2/22/06 7th ANNIVERSARY of "HEART to HEART!" To GOD be the GLORY!
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY!
TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR SEVEN YEARS OF "HEART TO HEART!"
HEART TO HEART REPLIES FROM OTHER COUNTIES
LADIES REPRESENTING 48 COUNTRIES MAKE UP "HEART TO HEART"
THERE IS STILL A GREAT NEED FOR OLDER WOMEN MENTORING THE YOUNGER
MORE LETTERS ECHOING THE NEED OF OLDER WOMEN TO REACH OUT
CHANGE OF E-MAIL ADDRESS - VERY IMPORTANT!
WHAT "HEART TO HEART" CHILDREN HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FOOD AND LIFE
TRIALS - TRUST GOD TO MAKE SOMETHING WONDERFUL
TIDBITS OF INFORMATION FOR YOUR FAMILY
ONE FLAW IN WOMEN
WHICH WIFE ARE YOU?
21ST CENTURY MARRIAGE
MORE LETTERS FROM HEART TO HEART LADIES
A GREAT RECIPE - PRESCRIBED BY THE GREAT PHYSICIAN
STRAWBERRY BANANA STUFFED FRENCH TOAST
PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY TREAT FOR THE BIRDS
A GREAT QUOTE
ONE MORE ANNIVERSARY NEWSLETTER COMING THIS MONTH
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF "HEART TO HEART!" TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
It was February 9, 1999, when the very first Heart to Heart Newsletter was sent to only a small handful of ladies, as an act of obedience to the Lord in following Titus 2 - for the older women to teach the younger women. As a tribute to all the precious ladies on the e-mail list, I thought I'd take this opportunity to send this anniversary newsletter, plus an extra edition for this month. In these two editions, I will share excerpts of messages from Heart to Heart ladies with only their states or countries listed, as well as the usual tidbits of information, inspiration and the usual.
These replies from Heart to Heart ladies below will show that it does not take anyone special to make an impact for the Lord in sending a newsletter such as this one. I am an ordinary person - more of a behind-the-scenes person, rather than one who likes to be in the forefront. But I know from experience that one doesn't have to have an outgoing personality to be used in the Lord's service, if the willingness to serve is there.
This has always been the Lord's newsletter from the very beginning - not mine. He is the One who prompted me to send it as encouragement and inspiration to ladies like you. It began as a newsletter for young wives and mothers, or those who someday hope to be in that category, but I know the Lord enjoys having grandmas and even great-grandmas joining us, as I do!
For those of you young mothers who wish you had more time to do other things such as this, remember I was once where you are today - with little ones to love, care for, teach and train. It wasn't until after my last child went off to college that I began sending this newsletter. So enjoy and cherish the season of life in which God has placed you, without allowing other things to crowd out the most important job the Lord has given you to do for now, whatever that may be. Bloom where you are planted and enjoy every minute with your children.
As you probably already know, I certainly do not send a newsletter because I have all the answers! I'm so grateful that I am able to draw upon many others who can contribute to this newsletter, so many aspects of the Christian home and family can be covered. The long list of contributing editors whose articles have appeared in Heart to Heart, with their permission, continues to grow. We can all learn, including myself, from those many resources. The older I grow, the more I find out that I don't know, but I still love to learn new things every single day.
The latest example of my learning something new came just this morning! I spotted a huge bird in our crabapple tree - a bird I had never seen in our yard before, so I literally ran for the binoculars, then the camera! I also raced from window to window to find a spot for the best picture, zooming in as closely as possible. After a few window shots, I slowly went outside and quietly crept up closer to the tree where that amazing specimen was perched, having the camera ready to shoot. As he took off, I got another picture. Next I got out my bird books, and as far as I can tell, it was a peregrine falcon, comparing the pictures in the books to my digital photos, after zooming in to the max. So I added this new species to the list of almost 60 different birds spotted in our backyard over the years. Of course, if falcons make our backyard their home, we will have a lot less songbirds to enjoy! Because of our backyard stream, we are able to attract more birds than an ordinary yard would, and we really enjoy the rippling sounds of the water as well. So who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? My point though, is that I don't have all the answers, and I am still learning many new things!
The Lord deserves all the glory for any good that has come out of Heart to Heart, and I am just thrilled to be used of Him in this way! So any glory that seems to go to me in any of these messages below, please direct it to the Lord, Who deserves all the credit! I am simply enjoying the blessings from it all! It is my joy and privilege to send the Heart to Heart Newsletter to you, and I can't wait to meet each one of you in Heaven some day, if not here on earth!
HEART TO HEART REPLIES FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
I would really enjoy receiving more ideas and object lessons to use with children. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. May your work for the Lord reach many lives and be a godly encouragement.- UKRAINE
Thank you for your concern by sending your Newsletters to us. We appreciate what you are doing for us. It is a great encouragement. Thank you very much. - POLAND
Thanks to you for recommending http://www.flylady.com/ (An organizational website). God used her to make our lives a good witness to the Thais. You know what the reward is? The adoption of our baby (Boaz)! Grateful for friends around the world like you! - THAILAND
Thank you!. Your email has come right at the right time!! I am printing out your cleaning tips right now! - GERMANY
Thank you so much for adding my e-mail to your mailing list. - SOUTH AFRICA
I received your "start-up kit" of newsletters! Thank-you so much! It looks like great information, helps, and tips. I'm sure I'll be enjoying them thoroughly. - NICARAGUA
Thank you for all that you do to be such an encouragement and blessing to other women. May God bless you greatly. - ISRAEL
LADIES REPRESENTING 48 COUNTRIES MAKE UP "HEART TO HEART"
Many wonderful ladies in forty-eight countries make up "Heart to Heart" and I'm thrilled to have each one of you at the receiving end! I treasure each on of you ladies!
THERE IS STILL A GREAT NEED FOR OLDER WOMEN MENTORING THE YOUNGER
MORE LETTERS ECHOING THE NEED OF OLDER WOMEN TO REACH OUT
I have just read the first newsletter and have all the others to read yet, but wanted to write to you right away! I am so glad that you are taking the time to write to us. It is hard, very hard, for young moms (I'm 34, so getting less young!) to find a mentor or their Titus 2 woman. In fact, that is exactly why I feel that God would have me write to young moms. I am not very old, but I can help those younger than me. And you, with your experience, can help even more (I'm only guessing you're older than me since you've been married so long! lol!). Your newsletters are filled with so much great information. I am so glad you emailed me and invited me to your list. I'll spread the word about what you're doing! Thanks for the encouragement tonight! - ALABAMA
What a wonderful mission God has given you. Already by reading your introduction letter I feel like you are the sort of person I can't wait to meet in heaven!! I would like to say thank you and that I look forward to receiving the articles that you put out and to being encouraged. It is great that there are people like you that take the passage in Titus seriously. We need lots more experienced 'older' woman that have "been there done that" to help us younger ones out there who are still in the process of bringing up a family and especially in today's troubled world. May the Lord richly bless you and the work that you are doing for His glory. - NEW ZEALAND
I just wanted to drop you a note concerning your newsletters. I printed all the letters, punched holes in them and placed them in a red notebook. I have carried them around to various places to read while I wait. I'm a person who cannot read without a pen in my hand. I have a highlighter and pen, marking them up like crazy when I find something pertaining to me. You remind me so much of my Mama. I cant place my finger on the specific but something about you .Im just not sure what. God called her home when she was 42. She died of breast cancer. I was 14. I believe the 2 of you would have hit it off. - VIRGINIA
I just began receiving your newsletter and can already see what a blessing it will be to me and my family. I have seven children 15 and down in age with another due in June. We feel so blessed by our family but I have always struggled with organization. I am working to simplify our life and home. I have already begun to implement some things that you have suggested. I have been seeking a mentor or older woman for a long time . It seems difficult because a lot of the older women I know seem to think I know it all because I have so many children and they only had a few. Little do they know! I just had to tell you that I am the same age as your daughter. I was born in March. Just thought it was neat. Like my own mom!!! - WASHINGTON
CHANGE OF E-MAIL ADDRESS - VERY IMPORTANT!
When your e-mail address changes, please let me know as soon as possible. Otherwise the server I use to send the newsletters will delete your address after it no longer reaches you. When your address changes, please send me the info below, including your first and last name, and I will do the rest.
Example: (Laura Sunshine - Old e-mail: [email protected] - New: [email protected])
E-mails from Heart to Heart ladies about their change of address:
Please send the Heart to Heart Newsletter to me at this new address, as I enjoy it so much, even though I'm a mother of 4, and a grandmother of 8, ages 2 to 23 years of age !!! Thank you so much for a newsletter that brightens my day when it arrives !!! - FLORIDA
I can't remember whether or not I wrote you about a new email address but I just don't want to miss any of your great newsletters. - CANADA
WHAT "HEART TO HEART" CHILDREN HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FOOD AND LIFE
I thought I'd share with you what Jojo (5 years old) said a while ago after lunch. He ate his fried rice and finished his plate without my prompting. As he was leaving the table, he said while touching his belly, "I am SO full! I just added two inches!" - Darlene Weber, serving in Thailand
Another one from Jojo at the breakfast table as he offered his blessing: "Fah Lord (Father Lord), thank you for the cereal. I like to eat Mini Wheats and Boom-boom (his little brother)
wants to eat crumbs. In Jesus' Name, Amen." - Darlene Weber, serving in Thailand
Our 2 year old grandson (almost 3) is quite persnickety about what he will eat! Peanut butter, honey, bread, cereal, fruit and yogurt are about all the foods he will eat! His mother recently started working as a dietitian consultant two days a week so she won't lose all the technical knowledge she's learned, having stayed home with Justin for three years. So Justin is in a small daycare those two days a week. I sure wish they lived closer to us! He gets fed breakfast and lunch there, but seldom eats any lunch. As his mom picked him up one day about 5:30, she asked Justin if he was hungry. To which he replied, "No, I'm all filled up from breakfast." - His mom has tried everything! If anyone would pray about Justin's eating, I'd appreciate it! - Lois
One morning my daughter was downstairs in the kitchen at 5:00 before her husband left for work early that day. Justin, their 2 year old son (almost 3), appeared from out of bed, coming down the stairs just then, asking, "Mom, do you have any chocolate for me?" He will try anything! - Lois
Our daughter told 2 year old Justin that Grammy and PawPaw are coming to visit him next month when he is 3 years old. He was so excited about that, but then went on to play with his toys. Later he came to his mom with a big grin and said, "Mommy, I'm 3 now!" - Grammie Lois
I know how you like funny things children say. Our six year old daughter, Morgan, just came out with this a minute ago and it made me laugh! Thought you would enjoy it too: "First we were babies, then we were toddlers, then we were children, then we were grown womans, then we were Dads and Moms, then we were elderly, then we were dead, well not dead - with Jesus." - Melissa Adams in the Czech Republic
(Note from Lois: I'd say this is a very wise 6 year old! She already knows where she will spend eternity, whereas many adults don't have a clue! I pray that you are as sure as 6 year old Morgan! If not, please let me know and I will be thrilled to help you make sure that your eternity will be spent with Jesus! Hope to see you all there!)
TRIALS - TRUST GOD TO MAKE SOMETHING WONDERFUL
Thanks to Trish Flint-Ackerman in New York for sending this great illustration!
Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me? Here is a wonderful explanation!
A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong. She's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack.
The daughter says, "Absolutely, Mom! I love your cake!
"Here, have some cooking oil," her mother offers.
"Yuck!" says the daughter.
"How about a couple of raw eggs?"
"Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda? Or salt?
"Mom, those are all yucky!"
To which the mother replies, "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"
TIDBITS OF INFORMATION FOR YOUR FAMILY
For free directory assistance service, call 1-800-FREE-411.
For inexpensive long distance service, check out http://www.onesuite.com/. In the US all calls are only 2.9 cents per minute - anytime! Overseas rates are also lower than most. You can use it while away from home as well. Program the numbers into your home phone memory system for speed.
All Those Forwards! - Check out the truth or falsehood of various forwards you receive at http://www.snopes.com/ before sending them out. Most of us, including myself, have sent at least one falsehood or misinformation out to others without realizing it. At this site you can subscribe to a free weekly e-mail, which is very informative. Read the "Truth" about Glade Plug-Ins, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Starbucks and Bill Gates giving out money, your failing to appear for jury duty and being tricked into providing information to enable others to steal your identity. The list goes on!
Protect the Privacy of Other's E-mail Addresses by sending "Blind Copies."
Did you know you can HIDE (blind copy) lists of e-mail addresses, but putting them into your Cc: box and putting parentheses around them? It would give other people privacy.
Example - Cc: box:
([email protected], [email protected])
You would enter your own e-mail address into the Send to: box then. That e-mail in your SENT file would still show you to whom it was sent. Help avoid unwanted e-mails (spam) for us all.
Be informed on countless issues that Christians need to know about with this very valuable link, http://www.citizenlink.org/! I highly recommend that you receive their almost daily e-mails, even if you can't read everything. These issues affect your family! Even skimming it will help you to be aware of so much more than you hear in the news media. Stand up and be counted. Be involved.
For Interest Free Adoption Loans for Christian Adoptions, check out http://www.abbafund.org/ and http://www.abbafund.org/agencies.htm. Located in Charlotte, NC.
- Thanks to Ed and Darlene Weber, missionaries to Thailand, for this good information!
A Card-Making Tip from Jackie Schlageter in New Mexico:
I get a freebee newsletter that always has loads of great free ideas in it. One I got recently had the following link in it. It is for Jan Bret cards and envelopes. You can have the card generated with your own personal message, or like I did leave it plain and you can write what you want in it yourself. There is one decorated envelope template and 8 really cute 4 fold cards there. These can be made for that special child in your life or let the children make them and give them themselves. Either way they will really enjoy them. I hope that you and/or the children in your life enjoy these cards to make. http://www.janbret.com/pdfcards/pdfcardgenerator_mitten.htm
A Prescription Tip - When our children are sick, the last thing we are thinking about is pinching pennies, but this is a tip that will really save you money. My husband is a pharmacist and knows that generic and store-brand medications are regulated by the FDA just as name brands. Store-brand over the counter medicines--like ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) must be just as effective as the name brand in order to be on the market. So, always buy them because they work just as well. The same is true for cough medicines, infant gas drops, vitamins, and even prescription drugs. Look right next to the name brand and chances are there will be a store-brand that can be as little as half the price!
- Dollar Stretcher tip from Caroline in MN - http://www.stretcher.com/ - Used by permission.
ONE FLAW IN WOMEN
Author Unknown - Thanks to Angela Thompson in Virginia for this poem!
Women have strengths that amaze men. They also can't figure them out.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are thrilled when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies. They love unconditionally.
They grieve at the loss of a family member -
Yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
However, if there is one flaw in women, it is that they forget their worth.
MARRIAGE - Thanks to Barb Campbell in Mississippi for sending the next two sections on marriage!
The Politically Correct Wife- THE WORLD'S WAY
1. You are in control of your own life
2. Marriage is a 50-50 Proposition
3. You should treat your husband like he treats you
4. Your feelings are your guide
5. Your husband needs to earn your respect
6. You should make him pay for your Forgiveness
7. There is no such things as Happy Marriage anymore
8. Your husband's Job is to make you Happy.
The Politically INCorrect Wife- GOD'S WAY
1. Doing things God's way is the key to having a Joyful Life
2. I am 100% responsible to God for my behavior as a wife
3. I'll love my husband unconditionally
4. I will act the way I want to feel
5. Respecting my husband brings glory to God
6. Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling
7. A Source of power is readily available to help! It says in Psalms that God is my helper)
8. My joy is not determined through another human being
I stopped at a florist shop after work to pick up roses for my wife. As the clerk was putting the finishing touches on the bouquet, a young man burst through the door, breathlessly requesting a dozen red roses.
"What happened?" I asked. "Did you forget your wedding anniversary?"
"It's even worse than that," he confided. "I crashed my wife's hard drive!"
MORE LETTERS FROM "HEART TO HEART" LADIES
Remember, ladies - any glory that seems to go to me in any of these messages below, please deflect any praise away from me and give God the glory! He is the One Who deserves all the credit! This is His newsletter.
Thank you for the Welcome to "Heart to Heart!" This will be so enjoyable & informative as well. Having it be Christian-based will bring a whole new joy to it! Thank you for taking the time to put out a Christian newsletter. - GEORGIA
I just got my first newsletter and I love it! There are so many excellent tips in it, and I love the Bible verses. It is going to help me have a great day. Thanks and God Bless. - GEORGIA
I received the newsletters that you sent. I am going crazy with them. I am saving many of the articles. I just love the newsletter. - NEW MEXICO
What a special newsletter you provide. Thank you so much for including me in your mailing. I am always amazed by a newsletter of this quality and what it must take to provide this. I am sure it is a blessing to every home that it is sent to.- ARIZONA
I really liked your tips for organization. I just had my 6th child and I would like to be more organized. Thank you! - TEXAS
I have received your newsletter about a year and enjoy every bit of it! - SOUTH CAROLINA
Thank you for being such a blessing and encouragement to my life! - CONNECTICUT
Just had to say thank you again for your fun and enlightening newsletter. - ARKANSAS
I have received the first newsletter and it already is a source of encouragement to me. Thank you for this ministry. Being a stay at home mom of small children can be isolating at times and e-mails are sometime a window to the outside world. What a blessing to be uplifted and encouraged by this newsletter. I look forward to the next. - MAINE
This is wonderful! I have only read as far as the stuffing & so far & I'm thrilled with the tips! I didn't know how on earth to make stuffing (mine is always left over, because no one eats it but me! It is terrible! 🙂 Grandma always made the stuffing before everyone got there & I was too young to even think about asking how! Can't wait to try your recipe! What an encouraging & fun letter! This is like a Christian Better Homes & Gardens....from a Mom who has tested & tried & not a test kitchen! - PENNSYLVANIA
Later - from same lady as above: I wanted to give you an update on your Thanksgiving stuffing recipe ... it was wonderful! I had so much fun putting it together & our family absolutely loved it! There was hardly any left for leftovers (& in previous years the dog & I have enough for a week!)! Thank you! Your stuffing recipe is now in my permanent cookbook! Also, I enjoyed your Thanksgiving newsletter so much. Early in the AM on Thanksgiving while everyone was still asleep, I was reading through the recipes to make sure I didn't miss anything. I forgot you had included some special thoughts & a short devotional. The Lord used this to give me such a precious quiet time with Him & started out my Thanksgiving in such a wonderful way. All in all, I think it was one of the best Thanksgivings I've ever had! - PENNSYLVANIA
"I'm just (the past two weeks) renewing a purpose and calling for my life, as I am a 29 year old homeschool mama of four children (9, 7, 2 and 8 months) and have basically been living in chaos (for me, anyway, if it doesn't seem like it to others). God is really calling me to obey him, step by step, day by day, moment by moment, and to be still and know Him. I don't have to do everything -- just follow and obey Him in what He wants me to do. Anyway, all that to say that I hit rock bottom (organizationally) and am ready for a change for the better! Thank you so much for the coming tips. I'll be looking forward to them! Thank you for having this ministry, and for praying for us! - FLORIDA
I am loving the newsletters. I set up a large 3-ring binder, so I can keep them together. - PENNSYLVANIA
I really love every part of your newsletter, especially the budget decorating tips and other frugal advice. - TEXAS
I always read your newsletter cover to cover. - CALIFORNIA
Already I'm totally intrigued with the newsletters and hope to find many "blessings" in them. You sound like you may be in the vicinity of my age and since moving to Ontario, Canada, I've been looking for many of the things you mention in your first email.....mentors, Bible studies, etc. I have found that these types of things seem to be few and far between here in Canada, at least where I've lived ... and I've been searching for these types of things for over 7 years now, so I've gone back to the net to try and find the encouragement I need. Thanks again for the ministry you offer and I look forward to being a subscriber for long time to come. - ONTARIO, CANADA
A GREAT RECIPE - PRESCRIBED BY THE GREAT PHYSICIAN
Author unknown - Thanks to Vanessa Fedor and Dianna Songer, both of Virginia, for this poem!
Fold two hands together, and express a dash of sorrow.
Marinate it overnight, and work on it tomorrow.
Chop one grudge in tiny pieces; add several cups of love.
Dredge with a large sized smile; mix with the ingredients above.
Dissolve the hate within you, by doing a good deed.
Cut in and help your friend, if he/she should be in need.
Stir in laughter, love and kindness, from the heart it has to come.
Toss with genuine forgiveness, and give your friends some.
The amount of people served will depend on you.
It can serve the whole wide world. If you really want it to!!!
STRAWBERRY BANANA STUFFED FRENCH TOAST
Compliments of http://www.prevention.com/
Cut a horizontal pocket in a 2"-thick slice of whole grain peasant-style bread. Fill with 1/3 cup sliced strawberries (or your favorite fruit) mixed with 1/2 mashed banana. Soak both sides of fruit-filled bread in a cinnamon-seasoned egg and milk mixture. Melt 1 teaspoon butter in nonstick skillet and cook bread until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Garnish with fresh strawberries or other fruit, if desired.
Makes 1 Serving - Prep Time: 5 minutes - Cooking Time: 6 minutes
Per Serving: 307 cal, 10 g pro, 50 g carb, 9 g fat, 3 g sat fat, 116 mg chol, 6 g fiber, 264 mg sodium
Percent Calories: 12 percent protein, 62 percent carb, 26 percent fat
PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY TREAT FOR THE BIRDS
Spread a thick layer of peanut butter on one slice of bread. Spread jelly on a second slice. Sprinkle cornmeal on peanut butter. In order for the two slices to stick together, you may need to spread the cornmeal around in the peanut butter a bit with a knife before pressing the two slices of bread together. Using a serrated knife, slice sandwich into 1/2 inch pieces and put on a tray for the birds. A variety of birds such as bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, tufted titmice, woodpeckers, blue jays, catbirds and mockingbirds enjoy this treat.
When we come to the edge of the light we know,
One more newsletter will be sent this month, including more letters from Heart to Heart ladies.
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