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2/1/08 9TH ANNIVERSARY, MENTORS, COMMENTS, REUNIONS, GRANDPARENTS

#1 · February 1, 2008, 1:32 pm

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Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman

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2/1/08  9TH ANNIVERSARY, MENTORS, COMMENTS, REUNIONS, GRANDPARENTS

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SPAM - Thanks to a thoughtful subscriber, I learned that the word, "Babes" (referring to Out of the Mouths of Babes) in the subject line of the last newsletter alerted her home computer's spam filter and dumped it!  Oh, dear! I had never even thought of the possibility of that being a trigger word for porn before, but now I know! If the word, "SPAM" normally appears in the subject line of your newsletters, it is very important that you check your Spam Filter and unblock [email protected] and [email protected].  One subscriber wrote,

"I missed your letter until I was going though and deleting a bunch of spam!"

Send Address Changes - Many subscribers are dropped from "Heart to Heart" simply because they forget to send me their new address. For e-mail address changes, please reply to this newsletter with your name, your old and new e-mail address. Otherwise your address will automatically be dropped from the Master List by the server I use. Please contact me if you are ever dropped from the list by simply hitting the "reply" key.

Please feel free to share this complete newsletter with women who might benefit by subscribing.

Check with me before posting this newsletter on websites unless you have prior written permission. Thanks!

IN THIS ISSUE:

A TRIBUTE TO THE SPECIAL MENTORS IN MY LIFE

COMMENTS FROM "HEART TO HEART" SUBSCRIBERS - TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

REUNIONS THAT CAME ABOUT AS A RESULT OF "HEART TO HEART"

JUGGLING MOM

MOMENTS FOR MOM

PRAYER REMINDERS

GRANDPARENTS

BABY CONGRATULATIONS!

MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS

A TRIBUTE TO THE SPECIAL MENTORS IN MY LIFE

By Lois Breneman, © 2008, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]

        My Mother, Dorothy Walker, was the most influential person in my life. She was a godly spiritual example for me, along with my father. When I was twelve one Sunday evening after one of the many messages we heard from our pastor about Christ's return, I was very upset because I was having doubts about my salvation. I had made a sincere decision to accept Christ as my Savior six years earlier, and I still remember that time so vividly, but age adolescence can sometimes be an unsettling time in our lives.  That evening Mother lovingly knelt by my bed with me and showed me scriptures about salvation, as she helped me to be absolutely sure I was a child of God and on my way to heaven.

         I learned how to be a wife and mother by watching her life, as well as learning from her many skills that go with those roles. She taught me how to cook, sew, clean house, and work on the farm where I grew up. She taught me almost every creative and homemaking skill I know how to do, or at least taught me that almost anything was possible with God's help if I gave it a good try.  She was very giving and caring of all those she knew. It's been exactly twenty-three years ago today since Mother went to her heavenly home, and I still miss her so much. That was one of the most difficult times in my life, but seeing how she loved the Lord with all her heart, soul and strength, even in the midst of much pain as she suffered with cancer for more than seven years - that is a heritage I will always treasure. I was so privileged to have her as my mother!

        My Father, Clarence Walker ~ Daddy was a hard worker, holding down a fulltime job as well as operating a small farm. He also taught me how to work hard, since there were plenty of jobs on our farm to keep us all busy. All who knew Daddy still speak of his love for the Lord, his kindness, patience, being able to fix or make almost anything, his faithfulness, the way children loved him, and all the tricks he had up his sleeve. He loved to have fun and passed that and much more on to us kids! The steadfast love between my parents for their forty-three years of marriage, and their keeping Christ at the center meant so much and gave me security.

        They were not flawless, strange as it may be, but neither are their four children. I remember Mother and Daddy in the kitchen baking cherry pies together, "discussing" how it should be done! Daddy often spent time helping Mom in the kitchen. I also remember him often sneaking up behind her to give her a big hug! The gentle, loving, and patient care Daddy gave to Mother, always being by her side during her last two years of illness and suffering, was beautiful for us children to see. He was faithful and loving to the end, and I would have to add Daddy to my list as one who mentored me in his quiet and steadfast way. He has been with his Lord since the week before 9/11 in 2001.

        My Aunt Marian Bachman ~ When I was a teenager I babysat quite often for my Aunt Marian and Uncle Mark, and enjoyed taking care of my four cousins. Aunt Marian is my mother's youngest sister, and was such an encouragement to me all those years. She still is. She's outgoing with a bubbly personality. This week as I spoke to Aunt Marian on the phone, she said she feels so blessed to be able to enjoy the ten children of two of her sisters, Dorothy and Margaret, who are no longer living. Well, we are also very blessed to have her and two other dear aunts in the family, with our mothers not being here!

          Aunt Marian has certainly blessed and encouraged me through the years! She loves the Lord and always looks on the bright side of situations. She was a mentor in MOPS for ten years and continues to be an encourager to many younger women she knows, including her own family.

        She and I still send birthday cards to each other every year (on the same day), since we also share the same birthday. She tells me I crashed her sixteenth birthday party when I was born at home at 9:00 that evening in March on the other side of the double Victorian house where she and her family lived! Years later Aunt Marian's youngest daughter, Lorraine, was the flower girl in our wedding!

        Phyllis Brokaw taught a Bible study in her home for young mothers for fourteen years, while our preschool children were being well cared for in the church nursery just a few miles away. It began when our oldest child was only a few weeks old. After Phyllis taught us a biblically based Bible study on marriage, child discipline, women of the Bible or other family-related topics, we shared prayer requests and prayed for each other there as well as during the week. We also each took a pot luck dish and feasted around Phyllis' big dining room table. The sharing around the table was as important as the Bible study and prayer time, as we heard how others were going through the same things we were in our own families. We knew we weren't alone. Sometimes as many as fifteen of us met together each Tuesday morning. It was because of Phyllis' impact upon my life, as I benefited so much from her example in teaching us younger wives and mothers, that the Lord impressed upon me to begin "Heart to Heart."

        Over the years the Bible study group changed, but I never missed unless someone in our family was sick or we had to be out of town, but that rarely ever happened. That's how very important that time of teaching, prayer and fellowship with other women was for me, and many of us remain good friends today. Phyllis truly gave of herself to all of us younger women. She was a Titus 2 woman, if there ever was one! In her eighties she seems to have more energy than I do and is still going strong, continuing to be an effective witness for the Lord among women, as well as children, including her grandchildren. She is amazing!

Many Other Women have been mentors to me as well, without realizing it! I've learned so much from women near my own age, as well as many women who younger than I, and that includes many of you!   Thank you so much for your encouragement and godly examples to me!

COMMENTS FROM "HEART TO HEART" SUBSCRIBERS - TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Since I have never considered "Heart to Heart" to be "my newsletter," but the Lord's, these comments go to the One who began this ministry, the Lord Jesus Christ! This newsletter was His idea in the first place, and I am just thrilled that He is using me to be His instrument to bring encouragement, blessing, practical tips and fun to so many of you dear ladies.

Over the past nine years of this ministry, it has been a joy beyond measure to hear from so many precious ladies in the United States and around the world! The comments from many subscribers have touched my heart and encouraged me more than I can express.

These comments from Heart to Heart subscribers are shown to give you an idea of how much older women are truly needed to encourage the younger women. Would you pray about allowing the Lord to use you in a similar way, if you aren't already - especially those of you with an empty nest? Possibilities might be to invite younger ladies to lunch, teach a Bible study, lead a prayer group, teach a free cooking, sewing or crafts class for them or their children, or just be friendly to them. I hope you will find a way to make yourself available and reach out to others - even one, other than your own family. I know many of you are already doing that.

Here are some comments from Heart to Heart subscribers, included with their permission:

Thank you for these articles and the ideas in them. I would also like to receive the emails you send in your Starter Kit again if you would please pass them on to me. I am making a notebook for myself with articles and ideas for helping me keep my home and family happy and healthy. This is a notebook other than my Homemaking Notebook that I keep other information in. I am also going to use some of the ideas you send for children activities to make a "Fun Bucket" for the kids to give them on New Year's day. They will get to draw out an activity each day to do. Should be a great help on those days when they are bored or it is raining and cold outside. ~ Angela Billings in Tennessee

I appreciate your comments about gifts for older people (1/4/08). My mom, sister and one brother were in nursing homes and I used some of those ideas for them. I am now nearly 83 and think your ideas are great! ~ Helen Setser in Missouri

I read about remembering senior citizens throughout the year (1/4/08) and had an idea my friend did for her grandma ... gave her one of those butterfly kits where you send away for the butterfly pupae and put them in the butterfly house to see them turn into butterflies. Her grandma loved watching the changes and ultimate beauty. You can order from:

http://insectlore.stores.yahoo.net/butgarwitcer.html ~ Debbie Crocker in Michigan

       Thank you so much for the wonderful welcome kit and all the regular and Christmas newsletters. I can't wait to read them all and I am so excited about all the new things I will be learning and applying to my life.

        I have recently quit a very well paying job I was in for 16 years when my 3rd child was born. I now have 4 children (the last two are 17 months apart). I am struggling with keeping house, cooking, and caring for my children. My older two are in elementary school but I have felt so discouraged and inefficient. Not to mention that I have started to wonder how we will make ends meet on just my husband's salary.

        When I read your Welcome email and skimmed the newsletters, I knew God had sent you to me as a mentor. The ladies in my church are very sweet but they are all busy and offer me encouragement on Sunday, but I know that the practical information you have sent will really help me in my quest to be a Proverbs 31 woman.

        I have been studying the "Squeezing the Most out of Your Dollar" newsletter and I have already found lots of great information! Thanks again for all of the helpful information you have sent me and your wonderful words of encouragement. I am already feeling more competent and I really look forward to reading the newsletters and applying them to my life as I strive to fulfill God's will in my life.

        Thank you, thank you for following God's lead in your life and helping young mothers like me. ~ Cynthia Bonner in Mississippi

I have enjoyed your letters immensely!! Thank you so much and God bless you richly for your labor of love. I was wondering if you would have a chance to send some of your back issues as I'm laid up with pleurisy and pneumonia. It helps so much to be able to have articles like this to read.  We have three boys and a little girl so your letters have come at a very crucial time in my life. Thanks again and God bless. ~ Karen Mast in Maryland

Thank you very much for all the hard work you do in presenting such an informative and encouraging Christian newsletter! I always look forward to them and sometimes print them out to read if I am extra busy the day it arrives in my email. Your newsletter is one I enjoy reading!

~ Lynne Wight in Maine

I got your e-mails! Thanks a lot! I'll look forward to receiving them. I already copied some things and put them on my fridge. Those thoughts about older women teaching the young women like the Bible commands have been in my mind a lot. It's a command but how many older women put it to heart? Seems to me like around here I don't see much of that. God bless you! ~ Dorcas Barrantes in Costa Rica

I have had a chance to read a bit of what you sent in the start-up package and have enjoyed it so much. As a homeschooling mother with 7 children between the ages of 3 months and 9 years (almost 10), my time online is limited, but it is also my lifeline to other mothers of many and other sources of encouragement -- outside of my time with the Lord, that is. I very much appreciate your willingness to be a Titus 2 woman to those of us who don't have anyone else like that in our lives! ~ Tracy in Missouri

Just wanted to be SURE that I am now still on you mailing list. I enjoyed your emails that I read so far. I even tried the game with the rattle toy tried to a ribbon (in "Start-Up Kit") with my daughter. It kept her very entertained. Thank you. ~ Laura Moyer in Pennsylvania

My mom sent me one of your newsletters and it looks fabulous! I'd love to receive it, if it would not be too much trouble to add me to your list. Now that I think of it, I believe my mother-in-law receives your letters too!   The recipes and organizing tips are the best! Thank you for the incredible blessing that you are -- to my mom and so many other women! ~ Amanda Wang in Virginia

I want to confirm that I am on your mailing list. My email address is the same. Just a note of thanks - yesterday in church, I asked the Lord to touch my family because I am surrounded by non-believers, and they look at my life and say, "What does God do for you?" So I was truly blessed by that wonderful story about reaching out to a non-Christian woman in your 1/4/08 newsletter. I sent it to my pastor and friends. God is SOOO GOOOD!!! ~ Maureen in New York

        Love your emails! My 2 preschoolers and I have watched the pumpkin pie video about 100 times and the "First Christmas Gift Song" about the same amount! Little two year old Lacee even sings along! My school aged children (three of them) loved the site telling how many hours till Christmas!
         May God bless you for the time you put into it. Sometimes we moms have weary spots in the journey, and your newsletters have been a bright spot in mine.
         A little joke about one of the last times; I sometimes print out the newsletter because I use my husband's office computer and want to get out of his way. I accidentally left the one with the article from the Raineys on marriage IN MY HUSBAND'S printer tray!! He came with a sheepish grin asking if I had let it there on purpose! We had a good chuckle together. We are planning to go to Weekend to Remember in April, and I cannot wait! - Jeanie Martin in PA

I do so enjoy getting your newsletter all the time and I think it would be great for families who are teaching their children anything in the home economics area of their school work especially for families with girls. ~ Jackie Schlageter in New Mexico (Lois: Jackie has a website with homeschooling links for sharing with others. You can go to: http://my.portaportal.com/ and enter the name 1951Yankee (all one word) in the visitors area to see the site if you wish.)

Thank you so much, for all of the love and time you spend working on this very special ministry. It's exciting to realize how God has been using you. I have a "Heart to Heart" Newsletter file on my computer, and I save all of the issues. I love having your articles and tips to cut and paste when I want to give something in particular to some friends. I am trying to get some e-mails from some of the moms of the children I teach, as I know they would enjoy receiving it on a regular basis. I continue telling others about your ministry at our church and through my work. I have used some of the tips, stories, etc. through various speaking engagements, trainings and seminars I conduct, and newsletters I send home to the parents of my preschoolers! ~ Lisa Larson in Missouri

I read about your newsletter in the one that I receive from Donna Kauffman (free monthly newsletter: [email protected] ), and am interested in receiving yours, as well. There are days when I feel as if I have this mothering thing all under control ... but there are many more days when I really desire more wisdom & patience & creative parenting ideas!   I'm looking forward to hearing from you. ~ Joanna Yoder in PA

        I think that what I love about your newsletter is that it is so personal and warm. I don't feel that I am just one of a huge number of women on a list but that you are writing (to me) and praying from your heart in order to build up the body. I do like all of the tips and hints - the holiday set that you sent out was great. It's not an overwhelming amount of information and there are always things that I can put into practice right now. Years ago there was a magazine titled "Gentle Spirit" that I just loved. I did not grow up in a Christian home and the articles and editorials and spirit of the magazine were, indeed gentle. I get that same sense when I read your newsletter. I feel edified and "professionalized" as a mom and wife - with important work to do and go ahead.  I appreciate the time and effort that you put into allowing yourself to be an older woman to me and others, with encouragement and the love of Jesus.
        I loved the Psalm this week too! It is our "bathroom verse" (typed and taped up in the bathroom to memorize) and I am going to amend it!
        I have 5 children between the ages of 4-20 and we have homeshcooled for 16 years. I lead a large class day and my dh and I write and speak about parenting, marriage, homeschooling, forgiveness and resolution, vision and mission, etc. Life is busy and full and very good. The Lord continues to refine and mold and bless us. Thanks for your obedience to touch the lives ~ Lisa Nehring in South Dakota

... Well, I just told you a lot that has been happening in my life, and I am so thrilled to share with you how the Lord is moving in our family. Thank you so much for being there for me in all the ways that you have (even though you may not know how much you really have touched and helped me). You are my Titus 2 friend and mentor, and for all you do Thank You! ~ Nichole Martelli in Texas, a subscriber for 3 years

I have really enjoyed all that was in the newsletter. There is a lot to glean. I enjoyed the story of "Revering the Crayon Mark."  I will pass this on to a young mom that I know who will truly glean from this. I have been married 25 years and we had no children but I always encourage young moms in the ministry of raising children and I must say these newsletters are filled to touch women's lives of all ages. I have prayed for prodigals for years so that article was helpful. The recipes were really good. I know that these newsletters will be a blessing to me. I thank you for your labor of love and letting others be blessed by your sharing. - Christine in Newfoundland, Canada

Thanks for changing the address and I look forward to and enjoy every single issue you send out. I look forward for your words of wisdom... they always make my day! ~ Lois Hamann in Illinois

Thank you so much for the personal reply to my subscribing note ... it makes me feel like this newsletter is coming from a REAL person, a grandmotherly mentor whom I'm looking forward to gaining insights from. Already I have enjoyed the back issues you have sent, and I thank you for your work in putting it all together. Thank you for praying for me and my baby-on-the-way. This morning he/she is extremely active ... I just giggle as I feel him kick and watch my swelling tummy move. 🙂 ~ Brenda Sauder (9/04) in Pennsylvania

I pray that the anointment of the Lord, the health and all aspect of the word Prosperity in this New Year, be upon you, your love-ones and your e-mail newsletters; which has been of inspiration to me. I have share this to the Hispanic Women's Ministry that the Lord has put upon my shoulder - even share with the church in general. Thank you very much I look forward to this e-mail each time. ~ Jennie Ramos in Michigan

I was so thankful for your offer of the newsletter...Wow!! That touched my heart. Thanks for your willingness to impart any Godly wisdom you have been blessed with to those younger than you. I am looking forward to all your mailings and Yes, I will find the time to read them. I'm sure they will prove priceless. ~ Anne Portelles in Pennsylvania

God bless you for ministering as an older woman. I have often wondered where the older women are when we need them! I hope to be available when my children are grown. Right now our boys are ages 9, 7, 3 1/2, and 2. Keeps me busy, but fulfilled! God bless you for being willing to be used for His work! Our 2 year old son was diagnosed with Leukemia on Aug. 20. We have been on a long road since then but God is so faithful - He is ENOUGH! PTL~ Starla Kreider in Pennsylvania   (Note from Lois: Ladies, please put little Logan on your prayer list.)

Thank-you so much for including the "Continue On" poem. I have a 1 and a 2 year old ... and I have REALLY struggled with purpose in life ... what am I even doing?? I can never do anything for anybody else .... all I ever do is just take care of my family. I has given me courage to keep on serving them with JOY!! Thank-you so much!! ~ Serena Yoder in Pennsylvania

I am so enjoying your precious newsletter. It blesses me very much. I particularly am motivated and excited about the recipes below. They truly inspire me and I wish this first season of the empty nest to be especially warm and cozy and full of great memories for dear husband and I this year! Thanks for all your hard work, and God bless your wonderful family! ~ Carolyn Cyphers in Virginia

One day God will show you just how great a work you have done and what a blessing you have been to so many people. (I know I am not the only husband to read your letters. They bless my/our hearts as well.) Thank you. ~ Jesse Chance, serving in Uganda with his wife, Karen

To God be the Glory! Great things HE has done!

Ladies, if you read about a topic in these comments that you no longer have and would like to have sent to you, please let me know, and I'll do my best to do that.

REUNIONS THAT CAME ABOUT AS A RESULT OF "HEART TO HEART"

By Lois Breneman, © 2007, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]

Dorm Mates and Good Friends

        Two young ladies, Lillian and Carol, had been dorm mates and good friends in college in Pennsylvania, where Carol had started courting Brent, and then her time there ended in 2002 and she returned to her home. So Lillian and Carol hadn't seen each other since that time, except for a brief encounter at a wedding of a mutual friend a couple years later. Carol shared with me how Lillian had brought such a perfect mix of laughter and seriousness to their dorm and she remembers how much she loved it when their times to work in the kitchen overlapped.
        Several years after both young ladies had left the school, Lillian and Carol each received Heart to Heart - in 2005 and 2007, respectively.  Recently I received an e-mail from Lillian, saying how reading the baby announcement of Carol and Brent's in the Heart to Heart Newsletter sent her jaw to the floor!  She was so excited and wondered if I could help get her in touch with her college friend and dorm mate!

        So I e-mailed Carol and explained to her that Lillian was wanting to get in touch with her, and I gave her Lillian's e-mail address so they could reconnect. They have since been in touch through e-mail, renewing their friendship.   Lillian and Carol are each happily married to the love of their life and each couple has two small children now as well.

        I have a feeling they will be getting together before too long, because since their reunion by e-mail, they learned that they both live in Ohio now - within a few hours of each other!

From East to West

        The first reunion that I'm aware of happening through Heart to Heart was in 2002. I first began to communicate with Mary Rice Hopkins after hearing her song, "Juggling Mom," on a children's radio program one Sat. morning in 2002, which she had written and was singing. I wrote to that program director to get her address, then I wrote to Mary, asking her permission to include the words to her song in Heart to Heart. She began receiving the newsletter and I shared with the readers about her wonderful songs and materials for parents and teachers.

          About a year later in 2003, I sent Mary a poem on faithfulness, written by an acquaintance of mine in Virginia, Linda J. Stevenson, who was also receiving Heart to Heart.  Because of Linda's poem, Mary was excited to connect with Linda and Mary made a Christmas album, using some of Linda's poems written specifically for her album. They have now worked together for several years, still on the East and West Coasts, so it has been very exciting to see how the Lord has orchestrated everything for His glory! They each needed encouragement from the other during that specific time and God planned it all in such a way that He even used me to serve Him as their mediator. How fun! It's been a rich blessing knowing each of them!

        You can see all of Mary Rice Hopkins' CD's DVD's, books and you might go to her website, www.maryricehopkins.com, to see and hear her music.   You can see the wonderful and inspirational puppet ministry she has with Darcie Maze (www.amazehealingwings.com). Together they travel and do fantastic concerts and Teacher's Training Seminars, and I was so privileged to attend one of each last September here in Virginia. They not only capture the attention of children, but adults as well! I love her music and the biblical teaching displayed in Mary's music as well as her life!

Mary Rice Hopkins in California says:

From East to West, the Lord has brought me an incredible new friend for a lifetime all from Lois' Heart to Heart Newsletter. Linda Stevenson came to me through the newsletter and her wonderful poetry but she now fulfills a much larger gap. Since Linda and I met 4 1/2 years ago, we have enjoyed meeting at my home in California and beyond. I have also been to Roanoke for the first time where Linda now has an office where she runs MRH and company. Her business and organizational skills have helped me fulfill the mission God has put in my heart that continues to "Plant seeds that last a lifetime." Thank you Lois and thank you Linda for following God's leading and for all you both do for His kingdom.

Linda Stevenson in Virginia says:

Thank you so much for partnering with the Lord in making this connection possible. I'm still amazed at how God orchestrated our meeting through your Heart to Heart newsletter.

JUGGLING MOM
Words and music by Mary Rice Hopkins, a "Heart to Heart" mom in Southern California

www.maryricehopkins.com - Used by permission

I juggle as a mom but life goes on and on
And I struggle when I wear so many shoes
First a wife then a mother then a sister to my brother
And I struggle just to juggle all I do

I'm a technical director and a child protector
I book the social calendar and juggle all we do
Dont ask me if I'm working cause a mom is always certain
That I struggle just to juggle all I do

At the mall I'm a hiker with my kids I am a biker
And I drive a taxicab in between
Im a chef Im a cook who has time to read a book
Can you microwave my Lean Cuisine?

Im a household technician a dancer and musician
A psychoanalyst but thats all right with me
Dont ask me if Im workin cause a mom is always certain
That I struggle just to juggle all I do

Well I go to PTA and the YMCA
Downtown to my C.E.O.
Oh there I go again to my OBGYN
Im a soccer mom at AYSO

Im a M.O.M. , a D.R. and an R.N.
And If Im acting like a mess they call it P.M.S.
If you added up our wages you couldn't even pay us
And you would confuse the IRS

But Im a woman Im a lover Im Proud to be a mother
I must confess nonetheless sometimes I need my rest
Thats why when we juggle we need to stop and snuggle
Cause the job of being mom is just the best.

Words & Music by Mary Rice Hopkins
© 1997, 1999 Big Steps Music
All Rights Reserved. (Used by permission)

        Note from Lois: Ladies, do you ever feel like a "Juggling Mom?" I know we all have at one time or another. If you want some really great songs on audio tape, CD or video for your children, as well as for yourself, check out her web site below!  Mary has recorded 20 albums of original music. In addition, she has published some wonderful children's books and interactive curriculum materials. Most recently is the release of three new books from Cook Publishing: Come Back Home, Safe in the Fold, and Lost and Found. Also, Group Publishing has just released a new curriculum for toddlers through kindergarten entitled Simple Stories Jesus Told. Go to www.maryricehopkins.com to view her full line of music and curriculum.

MOMENTS FOR MOM

By Elisabeth K. Corcoran, © February 2008, Used by permission

Ive been thinking a lot about moving more slowly. How I run through my days. Ive been running through my kids childhood. (In ten years, they wont be living with me anymore. Ten years) How Jesus calls us to give him our burdens and in exchange He will give us rest. To quote a speaker friend of mine, Keri Kent, Jesus never said to us, Get over here! I have a lot for you to do! I laughed loudly when I heard her say that. Maybe because it resonated so deeply. Maybe because Ive deep down actually thought that. A good Christian woman serves God. Thats what were supposed to do. Sure. But are we supposed to run ourselves into the ground? Do I want my children, my daughter especially, equating ministry with exhaustion and meetings and tasks that dont really fit who I am?

I had the privilege to go away for two days right after the new year started. I love doing that each year to look back over the past yearyou know, take stock. I spent the first day reading my journals from the past fifteen months. If youre not a journal writer or even only a sporadic one, no big deal, right? But if youre like me, a fairly faithful everyday journal keeper, well, then thats another story. It took me nine hours to read them (and I knew how everything was going to turn out!). And when I was done I had a headache and I was depressed. And why was that? Because a few themes bubbled to the surface for me in that marathon reflection. One, the number of times that I complained about something in my life gave me pauseokay, to be more honest, I was ashamed because I am really, really blessed. And two, the number of times I said something like, Im low energy this morning or Wish I could stay here on the couch in my jimmies todaythats not gonna happen for another week or so were innumerable. And it made me sad. It made me sad to think that Ive filled this past year of my life with activities, many of them apparently, that I dont enjoy, that I dont find fulfilling, that just dont fit me or my season of life. Im running. But for what? For who?

If I think Im doing all of this to please God, well, I think Ive got another thing coming. Because to be truthful, I dont know the last time really that I handed God my day or my agenda and just asked him what He wanted me to be doing. Ive been doing what Ive been doing for years now and I think its starting to hit me that what Im doing and who Im wanting to be just dont fit anymore. Ive been round-hole/square-pegging it for a while. Longer than I want to admit. Longer than I may even know.

So Im left with some questions. Should I keep on doing and doing and doing, or can I stop? And if I just stopped for awhile, even a long while, what would that mean, what would that look like, and dare I ask whats really deep down, what would other people and God think of me? Who stops? Who isnt busy? No one I know. But Im letting myself realize and re-remember that God called me to an abundant, free, joyful life, not a packed-out, constricting, complain-y busy one full of activities that just endure and that sometimes make me cringe. And, and this is the best part, bottomline, my Heavenly Fathers going to love me no matter what. Even if I stop. And even if you do too.

So, Moms, think about it. Are you running too hard, too fast, through your life? Consider stopping, breathing, resting, finding the real you underneath it all, asking God what you should be filling your time with. Even if its just for a little while.

Ó Elisabeth K. Corcoran, 2008 Elisabeth Corcoran is the author of In Search of Calm: Renewal for a Mothers Heart (2005) and Calm in My Chaos: Encouragement for a Moms Weary Soul (2001). She is wife to Kevin, and mom to Sara, 11, and Jack, 9-&-1/2. Her passion is encouraging women and the Church, which she fulfills through serving in leadership on staff part-time at Christ Community Church Blackberry Creek Campus in Aurora, Illinois, and writing and speaking as much as she can. You can learn more about Elisabeth and her ministry at www.elisabethcorcoran.com.

PRAYER REMINDERS

By Barbara Lea Campbell, © 2003, Devotional Blog: http://theeyesofmyheart.blogspot.com/

(Barb has been such a great help to me with "Heart to Heart" through the years! Thanks again, Barb! ~ Lois)

Most of us struggle with praying and/or finding time for prayer. I have read and heard many neat ideas over the years -- one friend prays for her family when she folds the laundry. She prays for the person whose piece of laundry she is folding and she prays a different thing for each piece. So let's say she has a pair of socks, some shorts and a shirt for her son. She would pray for him as she folded each, but there would be 3 separate prayer needs -- like she might pray for him to grow in his love for the Lord, have patience with his younger siblings and grasp his math lesson that day. I think you get the idea.

I learned some time ago to respond to people "just" popping into my head. If I suddenly think of someone, I consider it a prompting to pray and maybe even to do more like write a note or call.

Lately I have added another level to this. I have learned to see items in my home and out as prayer reminders. For example -- photographs are easy, if I see a photo of my niece Jordan, I pray for her and I have 2 friends with children named Jordan, so if my mind is clicking I will think of them and pray for them also. If I see one of my son, Luke's sketchbooks on the table, I pray for him. If I see a red bird on the bird feeder, I pray for my mother (she loves red birds). When I use a cozy my friend, Denise, made me, I pray for her and usually her family.

These prayers do not have to be long drawn out ones where we fall on our knees -- although those are fine! If I know a specific need that person has then I will pray about that. For my family members it is easy -- I always have things I want and need to pray for them -- like I pray that they grow in their walk, draw closer to God, have more patience, etc.

Sometimes I have really no idea what to pray for someone - so I pray something like:

"Lord, be real in her life today."

"Lord help her to accept all the grace you have appointed for her today."

"Lord, use him to be Your light today."

There is always something you can pray for someone!

I hope some or all of these ideas will spark a flame in your heart and get you to praying throughout your day!

GRANDPARENTS

Author unknown -- Thanks to Linda Crosby in Virginia for sending this great piece!

Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting. ~ Author Unknown

What a bargain grand children are!  I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars' worth of pleasure. ~ Gene Perret

Grandmothers are just "antique" little girls. ~ Author Unknown

Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild. ~ Welsh Proverb

A grandmother is a babysitter who watches the kids instead of the television. ~ Author unknown

Never have children, only grandchildren. ~ Gore Vidal

Becoming a grandmother is wonderful. One moment you're just a mother. The next you are all-wise and prehistoric. ~ Pam Brown

Grandchildren don't stay young forever, which is good because grandfathers have only so many horsey rides in them. ~ Gene Perret

When grandparents enter the door, discipline flies out the window. ~ Ogden Nash

Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete. ~ Marcy DeMaree

Grandmas never run out of hugs or cookies. ~ Author unknown

Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever. ~ Author unknown

If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I'd have had them first. ~ Lois Wyse

My grandkids believe I'm the oldest thing in the world. And after two or three hours with them,
I believe it, too. ~ Gene Perret

If becoming a grandmother was only a matter of choice, I should advise every one of you straight away to become one. There is no fun for old people like it! ~ Hannah Whithall Smith

It's such a grand thing to be a mother of a mother - that's why the world calls her grandmother.
~ Author unknown

Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old. ~ Mary H. Waldrip

You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. ~ Proverb

An hour with your grandchildren can make you feel young again. Anything longer than that,
And you start to age quickly. ~ Gene Perret

The best baby-sitters, of course, are the baby's grandparents. You feel completely comfortable entrusting your baby to them for long periods, which is why most grandparents flee to Florida. ~ Dave Barry

I wish I had the energy that my grandchildren have - if only for self-defense. ~ Gene Perret

Grandmother-grandchild relationships are simple. Grandmas are short on criticism and long on love. ~ Author unknown

Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust
over the lives of little children. ~ Alex Haley

Grandmother - A wonderful mother with lots of Practice. ~ Author unknown

A grandparent is old on the outside but young on the inside. ~ Author unknown

One of the most powerful handclasps is that of a new grandbaby around the finger of a grandfather. ~ Joy Hargrove

It's amazing how grandparents seem so young once you become one. ~ Author unknown

If your baby is "beautiful and perfect, never cries or fusses, sleeps on schedule and burps on demand, an angel all the time," you're the grandma. ~ Teresa Bloomingdale

Grandparents are similar to a piece of string - handy to have around and easily wrapped
around the fingers of their grandchildren. ~ Author unknown

What is it about grandparents that is so lovely? I'd like to say that grandparents are God's gifts to children. And if they can but see, hear and feel what these people have to give you, they can mature at a fast rate. ~ Bill Cosby

Grandchildren don't make a man feel old; it's the knowledge that he's married to a grandmother.  ~ G. Norman Collie

BABY CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Chris and Gwynn Weaver in Virginia on the birth of their third child, a son. Wyatt Allen Weaver was born on January 3, 2008 and his parents are praising the Lord for his excellent health. Abby and Jake are his proud sister and brother.

MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS

A Tribute to the Heart to Heart Ladies in all 50 states of the USA, as well as all the ladies in 54 other countries! http://mybeautifulamerica.com/mybeautifulamerica.htm

Christian Work at Home Recource Center - Lauren Mills, a stay-at-home mom, has developed a new Christian Work at Home Resource Center, WAHM for Him. Your readers may want to check it out (www.busymommas.com). Thanks to Betty Robertson in VA for this!

How Does Your State Rank? ~ Annual Report Ranks States on Pro-Life Effort - This is very interesting! Be informed! http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000006296.cfm
If you enjoy reading stories like this one, sign up for the free CitizenLink Daily Update e-mail to get news and commentary from Focus on the Family Action delivered right to your computer.

Free Resource for Pastors ~ Knowing many pastor's wives receive this newsletter, I wanted to let you know about this resource: CD of Randy Alcorn speaking on Renewal Radio interview, hosted by Dr. Gene Getz on the subject of The Purity Principle

Low-Cast Sledding Idea ~ My son, Lance, came up with this great low-cost sledding idea! He and his 16 month old little Caleb enjoyed a sledding day in Virginia on a black trash bag! I guess he learned quite a bit about utilizing resources around the house and being thrifty! ~ Thanks to Lisa Larson in Missouri for this tip!

Lots of Snow People Crafts ~ http://familycrafts.about.com/od/snowpeople/

Could This Be Why Computers Crash? http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/34244097/ - Thanks to Elinor Wright in Virginia for sending this interesting and entertaining video!

Spend Time Reading God's Word ~ A great quote: "Strangers to the Word of God are strangers to the voice of God."

Any Guesses? ~ Right now I am enjoying reading two of the sixty-six books of the Bible that will be our next grandson's first and middle names when he arrives in a couple months. Any guesses? I'll give you one clue. It is not "Haggai Habakkuk," because that has too many syllables for the last name of Breneman, but I'll let you know his name in April!

Remember to pray for each dear Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.

            Pray each day for the protection of our troops, as well as for their families left at home!

(¨`·.·´¨)                           God bless you and your family and keep you in His loving care!

`·.¸(¨`·.·´¨)                             And remember, I love to hear from you dear ladies!

      `·.¸.·´                                                   Your Heart to Heart friend,

"Heart to Heart"                                                                                 Lois



The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to encourage women and build biblical values into daily living through practical creative ideas for the Christian family regarding marriage, children, homemaking, and much more. Receive this free bimonthly newsletter by listing your name, city, state, e-mail address, and name of your referral person and sending it to Lois at <a title=mailto:[email protected] href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]. New subscribers will receive a Welcome, a "Start-Up Kit," and several recent newsletters.

Disclaimer: Various websites may be given as credits or to supply additional information for readers. However, all the views and advertisements represented by websites in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the editor.   Please use your own discretion and common sense regarding all information given in this newsletter.
-- 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

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

2/1/08 9TH ANNIVERSARY, MENTORS, COMMENTS, REUNIONS, GRANDPARENTS

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

SPAM - Thanks to a thoughtful subscriber, I learned that the word, "Babes" (referring to Out of the Mouths of Babes) in the subject line of the last newsletter alerted her home computer's spam filter and dumped it! Oh, dear! I had never even thought of the possibility of that being a trigger word for porn before, but now I know! If the word, "SPAM" normally appears in the subject line of your newsletters, it is very important that you check your Spam Filter and unblock [email protected] and [email protected]. One subscriber wrote,

"I missed your letter until I was going though and deleting a bunch of spam!"

Send Address Changes - Many subscribers are dropped from "Heart to Heart" simply because they forget to send me their new address. For e-mail address changes, please reply to this newsletter with your name, your old and new e-mail address. Otherwise your address will automatically be dropped from the Master List by the server I use. Please contact me if you are ever dropped from the list by simply hitting the "reply" key.

Please feel free to share this complete newsletter with women who might benefit by subscribing.

Check with me before posting this newsletter on websites unless you have prior written permission. Thanks!

IN THIS ISSUE:

A TRIBUTE TO THE SPECIAL MENTORS IN MY LIFE

COMMENTS FROM "HEART TO HEART" SUBSCRIBERS - TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

REUNIONS THAT CAME ABOUT AS A RESULT OF "HEART TO HEART"

JUGGLING MOM

MOMENTS FOR MOM

PRAYER REMINDERS

GRANDPARENTS

BABY CONGRATULATIONS!

MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS

A TRIBUTE TO THE SPECIAL MENTORS IN MY LIFE

My Mother, Dorothy Walker, was the most influential person in my life. She was a godly spiritual example for me, along with my father. When I was twelve one Sunday evening after one of the many messages we heard from our pastor about Christ's return, I was very upset because I was having doubts about my salvation. I had made a sincere decision to accept Christ as my Savior six years earlier, and I still remember that time so vividly, but age adolescence can sometimes be an unsettling time in our lives. That evening Mother lovingly knelt by my bed with me and showed me scriptures about salvation, as she helped me to be absolutely sure I was a child of God and on my way to heaven.

I learned how to be a wife and mother by watching her life, as well as learning from her many skills that go with those roles. She taught me how to cook, sew, clean house, and work on the farm where I grew up. She taught me almost every creative and homemaking skill I know how to do, or at least taught me that almost anything was possible with God's help if I gave it a good try. She was very giving and caring of all those she knew. It's been exactly twenty-three years ago today since Mother went to her heavenly home, and I still miss her so much. That was one of the most difficult times in my life, but seeing how she loved the Lord with all her heart, soul and strength, even in the midst of much pain as she suffered with cancer for more than seven years - that is a heritage I will always treasure. I was so privileged to have her as my mother!

My Father, Clarence Walker ~ Daddy was a hard worker, holding down a fulltime job as well as operating a small farm. He also taught me how to work hard, since there were plenty of jobs on our farm to keep us all busy. All who knew Daddy still speak of his love for the Lord, his kindness, patience, being able to fix or make almost anything, his faithfulness, the way children loved him, and all the tricks he had up his sleeve. He loved to have fun and passed that and much more on to us kids! The steadfast love between my parents for their forty-three years of marriage, and their keeping Christ at the center meant so much and gave me security.

They were not flawless, strange as it may be, but neither are their four children. I remember Mother and Daddy in the kitchen baking cherry pies together, "discussing" how it should be done! Daddy often spent time helping Mom in the kitchen. I also remember him often sneaking up behind her to give her a big hug! The gentle, loving, and patient care Daddy gave to Mother, always being by her side during her last two years of illness and suffering, was beautiful for us children to see. He was faithful and loving to the end, and I would have to add Daddy to my list as one who mentored me in his quiet and steadfast way. He has been with his Lord since the week before 9/11 in 2001.

My Aunt Marian Bachman ~ When I was a teenager I babysat quite often for my Aunt Marian and Uncle Mark, and enjoyed taking care of my four cousins. Aunt Marian is my mother's youngest sister, and was such an encouragement to me all those years. She still is. She's outgoing with a bubbly personality. This week as I spoke to Aunt Marian on the phone, she said she feels so blessed to be able to enjoy the ten children of two of her sisters, Dorothy and Margaret, who are no longer living. Well, we are also very blessed to have her and two other dear aunts in the family, with our mothers not being here!

Aunt Marian has certainly blessed and encouraged me through the years! She loves the Lord and always looks on the bright side of situations. She was a mentor in MOPS for ten years and continues to be an encourager to many younger women she knows, including her own family.

She and I still send birthday cards to each other every year (on the same day), since we also share the same birthday. She tells me I crashed her sixteenth birthday party when I was born at home at 9:00 that evening in March on the other side of the double Victorian house where she and her family lived! Years later Aunt Marian's youngest daughter, Lorraine, was the flower girl in our wedding!

Phyllis Brokaw taught a Bible study in her home for young mothers for fourteen years, while our preschool children were being well cared for in the church nursery just a few miles away. It began when our oldest child was only a few weeks old. After Phyllis taught us a biblically based Bible study on marriage, child discipline, women of the Bible or other family-related topics, we shared prayer requests and prayed for each other there as well as during the week. We also each took a pot luck dish and feasted around Phyllis' big dining room table. The sharing around the table was as important as the Bible study and prayer time, as we heard how others were going through the same things we were in our own families. We knew we weren't alone. Sometimes as many as fifteen of us met together each Tuesday morning. It was because of Phyllis' impact upon my life, as I benefited so much from her example in teaching us younger wives and mothers, that the Lord impressed upon me to begin "Heart to Heart."

Over the years the Bible study group changed, but I never missed unless someone in our family was sick or we had to be out of town, but that rarely ever happened. That's how very important that time of teaching, prayer and fellowship with other women was for me, and many of us remain good friends today. Phyllis truly gave of herself to all of us younger women. She was a Titus 2 woman, if there ever was one! In her eighties she seems to have more energy than I do and is still going strong, continuing to be an effective witness for the Lord among women, as well as children, including her grandchildren. She is amazing!

Many Other Women have been mentors to me as well, without realizing it! I've learned so much from women near my own age, as well as many women who younger than I, and that includes many of you! Thank you so much for your encouragement and godly examples to me!

COMMENTS FROM "HEART TO HEART" SUBSCRIBERS - TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Since I have never considered "Heart to Heart" to be "my newsletter," but the Lord's, these comments go to the One who began this ministry, the Lord Jesus Christ! This newsletter was His idea in the first place, and I am just thrilled that He is using me to be His instrument to bring encouragement, blessing, practical tips and fun to so many of you dear ladies.

Over the past nine years of this ministry, it has been a joy beyond measure to hear from so many precious ladies in the United States and around the world! The comments from many subscribers have touched my heart and encouraged me more than I can express.

These comments from Heart to Heart subscribers are shown to give you an idea of how much older women are truly needed to encourage the younger women. Would you pray about allowing the Lord to use you in a similar way, if you aren't already - especially those of you with an empty nest? Possibilities might be to invite younger ladies to lunch, teach a Bible study, lead a prayer group, teach a free cooking, sewing or crafts class for them or their children, or just be friendly to them. I hope you will find a way to make yourself available and reach out to others - even one, other than your own family. I know many of you are already doing that.

Here are some comments from Heart to Heart subscribers, included with their permission:

Thank you for these articles and the ideas in them. I would also like to receive the emails you send in your Starter Kit again if you would please pass them on to me. I am making a notebook for myself with articles and ideas for helping me keep my home and family happy and healthy. This is a notebook other than my Homemaking Notebook that I keep other information in. I am also going to use some of the ideas you send for children activities to make a "Fun Bucket" for the kids to give them on New Year's day. They will get to draw out an activity each day to do. Should be a great help on those days when they are bored or it is raining and cold outside. ~ Angela Billings in Tennessee

I appreciate your comments about gifts for older people (1/4/08). My mom, sister and one brother were in nursing homes and I used some of those ideas for them. I am now nearly 83 and think your ideas are great! ~ Helen Setser in Missouri

I read about remembering senior citizens throughout the year (1/4/08) and had an idea my friend did for her grandma ... gave her one of those butterfly kits where you send away for the butterfly pupae and put them in the butterfly house to see them turn into butterflies. Her grandma loved watching the changes and ultimate beauty. You can order from:

http://insectlore.stores.yahoo.net/butgarwitcer.html ~ Debbie Crocker in Michigan

Thank you so much for the wonderful welcome kit and all the regular and Christmas newsletters. I can't wait to read them all and I am so excited about all the new things I will be learning and applying to my life.

I have recently quit a very well paying job I was in for 16 years when my 3rd child was born. I now have 4 children (the last two are 17 months apart). I am struggling with keeping house, cooking, and caring for my children. My older two are in elementary school but I have felt so discouraged and inefficient. Not to mention that I have started to wonder how we will make ends meet on just my husband's salary.

When I read your Welcome email and skimmed the newsletters, I knew God had sent you to me as a mentor. The ladies in my church are very sweet but they are all busy and offer me encouragement on Sunday, but I know that the practical information you have sent will really help me in my quest to be a Proverbs 31 woman.

I have been studying the "Squeezing the Most out of Your Dollar" newsletter and I have already found lots of great information! Thanks again for all of the helpful information you have sent me and your wonderful words of encouragement. I am already feeling more competent and I really look forward to reading the newsletters and applying them to my life as I strive to fulfill God's will in my life.

Thank you, thank you for following God's lead in your life and helping young mothers like me. ~ Cynthia Bonner in Mississippi

I have enjoyed your letters immensely!! Thank you so much and God bless you richly for your labor of love. I was wondering if you would have a chance to send some of your back issues as I'm laid up with pleurisy and pneumonia. It helps so much to be able to have articles like this to read. We have three boys and a little girl so your letters have come at a very crucial time in my life. Thanks again and God bless. ~ Karen Mast in Maryland

Thank you very much for all the hard work you do in presenting such an informative and encouraging Christian newsletter! I always look forward to them and sometimes print them out to read if I am extra busy the day it arrives in my email. Your newsletter is one I enjoy reading!

~ Lynne Wight in Maine

I got your e-mails! Thanks a lot! I'll look forward to receiving them. I already copied some things and put them on my fridge. Those thoughts about older women teaching the young women like the Bible commands have been in my mind a lot. It's a command but how many older women put it to heart? Seems to me like around here I don't see much of that. God bless you! ~ Dorcas Barrantes in Costa Rica

I have had a chance to read a bit of what you sent in the start-up package and have enjoyed it so much. As a homeschooling mother with 7 children between the ages of 3 months and 9 years (almost 10), my time online is limited, but it is also my lifeline to other mothers of many and other sources of encouragement -- outside of my time with the Lord, that is. I very much appreciate your willingness to be a Titus 2 woman to those of us who don't have anyone else like that in our lives! ~ Tracy in Missouri

Just wanted to be SURE that I am now still on you mailing list. I enjoyed your emails that I read so far. I even tried the game with the rattle toy tried to a ribbon (in "Start-Up Kit") with my daughter. It kept her very entertained. Thank you. ~ Laura Moyer in Pennsylvania

My mom sent me one of your newsletters and it looks fabulous! I'd love to receive it, if it would not be too much trouble to add me to your list. Now that I think of it, I believe my mother-in-law receives your letters too! The recipes and organizing tips are the best! Thank you for the incredible blessing that you are -- to my mom and so many other women! ~ Amanda Wang in Virginia

I want to confirm that I am on your mailing list. My email address is the same. Just a note of thanks - yesterday in church, I asked the Lord to touch my family because I am surrounded by non-believers, and they look at my life and say, "What does God do for you?" So I was truly blessed by that wonderful story about reaching out to a non-Christian woman in your 1/4/08 newsletter. I sent it to my pastor and friends. God is SOOO GOOOD!!! ~ Maureen in New York

        Love your emails! My 2 preschoolers and I have watched the pumpkin pie video about 100 times and the "First Christmas Gift Song" about the same amount! Little two year old Lacee even sings along! My school aged children (three of them) loved the site telling how many hours till Christmas!
         May God bless you for the time you put into it. Sometimes we moms have weary spots in the journey, and your newsletters have been a bright spot in mine.
         A little joke about one of the last times; I sometimes print out the newsletter because I use my husband's office computer and want to get out of his way. I accidentally left the one with the article from the Raineys on marriage IN MY HUSBAND'S printer tray!! He came with a sheepish grin asking if I had let it there on purpose! We had a good chuckle together. We are planning to go to Weekend to Remember in April, and I cannot wait! - Jeanie Martin in PA

I do so enjoy getting your newsletter all the time and I think it would be great for families who are teaching their children anything in the home economics area of their school work especially for families with girls. ~ Jackie Schlageter in New Mexico (Lois: Jackie has a website with homeschooling links for sharing with others. You can go to: http://my.portaportal.com/ and enter the name 1951Yankee (all one word) in the visitors area to see the site if you wish.)

Thank you so much, for all of the love and time you spend working on this very special ministry. It's exciting to realize how God has been using you. I have a "Heart to Heart" Newsletter file on my computer, and I save all of the issues. I love having your articles and tips to cut and paste when I want to give something in particular to some friends. I am trying to get some e-mails from some of the moms of the children I teach, as I know they would enjoy receiving it on a regular basis. I continue telling others about your ministry at our church and through my work. I have used some of the tips, stories, etc. through various speaking engagements, trainings and seminars I conduct, and newsletters I send home to the parents of my preschoolers! ~ Lisa Larson in Missouri

I read about your newsletter in the one that I receive from Donna Kauffman (free monthly newsletter: [email protected] ), and am interested in receiving yours, as well. There are days when I feel as if I have this mothering thing all under control ... but there are many more days when I really desire more wisdom & patience & creative parenting ideas!   I'm looking forward to hearing from you. ~ Joanna Yoder in PA

        I think that what I love about your newsletter is that it is so personal and warm. I don't feel that I am just one of a huge number of women on a list but that you are writing (to me) and praying from your heart in order to build up the body. I do like all of the tips and hints - the holiday set that you sent out was great. It's not an overwhelming amount of information and there are always things that I can put into practice right now. Years ago there was a magazine titled "Gentle Spirit" that I just loved. I did not grow up in a Christian home and the articles and editorials and spirit of the magazine were, indeed gentle. I get that same sense when I read your newsletter. I feel edified and "professionalized" as a mom and wife - with important work to do and go ahead.  I appreciate the time and effort that you put into allowing yourself to be an older woman to me and others, with encouragement and the love of Jesus.
        I loved the Psalm this week too! It is our "bathroom verse" (typed and taped up in the bathroom to memorize) and I am going to amend it!
        I have 5 children between the ages of 4-20 and we have homeshcooled for 16 years. I lead a large class day and my dh and I write and speak about parenting, marriage, homeschooling, forgiveness and resolution, vision and mission, etc. Life is busy and full and very good. The Lord continues to refine and mold and bless us. Thanks for your obedience to touch the lives ~ Lisa Nehring in South Dakota

... Well, I just told you a lot that has been happening in my life, and I am so thrilled to share with you how the Lord is moving in our family. Thank you so much for being there for me in all the ways that you have (even though you may not know how much you really have touched and helped me). You are my Titus 2 friend and mentor, and for all you do Thank You! ~ Nichole Martelli in Texas, a subscriber for 3 years

I have really enjoyed all that was in the newsletter. There is a lot to glean. I enjoyed the story of "Revering the Crayon Mark." I will pass this on to a young mom that I know who will truly glean from this. I have been married 25 years and we had no children but I always encourage young moms in the ministry of raising children and I must say these newsletters are filled to touch women's lives of all ages. I have prayed for prodigals for years so that article was helpful. The recipes were really good. I know that these newsletters will be a blessing to me. I thank you for your labor of love and letting others be blessed by your sharing. - Christine in Newfoundland, Canada

Thanks for changing the address and I look forward to and enjoy every single issue you send out. I look forward for your words of wisdom... they always make my day! ~ Lois Hamann in Illinois

Thank you so much for the personal reply to my subscribing note ... it makes me feel like this newsletter is coming from a REAL person, a grandmotherly mentor whom I'm looking forward to gaining insights from. Already I have enjoyed the back issues you have sent, and I thank you for your work in putting it all together. Thank you for praying for me and my baby-on-the-way. This morning he/she is extremely active ... I just giggle as I feel him kick and watch my swelling tummy move. 🙂 ~ Brenda Sauder (9/04) in Pennsylvania

I pray that the anointment of the Lord, the health and all aspect of the word Prosperity in this New Year, be upon you, your love-ones and your e-mail newsletters; which has been of inspiration to me. I have share this to the Hispanic Women's Ministry that the Lord has put upon my shoulder - even share with the church in general. Thank you very much I look forward to this e-mail each time. ~ Jennie Ramos in Michigan

I was so thankful for your offer of the newsletter...Wow!! That touched my heart. Thanks for your willingness to impart any Godly wisdom you have been blessed with to those younger than you. I am looking forward to all your mailings and Yes, I will find the time to read them. I'm sure they will prove priceless. ~ Anne Portelles in Pennsylvania

God bless you for ministering as an older woman. I have often wondered where the older women are when we need them! I hope to be available when my children are grown. Right now our boys are ages 9, 7, 3 1/2, and 2. Keeps me busy, but fulfilled! God bless you for being willing to be used for His work! Our 2 year old son was diagnosed with Leukemia on Aug. 20. We have been on a long road since then but God is so faithful - He is ENOUGH! PTL~ Starla Kreider in Pennsylvania (Note from Lois: Ladies, please put little Logan on your prayer list.)

Thank-you so much for including the "Continue On" poem. I have a 1 and a 2 year old ... and I have REALLY struggled with purpose in life ... what am I even doing?? I can never do anything for anybody else .... all I ever do is just take care of my family. I has given me courage to keep on serving them with JOY!! Thank-you so much!! ~ Serena Yoder in Pennsylvania

I am so enjoying your precious newsletter. It blesses me very much. I particularly am motivated and excited about the recipes below. They truly inspire me and I wish this first season of the empty nest to be especially warm and cozy and full of great memories for dear husband and I this year! Thanks for all your hard work, and God bless your wonderful family! ~ Carolyn Cyphers in Virginia

One day God will show you just how great a work you have done and what a blessing you have been to so many people. (I know I am not the only husband to read your letters. They bless my/our hearts as well.) Thank you. ~ Jesse Chance, serving in Uganda with his wife, Karen

To God be the Glory! Great things HE has done!

Ladies, if you read about a topic in these comments that you no longer have and would like to have sent to you, please let me know, and I'll do my best to do that.

REUNIONS THAT CAME ABOUT AS A RESULT OF "HEART TO HEART"

Dorm Mates and Good Friends

Two young ladies, Lillian and Carol, had been dorm mates and good friends in college in Pennsylvania, where Carol had started courting Brent, and then her time there ended in 2002 and she returned to her home. So Lillian and Carol hadn't seen each other since that time, except for a brief encounter at a wedding of a mutual friend a couple years later. Carol shared with me how Lillian had brought such a perfect mix of laughter and seriousness to their dorm and she remembers how much she loved it when their times to work in the kitchen overlapped.
Several years after both young ladies had left the school, Lillian and Carol each received Heart to Heart - in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Recently I received an e-mail from Lillian, saying how reading the baby announcement of Carol and Brent's in the Heart to Heart Newsletter sent her jaw to the floor! She was so excited and wondered if I could help get her in touch with her college friend and dorm mate!

So I e-mailed Carol and explained to her that Lillian was wanting to get in touch with her, and I gave her Lillian's e-mail address so they could reconnect. They have since been in touch through e-mail, renewing their friendship. Lillian and Carol are each happily married to the love of their life and each couple has two small children now as well.

I have a feeling they will be getting together before too long, because since their reunion by e-mail, they learned that they both live in Ohio now - within a few hours of each other!

From East to West

The first reunion that I'm aware of happening through Heart to Heart was in 2002. I first began to communicate with Mary Rice Hopkins after hearing her song, "Juggling Mom," on a children's radio program one Sat. morning in 2002, which she had written and was singing. I wrote to that program director to get her address, then I wrote to Mary, asking her permission to include the words to her song in Heart to Heart. She began receiving the newsletter and I shared with the readers about her wonderful songs and materials for parents and teachers.

About a year later in 2003, I sent Mary a poem on faithfulness, written by an acquaintance of mine in Virginia, Linda J. Stevenson, who was also receiving Heart to Heart. Because of Linda's poem, Mary was excited to connect with Linda and Mary made a Christmas album, using some of Linda's poems written specifically for her album. They have now worked together for several years, still on the East and West Coasts, so it has been very exciting to see how the Lord has orchestrated everything for His glory! They each needed encouragement from the other during that specific time and God planned it all in such a way that He even used me to serve Him as their mediator. How fun! It's been a rich blessing knowing each of them!

You can see all of Mary Rice Hopkins' CD's DVD's, books and you might go to her website, http://www.maryricehopkins.com, to see and hear her music. You can see the wonderful and inspirational puppet ministry she has with Darcie Maze (http://www.amazehealingwings.com). Together they travel and do fantastic concerts and Teacher's Training Seminars, and I was so privileged to attend one of each last September here in Virginia. They not only capture the attention of children, but adults as well! I love her music and the biblical teaching displayed in Mary's music as well as her life!

Mary Rice Hopkins in California says:

From East to West, the Lord has brought me an incredible new friend for a lifetime all from Lois' Heart to Heart Newsletter. Linda Stevenson came to me through the newsletter and her wonderful poetry but she now fulfills a much larger gap. Since Linda and I met 4 1/2 years ago, we have enjoyed meeting at my home in California and beyond. I have also been to Roanoke for the first time where Linda now has an office where she runs MRH and company. Her business and organizational skills have helped me fulfill the mission God has put in my heart that continues to "Plant seeds that last a lifetime." Thank you Lois and thank you Linda for following God's leading and for all you both do for His kingdom.

Linda Stevenson in Virginia says:

Thank you so much for partnering with the Lord in making this connection possible. I'm still amazed at how God orchestrated our meeting through your Heart to Heart newsletter.

JUGGLING MOM
Words and music by Mary Rice Hopkins, a "Heart to Heart" mom in Southern California

http://www.maryricehopkins.com - Used by permission

I juggle as a mom but life goes on and on
And I struggle when I wear so many shoes
First a wife then a mother then a sister to my brother
And I struggle just to juggle all I do

I'm a technical director and a child protector
I book the social calendar and juggle all we do
Dont ask me if I'm working cause a mom is always certain
That I struggle just to juggle all I do

At the mall I'm a hiker with my kids I am a biker
And I drive a taxicab in between
Im a chef Im a cook who has time to read a book
Can you microwave my Lean Cuisine?

Im a household technician a dancer and musician
A psychoanalyst but thats all right with me
Dont ask me if Im workin cause a mom is always certain
That I struggle just to juggle all I do

Well I go to PTA and the YMCA
Downtown to my C.E.O.
Oh there I go again to my OBGYN
Im a soccer mom at AYSO

Im a M.O.M. , a D.R. and an R.N.
And If Im acting like a mess they call it P.M.S.
If you added up our wages you couldn't even pay us
And you would confuse the IRS

But Im a woman Im a lover Im Proud to be a mother
I must confess nonetheless sometimes I need my rest
Thats why when we juggle we need to stop and snuggle
Cause the job of being mom is just the best.

Words & Music by Mary Rice Hopkins
© 1997, 1999 Big Steps Music
All Rights Reserved. (Used by permission)

Note from Lois: Ladies, do you ever feel like a "Juggling Mom?" I know we all have at one time or another. If you want some really great songs on audio tape, CD or video for your children, as well as for yourself, check out her web site below! Mary has recorded 20 albums of original music. In addition, she has published some wonderful children's books and interactive curriculum materials. Most recently is the release of three new books from Cook Publishing: Come Back Home, Safe in the Fold, and Lost and Found. Also, Group Publishing has just released a new curriculum for toddlers through kindergarten entitled Simple Stories Jesus Told. Go to http://www.maryricehopkins.com to view her full line of music and curriculum.

MOMENTS FOR MOM

By Elisabeth K. Corcoran, © February 2008, Used by permission

Ive been thinking a lot about moving more slowly. How I run through my days. Ive been running through my kids childhood. (In ten years, they wont be living with me anymore. Ten years) How Jesus calls us to give him our burdens and in exchange He will give us rest. To quote a speaker friend of mine, Keri Kent, Jesus never said to us, Get over here! I have a lot for you to do! I laughed loudly when I heard her say that. Maybe because it resonated so deeply. Maybe because Ive deep down actually thought that. A good Christian woman serves God. Thats what were supposed to do. Sure. But are we supposed to run ourselves into the ground? Do I want my children, my daughter especially, equating ministry with exhaustion and meetings and tasks that dont really fit who I am?

I had the privilege to go away for two days right after the new year started. I love doing that each year to look back over the past yearyou know, take stock. I spent the first day reading my journals from the past fifteen months. If youre not a journal writer or even only a sporadic one, no big deal, right? But if youre like me, a fairly faithful everyday journal keeper, well, then thats another story. It took me nine hours to read them (and I knew how everything was going to turn out!). And when I was done I had a headache and I was depressed. And why was that? Because a few themes bubbled to the surface for me in that marathon reflection. One, the number of times that I complained about something in my life gave me pauseokay, to be more honest, I was ashamed because I am really, really blessed. And two, the number of times I said something like, Im low energy this morning or Wish I could stay here on the couch in my jimmies todaythats not gonna happen for another week or so were innumerable. And it made me sad. It made me sad to think that Ive filled this past year of my life with activities, many of them apparently, that I dont enjoy, that I dont find fulfilling, that just dont fit me or my season of life. Im running. But for what? For who?

If I think Im doing all of this to please God, well, I think Ive got another thing coming. Because to be truthful, I dont know the last time really that I handed God my day or my agenda and just asked him what He wanted me to be doing. Ive been doing what Ive been doing for years now and I think its starting to hit me that what Im doing and who Im wanting to be just dont fit anymore. Ive been round-hole/square-pegging it for a while. Longer than I want to admit. Longer than I may even know.

So Im left with some questions. Should I keep on doing and doing and doing, or can I stop? And if I just stopped for awhile, even a long while, what would that mean, what would that look like, and dare I ask whats really deep down, what would other people and God think of me? Who stops? Who isnt busy? No one I know. But Im letting myself realize and re-remember that God called me to an abundant, free, joyful life, not a packed-out, constricting, complain-y busy one full of activities that just endure and that sometimes make me cringe. And, and this is the best part, bottomline, my Heavenly Fathers going to love me no matter what. Even if I stop. And even if you do too.

So, Moms, think about it. Are you running too hard, too fast, through your life? Consider stopping, breathing, resting, finding the real you underneath it all, asking God what you should be filling your time with. Even if its just for a little while.

Ó Elisabeth K. Corcoran, 2008 Elisabeth Corcoran is the author of In Search of Calm: Renewal for a Mothers Heart (2005) and Calm in My Chaos: Encouragement for a Moms Weary Soul (2001). She is wife to Kevin, and mom to Sara, 11, and Jack, 9-&-1/2. Her passion is encouraging women and the Church, which she fulfills through serving in leadership on staff part-time at Christ Community Church Blackberry Creek Campus in Aurora, Illinois, and writing and speaking as much as she can. You can learn more about Elisabeth and her ministry at http://www.elisabethcorcoran.com.

PRAYER REMINDERS

(Barb has been such a great help to me with "Heart to Heart" through the years! Thanks again, Barb! ~ Lois)

Most of us struggle with praying and/or finding time for prayer. I have read and heard many neat ideas over the years -- one friend prays for her family when she folds the laundry. She prays for the person whose piece of laundry she is folding and she prays a different thing for each piece. So let's say she has a pair of socks, some shorts and a shirt for her son. She would pray for him as she folded each, but there would be 3 separate prayer needs -- like she might pray for him to grow in his love for the Lord, have patience with his younger siblings and grasp his math lesson that day. I think you get the idea.

I learned some time ago to respond to people "just" popping into my head. If I suddenly think of someone, I consider it a prompting to pray and maybe even to do more like write a note or call.

Lately I have added another level to this. I have learned to see items in my home and out as prayer reminders. For example -- photographs are easy, if I see a photo of my niece Jordan, I pray for her and I have 2 friends with children named Jordan, so if my mind is clicking I will think of them and pray for them also. If I see one of my son, Luke's sketchbooks on the table, I pray for him. If I see a red bird on the bird feeder, I pray for my mother (she loves red birds). When I use a cozy my friend, Denise, made me, I pray for her and usually her family.

These prayers do not have to be long drawn out ones where we fall on our knees -- although those are fine! If I know a specific need that person has then I will pray about that. For my family members it is easy -- I always have things I want and need to pray for them -- like I pray that they grow in their walk, draw closer to God, have more patience, etc.

Sometimes I have really no idea what to pray for someone - so I pray something like:

"Lord, be real in her life today."

"Lord help her to accept all the grace you have appointed for her today."

"Lord, use him to be Your light today."

There is always something you can pray for someone!

I hope some or all of these ideas will spark a flame in your heart and get you to praying throughout your day!

GRANDPARENTS

Author unknown -- Thanks to Linda Crosby in Virginia for sending this great piece!

Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting. ~ Author Unknown

What a bargain grand children are! I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars' worth of pleasure. ~ Gene Perret

Grandmothers are just "antique" little girls. ~ Author Unknown

Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild. ~ Welsh Proverb

A grandmother is a babysitter who watches the kids instead of the television. ~ Author unknown

Never have children, only grandchildren. ~ Gore Vidal

Becoming a grandmother is wonderful. One moment you're just a mother. The next you are all-wise and prehistoric. ~ Pam Brown

Grandchildren don't stay young forever, which is good because grandfathers have only so many horsey rides in them. ~ Gene Perret

When grandparents enter the door, discipline flies out the window. ~ Ogden Nash

Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete. ~ Marcy DeMaree

Grandmas never run out of hugs or cookies. ~ Author unknown

Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever. ~ Author unknown

If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I'd have had them first. ~ Lois Wyse

My grandkids believe I'm the oldest thing in the world. And after two or three hours with them,
I believe it, too. ~ Gene Perret

If becoming a grandmother was only a matter of choice, I should advise every one of you straight away to become one. There is no fun for old people like it! ~ Hannah Whithall Smith

It's such a grand thing to be a mother of a mother - that's why the world calls her grandmother.
~ Author unknown

Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old. ~ Mary H. Waldrip

You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother. ~ Proverb

An hour with your grandchildren can make you feel young again. Anything longer than that,
And you start to age quickly. ~ Gene Perret

The best baby-sitters, of course, are the baby's grandparents. You feel completely comfortable entrusting your baby to them for long periods, which is why most grandparents flee to Florida. ~ Dave Barry

I wish I had the energy that my grandchildren have - if only for self-defense. ~ Gene Perret

Grandmother-grandchild relationships are simple. Grandmas are short on criticism and long on love. ~ Author unknown

Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust
over the lives of little children. ~ Alex Haley

Grandmother - A wonderful mother with lots of Practice. ~ Author unknown

A grandparent is old on the outside but young on the inside. ~ Author unknown

One of the most powerful handclasps is that of a new grandbaby around the finger of a grandfather. ~ Joy Hargrove

It's amazing how grandparents seem so young once you become one. ~ Author unknown

If your baby is "beautiful and perfect, never cries or fusses, sleeps on schedule and burps on demand, an angel all the time," you're the grandma. ~ Teresa Bloomingdale

Grandparents are similar to a piece of string - handy to have around and easily wrapped
around the fingers of their grandchildren. ~ Author unknown

What is it about grandparents that is so lovely? I'd like to say that grandparents are God's gifts to children. And if they can but see, hear and feel what these people have to give you, they can mature at a fast rate. ~ Bill Cosby

Grandchildren don't make a man feel old; it's the knowledge that he's married to a grandmother. ~ G. Norman Collie

BABY CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Chris and Gwynn Weaver in Virginia on the birth of their third child, a son. Wyatt Allen Weaver was born on January 3, 2008 and his parents are praising the Lord for his excellent health. Abby and Jake are his proud sister and brother.

MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS

A Tribute to the Heart to Heart Ladies in all 50 states of the USA, as well as all the ladies in 54 other countries! http://mybeautifulamerica.com/mybeautifulamerica.htm

Christian Work at Home Recource Center - Lauren Mills, a stay-at-home mom, has developed a new Christian Work at Home Resource Center, WAHM for Him. Your readers may want to check it out (http://www.busymommas.com). Thanks to Betty Robertson in VA for this!

How Does Your State Rank? ~ Annual Report Ranks States on Pro-Life Effort - This is very interesting! Be informed! http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000006296.cfm
If you enjoy reading stories like this one, sign up for the free CitizenLink Daily Update e-mail to get news and commentary from Focus on the Family Action delivered right to your computer.

Free Resource for Pastors ~ Knowing many pastor's wives receive this newsletter, I wanted to let you know about this resource: CD of Randy Alcorn speaking on Renewal Radio interview, hosted by Dr. Gene Getz on the subject of The Purity Principle

Low-Cast Sledding Idea ~ My son, Lance, came up with this great low-cost sledding idea! He and his 16 month old little Caleb enjoyed a sledding day in Virginia on a black trash bag! I guess he learned quite a bit about utilizing resources around the house and being thrifty! ~ Thanks to Lisa Larson in Missouri for this tip!

Lots of Snow People Crafts ~ http://familycrafts.about.com/od/snowpeople/

Could This Be Why Computers Crash? http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/34244097/ - Thanks to Elinor Wright in Virginia for sending this interesting and entertaining video!

Spend Time Reading God's Word ~ A great quote: "Strangers to the Word of God are strangers to the voice of God."

Any Guesses? ~ Right now I am enjoying reading two of the sixty-six books of the Bible that will be our next grandson's first and middle names when he arrives in a couple months. Any guesses? I'll give you one clue. It is not "Haggai Habakkuk," because that has too many syllables for the last name of Breneman, but I'll let you know his name in April!

Remember to pray for each dear Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.

Pray each day for the protection of our troops, as well as for their families left at home!

(¨`·.·´¨) God bless you and your family and keep you in His loving care!

`·.¸(¨`·.·´¨) And remember, I love to hear from you dear ladies!

`·.¸.·´ Your Heart to Heart friend,

"Heart to Heart" Lois

The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to encourage women and build biblical values into daily living through practical creative ideas for the Christian family regarding marriage, children, homemaking, and much more. Receive this free bimonthly newsletter by listing your name, city, state, e-mail address, and name of your referral person and sending it to Lois at <a title=mailto:[email protected] href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]. New subscribers will receive a Welcome, a "Start-Up Kit," and several recent newsletters.

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