2/12/04 EXTRA VALENTINES & PRESIDENTS DAY EDITION
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman
IN HONOR OF PRESIDENTS DAY
AN AMERICAN HISTORY LESSON
IM KEEPIN MY EYES ON THAT SNOWMAN!
WELCOME TO THREE NEW "HEART TO HEART" BABIES IN VIRGINIA!
NOTES TO ALL "HEART TO HEART" LADIES
A ROMANTIC DINNER AT HOME
You've heard the saying, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." For Valentine's Day (or any other day), try cooking a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner for just the two of you and see how happy your husband will be at the special attention and the thought that went into this "gift to him." You may want to barter with a good friend, by having her babysit your children at her house and you can do the same for her at another time. Set the atmosphere as warm and romantic as possible, using soft romantic music, only candlelight, a pretty centerpiece, good food, conversation and listening.
OVEN-FRIED COCONUT CHICKEN
Prep: 5 to 10 minutes ~ Cook: 50 minutes ~ Serves: 4
1 ½ cups flaked coconut 4 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs 3 pounds chicken breasts, skinned
2 eggs
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix coconut and bread crumbs in a shallow dish. Beat eggs until foamy in a separate dish.
- Pour melted butter into a large baking pan. Dip chicken in egg, one piece at a time, then roll into coconut mixture. Arrange chicken in greased pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Turn chicken, bake for 25 minutes longer, until tender and the coconut is a golden brown.
SWEDISH APPLE PIE
Contributed by Denise Imbody of Massachusettes, http://www.JEMMinistries.org
HEART SANDWICH COOKIES
Contributed by Barb Campbell of Mississippi, http://www.JEMMinistries.org
You need: A batch of sugar cookie dough (or you can make this from scratch); 2 Heart-shaped cookie cutters - a regular cookie size and a small one; Frosting -- bought or homemade. We buy white and tint it pink.
Roll out cookie dough and cut as many large heart cookies as you can. Place them on a cookie sheet. Cut smaller hearts out of half the cookies. You will end up with half the cookies being solid hearts and the other half being hearts with a small heart cut out of its middle. Bake and let cool.
Once cool, place a thin layer of frosting on the solid hearts and then top with the hearts that have the small heart opening. The frosting will show through. These are sooo yummy! Oh yes, and as for those small hearts you cut out, bake those too. We like to sprinkle them with colored sugar first. They are yummy too! We have used this sandwich method with other cookie shapes as well -- basic shapes work best ... hearts, circles, stars etc.
3 envelopes Knox Unflavored Gelatine
When there is a lack of honor in government, the morals of the whole people are poisoned. There is no such thing as a no-man's land between honesty and dishonesty. Our strength lies in spiritual concepts. It lies in public sensitiveness to evil. Our greatest danger is not from invasion by foreign armies. Our dangers are that we may commit suicide from within by complaisance with evil, or by public tolerance of scandalous behavior. -- Herbert Hoover
AN AMERICAN HISTORY LESSON
Did you know?
As you walk up the steps to the Capital Building which houses the Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world's law givers and each one is facing the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view - it is Moses and the Ten Commandments!
As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door.
As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see the wall right above where the Supreme Court judges sit is a display of the Ten Commandments!
There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington, D.C.
James Madison, the fourth president, known as "The Father of Our Constitution" made the following statement: "We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of GOD."
Patrick Henry, that patriot and Founding Father of our country said, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
Every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since 1777.
Fifty-two of the 55 founders of the Constitution were members of the established orthodox churches in the colonies.
Thomas Jefferson worried that the Courts would overstep their authority and instead of interpreting law would begin making law, an oligarchy, the rule of few over many.
The very first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, said, "Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers."
How then, have we gotten to the point that everything we have done for 200 years in this country is now suddenly wrong and unconstitutional?
This is worth remembering, because it is so TRUE. It's familiar territory, but ...
Did you know that the Continental Congress formed the American Bible Society, immediately after creating the Declaration of Independence? They voted to purchase and import 20,000 copies of Scripture for the people of this nation...
Consider these words that Thomas Jefferson wrote in the front of his well-worn Bible: "I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus. I have little doubt that our whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our creator." He was also the chairman of the American Bible Society, which he considered his highest and most important role.
On July 4, 1821, President Adams said, "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: "It connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity."
Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President of the United States reaffirmed this truth when he wrote, "The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country."
In 1782, the United States Congress voted this resolution: "The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools."
William Holmes McGuffey is the author of the McGuffey Reader, which was used for over 100 years in our public schools with over 125 million copies sold until it was stopped in 1963. President Lincoln called him the "Schoolmaster of the Nation." Listen to these word of Mr. McGuffey: "The Christian religion is the religion of our country. From it are derived our nation, on the character of God, on the great moral Governor of the universe. On its doctrines are founded the peculiarities of our free Institutions. From no source has the author drawn more conspicuously than from the sacred Scriptures. From all these extracts from the Bible, I make no apology."
Of the first 108 universities founded in America, 106 were distinctly Christian, including the first, Harvard University, chartered in 1636. In the original Harvard Student Handbook, rule number 1 was that students seeking entrance must know Latin and Greek so that they could study the Scriptures: "Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies, is, to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, John 17:3; and therefore to lay Jesus Christ as the only foundation for our children to follow the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."
James Madison, the primary author of the Constitution of the United States, said this: "We have staked the whole future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."
Today, we are asking God to bless America. But, how can He bless a Nation that has departed so far from Him? Prior to September 11, He was not welcome in America ...
Revisionists have rewritten history to remove the truth about our country's Christian roots ...
This information shared is only a drop of cement to help secure a foundation that is crumbling daily in a losing war that most of the country doesn't even know is raging on, in, and around them ...
It is time for the "silent majority" to speak up! We can live up to our promise to allow freedom to worship as one chooses and at the same time recognize that we are a nation founded on Christian-Judaic principles and heritage.
We are as of this writing, STILL, one nation under God. Let's keep it that way!
LAUS DEO!
On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less. Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.
So, what do those two words, in Latin, comprised of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!"
Laus means "Praise be" and Deo means "God." Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, "Laus Deo ... Praise be to God!"
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments.
From that vantage point one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant - a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. A cross, you ask? Why a cross?
What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on . . .
How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who notice Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message:
On the 12th landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore;
On the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians;
On the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God!
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848, deposited within it were many items, including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy.
"One Nation, Under God." I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well now is your unique opportunity, so read on!
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large." And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Laus Deo!As you probably guessed, over 92 percent of Americans like the idea that our Pledge of Allegiance includes the phrase "under God." It is clear when one studies the history of our great nation, that Washington's America was one of the few countries in all the world established under the guidance, direction and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by the great men who formed and fashioned her pivotal foundations.
When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. Though many try to disprove and reason, their arguments are weak and easily proven without basis. Their efforts will forever be in vain; God assures us of that. Have you noticed as of late, how many more people are coming together, affirming the fact that this nation was, from the beginning, built on God? Any nation that is not built upon God will fail. The truth is ... We have always been one nation under God! Laus Deo! Praise be to God! You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo," its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget it's meaning, or these words:
"Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)
Let us remember to do our part, through prayers and sacrifice, to be the watchmen who stand their guard.
IM KEEPIN MY EYES ON THAT SNOWMAN!
Contributed by Margie DeMonbrun of Missouri
My little 4 year old granddaughter, Olivia, called me one morning recently. Nina, look outside! It snowed! Its BEAUTIFUL, Nina! And you know what? Mommy, let me put on my snow suit and boots and I went out and made a snowman! I gave him a carrot nose and button eyes! Hes really cute, Nina! But Mommy says that he will go away today; so I am standing by the window watching him!
WELCOME TO THREE NEW "HEART TO HEART" BABIES IN VIRGINIA!
Levi James Weddle, son of Roger and Lisa Weddle, was born on 12/30/03!
Michael Addison Lockhart, son of Michael and Ellen Rachel Lockhart, was born on 1/21/04!
Michaela Marie Clarke, daughter of J.R. and Jennifer Clark, was born on 1/29/04!
NOTES TO ALL "HEART TO HEART" LADIES
Baby Announcements: Any "Heart to Heart" ladies who would like the birth of their babies (or grandbabies) announced in this newsletter, please e-mail me to let me know. I will announce your baby's birth as shown above, with no cities mentioned - only the states (or countries).
Cue Kids' Quotes: Please send me cute quotes from your children to share in "Heart to Heart." If I include them in the newsletter, I will use your name and state (or country, if outside of the USA) - unless you tell me otherwise. We all enjoy those little stories, such as the one above, "I'm Keep'in My Eyes on That Snowman!"
Security of E-mail Addresses (Blind Copies): When sending e-mails to a group of friends, for security reasons, there is a way to send one e-mail to an entire group with only your own e-mail address showing on their copies. Check your own e-mail service for directions, although it may be the similar to mine. It's very simple to do with Juno. Put your own address in the "Send" box on the left. Everyone else's address goes in the "Carbon Copy" (Cc) box on the right. The key is to enclose the names with parentheses. That will hide them from everyone else, so they cannot be used by strangers.
Example for the Cc box: ([email protected], [email protected])
Only your personal copy in the "Sent Messages" of your computer will show all the addresses in the Cc box to which it was sent, but no one receiving that e-mail will be given all your friends' e-mail addresses.
I would appreciate everyone using this method when sending me "group" e-mails. Our computer has been sent several worm viruses lately. We've also been receiving junk e-mails from many unknown addresses. Any precautions we can make would be worthwhile so these viruses aren't spread around. Thanks so much! Of course, personal e-mails are always welcome!
God bless each of you!
Your "Heart to Heart" friend,
Lois