10/8/07 COMPASS, BELLA, WATER, SOLUTIONS, ENCOURAGE, THORNS, BABES
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman
IN THIS ISSUE:
FAMILY ALERT! UPCOMING CHILDRENS MOVIE THE GOLDEN COMPASS
BELLA IS AN INSPIRATIONAL MOVIE WORTH SEEING
WATER SAVING TIPS
FINDING SOLUTIONS TO 21 PROBLEMS
TIDBITS
BE AN ENCOURAGER TO THESE WHO NEED IT
THE POWER OF PRAYER
THE THORNS IN OUR LIFE
BODY AND SOUL: HEALTH AND HEALING
A CONCERNED MOM
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES
UPDATE ON OUR GRANDDAUGHTER, RYAN ELIZABETH
FAMILY ALERT! UPCOMING CHILDRENS MOVIE THE GOLDEN COMPASS
Thanks so much to about a dozen "Heart to Heart" ladies who sent this information to me!
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8
Educate yourself and beware of the movie, The Golden Compass, an anti-Christian movie that will be coming out in early December, aimed at children and labeled as a family movie. While it will be a watered down version, it is based on a series of children's books about killing God, so the children can do as they please.
Scholastic Books (http://www.scholastic.com) is behind this movie, and you may want to let them know how you feel about this offensive movie to Christians. This movie is based on a series of books by an atheist and secular humanist British author, Phillip Pullman, whose goal in writing the books is to be the "Anti-Chronicles of Narnia" series and to lead children into atheism.
The main villains in the series of books are the Magisterium, Cardinals, and the Pope, and includes a heroine that is a young girl who sets out to kill God in the last book of the series. The truly deceptive thing about the movie is that they have made it appear as if it is an innocent film, with exciting effects and a fairy tale story. They have removed the appalling anti-Catholic/Christian themes from the movie that are in the books. Parents who then purchase the books for their children will be deceived unless they are alerted about this.
The bottom line goal of the movie is to lure children and hook unsuspecting families into viewing the film so that children will then want to read all the books, possibly as a Christmas gift! In the end the movie may very well be seducing our children and grandchildren to believe in a godless philosophy.
The main objective of Christians is to educate parents and children so they are not duped into believing that this is a harmless movie. It is not! Our enemy, the devil, has a way of making things appear as good, but we need to be discerning! His punch line is in the last book, but first he has to lure our children! Be wise!
Learn more at this site: http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
BELLA IS AN INSPIRATIONAL MOVIE WORTH SEEING
Read more at http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0003464.cfm
Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson told Plugged In Online:
"Bella is a moving and inspirational movie. In a day of Hollywood's excesses, profanities and foolishness, this sensitive film speaks eloquently of life, love and beauty. I enjoyed it very much."
WATER SAVING TIPS
By Lois Breneman, © 2007, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]
With so many people living in severe drought conditions, I did some research on water saving tips and compiled this list. I hope it will be useful, as we all work harder to save water.
Record your water usage by keeping track of your water meter and bill. Use a straight-sided glass outside as a rain gauge. It will also help the family be more conscious of saving water.
While running water, use low water flow. Turn off the shower while lathering and while shampooing hair. Turn off the water while shaving to save more than 100 gallons a week.
Save water in a bucket while waiting for hot water in the shower. Use it in the washing machine, to water plants or for other uses.
Plug the drain in the bathtub before running any water, and then adjust the water temperature, so no water is wasted. Bathe small children together. Bath water can be saved as "gray water" to water plants. A little soap in the water helps the water to be absorbed better anyway. Bath water can also be used to wash outdoor furniture. Have the children use large plastic glasses to scoop up the water into buckets while they're still in the tub. They'll love it.
Soak produce in a tub of water with vegetable cleaner for about five minutes, then rinse. Save the rinse water for watering plants.
Use mulch to keep the moisture in the soil around your plants.
Rather than using your garbage disposal, which uses extra water, make a compost pile.
When shopping for new appliances (dishwasher, washing machine), look for energy-efficient models.
Save up to 1,000 gallons a month by running your dishwasher and washing machine only when full.
Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator, rather than running the water from the faucet until it becomes cold.
When you clean your fish tank, save the water for watering plants. It will be rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing a free fertilizer.
Check your toilet for leaks by putting some food coloring in the tank. If it seeps through, you know you have a leak. Fixing it will save more than 600 gallons a month. Make sure your toilet flap doesn't stick open after flushing.
Install low volume toilets. If your toilet was installed before 1980, cut down on the water used with each flush by putting a bottle of water inside the tank, making sure it does not interfere with operating parts.
Fix leaky faucets, and save up to 140 gallons a week. Teach your children to turn the faucets off tightly. Don't forget to also check outdoor faucets, pipes and hoses for leaks.
Know where your master shutoff valve is located. This could save you gallons of water and lots of damage in case of a leak. Before leaving on a trip always turn off the water.
Adjust your lawn mower blades to a higher setting. Longer blades of grass will help to shade the roots and retain moisture in the soil.
FINDING SOLUTIONS TO 21 PROBLEMS
By Lois Breneman, © 2007, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]
We encounter all kinds of problems every day, but with a little thought and education, most problems have at least one good solution. Many even save time and money. Turn your frustrations into a challenge and try to come up with a good solution. Encourage your children to do the same.
Not Enough Time to Read Heart to Heart Newsletters ~ If you are too busy during this stage of your life, but would like to have the information for later, simply send them to a Heart to Heart file folder to pull up later. Or print them out when they arrive to read while waiting at the doctors office, in the carpool line, or while your children are sleeping. Some busy moms read them while exercising on the treadmill, stationary bike or elliptical machine.
Dry Skin ~ Install a water filter showerhead to eliminate chlorine which dries out the skin and dulls the hair. Also squeeze a vitamin E capsule into the palm of your hand and add hand lotion. Mix it up in your hand and use this revitalized lotion on your arms and legs. It absorbs into your skin and makes a big difference.
Dusty Computer Keyboard and Smudged Monitor Screen ~ Every time you vacuum near the computer, suck up the dust on, in and around your keyboard with the vacuum cleaner brush. A small lambs wool duster helps in between vacuuming. Keep a small spray bottle of glass cleaner and a terry cloth handy for quick cleaning of the screen. Spray cleaner on the cloth though. Never spray your computer!
Pilled Sofa and Clothing ~ A D.Fuz.It is a little tool used to comb the pills from sweaters, but also works great on sofas. It can make an old sofa look much newer. You can find this tool at a sewing center or fabric store.
Loose Yarns/Threads in Sweaters or Other Clothing ~ Check a fabric store or sewing center for a Snag-Nab-It, which is a barbed-type needle, designed for pulling loose threads to the underside of the garment. I've also used a large regular needle, but that takes longer and more patience. A crochet hook also works.
Not Sure How to Care for New Carpets ~ When we bought a new carpet, we were told to refrain from all over shampooing as long as possible. They said to go after spots with a wet cloth (water only - no chemicals), and most spots would come up easily. That was true. Later white distilled vinegar diluted with water worked well. When the entire carpet did need a good shampooing several years later, using white vinegar and hot water at a ratio of 1 to 4 cleaned the carpet without leaving a soapy residue which would attract more dirt.
Have Trouble Finding Books on Your Shelves ~ Sorting out books according to subjects helps in locating them more quickly. I realize that with adjustable shelving, it works best to put large books together and smaller books on a different shelf. Im reworking our bookshelves right now and if I have to split up books on one subject, I make a note of it.
[Gardening In Office Left bookshelf (4th shelf) and Left bookshelf ( 5th shelf)]
You Cant Find Something, and Realize You Loaned it Out, But to Whom? ~ Keep a list of items loaned out on an index card or in an organizational notebook, along with the date, item loaned and the person who has it. Keep a list of things you borrow from others, as well, so you can be more responsible.
Clogged Spray Cans ~ Prevent clogging by turning the can upside down and spraying until the can will no longer spray before storing.
Too Much Clutter ~ Keep on top of weeding out your stuff on a regular basis. Sell, give away or toss what you dont need. When youre about to make a purchase of something you think you need, ask yourself where you will store it.
Tissues Going through the Laundry ~ Many times Ive forgotten to remove a tissue from a pocket, only to find it had exploded into a hundred pieces in the washing machine! A solution to that problem, Ive found, is to use Puffs Plus with Lotion. They remain intact in the washer, and are easier on the nose anyway. When Ive had less substantial tissues go through the wash, shaking each garment over the wash tub and cleaning it out in the end is easier than cleaning the floor.
Splitting Laundry Basket ~ Years ago the good brand of laundry baskets I bought would break for me after just a couple years until I nested two together and to make one very strong laundry basket, which has lasted more than twelve years without ever splitting. It might be good for another twelve years!
Need a Phone Number or Address while Out Driving? ~ Keep a phone book in your car. Its also a good idea to keep an index card in your purse of family names and phone numbers, as well as one of good friends. Of course, many of you are into the latest technology, but technology can fail!
Difficulty Getting Car Keys from Purse While Carrying Packages ~ Keep your keys in your right hand pocket while shopping, so you will be able to open your car trunk or door easily while carrying packages. In case your purse is snatched, you will still have your keys and your car, as well.
Grocery Bags Tearing between the Store and Your Kitchen ~ Keep several canvas tote bags in the trunk of your car for times when this happens. Also use them for when you forget to request that gallon jugs or bags of potatoes or oranges be bagged. The bags make them easier to carry.
Cuts of Meat Are Too Costly ~ Most tough and less expensive cuts will be tender and juicy when marinated and cooked in a slow cooker or pressure cooker.
Hate Chopping Onions with Tears Running Down Your Cheeks? ~ Raw onions can be sliced or chopped in the food processor in large quantities and frozen in freezer bags for quick and easy food preparation later. To make this job less tearful, keep in mind that cold onions bring on less tears, so stick them in the fridge for a few hours. Light a candle or two near the sink and try not to disturb the root of the onion, by cutting into it - the location of the oil that triggers tears. Put a spoon in your mouth while doing the job too! You might look a bit strange, but that also helps, especially when cutting a lot of onions to freeze or cooking in large quantities. Peel the outside of the onion down toward the root end, then cut. Then to remove the onion odor from your hands, wash them and rub them on the chrome faucet. It works!
Celery Rotting in the Fridge within a Week ~ As soon as you buy a bunch of celery, if it is wrapped in aluminum foil, you will be amazed what a difference that makes in keeping celery fresh longer for several weeks.
You Cant Find That Favorite Recipe ~ Write favorite recipes inside the front covers of your cookbooks. Then if you remember which cookbook a particular recipes is in, you can find it quickly. Use your organizational notebook to record favorite recipes, listing the cookbooks and page numbers.
Sour Smelling Dishcloths ~ Wet a bad smelling dishcloth and microwave it for about 3 minutes to kill germs and give it new life. Be careful when removing the hot cloth from the microwave. I no longer need to change dishcloths every day because of this, and theyre fresh smelling. While the microwave is steamy, go ahead and use that cloth to wipe out your microwave and make it shine.
Not Enough Time to Clean the House ~ I love my lambs wool dusters and Swiffer Duster to zoom through the house in a jiffy, getting rid of the dust. The cordless, rechargeable Swivel Sweeper is another great lifesaver for a quick cleanup! While your children are young, teach them housecleaning skills and responsibility. Its a win-win situation for them and for you!
The next time you come across a problem, which will certainly be today, make a note of it. Meet the challenge and see if you can come up with a solution!
TIDBITS
Garland of Gratitude A fun and easy way to list your blessings for all to enjoy.
Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities ~ At this site you'll find instructions for a childs Thanksgiving tree, clay pot Pilgrims and Indians, craft stick turkeys, pinecone turkeys, light bulb turkeys, and more! Some of these crafts would make great favors for a Thanksgiving table. They would be fun to make with the children or grandchildren, and imagine their delight to see their special decorations included on the Thanksgiving table for everyone to enjoy!
http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/thanksgivingtheme/a/101600a.htm?nl=1
In God We Trust ~ This motto will be displayed in more than 2,300 classrooms in the largest high school district in the country in Bakersfield, California. The motto will be placed on a poster that includes the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights. http://www.citizenlink.org/content/A000005874.cfm
Tips for Toy Safety
http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/0_tips-for-toy-safety_64811.pc?intcmp=emailEdit110207BCRecallsTopLink3&scid=te-other:20071102:4340:101042:11925
The Brain ~ Inside Your Child's Mind: A Visual Guide
http://www.babycenter.com/inside-a-childs-mind-a-visual-guide
Not Wrong, Just Different: Men vs. Women
Communicating with your spouse is as easy as pink and blue.
by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO OUR TROOPS
A Recovering American Soldier ~ When making out your Christmas card list this year, please include a card or two for the following and encourage your friends to do the same -an easy way to lift the spirit of one whos been working to save our freedom! Teachers, this would be a wonderful idea for each of your children to make and send a card. No extra postage is needed.
A Recovering American Soldier
C/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001 - Thanks to Paula Archer in Ohio for this tip and the next one!
Please send some positive email to this group of Marines - They need some supportive comments of appreciation and praise. Let them know they are in your prayers; then make sure you do pray. [email protected]
Send Free Xerox Postcards to the Troops - If you go to http://www.LetsSayThanks.com, you can choose a Thank You card and the Xerox company will print and sent it to one of the troops currently serving in Iraq. You can't decide who receives it, but it will go to a member of the armed services. How amazing it would be if we could get everyone we know to send at least one! It is free and only takes a second. Whether you are for or against the war, our guys and gals over there need to know we are behind them. - Thanks to Angie Walker in Pennsylvania for sending this great idea!
THE POWER OF PRAYER
Thanks to Wanda Fox in Pennsylvania for sending this!
Someone has said if Christians really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless.
Did you know that during WWII there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace?
There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. If you would like to participate: Every evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time; 8:00 PM Central; 7:00 PM Mountain; and/or 6:00 PM Pacific; stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens and for the return to a godly nation.
THE THORNS IN OUR LIFE
Author unknown - Thanks to Kathy Jo Padgett in Virginia for sending this!
Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes when she pulled open the florist shop door, against a November gust of wind. Her life had been as sweet as a spring breeze and then, in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy. This was Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant son. She grieved over their loss.
Troubles had multiplied. Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer his job to a new
location. Her sister had called to say that she could not come for her long awaited holiday visit. What's worse, Sandra's friend suggested that Sandra's grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer.
"She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder. "Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life, but took her child's?"
"Good afternoon, can I help you?"
Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk. "I . . . I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.
"For Thanksgiving? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?"
"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong."
Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."
Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new customer, "Hi, Barbara, let me get your order." She excused herself and walked back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers. Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk.
Sandra watched - was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed.
"Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said, as she gently tapped her chest.
Sandra stammered, "Ah, that lady just left with . . . uh . . . she left with no flowers!"
"That's right," said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the Special.' I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet. Barbara came into the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do today,"explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had just lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son had gotten into drugs, and she was facing major surgery. That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel."
"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.
"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and I never questioned Him why those good things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I cried out, 'Why? Why me?!' It took time for me to learn that the dark times are important to our faith! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of my life, but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."
Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about what her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."
Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man.
"My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement . . . twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.
"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?"
"Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced," Phil replied. "After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we trudged through problem after problem, the Lord rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us."
As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"
"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life" Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too fresh."
"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "My experience has shown me that the thorns make the roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember that it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."
Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.
"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."
"Thank you. What do I owe you?"
"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me."
The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."
It read: "My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."
Source unknown - Thanks to Tami Qualls in Oklahoma for sending this!
Sometimes in the busyness of our schedules, it is easy to forget about taking care of our health. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important so that we can do all that God wants us to do in life. Here are some simple suggestions for a healthy lifestyle.
1. Allow God to lead you in your schedule instead of the demands of everyday life. Sometimes we get so busy that we run our bodies down until we physically get sick. Learn to decline from accepting every activity and task that comes your way and discern which ones the Lord would have you do.
2. Sleep regularly. Try to get your body on a regular sleep pattern. Each person is different, but in general, people need around 8 hours of sleep each night to feel refreshed. Sleep is important because it allows your body to take a needed break.
3. Drink plenty of pure water. Pure water is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to clean out the toxins in your system. Brita and Pur water filters are two practical alternatives to buying bottled water.
4. Exercise regularly. Studies have shown that even accumulated times of physical movement aids in general health. There are simple things we can do that do like parking our cars in a farther space so that we can walk to the store, or taking a set of stairs even when an escalator is available.
5. Cut down on fats, salt, red meat, sugars, and caffeine. Ooh, that can be tough, but we are not necessarily talking about complete abstinence, but rather reduction and moderation. Choose unsalted popcorn over potato chips and herbal teas over black teas. Try using lean ground turkey instead of beef.
6. Avoid processed food and cook with lots of fresh vegetables and high-fiber foods like grains. Experiment with some new recipes that incorporate brown rice, barley, mutligrains, and fresh vegetables. In our busy society, it is hard to abstain completely from some processed foods, but try to make sure you and your family gets a majority of home-cooked, healthy meals.
7. Finally, when you do get sick, seek God for healing and see a good physician. Trust God that He is able to heal in whatever way He chooses, whether that means with medication or supernaturally. There are many Scriptures that speak of God healing His people. We are told to pray for healing. But modern medicine is also a gift from God, and there are times when God chooses to heal us through medicine or a doctor's care.
Related Pages
Feeling Overwhelmed? Stress Busters
Bone Up: Preventing Osteoporosis
Breast Cancer
Doctors Who Pray
Dr. Koop
A CONCERNED MOM
Author unknown - Thanks to Linda Isom in North Carolina for sending this!
A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.
So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her. The neighbor said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Johnny as he walked to school with another neighbor boy he knew. She did this for the whole week.
As the boys walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Johnny's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally he said to Johnny, Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?
Johnny nonchalantly replied, Yeah, I know who she is.
The friend said, Well, who is she?
That's just Shirley Goodnest, Johnny replied, and her daughter, Marcy.
Shirley Goodnest? Who the world is she and why is she following us?
Well, Johnny explained, Every night my mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!
May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always.
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES
Thanks to Diana Metz in Indiana for these first two quotes!
I just thought of a quote from my oldest daughter, Bethany, now 27, with a little girl of her own and a little boy due in January. When Bethany was young I often left her with a saintly older woman that Bethany called Auntie Ruth. Ruth would care for Bethany if I needed a sitter for a short time. Bethany loved Auntie so dearly!! Auntie always tried to make things fun and happy for Bethany. i.e. making her ice cream cones, taking her for walks, etc. One day while at Aunties Bethany thought a walk would be pleasant. Auntie began to explain that she would love to take her for a walk, but "Auntie's legs hurt so badly today that I don't think I can take you." Bethany quickly said in her most giving 2 1/2 year old voice, "Oh, Auntie if only I could give you one of my legs, I would." Bethany went on to be a nurse practitioner student working with critical care/hospice type patients - still giving in any way she can to comfort others.
Many years ago at a Rudy Atwood piano concert I gave my daughter, Tamra, then 3 years old a dollar to put in the offering plate. She immediately tore the dollar in two pieces. I'm sure my face showed a great look of shock!! I asked her, "Why did you do that?" She so sweetly smiled and said, "Mommy, I wanted to give Jesus two dollars ... not one dollar." That little girl is now almost 25 yrs. old with a little 3 yr. old of her own.
The following quotes are from my daughter, Joy, now with two small children - Lois:
When Joy was 4 years old, I asked her if she wanted a whole or half sandwich for my weekly day of Bible study, prayer and pot luck lunch, while Joy got to play with her friends in the church nursery. She replied, Half, but give me both of them!
Joy, 5, said to me, Mom, its really fun to spend time with you, cause its really difficult when you are little! There is so much I need to learn!
Joy, 5, was sick and seemed like she was feeling better. When I commented on how she seemed to be getting better, she told me, I still dont feel as good as I act.
At age 2, Joy asked me, Where do people come from? I explained how she was in my tummy because God wanted Mommy and Daddy to have a precious baby daughter and name her Joy. At supper I told her daddy that his daughter popped the big question today. He asked Joy, Did Mommy tell you everything? She said, Yes. Then he said to Joy, Tell me what Mommy said! She was tired that evening and looked at me, asking, Mommy, will you tell Daddy everything?
UPDATE ON OUR GRANDDAUGHTER, RYAN ELIZABETH
Many family members, friends as well as many of you dear "Heart to Heart" friends have prayed that the medium sized hole in little Ryan Elizabeth's heart would close, so she won't need open heart surgery and that she would gain weight. Yesterday at 3 1/2 months, and weighing only 11.5 pounds, Joy took her for another appointment with her cardiologist. The Lord had already begun to close the hole, as I shared with you earlier, and yesterday the cardiologist said there is a good chance it will close completely. He wants to see her again in six months. I cannot tell you how much your prayers are appreciated, and "Thank You" just doesn't seem like enough, but our hearts are so full of gratitude for your love and prayers! We thank and praise the Lord for His great goodness, as we continue to ask for His completed healing touch on Ryan Elizabeth's heart. She's such a happy and content little girl and looks a lot like her mother did as a baby. Today she cooed and laughed with me over the phone. We'll get to see their little family of four real SÔ¿ÔN! Grandchildren are such a joy, aren't they?!
The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to encourage women and build biblical values into daily living through practical creative ideas for the Christian family regarding marriage, children, homemaking, and much more. Receive this free bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, e-mail address, and name of your referral person to Lois at jhbreneman@.... New subscribers will receive a Welcome, a "Start-Up Kit," and several recent newsletters.
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