS AND HEAVY BURDENS?
TRY WRITING A PRAYER TO JESUS, THEN ADD HIS ANSWERS!
>From an anonomous Heart to Heart friend ~ Used with permission
I was reading an article in my devotional book by Florence Littauer. She said that at their seminars they very often have people write a letter to Jesus. They have them state on paper what their specific requests are -- not in general terms -- but specific. Once they have done that, they are given an appropriate period of time to just sit quietly in their seats, asking God to answer them in a still, small voice. As the Lord speaks to them, they are to write those answers beside the appropriate request. She says that people actually get excited as they see what the Lord would have them do regarding certain situations. So -- I did that. Here is my list and the answers beside them.
Dear Jesus,
Would you please tell me what to do about the bag of burdens I am carrying just now?
I can't seem to figure out where to start and where to go on these various subjects:
WOMEN'S MINISTRY - Take the break and get refreshed.
PHYSICALLY - eat better and exercise.
HOUSE in a MESS - Do 5 -15 minutes of cleaning and straightening at a time; you'll get it all done eventually.
FINANCES - Save as much as you can. Shop a little more wisely. Eat out once or twice less per week and send that amount directly to your money market account. Add to that 10% of all income; pour directly into same account. It will add up faster than you think.
FRIENDS - Keep in touch with those you have; if they don't call, call them. Pray for a new Christian best friend not connected with ministry. Do not dwell on or repeat your problems to them for it will drive them away.
FAMILY and the HOLIDAYS - Be sweet; don't insist on anything; be very flexible.
TRAVEL - Take short trips like last Saturday. Enjoy the scenery and each other.
HUSBAND - Keep loving him; be sweet and gentle toward him; be very patient. Remember, it's a rough road for him, too.
Ladies, you are in my prayers! I pray you will walk closer to the Lord this week than last week. If you stumble, as we all do from time to time, just get up and go on with the Lord's help.
May Jesus guide and bless you!
Your Heart to Heart friend,
Lois
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