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11/1/04 MARRIAGE, HORMONES, PUMPKINS, GRANDCHILDREN'S QUOTES, LOSS

#1 · October 30, 2004, 5:49 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on October 30, 2004, 5:49 pm
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman

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11/1/04 MARRIAGE, HORMONES, PUMPKINS, GRANDCHILDREN'S QUOTES, LOSS

~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~

(Sent 2 days early)

JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ

IN THIS ISSUE:

ONE VOTE DOES COUNT

MINUTE BY MINUTE ELECTION COVERAGE

SEVEN WORDS THAT CAN BUILD A MARRIAGE
MEANINGFUL QUOTES

THE WOMAN'S HORMONE HOSTAGE
FALL FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING THIS AUTUMN

NOW THAT'S A LOT OF PUMPKINS!

ANALOGY OF THE PUMPKIN

ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS

PUMPKIN VASE WITH AUTUMN FLOWERS -- CENTERPIECE FOR NOVEMBER!

PHOTOGRAPHS WITH PUMPKINS

CREAM CHEESE-PUMPKIN ROLL & A LAYER CAKE

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TEENAGER

HOW TO START THE DAY WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

LUNCHES, SNACKS AND USING UP LEFTOVERS

QUOTES FROM "HEART TO HEART" GRANDCHILDREN

HELP AND COMFORT IN THE LOSS OF AN INFANT

A SPECIAL MEMORIAL FOR MY ANGELS

ONE VOTE DOES COUNT

Contributed by Lucy Poland of Virginia

ONE VOTE decided that Americans speak English rather than German.

ONE VOTE kept Aaron Burr, later charged with treason, from becoming President.

ONE VOTE made Texas part of the United States.

ONE VOTE changed France from a monarchy to a Republic.

ONE VOTE saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment.

ONE VOTE admitted California, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon to the Union.

ONE VOTE elected Rutherford B. Hayes to the PRESIDENCY.

The man who cast that vote was an Indiana Congressman elected by ONE VOTE.

ONE VOTE saved the Selective Service System only 12 weeks before Pearl Harbor.

MINUTE BY MINUTE ELECTION COVERAGE

Look to CitizenLink before Tuesday for a voter guide and key issues in your state if you need more information before casting your vote. Then on Election Night follow up-to-the-minute coverage of the Election. CitizenLink is a ministry of Focus on the Family. http://election.citizenlink.org    http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0034294.cfm

Sign up today for informative e-mails from CitizenLink to learn things you need to know, but will probably not hear in the mainstream media: http://www.family.org/cforum/clinksignup.cfm

Another web site I came across that gives the Electoral College numbers for each state is www.270toWin.com with an interactive map and history of the Electoral College.

SEVEN WORDS THAT CAN BUILD A MARRIAGE

By Adrian Rogers ~ www.lwf.org ~ Used by permission from Love Worth Finding

Contributed by Barb Campbell in Mississippi

Love and marriage are wonderful. Actually, they are miracles. But the great miracle is not love at first sight. The great miracle is love after a long, long look. So, how do you keep the "honey" in the honeymoon? How do you keep the excitement, the thrill, there? How do you have the kind of home that God wants you to have? May I give you seven simple words based on 1 Peter 3:1-10?

Faith - Verse five of the text mentioned above discusses the need to trust in God: "For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God . . . " Ecclesiastes 4:12 puts it this way: "A threefold cord is not quickly broken." The man, the woman, and God make up the threefold cord that binds our homes together. You'll never have a successful home apart from God, and you'll never know God as you ought without faith.

Acceptance - Verse one lays out God's plan for the home: "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands." The devil has tried to obliterate the differences between the sexes. Under the guise of making men and women equal, he's tried to make them the same. Men and women are equal before God, but equality of worth is not the sameness of function. Each of us must accept our God-given roles. Then, you will experience blessings when you follow God's plan for your home.

Contentment - Verse three reminds us not to get caught up in outward appearances: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel." The secret of contentment is to learn that you can get along without almost anything except God and one another. If you have that, you have all you need to be content.

Forgiveness - In verse nine, Peter says, "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." Tornados are terrible and earthquakes are horrible, but termites destroy more homes than anything else. Likewise, it's that little spirit of bitterness, that unwillingness to forgive, or that spirit that carries a grudge that will get your home. Sometimes the wife has to practice it and sometimes the husband, but learn to forgive.

Communication - Verse ten says, "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile." In Proverbs 18:21 we also read, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." You need to learn to communicate. Just as important, you need to plan to communicate. Make time for it. Everyone ought to plan four dates.

. Plan a date with God. - Have a quiet time with Him every day.

. Plan a date with your kids. - Spend time with each child or grandchild personally.

. Plan a date with yourself. - Get alone, pray, or just meditate.

. Plan a date with your spouse. - Get out of the house and just love one another.

Romance - In verse seven dwell means to "live together" or "share," and it speaks of romance. "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life" Never let the physical part of your marriage grow cold. Your spouse is someone precious. You need to honor the person that you're married to. One way to give honor is a sincere compliment. You give honor not only privately, but publicly. Keep the romance, the joy, and the excitement in your relationship.

Prayer - Finally, verse seven: "that your prayers be not hindered." Pray through your marriage. Psalm 127:1 says, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." It's more than a trite expression that the family that prays together, stays together. It is vital that you learn to pray together.

Now you say, "That's a very strange thing because you have given us seven words about having a successful home, but you never mentioned love." Friend, all of these are facets of love. As these seven words are lived out and become actions, they will speak love and will build up your marriage.

MEANINGFUL QUOTES

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet. - Unknown

Our grand business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand. - anonymous

The more obstacles you have, the more opportunities there are for God to do something.
- Clarence W. Jones

If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate ... If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. - Dorothy Law Nolte

A whispered word of encouragement...a smile or wink. If a teacher can let her personal love shine through, then her pupil is ready to learn. - Margaret Hobbs

A child should be loved for who he is, not for what he does. - David Jeremiah

Don't look down upon a single one of these little children. For I tell you that in heaven their angels have constant access to my Father. - Jesus in Matthew 18:10 TLB

He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God. - Abraham Kuyper, 1837-1920

There is nothing that makes us love someone so much as praying for them. - William Law

How little people know who think that holiness is dull ... When one meets the real thing, it's irresistible. - C. S. Lewis

Lord, think through us till your ideas become our ideas. - Amy Carmichael, Missionary to India

THE WOMAN'S HORMONE HOSTAGE
Author Unknown ~ Contributed by Valerie Nichols in Nova Scotia

The Woman's Hormone Hostage knows that there are days in the month when all a husband has to do is open his mouth and they take their very life into their own hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband!

   DANGEROUS: What's for dinner?
           SAFER: Can I help you with dinner?
                   SAFEST: Where would you like to go for dinner?
                           ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

   DANGEROUS: Are you wearing that?
          SAFER: Gee, you look good in brown.
                   SAFEST: WOW! Look at you!
                           ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

   DANGEROUS: What are you so worked up about?
           SAFER: Could we be overreacting?
                   SAFEST: Here's fifty dollars.
                           ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

   DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?
           SAFER: You know, there are a lot of apples left.
                   SAFEST: Can I get you a glass of wine with that?
                           ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

   DANGEROUS: What did you do all day?
           SAFER: I hope you didn't overdo it today.
                   SAFEST: I've always loved you in that robe!
                           ULTRASAFE: Here, have some more chocolate.

FALL FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING THIS AUTUMN

By Debbie Rodgers ~ Used by permission

Aaaah, autumn! It's the perfect time to entertain outdoors -- most of the bugs are gone, the sun isn't scorching even though it's warm enough to enjoy an afternoon or evening al fresco, and there's a bounty of good things to serve for an outdoor meal.

Because the days are shorter in the autumn, outdoor entertaining in the fall calls for special attention to lighting and temperature.

Lighting ~ The earlier sunset will afford you an ideal opportunity to bathe your outdoor space in evening lights. Use soft light, but use plenty of it. Try dozens of votive candles in jars and glasses to protect the flame from the wind, hurricane lamps, or kerosene lanterns set on low. Create cozy seating areas and equip each with a glowing light source.

Heating ~ The method you'll use to chase the chill from the night will vary depending on your climate and your outdoor space. If you have a yard (and community by-laws allow), a campfire is a wonderful informal party setting. In smaller gardens, consider self-contained fire pits or a chimenea.

For a more formal affair, you can install a propane-powered heater. These units are available in a range of heating powers and prices. Or, drape attractive throws or quilts on each chair for your guests to wrap around their shoulders to ward off the night air.

Of course, you'll want to take advantage of the wonderful colors and textures of autumn in your decorating scheme and table settings.

Color ~ Autumn's colors are deep and rich -- russet, crimson, burnt orange, gold, dark green, and the color of hay. Use these hues repeatedly in tablecloths and settings, flowers, centerpieces, and even the food. Scoop out pumpkins and other squash and fit them with containers of water to make vases. Mass potted mums in vivid colors. Use orange Chinese lanterns, bright rosehips, stems of red or orange berries, or chilies. Wrap vibrant maple or sumac leaves around votive candleholders or napkin rings. Sunflower heads can be strewn on the tabletop, or left on the flower stalks in a container.

Texture ~ The textures of fall are earthy and rustic. Especially play these up if your gathering is informal -- a corn roast, a bonfire, a jeans and sweater evening. Use burlap or rough cotton to cover your buffet table, and dish towels as napkins. Weigh down your tablecloth with apples or pears hung on rough twine. Or use rattan placemats and wicker baskets. Terracotta pot saucers make great paper plate holders.

If you're hosting a fancy sit-down outdoor dinner, use the subtler textures of hydrangea blossoms and colored leaves on a linen tablecloth. Try bringing your indoor dining table outdoors for the evening-it will add unexpected elegance to your setting. Paint gold lettering on small gourds to use as place cards. Grace your table with late-blooming roses in crystal vases.

Whether you hold a harvest hoedown or a stylish sit-down dinner party for eight, fall for outside entertaining this autumn!

_______________________________________________________________________
Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest how-to guide "Attracting Butterflies to Your Home and Garden" is now available on her web site. Visit her at http://www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space".

NOW THAT'S A LOT OF PUMPKINSJJJ!

Did you know that Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania are top pumpkin producing states, having several thousands of acres? During a good growing season one acre will yield between 1,600 and 2,000 pumpkins! Now that's a lot of pumpkinsJJJ!

ANALOGY OF THE PUMPKINJ

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff -- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light Inside you to shine for all the world to see. ~ Contributed by Dianna Songer and Debbie Webster, both of Virginia

ROASTED PUMPKINJSEEDS

Using a medium pumpkin, separate the seeds from the pulp as much as possible, using a colander, washing the seeds. Pour out onto paper towels and pat dry with the towels. Pour seeds onto a greased bar pan. Mix together the following in a custard cup: 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt and 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce. Stir ingredients into pumpkin seeds on the pan. Bake at 275 degrees for an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. On a chilly autumn night, curl up in front of the fireplace with your family, roasted pumpkin seeds and hot chocolate!

PUMPKINJVASE WITH AUTUMN FLOWERS -- CENTERPIECE FOR NOVEMBER!

Use either real or fake pumpkins to make a centerpiece flower arrangement. Cut off the top, leaving the stem intact, and set aside. Clean and rinse out the inside of the pumpkin, if using a real one.  Stick a pick into the pumpkin top, then inserting it into the base or side of the pumpkin at an angle, being careful not to puncture if using real flowers which will require water. If you do puncture it though, you can still place a bowl of water inside the pumpkin to hold the water and flowers. Otherwise use silk autumn flowers in bright yellows and oranges, with touches of any other colors, arranging the flowers around the pumpkin top. Insert a few sprigs peeking out from under the top as well, to balance the arrangement. I must admit a fake pumpkin might smell better J, especially if you've had your pumpkin for a while. L You could also save your arrangement for next year. J

PHOTOGRAPHS WITH PUMPKINS J

Set a pumpkin on the grass, with autumn leaves all around. Have your child get on the ground behind the pumpkin and rest his or her chin on the pumpkin for a cute autumn pose. If you have several children, do each one separately and then line them all up and snap more pictures. You may need help with little ones, depending on how many there are. Grandmas, try the same thing with your little "Pumpkins!"   This would make a great October picture for the calendars that some of you give to relatives! It would also make a great scrapbooking page or two! Another pose might be your child holding or hugging a pumpkin!

CREAM CHEESE-PUMPKIN JROLL & A LAYER CAKE

Very Easy and Delicious! ~ From the November, 2003 issue of the Heart to Heart Newsletter

Moist and delicious! I made this recipe several times already this fall and it freezes very well. This is one way to get a "Jump"on the holidays. Out of this recipe you will get one large pumpkin roll and one small layer cake. You can double this recipe, using one large can of pumpkin. Make several batches and you will be able to go to a Christmas parties without baking! Just pull one from the freezer! Your teens will enjoy doing this recipe with you. It is really easy, but the final result is rewarding and delicious!

Cake:                                                                      Filling:

1 ½ cup unbleached flour                                     2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 tsp. baking powder                                            2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp. baking soda                                                1 ½ sticks butter, softened

1 tsp. ground cinnamon                                       2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. ground cloves                                               powdered sugar

½ tsp. salt

6 large eggs                                                            Rather than using this filling, other frostings

2 cups granulated sugar                                                or whipped cream also work.

1 1/3 cup 100% pure pumpkin

1 to 2 cups chopped walnuts, optional

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 10 x 15 inch jelly roll pan (cookie sheet with sides) and a 9 inch square pan with wax paper. Spray wax paper with Pam. Set aside. Beat eggs, sugar and pumpkin until thick. Stir in dry ingredients, but do not over mix. Spread evenly in prepared jelly roll pan and 9 inch square pan. Sprinkle with nuts, if desired. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen the jelly roll while hot, cover with a clean tea towel or an old pillowcase, and invert cake onto the cloth. Carefully peel off wax paper. Roll up the cake and cloth together while still hot. Cool on a wire rack or on the counter.

Filling: Beat first four ingredients until smooth and creamy. When the cake is completely cool, unroll it, remove towel, and spread cream cheese filling over the cake. Re-roll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with sifted powdered sugar before serving. Slice into serving sizes.   The 9 inch cake can be cut in half when cool, so you have two 4 ½ x 9 inch wide layers. Frost one layer when cool, and stack the other layer on top. Lay a paper doily on top of the cake and sprinkle sifted powered sugar over the top. Remove paper doily and you have a beautifully decorated cake!

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TEENAGER

Information from Mary Rice Hopkins of California

You might be interested in the Christian organization, "Understanding Your Teenager," where you will find great ideas and help for parents of teens. Wayne Rice does seminars all over the country for parents and youth leaders and also has an e-mail newsletter. Check it out at www.UYT.com or at www.WayneRice.com.

HOW TO START THE DAY WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

Author unknown ~ Contributed by Barb Campbell of Mississippi

1. Open a new file in your PC.

2. Name it "Housework."

3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN

4. Empty the RECYCLE BIN

5. Your PC will ask you, "Are you sure you want to delete Housework permanently?"

6. Answer calmly, "Yes," and press the mouse button firmly....

7. Feel better?

LUNCHES, SNACKS AND USING UP LEFTOVERS

Adapted from a letter by Deborah Taylor-Hough, http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/, Author: Frugal Living for Dummies(r), A Simple Choice, Frozen Assets, and Mix-and-Match Recipes

Used by permission

I'm always on the look out for super-simple, super-cheap recipes for lunches, snacks and using up leftovers. I usually do okay with dinner (there's almost always something tasty hiding in my freezer), but sometimes I run out of ideas for the other eating times during the day, especially on those busy days with little time to cook.

A couple of simple things we do:

"Tortilla Roll-Ups" -- Just spread cream cheese and a couple slices of inexpensive sandwich meat onto a flour tortilla, roll up, and enjoy! I also add sprouts or lettuce if we have it around. A friend of mine slices the Roll-Ups into Pinwheels for variety -- the Tortilla Pinwheels make a nice snack item for parties, too.

"Fruit Salad" -- Fill a salad bowl with large cubes of fresh fruit (apples, oranges, bananas, melons, etc.), and then pour a carton of VANILLA-flavored yogurt (NOT plain yogurt) over the fruit for a sauce. This is so simple, but very tasty.

"Pudding Pops" -- Prepare a box of instant pudding according to instructions, pour into popcycle molds and freeze. If you use chocolate flavored pudding, you have super-simple do-it-yourself fudgecycles. Butterscotch pudding is really good this way, too.

-----------------------------------

Note from Lois: A healthier alternative to pudding pops is making frozen pops by blending fresh, frozen or canned fruit in the blender. Yogurt blended with frozen bananas and orange juice is also delicious.

QUOTES FROM "HEART TO HEART" GRANDCHILDREN

My daughter-in-law Laurie asked her 3 year old Anna about Sunday School. She said, "Did you give your money to Jesus this morning?" Anna replied: "No, He wasn't there so we put our money in a basket!" (Anna is the 3 year old granddaughter of Jo Ann Taylor in Arkansas.)

On another occasion, after lying to her mother and getting a sermon about telling the truth, Laurie said, "Anna, we do not lie in this house!" Anna immediately came back with, "Then mommy, where do we lie?" (Anna is the 3 year old granddaughter of Jo Ann Taylor in Arkansas.)

Last week the kindergarten teacher was teaching the letter "H" and she was asking the children what words they know that start with the letter "H." One said, "Hot." Another said, "Henry'' and then my five year old grandson, Max, suddenly realized he knew a great word that started with "H!'' He raised his hand, wanting desperately to be chosen to give his answer! The teacher called on him and he proudly exclaimed, "Husquevarna!!!"  (He loves anything to do with tools and machines and this is the name of a manufacturer of tools and machines!) Can you imagine what the teacher must have thought when she heard his answer!? (Max is the grandson of Elinor Wright in Virginia.)

During the summer I was sitting in the backyard at our picnic table, enjoying lemonade with my two granddaughters. As we sipped our lemonade, we saw squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits playfully enjoying the wide open lawn. We spoke of the time when we saw a red fox run through our yard too. Birds were at their feeding station nearby. Soon several deer came through the yard. My almost four year old granddaughter, Maegan, tipped her head and wistfully said, "Why, Grandma! It's just like you live at a zoo! (Maegan is the granddaughter of Elaine Breneman in PA.)

Eighteen month old Justin had a playgroup friend over at his house. When his little friend spilled his granola, Justin's mommy, Joy, got out the vacuum cleaner and vacuumed it up. After the friend went home, the vacuum was still setting out in the room. Later Justin was sitting on the floor, eating raisins out of a dish. Suddenly he got up, went over to the vacuum, poured the raisins on the floor in front of the vacuum and cheerfully said, "Bye, bye! Bye, bye!" - fully expecting them to be sucked up by the vacuum cleaner! (Justin is the grandson of Lois Breneman in Virginia.)
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(This quote originally appeared in the Mommysavers Newsletter. Free weekly newsletter: www.mommysavers.com ~ Used by permission)
A friend and I were walking our kids to school. She has a 4 year old daughter, Isabel, who was in the stroller going along for the ride. Isabel asked, "Where are we going?" Her mom replied, "Crazy!" (as a joke) to which Isabel stated "It's not THIS way!" -- Sheryl, 35, from IL

HELP AND COMFORT IN THE LOSS OF AN INFANT

October was National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month and October 15th was Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Well, we've all heard the saying, "Better late than never!"   Jo Ann Taylor, a precious "Heart to Heart" friend in Arkansas, is a pastor's wife who has a ministry for those who lost an infant through miscarriage. She offers personal help and healing at her site!

A SPECIAL MEMORIAL FOR MY ANGELS

By Jo Ann Taylor of Arkansas ~ Used by permission

http://fly.to/OperationAngel      http://opangel.angelcities.com/index.html

A touching letter to Darrell Keith Taylor and Melody Joy Taylor, two precious babies lost by miscarriage, carried to Heaven on 6/15/62 & 6/23/63, but holding you in my heart till I can hold you in my arms.

Little Ones,
      Before you were formed, God had known and seen you. He planned your every detail. He planned the color of your eyes, your hair, He formed your tiny fingers, toes, nose. He designed the DNA that would determine your height, personality, smartness! And while He was planning you, He brought together me and your daddy and designed us in such a way that as our bodies were entwined in the act of love, that a tiny, tiny sperm from your daddy would enter mommie's body and fertilize a tiny, tiny egg to begin your journey. Before this time you were a plan in the mind of God. But at that moment, you became a living being. There are those who would say you were only a fetus, but you and I know differently, don't we? I sometimes think they like to say fetus because it sounds easier to kill a fetus than to think that they killed a real baby! Yes little ones, there are those mommies who would deliberately murder their precious babies. But, back to you - it was just a few days after that your mommy knew you were coming! I can't tell you how excited your daddy and I were. A baby - our very own baby! Through the following days and weeks you began growing quickly and changing every day. Daddy and I started making plans for you. We could hardly wait to see what you looked like and whether you'd be a boy or a girl. Mommy talked to you, sang to you, rocked you (I hope I didn't make you seasick!)
      But one day I knew something was wrong. I can't explain it. Mommies just know things like that. A few more days passed and then you were ushered into heaven - each of you a year apart. I couldn't believe it! I was so sad - not for you, but for me and daddy. I knew you were both in heaven with Jesus, the angels and lots of other babies. I knew you'd be taken care of. I just didn't know what Daddy and I would do without you. We didn't even get to know you, see you or hold you. For days, weeks and months, Mommy wandered around in a daze, not really wanting to live without you, but not wanting to die.

      Little ones, I'm sorry I missed out on your life. It wasn't your fault, it wasn't my fault nor Daddy's. And it wasn't God's fault! I know that our human nature wants to blame Him, but He didn't take you. He carefully, meticulously, lovingly planned you. Why would He have done that and then destroyed you? That sure wouldn't make sense! The problem is that God had to place His perfect design in an imperfect body that became imperfect when sin entered the world.
      How I would love to have seen your little pink fat cheeks and chubby hands and hear you coo. I would love to have rocked you and taught you many wonderful things. You've both been gone for a long time but you still tiptoe through my dreams and across my heart. The thought of you is like a sweet fragrance flowing through my memory. With everyday that passes, I'm close to finally meeting you in heaven. I'll know you because you'll have our family characteristics. Brown hair - brown eyes - dad's nose - mom's smile - your two brothers' personalities and your grandfather's sense of humor. I sometimes envy you both for being in such a lovely, peaceful place with total joy, with mine and Daddy's loved ones, with Jesus. Being able to play all day, free from pain, aging, hurts, diseases, loneliness.
      In closing, even though there are days when Mommy cries and sometimes seems sad, please don't feel sorry for me. I was so privileged to have been chosen to carry you for those sixteen precious weeks. I'm so proud to be your mommy forever. Thank you both for the way you've changed my life. I'll see you soon.
Mommy

God bless each of you dear ladies!

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].
  --  To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: [email protected]  

Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>

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

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11/1/04 MARRIAGE, HORMONES, PUMPKINS, GRANDCHILDREN'S QUOTES, LOSS

~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~

(Sent 2 days early)

JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ

IN THIS ISSUE:

ONE VOTE DOES COUNT

MINUTE BY MINUTE ELECTION COVERAGE

SEVEN WORDS THAT CAN BUILD A MARRIAGE
MEANINGFUL QUOTES

THE WOMAN'S HORMONE HOSTAGE
FALL FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING THIS AUTUMN

NOW THAT'S A LOT OF PUMPKINS!

ANALOGY OF THE PUMPKIN

ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS

PUMPKIN VASE WITH AUTUMN FLOWERS -- CENTERPIECE FOR NOVEMBER!

PHOTOGRAPHS WITH PUMPKINS

CREAM CHEESE-PUMPKIN ROLL & A LAYER CAKE

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TEENAGER

HOW TO START THE DAY WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

LUNCHES, SNACKS AND USING UP LEFTOVERS

QUOTES FROM "HEART TO HEART" GRANDCHILDREN

HELP AND COMFORT IN THE LOSS OF AN INFANT

A SPECIAL MEMORIAL FOR MY ANGELS

ONE VOTE DOES COUNT

Contributed by Lucy Poland of Virginia

ONE VOTE decided that Americans speak English rather than German.

ONE VOTE kept Aaron Burr, later charged with treason, from becoming President.

ONE VOTE made Texas part of the United States.

ONE VOTE changed France from a monarchy to a Republic.

ONE VOTE saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment.

ONE VOTE admitted California, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon to the Union.

ONE VOTE elected Rutherford B. Hayes to the PRESIDENCY.

The man who cast that vote was an Indiana Congressman elected by ONE VOTE.

ONE VOTE saved the Selective Service System only 12 weeks before Pearl Harbor.

MINUTE BY MINUTE ELECTION COVERAGE

Look to CitizenLink before Tuesday for a voter guide and key issues in your state if you need more information before casting your vote. Then on Election Night follow up-to-the-minute coverage of the Election. CitizenLink is a ministry of Focus on the Family. http://election.citizenlink.org http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0034294.cfm

Sign up today for informative e-mails from CitizenLink to learn things you need to know, but will probably not hear in the mainstream media: http://www.family.org/cforum/clinksignup.cfm

Another web site I came across that gives the Electoral College numbers for each state is http://www.270toWin.com with an interactive map and history of the Electoral College.

SEVEN WORDS THAT CAN BUILD A MARRIAGE

By Adrian Rogers ~ http://www.lwf.org ~ Used by permission from Love Worth Finding

Contributed by Barb Campbell in Mississippi

Love and marriage are wonderful. Actually, they are miracles. But the great miracle is not love at first sight. The great miracle is love after a long, long look. So, how do you keep the "honey" in the honeymoon? How do you keep the excitement, the thrill, there? How do you have the kind of home that God wants you to have? May I give you seven simple words based on 1 Peter 3:1-10?

Faith - Verse five of the text mentioned above discusses the need to trust in God: "For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God . . . " Ecclesiastes 4:12 puts it this way: "A threefold cord is not quickly broken." The man, the woman, and God make up the threefold cord that binds our homes together. You'll never have a successful home apart from God, and you'll never know God as you ought without faith.

Acceptance - Verse one lays out God's plan for the home: "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands." The devil has tried to obliterate the differences between the sexes. Under the guise of making men and women equal, he's tried to make them the same. Men and women are equal before God, but equality of worth is not the sameness of function. Each of us must accept our God-given roles. Then, you will experience blessings when you follow God's plan for your home.

Contentment - Verse three reminds us not to get caught up in outward appearances: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel." The secret of contentment is to learn that you can get along without almost anything except God and one another. If you have that, you have all you need to be content.

Forgiveness - In verse nine, Peter says, "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." Tornados are terrible and earthquakes are horrible, but termites destroy more homes than anything else. Likewise, it's that little spirit of bitterness, that unwillingness to forgive, or that spirit that carries a grudge that will get your home. Sometimes the wife has to practice it and sometimes the husband, but learn to forgive.

Communication - Verse ten says, "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile." In Proverbs 18:21 we also read, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." You need to learn to communicate. Just as important, you need to plan to communicate. Make time for it. Everyone ought to plan four dates.

. Plan a date with God. - Have a quiet time with Him every day.

. Plan a date with your kids. - Spend time with each child or grandchild personally.

. Plan a date with yourself. - Get alone, pray, or just meditate.

. Plan a date with your spouse. - Get out of the house and just love one another.

Romance - In verse seven dwell means to "live together" or "share," and it speaks of romance. "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life" Never let the physical part of your marriage grow cold. Your spouse is someone precious. You need to honor the person that you're married to. One way to give honor is a sincere compliment. You give honor not only privately, but publicly. Keep the romance, the joy, and the excitement in your relationship.

Prayer - Finally, verse seven: "that your prayers be not hindered." Pray through your marriage. Psalm 127:1 says, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." It's more than a trite expression that the family that prays together, stays together. It is vital that you learn to pray together.

Now you say, "That's a very strange thing because you have given us seven words about having a successful home, but you never mentioned love." Friend, all of these are facets of love. As these seven words are lived out and become actions, they will speak love and will build up your marriage.

MEANINGFUL QUOTES

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet. - Unknown

Our grand business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand. - anonymous

The more obstacles you have, the more opportunities there are for God to do something.
- Clarence W. Jones

If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate ... If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. - Dorothy Law Nolte

A whispered word of encouragement...a smile or wink. If a teacher can let her personal love shine through, then her pupil is ready to learn. - Margaret Hobbs

A child should be loved for who he is, not for what he does. - David Jeremiah

Don't look down upon a single one of these little children. For I tell you that in heaven their angels have constant access to my Father. - Jesus in Matthew 18:10 TLB

He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God. - Abraham Kuyper, 1837-1920

There is nothing that makes us love someone so much as praying for them. - William Law

How little people know who think that holiness is dull ... When one meets the real thing, it's irresistible. - C. S. Lewis

Lord, think through us till your ideas become our ideas. - Amy Carmichael, Missionary to India

THE WOMAN'S HORMONE HOSTAGE
Author Unknown ~ Contributed by Valerie Nichols in Nova Scotia

The Woman's Hormone Hostage knows that there are days in the month when all a husband has to do is open his mouth and they take their very life into their own hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband!

   DANGEROUS: What's for dinner?
           SAFER: Can I help you with dinner?
                   SAFEST: Where would you like to go for dinner?
                           ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

   DANGEROUS: Are you wearing that?
          SAFER: Gee, you look good in brown.
                   SAFEST: WOW! Look at you!
                           ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

   DANGEROUS: What are you so worked up about?
           SAFER: Could we be overreacting?
                   SAFEST: Here's fifty dollars.
                           ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

   DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?
           SAFER: You know, there are a lot of apples left.
                   SAFEST: Can I get you a glass of wine with that?
                           ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

   DANGEROUS: What did you do all day?
           SAFER: I hope you didn't overdo it today.
                   SAFEST: I've always loved you in that robe!
                           ULTRASAFE: Here, have some more chocolate.

FALL FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING THIS AUTUMN

By Debbie Rodgers ~ Used by permission

Aaaah, autumn! It's the perfect time to entertain outdoors -- most of the bugs are gone, the sun isn't scorching even though it's warm enough to enjoy an afternoon or evening al fresco, and there's a bounty of good things to serve for an outdoor meal.

Because the days are shorter in the autumn, outdoor entertaining in the fall calls for special attention to lighting and temperature.

Lighting ~ The earlier sunset will afford you an ideal opportunity to bathe your outdoor space in evening lights. Use soft light, but use plenty of it. Try dozens of votive candles in jars and glasses to protect the flame from the wind, hurricane lamps, or kerosene lanterns set on low. Create cozy seating areas and equip each with a glowing light source.

Heating ~ The method you'll use to chase the chill from the night will vary depending on your climate and your outdoor space. If you have a yard (and community by-laws allow), a campfire is a wonderful informal party setting. In smaller gardens, consider self-contained fire pits or a chimenea.

For a more formal affair, you can install a propane-powered heater. These units are available in a range of heating powers and prices. Or, drape attractive throws or quilts on each chair for your guests to wrap around their shoulders to ward off the night air.

Of course, you'll want to take advantage of the wonderful colors and textures of autumn in your decorating scheme and table settings.

Color ~ Autumn's colors are deep and rich -- russet, crimson, burnt orange, gold, dark green, and the color of hay. Use these hues repeatedly in tablecloths and settings, flowers, centerpieces, and even the food. Scoop out pumpkins and other squash and fit them with containers of water to make vases. Mass potted mums in vivid colors. Use orange Chinese lanterns, bright rosehips, stems of red or orange berries, or chilies. Wrap vibrant maple or sumac leaves around votive candleholders or napkin rings. Sunflower heads can be strewn on the tabletop, or left on the flower stalks in a container.

Texture ~ The textures of fall are earthy and rustic. Especially play these up if your gathering is informal -- a corn roast, a bonfire, a jeans and sweater evening. Use burlap or rough cotton to cover your buffet table, and dish towels as napkins. Weigh down your tablecloth with apples or pears hung on rough twine. Or use rattan placemats and wicker baskets. Terracotta pot saucers make great paper plate holders.

If you're hosting a fancy sit-down outdoor dinner, use the subtler textures of hydrangea blossoms and colored leaves on a linen tablecloth. Try bringing your indoor dining table outdoors for the evening-it will add unexpected elegance to your setting. Paint gold lettering on small gourds to use as place cards. Grace your table with late-blooming roses in crystal vases.

Whether you hold a harvest hoedown or a stylish sit-down dinner party for eight, fall for outside entertaining this autumn!

_______________________________________________________________________
Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest how-to guide "Attracting Butterflies to Your Home and Garden" is now available on her web site. Visit her at http://www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space".

NOW THAT'S A LOT OF PUMPKINSJJJ!

Did you know that Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania are top pumpkin producing states, having several thousands of acres? During a good growing season one acre will yield between 1,600 and 2,000 pumpkins! Now that's a lot of pumpkinsJJJ!

ANALOGY OF THE PUMPKINJ

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff -- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light Inside you to shine for all the world to see. ~ Contributed by Dianna Songer and Debbie Webster, both of Virginia

ROASTED PUMPKINJSEEDS

Using a medium pumpkin, separate the seeds from the pulp as much as possible, using a colander, washing the seeds. Pour out onto paper towels and pat dry with the towels. Pour seeds onto a greased bar pan. Mix together the following in a custard cup: 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt and 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce. Stir ingredients into pumpkin seeds on the pan. Bake at 275 degrees for an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. On a chilly autumn night, curl up in front of the fireplace with your family, roasted pumpkin seeds and hot chocolate!

PUMPKINJVASE WITH AUTUMN FLOWERS -- CENTERPIECE FOR NOVEMBER!

Use either real or fake pumpkins to make a centerpiece flower arrangement. Cut off the top, leaving the stem intact, and set aside. Clean and rinse out the inside of the pumpkin, if using a real one. Stick a pick into the pumpkin top, then inserting it into the base or side of the pumpkin at an angle, being careful not to puncture if using real flowers which will require water. If you do puncture it though, you can still place a bowl of water inside the pumpkin to hold the water and flowers. Otherwise use silk autumn flowers in bright yellows and oranges, with touches of any other colors, arranging the flowers around the pumpkin top. Insert a few sprigs peeking out from under the top as well, to balance the arrangement. I must admit a fake pumpkin might smell better J, especially if you've had your pumpkin for a while. L You could also save your arrangement for next year. J

PHOTOGRAPHS WITH PUMPKINS J

Set a pumpkin on the grass, with autumn leaves all around. Have your child get on the ground behind the pumpkin and rest his or her chin on the pumpkin for a cute autumn pose. If you have several children, do each one separately and then line them all up and snap more pictures. You may need help with little ones, depending on how many there are. Grandmas, try the same thing with your little "Pumpkins!" This would make a great October picture for the calendars that some of you give to relatives! It would also make a great scrapbooking page or two! Another pose might be your child holding or hugging a pumpkin!

CREAM CHEESE-PUMPKIN JROLL & A LAYER CAKE

Very Easy and Delicious! ~ From the November, 2003 issue of the Heart to Heart Newsletter

Moist and delicious! I made this recipe several times already this fall and it freezes very well. This is one way to get a "Jump"on the holidays. Out of this recipe you will get one large pumpkin roll and one small layer cake. You can double this recipe, using one large can of pumpkin. Make several batches and you will be able to go to a Christmas parties without baking! Just pull one from the freezer! Your teens will enjoy doing this recipe with you. It is really easy, but the final result is rewarding and delicious!

Cake: Filling:

1 ½ cup unbleached flour 2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 tsp. baking powder 2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp. baking soda 1 ½ sticks butter, softened

1 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. ground cloves powdered sugar

½ tsp. salt

6 large eggs Rather than using this filling, other frostings

2 cups granulated sugar or whipped cream also work.

1 1/3 cup 100% pure pumpkin

1 to 2 cups chopped walnuts, optional

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 10 x 15 inch jelly roll pan (cookie sheet with sides) and a 9 inch square pan with wax paper. Spray wax paper with Pam. Set aside. Beat eggs, sugar and pumpkin until thick. Stir in dry ingredients, but do not over mix. Spread evenly in prepared jelly roll pan and 9 inch square pan. Sprinkle with nuts, if desired. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen the jelly roll while hot, cover with a clean tea towel or an old pillowcase, and invert cake onto the cloth. Carefully peel off wax paper. Roll up the cake and cloth together while still hot. Cool on a wire rack or on the counter.

Filling: Beat first four ingredients until smooth and creamy. When the cake is completely cool, unroll it, remove towel, and spread cream cheese filling over the cake. Re-roll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with sifted powdered sugar before serving. Slice into serving sizes. The 9 inch cake can be cut in half when cool, so you have two 4 ½ x 9 inch wide layers. Frost one layer when cool, and stack the other layer on top. Lay a paper doily on top of the cake and sprinkle sifted powered sugar over the top. Remove paper doily and you have a beautifully decorated cake!

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TEENAGER

Information from Mary Rice Hopkins of California

You might be interested in the Christian organization, "Understanding Your Teenager," where you will find great ideas and help for parents of teens. Wayne Rice does seminars all over the country for parents and youth leaders and also has an e-mail newsletter. Check it out at http://www.UYT.com or at http://www.WayneRice.com.

HOW TO START THE DAY WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

Author unknown ~ Contributed by Barb Campbell of Mississippi

1. Open a new file in your PC.

2. Name it "Housework."

3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN

4. Empty the RECYCLE BIN

5. Your PC will ask you, "Are you sure you want to delete Housework permanently?"

6. Answer calmly, "Yes," and press the mouse button firmly....

7. Feel better?

LUNCHES, SNACKS AND USING UP LEFTOVERS

Adapted from a letter by Deborah Taylor-Hough, http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/, Author: Frugal Living for Dummies(r), A Simple Choice, Frozen Assets, and Mix-and-Match Recipes

Used by permission

I'm always on the look out for super-simple, super-cheap recipes for lunches, snacks and using up leftovers. I usually do okay with dinner (there's almost always something tasty hiding in my freezer), but sometimes I run out of ideas for the other eating times during the day, especially on those busy days with little time to cook.

A couple of simple things we do:

"Tortilla Roll-Ups" -- Just spread cream cheese and a couple slices of inexpensive sandwich meat onto a flour tortilla, roll up, and enjoy! I also add sprouts or lettuce if we have it around. A friend of mine slices the Roll-Ups into Pinwheels for variety -- the Tortilla Pinwheels make a nice snack item for parties, too.

"Fruit Salad" -- Fill a salad bowl with large cubes of fresh fruit (apples, oranges, bananas, melons, etc.), and then pour a carton of VANILLA-flavored yogurt (NOT plain yogurt) over the fruit for a sauce. This is so simple, but very tasty.

"Pudding Pops" -- Prepare a box of instant pudding according to instructions, pour into popcycle molds and freeze. If you use chocolate flavored pudding, you have super-simple do-it-yourself fudgecycles. Butterscotch pudding is really good this way, too.

-----------------------------------

Note from Lois: A healthier alternative to pudding pops is making frozen pops by blending fresh, frozen or canned fruit in the blender. Yogurt blended with frozen bananas and orange juice is also delicious.

QUOTES FROM "HEART TO HEART" GRANDCHILDREN

My daughter-in-law Laurie asked her 3 year old Anna about Sunday School. She said, "Did you give your money to Jesus this morning?" Anna replied: "No, He wasn't there so we put our money in a basket!" (Anna is the 3 year old granddaughter of Jo Ann Taylor in Arkansas.)

On another occasion, after lying to her mother and getting a sermon about telling the truth, Laurie said, "Anna, we do not lie in this house!" Anna immediately came back with, "Then mommy, where do we lie?" (Anna is the 3 year old granddaughter of Jo Ann Taylor in Arkansas.)

Last week the kindergarten teacher was teaching the letter "H" and she was asking the children what words they know that start with the letter "H." One said, "Hot." Another said, "Henry'' and then my five year old grandson, Max, suddenly realized he knew a great word that started with "H!'' He raised his hand, wanting desperately to be chosen to give his answer! The teacher called on him and he proudly exclaimed, "Husquevarna!!!" (He loves anything to do with tools and machines and this is the name of a manufacturer of tools and machines!) Can you imagine what the teacher must have thought when she heard his answer!? (Max is the grandson of Elinor Wright in Virginia.)

During the summer I was sitting in the backyard at our picnic table, enjoying lemonade with my two granddaughters. As we sipped our lemonade, we saw squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits playfully enjoying the wide open lawn. We spoke of the time when we saw a red fox run through our yard too. Birds were at their feeding station nearby. Soon several deer came through the yard. My almost four year old granddaughter, Maegan, tipped her head and wistfully said, "Why, Grandma! It's just like you live at a zoo! (Maegan is the granddaughter of Elaine Breneman in PA.)

Eighteen month old Justin had a playgroup friend over at his house. When his little friend spilled his granola, Justin's mommy, Joy, got out the vacuum cleaner and vacuumed it up. After the friend went home, the vacuum was still setting out in the room. Later Justin was sitting on the floor, eating raisins out of a dish. Suddenly he got up, went over to the vacuum, poured the raisins on the floor in front of the vacuum and cheerfully said, "Bye, bye! Bye, bye!" - fully expecting them to be sucked up by the vacuum cleaner! (Justin is the grandson of Lois Breneman in Virginia.)
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(This quote originally appeared in the Mommysavers Newsletter. Free weekly newsletter: http://www.mommysavers.com ~ Used by permission)
A friend and I were walking our kids to school. She has a 4 year old daughter, Isabel, who was in the stroller going along for the ride. Isabel asked, "Where are we going?" Her mom replied, "Crazy!" (as a joke) to which Isabel stated "It's not THIS way!" -- Sheryl, 35, from IL

HELP AND COMFORT IN THE LOSS OF AN INFANT

October was National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month and October 15th was Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Well, we've all heard the saying, "Better late than never!" Jo Ann Taylor, a precious "Heart to Heart" friend in Arkansas, is a pastor's wife who has a ministry for those who lost an infant through miscarriage. She offers personal help and healing at her site!

A SPECIAL MEMORIAL FOR MY ANGELS

By Jo Ann Taylor of Arkansas ~ Used by permission

http://fly.to/OperationAngel http://opangel.angelcities.com/index.html

A touching letter to Darrell Keith Taylor and Melody Joy Taylor, two precious babies lost by miscarriage, carried to Heaven on 6/15/62 & 6/23/63, but holding you in my heart till I can hold you in my arms.

Little Ones,
Before you were formed, God had known and seen you. He planned your every detail. He planned the color of your eyes, your hair, He formed your tiny fingers, toes, nose. He designed the DNA that would determine your height, personality, smartness! And while He was planning you, He brought together me and your daddy and designed us in such a way that as our bodies were entwined in the act of love, that a tiny, tiny sperm from your daddy would enter mommie's body and fertilize a tiny, tiny egg to begin your journey. Before this time you were a plan in the mind of God. But at that moment, you became a living being. There are those who would say you were only a fetus, but you and I know differently, don't we? I sometimes think they like to say fetus because it sounds easier to kill a fetus than to think that they killed a real baby! Yes little ones, there are those mommies who would deliberately murder their precious babies. But, back to you - it was just a few days after that your mommy knew you were coming! I can't tell you how excited your daddy and I were. A baby - our very own baby! Through the following days and weeks you began growing quickly and changing every day. Daddy and I started making plans for you. We could hardly wait to see what you looked like and whether you'd be a boy or a girl. Mommy talked to you, sang to you, rocked you (I hope I didn't make you seasick!)
But one day I knew something was wrong. I can't explain it. Mommies just know things like that. A few more days passed and then you were ushered into heaven - each of you a year apart. I couldn't believe it! I was so sad - not for you, but for me and daddy. I knew you were both in heaven with Jesus, the angels and lots of other babies. I knew you'd be taken care of. I just didn't know what Daddy and I would do without you. We didn't even get to know you, see you or hold you. For days, weeks and months, Mommy wandered around in a daze, not really wanting to live without you, but not wanting to die.

      Little ones, I'm sorry I missed out on your life. It wasn't your fault, it wasn't my fault nor Daddy's. And it wasn't God's fault! I know that our human nature wants to blame Him, but He didn't take you. He carefully, meticulously, lovingly planned you. Why would He have done that and then destroyed you? That sure wouldn't make sense! The problem is that God had to place His perfect design in an imperfect body that became imperfect when sin entered the world.
      How I would love to have seen your little pink fat cheeks and chubby hands and hear you coo. I would love to have rocked you and taught you many wonderful things. You've both been gone for a long time but you still tiptoe through my dreams and across my heart. The thought of you is like a sweet fragrance flowing through my memory. With everyday that passes, I'm close to finally meeting you in heaven. I'll know you because you'll have our family characteristics. Brown hair - brown eyes - dad's nose - mom's smile - your two brothers' personalities and your grandfather's sense of humor. I sometimes envy you both for being in such a lovely, peaceful place with total joy, with mine and Daddy's loved ones, with Jesus. Being able to play all day, free from pain, aging, hurts, diseases, loneliness.
      In closing, even though there are days when Mommy cries and sometimes seems sad, please don't feel sorry for me. I was so privileged to have been chosen to carry you for those sixteen precious weeks. I'm so proud to be your mommy forever. Thank you both for the way you've changed my life. I'll see you soon.
Mommy

God bless each of you dear ladies!

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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