HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman
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11/16/05 PROCLAMATION, CHARACTER, GIFTS, WEB SITES, PRETZELS
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IN THIS ISSUE:
SCRIPTURE ON BEING THANKFUL
THANKSGIVING QUOTE
A DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER - The Year of 1798 - G.W.
1863 THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN
THANKSGIVING MENU
SING AROUND THE TABLE WITH YOUR FAMILY
A THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE
APPLE AND ORANGE CANDLEHOLDERS
UNIQUE LEAF PLACECARDS FOR THE TABLE
MANNERS OF THE HEART
MARRIAGE TIP - SERVING OUR HUSBANDS
A LESSON IN CHARACTER: TEACHING CHILDREN TO BE SERVANTS
THE "I CUT, YOU PICK" RULE
A GREAT GIFT IDEA - ANY TIME OF THE YEAR!
BIO-OPTIC ORGANIZED KNOWLEDGE DEVICE (B.O.O.K)
GIVE THE GIFT OF AN ACTIVITY
ENERGY SAVING TIP
DRIVING DOWN CLOTHING COSTS
SWEDISH APPLE PIE
SOFT CHEDDAR PRETZELS
DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER
SCRIPTURE ON BEING THANKFUL
Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. - Psalm 75:1
O Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. - Psalm 107:1
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. - Colossians 3:15
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. - Psalms 100:4
O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
Psalm 105:1
"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." - Psalm 86:5 & 15
THANKSGIVING QUOTE
Remember ever, and always, that your country was founded ... by the stern old Puritans who made the deck of the Mayflower an altar of the living God, and whose first act on touching the soil of the new world was to offer on bended knees thanksgiving to Almighty God.
~ Henry Wilson, 18th US Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant
A DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER - The Year of 1798
Compliments of http://www.bible.com/answers/athanksg.html
"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor-- and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint committee requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially in a form of government for their safety and happiness.
"Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday...to be devoted by the people of these states to the service of that great and glorious Being Who is the beneficent Author of all that was, that is, or that will be--that we may then all unite in rendering Him our sincere and humble thanks...
"And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions...to render our national Government a blessing to the people...to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations...and to bless them with good government, peace and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true knowledge and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of prosperity as He alone knows to be best..."
--President George Washington, 1798
1863 THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Contributed by Annamarie Kresge in Virginia
The year that is drawing towards its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
-- Abraham Lincoln
THANKSGIVING MENU
Although I already sent you lots of "Make-Ahead Recipes" for a Thanksgiving meal last month, you might want to check out Mary Ann Kelley's web site, Menus4Moms, for lots more ideas!
http://www.menus4moms.com/
Then for even more recipes, Barb Campbell of Mississippi suggests going to this terrific site with all sorts of recipes and cooking information. It includes recipes for the crockpot, freezing ahead and more.
http://www.michellemarshall.net/Links.html
SING AROUND THE TABLE WITH YOUR FAMILY
At Thanksgiving, as you gather together for your family feast, a verse of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" or "Count Your Blessings" would be very special. Set aside a few minutes sometime during the day to have each person tell of one or more blessings that they are most thankful for at this time. Choose a time to do this - before the Thanksgiving meal, during the meal, at dessert or whenever you can get the family together.
A THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE
A cornucopia filled with fresh fruits and vegetables is always an appropriate centerpiece for Thanksgiving. For a special added touch to the traditional cornucopia, how about adding a few small groupings of fresh flowers, such as chrysanthemums or the last roses of fall - whatever is still blooming. The flowers would be a rather last minute job to ensure freshness. Wrap the groupings of flowers in a wet paper towel with plastic wrap around that, before sticking in between the fruits and vegetables. If you have small vials from a florist, those would work as well for single stems. A cornucopia isn't even necessary, if you don't have one. Just use a nice bowl or basket for the arrangement. Silk flowers could also be substituted for fresh - whatever works best for you. Keep the centerpiece low so you can see the people across the table.
APPLE AND ORANGE CANDLEHOLDERS
Colorful apples and oranges can be turned into candleholders, simply by carefully cutting out a hole for inserting a votive candle. Choose pieces of fruit that stand straight - or secure them in a small shallow dish. If using oranges, you may want to pierce small holes in the orange, around the votive candle, and insert whole cloves, which will give off a wonderful scent when warm.
Tapered candles would be too tall for these candleholders and might topple over, so you'd better stick to votive candles. As my two year old grandson says when his mommy cautions him about certain things he should or should not do, "You want me to be safe!" And so do I want you to be safe!J Always beware when burning candles!
UNIQUE LEAF PLACECARDS FOR THE TABLE
Gather some pretty leaves that have fallen from your trees and using gold ink, write the names of those who will be your dinner guests. Pear leaves are especially striking in red and gold hues. Another way to make a pretty splash on your table with the leaves is to spray them (outdoors) with gold paint first, let dry and air out to get rid of the paint odor, and write the names in black ink. If you're really on a roll, having fun doing this craft, why not spray some extra leaves to use as name tags on Christmas packages too! They would look great on red or green wrapping paper, as well as plain brown wrapping paper, tied with raffia.
MANNERS OF THE HEART
By Jill Rigby -
[email protected] - Copyright 2005 - Used by permission
"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of God stands forever."
A turkey in the oven, candied yams soaked in butter and homemade rolls rising in the pantry, while children's giggles bring extra delight to the pleasant aroma coming from the kitchen. Must be Thanksgiving morning-the beginning of a wonderfully long day of food, family, football, and more food! But it's really not the favorite foods, but the favorite folks that make Thanksgiving so special.
Why not share the sweetest food of all with your loved ones this year? Gather the children around for a fun project that will give everyone at the table an opportunity to feast on the Word of God.
You'll need a small clay pot for each guest. Let the children paint the pots with acrylic paints in autumn colors. Fill each pot with straw and top with a fresh fruit. Cut strips from brown paper for Scripture tags. Help the children write a reference on each tag and attach to the fruit stems with twine. Before the Thanksgiving meal, pass the family Bible around for each person to read their verse from God's Holy Word.
God bless you and yours with thanksgiving as we begin the preparation of our hearts to receive the gift of Christmas.
Suggested Scriptures: Proverbs 24: 3, 4; 1 Chronicles 16: 34; John 3: 16; Ephesians 3: 16-19; Psalm 69: 30; Psalm 100: 4; Psalm 147: 7; Philippians 4: 6; Isaiah 51: 3; Psalm 95: 2; Ezra 3: 11; Colossians 3: 15
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Jill Rigby is the author of Manners of the Heart, a manners and etiquette curriculum for elementary school children that teaches the moral principles of respectfulness toward others. She conducts workshops and seminars across the country for schools, civic organizations, and parents' groups. To learn more visit: www.thecommunityofmanners.com
MARRIAGE TIP - SERVING OUR HUSBANDS
Tuesday is BUILD HIM UP day.
By Lori J. Byerly Copyright © 2001-2005 All Rights Reserved - Used by permission
http://www.the-generous-wife.com - Check link for short daily marriage tips that Lori sends to wives.
We all need to be heard and respected. Remember to seek out your husband's opinion from time to time. Ask him what he thinks. Ask him for ideas and solutions to problems that you face.
Lisa's holiday tip/idea: Being on a limited budget need not hinder your ability to build up your husband. For the cost of a dry-erase marker, we regularly leave messages for each other on our bathroom mirror. It is so nice when one of us has had a bad day or even an especially victorious one to receive a positive note from the other. For Thanksgiving, why not write reasons you are thankful for your spouse - things that make you feel special that he does (and may not get noticed for every time), ways he helps, reasons he's a good father, etc.? This has become a greater challenge for us now that we have a "reader" in the home. What used to be a place to leave messages with an "intimate" tone has given way to simply encouraging or funny notes. Our son loves coming in to read the messages and we feel that he is learning to be a great husband some day! And how much more secure children are when they know their parents love each other! Think generous! Lori <><
A LESSON IN CHARACTER: TEACHING CHILDREN TO BE SERVANTS
THE "I CUT, YOU PICK" RULE
Copyright 2005 Scott Turansky/Joanne Miller -
http://www.biblicalparenting.org/All rights reserved - Used by permission from the authors
Teaching children to be servants is important because they learn valuable attitudes about working with others. A servant gives more than half, considers others' needs, and looks for ways to benefit those around him. Children who learn to be servants make better employees, develop meaningful friendships, and enjoy relationships more.
One fun way to teach children to be servants is the "I Cut, You Pick" Rule. It helps children who both want the last piece of cake, or plan to split a chocolate bar. It simply goes like this. When children must divide something between them, ask one child if he would rather cut or pick. The other alternative goes to the second child. This plan motivates the person cutting to be as equal as possible.
Now, instead of two children arguing about who got the biggest piece, they are both involved in the solution. The "I Cut You Pick" rule equips children with a tool they can use in many situations
to bring peace instead of frustration in relationships.
The technique actually comes from a Bible story of Abraham and Lot. They had too many herds and not enough food so they decided to divide the land between the two huge families. Abraham, being a wise servant of God, said, "I'll cut the land into two pieces and you pick which one you'd like." In the story, Lot chose what appeared to be the better piece but Abraham was rewarded in the end and, most importantly, their relationship was preserved.
A GREAT GIFT IDEA - ANY TIME OF THE YEAR!
BIO-OPTIC ORGANIZED KNOWLEDGE DEVICE (B.O.O.K)
Author unknown ~ Contributed by Annamarie Kresge, Virginia
The Mississippi State University English Department announces its employment of a radically innovative technological device, the B.O.O.K.
B.O.O.K is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It is so easy to use, even a child can operate it.
Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere--even when sitting in an armchair by the fire, yet powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disc.
Here is how it works: B.O.O.K is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binding, which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence.
Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density. For now, B.O.O.Ks with more information simply use more pages.
Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into the user's brain. A flick of the finger takes the user to the next sheet. B.O.O.K may be taken up any time and used merely by opening it.
B.O.O.K never crashes, never requires re-booting, though like other display devices, it can become unusable if exposed to excessive amounts of rainwater, crumbs, coffee, or cola.
B.O.O.K's browse feature allows the user to move instantly to any sheet, and to move forward and backward with ease. Many B.O.O.Ks include an index feature, which pinpoints the exact location of any selected information for instant retrieval.
An optional "B.O.O.K.mark" accessory allows the user to open the book to any previously chosen sheet (such as the place where the user last stopped reading) even if the B.O.O.K has been turned off ("closed"). B.O.O.Kmarks fit universal design standards; thus a single B.O.O.Kmark can be used in B.O.O.Ks by various manufacturers. Conversely, numerous B.O.O.K.marks can be used in a single B.O.O.K. if the user wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in a book.
The user can also make personal notes next to the B.O.O.K. text entries with an optional programming tool: the Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus (P.E.N.C.I.L.S.).
Portable, durable, and affordable, B.O.O.K. is being hailed as a precursor of a new entertainment wave. In addition, B.O.O.K.'s appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform. Innovative users of this technology include Daniel Defoe, Charles Dickens, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Geoffrey Chaucer. B.O.O.K.s by all these creators, and more, are utilized by the MSU English department.
Note from Lois: With Christmas coming soon, consider good B.O.O.Ks as valuable and lasting gifts for your family and friends. Call your local Child Evangelism Fellowship Director about visiting the office to purchase wonderful materials, specifically suited for children, to use in your home during your family times. You will find character building reading material in Christian bookstores as well.
GIVE THE GIFT OF AN ACTIVITY
If you are at a loss for a special gift idea for your children or grandchildren, because they already have way too may toys, here's an idea. Give the gift of art lessons, music lessons, cooking lessons, sewing lessons, knitting lessons, craft lessons, horseback riding lessons, an annual pass to a museum, or a annual pass to the zoo which is usually interchangeable with most zoos even in other states. Our daughter's family especially enjoys their zoo pass, which even allows for a guest or two.
BABYSITTING GIFT CERTIFICATES
A Reader's Tip from MJ, as seen in The Dollar Stretcher for Parents - Used by permission
I have a sister who babysits for extra money and I also have family she sits for. The last few years, I have been giving certificates to family members with children who my sister sits for (after getting approval from her first). I pay her in advance for a certificate and give the certificates to my family. On the certificate, I generally state that the certificate is good for four hours of babysitting time and I usually give a reasonable amount of time by which the certificate needs to be used. This forces them out and away without the children, giving them alone time. And because I usually only do this during the holidays, my sister gets money for her next semester of school.
WWW.WONDERZONE.COM is a
wonderful ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship! You will find daily devotions for your children at this site, as well as adventures, games and cards! Pray for the many CEF workers around the world! This ministry is reaching countless children for Christ!
For scripture on any topic, go to
www.bible.com, type in a key word, and do a search. You are able to designate a search including all of the Bible, the New Testament, Old Testament or only a certain book of the Bible. This is a wonderful site! You can read the Bible in various translations and
many languages are offered. God is using this site for 21st Century Evangelism in reaching the lost. Parents, children, teens, singles, pastors, and missionaries are finding help at this site. One is able to read, search, listen to or purchase a Bible.
Other topics offered: Bible answers, devotions, what the Bible says to kids, Bible promises, famous Bible passages, books of the Bible, and how to study the Bible.
Comments from around the world:
Pakistan: I found it very helpful. It is very good to provide material on required topics specially to laymen."
Holland: "I really enjoyed this site. It has a ton of excellent resources and I plan on visiting many times more.
Egypt: "I was very pleased when I saw your web and its contents. I would like to be one of your friends. I am waiting to hear Jesus's words through you, so do not let me down."
India: "Please continue to do this good work that you are doing through the Net. It will be very useful for millions of software professionals. Your publications and articles are worth more than a million dollars."
United Arab Emirates: "Here in the UAE we don't get to read much Christian literature, this being a Muslim country. This site is a good place for us to find enlightening articles."
Kuwait: "Not only does your site reveal the truth but it also lets people all around the world get to know who Jesus Christ is!"
WWW.TROUBLEDWITH.COM is a Focus on the Family website which gives answers and practical advice for a host of life issues. Pray for this outreach ministry as this website will be advertised in Times Square in New York City for fourteen days this month. Pray that millions will seek out this website and find hope in Jesus Christ, as they look for answers. There's something for everyone - even you! Just a few topics covered are stay-at-home moms, working moms, stress, dating, living together, discipline, miscarriage, adoption, marriage, debt, children of divorce, sibling rivalry, single parenting, communication gaps, physical and verbal abuse, anger, blended families, and caring for the elderly. And that's just a few topics which are covered in depth from a Christian point of view.
ENERGY SAVING TIP
Ceiling fans set at slow speed push warm air away from the ceiling and move it around the room without creating a chilling breeze. This spreads the heat more evenly and will make you feel more comfortable.
www.energyguide.com/info/eip-tips.asp?topic=2
DRIVING DOWN CLOTHING COSTS
Get to know every clearance rack in town. Keep a calendar of clearance sales throughout the year. Retailers generally have the same clearances every year. Buy out of season. Pick up your warm weather clothes in August and September; cool weather clothes in January and February.
www.sayplanning.com/ (Note: Stores start to put out winter clothes around the 4th of July!)
SWEDISH APPLE PIE
Contributed by Denise Imbody in Massachusetts - Splenda can be used for half the sugar.
This is delicious! Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash, peel, and slice apples (using enough to fill a pie pan three fourths full. Mix 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon together and sprinkle over the apples. In a separate bowl mix three fourths melted butter (1 and a half sticks), 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt (You can also add 1 cup of walnuts if you like) together. Pour mixture over the apples with the cinnamon and sugar and bake at 350 for 50 minutes.
SOFT CHEDDAR PRETZELS
Contributed by Prudence Kinley-Ruth, who says, "These soft pretzels make a great snack for any occasion. Make some warm mustard dip to spread on them. Mmmmm!"
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon sugar
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2 tablespoons margarine
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1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mild Cheddar cheese
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2/3 cup milk
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1 egg, beaten
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l 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
Combine first 4 ingredients in a medium bowl; cut in margarine with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add cheese and milk, stirring until dry ingredients are just moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 12 times. Divide dough in half and roll each half into a 12x8-inch rectangle. Cut dough lengthwise into eight 1-inch strips. Twist each into a pretzel shape; brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. Place on lightly greased baking sheets and bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool pretzels for a few minutes on wire racks; serve pretzels warm. Makes about 16 soft pretzels.
DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER,
At this Thanksgiving time, I pray for the unsaved loved ones of each "Heart to Heart" family - and for those who have strayed from you. I ask for Your protection as many will be on the road, traveling to be with their families over Thanksgiving and Christmas. I pray for blind eyes to be opened and stony hearts to be softened through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Our Father,
show Your power by bringing families together in harmony, united in Jesus Christ. Give us all the glorious hope of eternal life in heaven together with You and all of our loved ones.
In the precious Name of Jesus - Amen.
Please remember to pray for each Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.
(¨`·.·´¨) God bless you and your family in a special way!
`·.¸(¨`·.·´¨) I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU!
`·.¸.·´ 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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