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2/1/05 BEGINNING 7th YEAR OF "HEART TO HEART" ~ TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
#1 · February 1, 2005, 3:11 pm
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman
~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~
2/1/05 BEGINNING 7th YEAR OF "HEART TO HEART" ~ TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~
IN THIS ISSUE:
BEGINNING THE SEVENTH YEAR OF THE "HEART TO HEART" MINISTRY
ALL ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE WRITTEN BY "HEART TO HEART" LADIES!
A GEOGRAPHY LESSON ON CANADA
THE SEED OF ETERNITY
THE TALKING STICK - A HUSBAND'S LOVING GESTURE!
LOVE NOTE
MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS OF INTEREST
AN EASIER WAY TO CLEAN THE HOUSE
HOW TO MAKE A "LIGHTS OUT" BOX
ICE SUN CATCHERS
MY HEAVENLY HOME ~ IN MEMORY OF MOTHER ~ 20 YEARS WITH JESUS!
CONTINUAL PRAYER FOR THE TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES
LOOK FOR A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY EDITION IN A FEW DAYS
BEGINNING THE SEVENTH YEAR OF THE "HEART TO HEART" MINISTRY
To God be the glory, great things He hath done!
By Lois Breneman ~ February 1, 2005
How and When did "Heart to Heart" begin?
As a result of the Lord's nudging, the "Heart to Heart" e-mail ministry began in February of 1999 for the purpose of encouraging young wives and mothers as stated in Titus 2. It wasn't long before women of all ages were receiving this newsletter, mostly through women passing it on to their family and friends. Now many grandmothers, pastors' wives, missionaries and single ladies receive "Heart to Heart." It is a special privilege for me to pray for many specific needs of ladies who e-mail me. The Prayer Bulletin Board in front of my computer full of pictures of many of you, is a reminder to pray for many others, and my husband and I pray regularly for all of your families and that you will be encouraged and blessed by the newsletters.
How many ladies receive "Heart to Heart?"
At this time 893 ladies in the United States and forty-two countries and provinces are receiving "Heart to Heart." In July of 2003, with about 400 subscribers, I began using a Christian server to send the newsletters, and "Heart to Heart" has more than doubled since that time. The server makes it so much easier to send to so many all at once!
At this time 893 ladies in the United States and forty-two countries and provinces are receiving "Heart to Heart." In July of 2003, with about 400 subscribers, I began using a Christian server to send the newsletters, and "Heart to Heart" has more than doubled since that time. The server makes it so much easier to send to so many all at once!
Where do all these ladies come from?
All fifty states are represented in the United States - except Wyoming.
Forty-two other countries and Canadian provinces also have many wonderful ladies who receive "Heart to Heart." Those locations are: India, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Asia and the South Pacific, Thailand, Mongolia, China, Australia, New Zealand, Malta, Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, the Ukraine, South Africa, North Africa, Uganda, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Portugal, Germany, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Belgium, Belize, Honduras, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay and the Canadian provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia. It is a special privilege and joy to be able to encourage missionaries in most of these locations, as well as some in the United States! If I missed your country, please let me know!
What is my hope and prayer for the future of "Heart to Heart?"
It is my hope and prayer that the Lord will continue to use this ministry to encourage young wives and mothers who would like to be encouraged in the most valuable job they could ever have -- that of being a godly wife, mother and grandmother. I also pray that any ladies who don't presently have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus will e-mail me so I can help them personally, to know that joy for themselves.
May you invite your friends to subscribe?
Yes, but please be sure everyone knows it is a Christian based newsletter. Below is a description of "Heart to Heart" that you may send to others, if you'd like.
The purpose of "Heart to Heart" is to bring godly and practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family. Many aspects of homemaking, motherhood and parenting are covered in this newsletter with a Christian emphasis. Other topics that are covered are kids' quotes, humor, romantic ideas, marriage, cooking, time-saving and money- saving tips, organization, home decorating, gifts, gardening, ministry, inspirational stories, devotionals, and special holiday ideas. Because of the need for older women to encourage younger women as in Titus 2, through encouragement and creative homemaking, this newsletter ministry began in early 1999. Unmarried women and older women, however, are also welcome. When you subscribe to "Heart to Heart," please send your first and last name, your city and state and the name of the referral person or web site to [email protected]. You will receive several initial newsletters upon subscribing (A Welcome Letter, 175 Things to Do with Your Family, Squeezing the Most Out of Your Dollar, Organizational Tips and possibly two recent editions). Normally two newsletters will be sent to subscribers each month, with an occasional extra one.
How can you help?
Your faithful prayers would be so much appreciated ~ that I would always glorify the Lord in my life, marriage, family and in putting together the contents of the newsletter ~ that I would have good health, strength and nimble fingers to type. Please pray that each newsletter would encourage every lady receiving it in some special way and for some ladies to come to know the Lord in a personal way this year through receiving "Heart to Heart."
To God be the glory, great things He hath done!
ALL ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE WRITTEN BY "HEART TO HEART" LADIES!
All contributing "Heart to Heart" ladies' names are highlighted in pink for this issue.
A GEOGRAPHY LESSON ON CANADA
Thanks to Brenda Lindsley for this lesson in answer to my questions, after having six Canadian provinces included in "Heart to Heart!" Brenda is formerly from Ontario, now living in Virginia, and is an excellent part time dental hygienist!
There are 10 provinces and 3 territories (the capital of each is shown in parentheses):
Provinces: Alberta (Edmonton), British Columbia (Victoria), Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown), Manitoba (Winnipeg), New Brunswick (Fredericton), Newfoundland (St. John's), Nova Scotia (Halifax), Ontario (Toronto), Quebec (Quebec City), Saskatchewan (Regina)
Territories: Northwest Territories (Yellowknife), Nanavut (Iqaluit), and Yukon Territory (Whitehorse). Nanavut is the eastern most territory that didn't exist until April 1, 1999. The eastern portion of the Northwest Territories was carved out and the territory of Nanavut was born.
The major difference between a Canadian province and a Canadian territory is that a province is a creation of the Constitution Act, while a territory is created by federal law. The federal government has more direct control over the territories, while provincial governments have many more competences and rights.
Provinces have a great deal of power relative to the federal government, having a large measure of control over spending on social programs such as medicine, education, and welfare and the like. They receive "transfer payments" from the federal government to pay for these, as well as exacting their own taxes.
Canada is comprised of 3,849,675 square miles (9,976,140 square km); it is the second-largest country in the world (Russia is first at 17,075,200 sq km). It borders the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, and the USA. Canada has over 151,480 miles (243,791 km) of coastline. Most of Canada's human population lives along its southern border. Canada has about two million lakes.
THE SEED OF ETERNITY
By Julie Druck as she and another "Heart to Heart" friend, Suzi (Hess) Vega, both of Pennsylvania, talk about eternal things. To subscribe to Julie's monthly newsletter, A Heart for Home, e-mail her at [email protected]. Homeschooling moms will especially enjoy her good ideas. I always benefit by her newsletter, although I am no longer a homeschooler.
My friend, Suzie, and I spent some time together this week catching up over tea. I'm so glad for sisters in the Lord! What a glorious blessing it is to recount God's goodness and faithfulness with others who know Him! We spent time, also, reminiscing about being young brides and when our children were babies. (Note from Lois: Does this ever make me feel old! I remember when Suzie herself was a baby!) She then said something that made my heart skip a beat. She said, "Do you realize that our lives are almost half-way over?" Wow! I am rapidly approaching middle age! As Suzie said that, I had one of those moments when God seems to turn on a light bulb.
I suddenly had an adrenaline rush thinking about all that I had not done with my life and all that there is left to do! My thoughts didn't fly to trips not taken or jobs not accepted or money not made. That stuff is temporal – none of it's going with me. What I thought about is stuff of eternity – like spending more time disciplining my children to grow in Christ, working harder on my impatience, fueling my desire to share the Gospel, praying harder for the teens we work with, and the list goes on.
You see, as Amy Carmichael said, "Nothing is worthwhile if the seed of Eternity be not in it." I've spent the last few days really thinking about that statement. I've been evaluating and re-evaluating how I spend my time, my money, my words. If they don't have an eternal value, then what's the point?
You see, as Amy Carmichael said, "Nothing is worthwhile if the seed of Eternity be not in it." I've spent the last few days really thinking about that statement. I've been evaluating and re-evaluating how I spend my time, my money, my words. If they don't have an eternal value, then what's the point?
Can I challenge you, along with myself, to resolve to take a good look at your life – every area. Look for "seeds of Eternity." Decide to plant more seeds and pull some weeds. Life is too short to live without purpose for the Kingdom.
THE TALKING STICK - A HUSBAND'S LOVING GESTURE!
by Gina M. Woods of Pennsylvania ~ Used by permission
Have you ever heard of a Talking Stick? I hadn't until two days ago when my husband presented me with one! "Okay." I thought, "Is this supposed to be some joke about me talking too much or what?" But then he continued his presentation saying, "Honey, I know that sometimes you think I'm not listening to you. I have to admit, sometimes you're right. But you are the love of my life, and even when I'm distracted, I always want you to be my first priority. That's why I made this for you. I give you this Talking Stick as a symbol of my commitment to always put you first, no matter what. If there's ever a time when you don't think I'm paying attention to you, or if you think I'm ignoring something important, just pick up this Talking Stick. I promise to listen, without interruption, while you tell me what's on your mind." Wow! What woman wouldn't love that? A promise of undivided attention any time we want it! Does this man realize what he has just done?
I came to discover that the Talking Stick has been used for centuries by many American Indian tribes as a means of just and impartial hearing. The stick was commonly used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak. Whoever holds the Talking Stick within his hands has the power of words. When matters of great concern came before the council, the leading elder would hold the stick and begin the discussion. When he finished what he had to say he would hold out the stick, and whoever wished to speak after him would take it. In this manner the stick was passed from one individual to another until anyone who wished to speak had done so. The stick was then passed back to the leading elder for safekeeping. It carries respect for free speech and assures the speaker that he has the freedom and power to say what is in his heart without fear of reprisal or humiliation.
So how does this Talking Stick effect our relationships? A major difference between vibrant marriages and those that end in divorce is the way the couples communicate, the way they handle disagreements and hurts. In healthy marriages, disagreements are handled as they occur by discussing the situation until both partners are satisfied with the result or some compromise has been agreed upon. Nothing kills a relationship and romance like "mud-slinging" screaming matches or attempts to punish with the "silent treatment." This is where the Talking Stick really works its magic! I know of at least one marriage counselor who uses the Talking Stick as part of her marriage therapy techniques.
But also imagine what positive effects this form of communication could have on family relations as well! Take my family for example: I have three children, ages 2, 5, & 14. The teenager is convinced that NO ONE listens to him, the toddler MAKES SURE that everyone listens to her, and the 5-year-old desperately tries to have his views heard above the other two! It's quite the circus some days! Now that we have the Talking Stick, EVERYONE will be heard. And hopefully all family members will begin to feel like their opinions are being heard and really do count. I think it will be a great family communication tool.
Please visit http://www.acaciart.com/stories/archive6.html if you'd like to read more about the history of the Talking Stick and some of the symbolism behind the items used in making one. There is also a picture of what one might look like.
By now, you may be inspired to make your own Talking Stick for your family. Go for it! Be creative! My husband used ideas from the article above and added different types of beads to symbolize each family member and some other personal symbolism that only our family would appreciate. He also typed out a "story" explaining the history of the stick and included the meanings of all the symbolism he used to create it. One of my favorite parts is, "The fork in the stick represents disagreement which is natural between different members of any tribe. The fork is short and ends sharply to remind us that a solution to all conflict is possible and need not end in a lonely journey for any member of the tribe." The main idea is that it is made with love and out of respect for the family unit.
Have you ever heard of a Talking Stick? I hadn't until two days ago when my husband presented me with one! "Okay." I thought, "Is this supposed to be some joke about me talking too much or what?" But then he continued his presentation saying, "Honey, I know that sometimes you think I'm not listening to you. I have to admit, sometimes you're right. But you are the love of my life, and even when I'm distracted, I always want you to be my first priority. That's why I made this for you. I give you this Talking Stick as a symbol of my commitment to always put you first, no matter what. If there's ever a time when you don't think I'm paying attention to you, or if you think I'm ignoring something important, just pick up this Talking Stick. I promise to listen, without interruption, while you tell me what's on your mind." Wow! What woman wouldn't love that? A promise of undivided attention any time we want it! Does this man realize what he has just done?
I came to discover that the Talking Stick has been used for centuries by many American Indian tribes as a means of just and impartial hearing. The stick was commonly used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak. Whoever holds the Talking Stick within his hands has the power of words. When matters of great concern came before the council, the leading elder would hold the stick and begin the discussion. When he finished what he had to say he would hold out the stick, and whoever wished to speak after him would take it. In this manner the stick was passed from one individual to another until anyone who wished to speak had done so. The stick was then passed back to the leading elder for safekeeping. It carries respect for free speech and assures the speaker that he has the freedom and power to say what is in his heart without fear of reprisal or humiliation.
So how does this Talking Stick effect our relationships? A major difference between vibrant marriages and those that end in divorce is the way the couples communicate, the way they handle disagreements and hurts. In healthy marriages, disagreements are handled as they occur by discussing the situation until both partners are satisfied with the result or some compromise has been agreed upon. Nothing kills a relationship and romance like "mud-slinging" screaming matches or attempts to punish with the "silent treatment." This is where the Talking Stick really works its magic! I know of at least one marriage counselor who uses the Talking Stick as part of her marriage therapy techniques.
But also imagine what positive effects this form of communication could have on family relations as well! Take my family for example: I have three children, ages 2, 5, & 14. The teenager is convinced that NO ONE listens to him, the toddler MAKES SURE that everyone listens to her, and the 5-year-old desperately tries to have his views heard above the other two! It's quite the circus some days! Now that we have the Talking Stick, EVERYONE will be heard. And hopefully all family members will begin to feel like their opinions are being heard and really do count. I think it will be a great family communication tool.
Please visit http://www.acaciart.com/stories/archive6.html if you'd like to read more about the history of the Talking Stick and some of the symbolism behind the items used in making one. There is also a picture of what one might look like.
By now, you may be inspired to make your own Talking Stick for your family. Go for it! Be creative! My husband used ideas from the article above and added different types of beads to symbolize each family member and some other personal symbolism that only our family would appreciate. He also typed out a "story" explaining the history of the stick and included the meanings of all the symbolism he used to create it. One of my favorite parts is, "The fork in the stick represents disagreement which is natural between different members of any tribe. The fork is short and ends sharply to remind us that a solution to all conflict is possible and need not end in a lonely journey for any member of the tribe." The main idea is that it is made with love and out of respect for the family unit.
We have our stick hung in a prominent area of our house for all guests to see and the "story" is framed beside it. Quite a conversation piece!
As for my husband, I'd have to say that he really outdid himself on this project. I never would have believed that receiving a STICK could mean so much. I'd like to share with you the final sentences from his story, "The Talking Stick is given from the loving heart of the tribe leader. This token of love is so that every tribal member remains together until the sun sets for the last time on our day. The love of an eagle's flight, Chief Phillip!"
-----------------------------------------------
Gina Woods is the publisher of "E-Romance Weekly," an on-line weekly newsletter offering exciting "romantic recipes" to rekindle the romance in any relationship. For more information, visit http://www.spiritwithindesigns.com/E-Romance/subscribe.html or send email to [email protected]. Join our FREE E-Romance Weekly Group on Yahoo at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eromanceweekly.
As for my husband, I'd have to say that he really outdid himself on this project. I never would have believed that receiving a STICK could mean so much. I'd like to share with you the final sentences from his story, "The Talking Stick is given from the loving heart of the tribe leader. This token of love is so that every tribal member remains together until the sun sets for the last time on our day. The love of an eagle's flight, Chief Phillip!"
-----------------------------------------------
Gina Woods is the publisher of "E-Romance Weekly," an on-line weekly newsletter offering exciting "romantic recipes" to rekindle the romance in any relationship. For more information, visit http://www.spiritwithindesigns.com/E-Romance/subscribe.html or send email to [email protected]. Join our FREE E-Romance Weekly Group on Yahoo at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eromanceweekly.
LOVE NOTE
By Eileen Rife, Virginia ~ Lifetime Growth News - http://www.iwanttomakemymarriagework.com
Did you know that there is more than one way to send a message? No, I'm not talking about Fed Ex, UPS, or Western Union. I'm talking about that sometimes subtle and other times, not so subtle thing called body language.
Words say a lot, but so do eyes, hands, and body movements. How many times have I rolled my eyes when Chuck has asked me to do something! Inside, I'm thinking, "Doesn't he know how much I already have to do, and he's asking me to do one more thing!" It takes him less than a second to realize I'm not thrilled about his request.
Did you know that there is more than one way to send a message? No, I'm not talking about Fed Ex, UPS, or Western Union. I'm talking about that sometimes subtle and other times, not so subtle thing called body language.
Words say a lot, but so do eyes, hands, and body movements. How many times have I rolled my eyes when Chuck has asked me to do something! Inside, I'm thinking, "Doesn't he know how much I already have to do, and he's asking me to do one more thing!" It takes him less than a second to realize I'm not thrilled about his request.
However, some appropriate verbal communication on my part would have been better. Maybe something like: "Boy, honey, I'm really feeling overburdened today with what is already on my plate. Do you think we could put this off or plan an alternative way to get it done?" (meaning, 'why don't you just do it!' But at least I am choosing my words carefully).
Nothing replaces honest, open, kind communication of the Ephesians 4:29 variety. "Let no unwholesome (or rotten) word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." I wonder how much grace we are extending to those we love today. So much need, so little grace.
Nothing replaces honest, open, kind communication of the Ephesians 4:29 variety. "Let no unwholesome (or rotten) word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." I wonder how much grace we are extending to those we love today. So much need, so little grace.
While you're sitting down writing valentines for those you love this February, remember to match your actions with your well-planned words. How easy it is to compose flowing prose expressing appreciation and undying love, only to turn around at the least irritation and blow it with body language. Huffing. Puffing. Scowling. Turning away. Crossing arms. Putting hands on hips. Maybe even slamming doors. Refusing to talk.
What message will you send your loved one this Valentine's Day? Remember to think and pray before you act and speak. Then you will give a love note that will build up rather than lead to regret.
MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS OF INTEREST
Quotes ~ "Correction does much; encouragement does more." ~Sent by Mirian Cox, Brazil
"The mind of a child is soft and pliable which allows easy impressions upon it; we should therefore lose no time to imprint on their minds those characters which are so easily formed there. But we must choose images which we would wish to impress upon them; for in so small and so precious a reservoir, we should lay up no froth but exquisite things." ~ Francis Fenelon in Education of a Child: The Wisdom of Fenelon (1687), edited by Mark Hamby and published by Lamplighter Books ~ Reprinted with permission of Virginia Knowles in Florida from the Hope Chest Home School News. For a free subscription, send an e-mail message to [email protected] or visit http://www.thehopechest.net
A Fun Family Resource ~ By Mary Rice Hopkins of California
Go to http://www.maryricehopkins.com for a fun resource for your family! Mary and her friends are working on a Mom's Page with some new recipes and other things. She has about ten wonderful Children's pastor's and ACSI teachers contributing to her site. And your children will love her wonderful music!
Scrapbooking Web Sites You May Enjoy ~ Some sites given by Christy Carter of NC:
Card making, gift-giving, memory-making activities: http://www.crafty-moms.com.
Scrapbooking: http://www.scrapbookinghow.com
Rubber Stamping: http://www.kerchunk.com/personal.html
Where to purchase notepad supplies: http://www.thecraftypc.com
"Tilly" by Frank Peretti ~ In this dramatic story, Kathy, an exhausted wife and mother, falls asleep one day and dreams that she is in heaven. She meets a young girl named Tilly -- the daughter she aborted nine years earlier -- who shares with her God's message of forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration. Item Code: BD791 Don't miss hearing this captivating story!
Forgiveness and Healing After Abortion ~ For a free booklet, "When the Pain Won't Go Away," go to http://www.wtlbresource.org. This booklet will provide help for women, men and grandparents who are hurting after an abortion in the family. Learn the times this radio broadcast, "Words to Live By," can be heard. You will hear a half hour testimony each week of lives that were transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. At this site you can hear the January 23, 2005 broadcast of healing after an abortion.
Is Your Salvation Secure? ~ For a free booklet by that name, call 1-800-55-GRACE or go to http://[email protected].
How to Check E-mails to See if They May Be A Hoax ~ Because so many forwarded e-mails get passed around, these web sites are available to check them out to see if they are actually true, before passing them on. (Web sites given by Barb Campbell of Mississippi)
Medical Research is Focusing on Fish Oil ~ Research now shows that a high grade of fish oil can help the following health problems and many others:
Depression - Alzheimer's - Parkinson's - Attention Deficit Disorder & Other Neurological Disorders - Heart & Circulatory - Cholesterol - Heart Attacks - Strokes - Inflammatory Pain including Arthritis & Fibromyalgia - Concentration - Memory - Anxiety - For Use During Chemotherapy & Radiation
From the Frugal Life News by Randal Watkins - http://www.thefrugallife.com ~ Used by permission
http://www.theherbsplace.com/HPN/omegarx.html
<a href="http://www.theherbsplace.com/HPN/omegarx.html">OmegaRx</a>
Vicks on the Bottom of Feet to Stop a Bad Cough ~ I've heard and read many times recently that rubbing Vicks on the bottom of your feet, then wearing socks to bed, so the sheets stay clean, will help make a cough go away! Yes, I know this sounds crazy! But the other day a friend mentioned how her husband was coughing so much all week and neither of them had a good night's sleep for the entire week. So - I told her about this. When her husband heard this silly idea, he looked at her very strangely and probably thought I was crazy! Later she noticed he was rubbing Vicks on the bottom of his feet and sure enough, he only coughed once or twice all night long and they both got a good night's sleep for the first time all week! The next night he didn't cough at all! I have no idea why this works, but it does!
AN EASIER WAY TO CLEAN THE HOUSE
Author Unknown ~ Contributed by Prudence Kinley-Ruth in Pennsylvania
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? Works for me! 🙂
HOW TO MAKE A "LIGHTS OUT" BOX
By Angela BIllings of Tennessee ~ Used by permission
This is a great box of easy and fun activities to have on hand when your electricity goes out.
This will help the children from being scared and being bored.
You can use anything you have on hand for the container. It might be a shoe box, plastic container, coffee can, etc. You can decorate it or let the kids decorate it. Find things to put in it that will be easy but also keep the kids occupied.
Here are some ideas:
Crayons
Markers
Books
Coloring Books
Have them make a list of things they can't do without electricity.
Make up a story - each person makes up a sentence and then the next person adds to it and on down the line.
Have each child a flashlight or mini lantern.
Some snacks that will last awhile.
Small battery powered radio (Don't forget the batteries)
Travel type Mini Games ( Bingo, checkers,etc)
You might want to keep this close to where you keep the power outage supplies such as candles, flashlights,etc. Only use the "Lights Out" box when you are having a power outage. It makes it more fun. When the lights are back on you can put at least one different item in for the next power outage. Add items that your own family will enjoy and have fun!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Angela Billings is a stay at home wife and mother who publishes an online newsletter Home and Family Ezine. http://www.homeandfamilyezine.com
This is a great box of easy and fun activities to have on hand when your electricity goes out.
This will help the children from being scared and being bored.
You can use anything you have on hand for the container. It might be a shoe box, plastic container, coffee can, etc. You can decorate it or let the kids decorate it. Find things to put in it that will be easy but also keep the kids occupied.
Here are some ideas:
Crayons
Markers
Books
Coloring Books
Have them make a list of things they can't do without electricity.
Make up a story - each person makes up a sentence and then the next person adds to it and on down the line.
Have each child a flashlight or mini lantern.
Some snacks that will last awhile.
Small battery powered radio (Don't forget the batteries)
Travel type Mini Games ( Bingo, checkers,etc)
You might want to keep this close to where you keep the power outage supplies such as candles, flashlights,etc. Only use the "Lights Out" box when you are having a power outage. It makes it more fun. When the lights are back on you can put at least one different item in for the next power outage. Add items that your own family will enjoy and have fun!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Angela Billings is a stay at home wife and mother who publishes an online newsletter Home and Family Ezine. http://www.homeandfamilyezine.com
Note from Lois: Once when we lost electricity our family listed all the electrical appliances and gadgets we had in our home. Unbelievable! That was such fun and we certainly appreciated everything more when the power returned! I agree with Gina that it's a great idea for each person to also make a list of all the things that he or she can still do without electricity. During a long power outage one January, I remember cutting out the two pattern pieces needed to make hundreds of tissue holders - by the light of kerosene lanterns! I keep that list filed in my personal notebook - so it can be found easily - with a flashlight or candlelight!
ICE SUN CATCHERS
From Julie Druck of Pennsylvania ~ A Heart for Home Newsletter ~ [email protected]
Have your children collect some nature treasures: pine cones, small evergreen branches, little rocks, etc. Arrange the items in a metal pie pan and carefully pour water over top of them. Add a long piece of yarn and then place the pan in the freezer. In a few hours, pop out the block of ice and hang on a tree. Last winter the boys hung several on the pine tree right outside the kitchen window – how lovely they looked!
MY HEAVENLY HOME
by Lois Walker Breneman © 1999
In memory of her mother, Dorothy Elizabeth Kohr Walker
(April 9, 1921 - Feb. 1, 1985)
My Mother's Heavenly Homecoming 20 years ago today!
As I entered the gate, I beheld Jesus' face!
He said, "Welcome Home, My child, you have finished the race.
You've had much pain and suffering in your earthly life,
But you've been a faithful friend, mother and wife."
"You were dedicated to Me to the very end,
Loving, serving, praying---on Me you did depend.
You searched and read My Word to see how I would lead.
You daily sought My face in prayer, and in your trials would plead."
"You taught your children, in My steps to go.
You were not perfect, but with My help you did grow.
Your goal was to glorify your Savior above,
And to show forth in you, My undying love."
"You have trusted in Me for your payment of sin.
Because you've accepted My gift, I have let you come in
To My Heaven--so glorious--free of death and all sorrow,
Where time is no more--no today or tomorrow."
I looked all around and saw countless happy faces.
Friends gone before were coming from all places
To welcome me Home. We walked all around
The River of Life, so crystal clear, with a rippling sound.
The Lord is our King--so majestic His throne.
The wall is of jasper, adorned with precious stone.
The street is pure gold, like transparent glass,
Surrounded by such beauty of perfect flowers and grass.
There's no need of the sun or the moon to shine,
Illuminated by God's glory so divine.
The Lamb is the Light. There's celestial air.
Nothing to compare in this world anywhere!
There's no heartache or pain in this city foursquare.
Not a single disease, tear, worry or care.
The twelve gates of pearl, the city---pure gold,
In this magnificent Land where we'll never grow old.
I'll be waiting here for you at the gate.
Be sure you are ready. Don't wait too late.
Trust in Christ as your Savior and live for Him there,
For I'm longing to see you, so please meet me there.
I know you may miss me, but don't cry for me.
Stand firm in the faith, until Jesus you see.
Then soon, hand in hand, on the street of pure gold,
We'll walk and we'll talk, in communion untold.
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"And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall no
longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or
pain: the first things have passed away." Revelation 21:4
"And then one day I'll cross the river, I'll fight life's final war with
pain; and then as death gives way to victory, I'll see the lights of
glory and I'll know He lives." Gloria & Bill Gaither
"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel and with the trump of God. And the dead in Christ
shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up
together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever
be with the Lord! Wherefore, comfort one another with these words!"
I Thes. 4:16 - 18
CONTINUED PRAYER FOR THE TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Please pray for the family and friends of Jesse Strong, a young man from Vermont, who recently lost his life in Iraq, as he bravely fought for freedom. He was a graduate of Liberty University and our son, James, knew him well. They used to go mountain biking together quite often at Liberty. Continue praying for all those who are defending freedom for us all.
LOOK FOR A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY EDITION IN A FEW DAYS
God bless you and keep you in His care!
Love from your "Heart to Heart" friend,
Lois
The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to bring godly and practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family – regarding homemaking, marriage, children and much more. You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to Lois Breneman at [email protected].
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