Quote from Forum Archives on February 4, 2004, 2:51 pm

Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER 
                    ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN                    
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman

 

2/4/04  VALENTINES, PACKING LIST, PURSE ORGANIZATION, 6^th YEAR

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CONTENTS:

GOD'S VALENTINE TO YOU - JOHN 3:16 & 17

SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO SERVE THE ONE YOU LOVE

TIPS FOR A MORE ROMANTIC MARRIAGE
ROMANTIC IDEAS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

UNSELFISHNESS

A HANDMADE VALENTINE

TREASURED VALENTINES FOR DADDY AND GRANDPARENTS

VALENTINE GIFT IDEAS

I DID IT BECAUSE I LOVE YOU

COOKING MEASUREMENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

PACKING LIST (SAMPLE)

PURSE ORGANIZATION ~ ITEMS YOU MAY WANT TO CARRY IN YOUR PURSE

FOCUS ON YOUR CHILD

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER BEGINNING THE SIXTH YEAR

 

 

GOD'S VALENTINE TO YOU - JOHN 3:16 & 17

 

                                 FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD

                                                          THAT HE GAVE

                                                   HIS ONLY

                                               BEGOTTEN SON

     THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM

                                        SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.

                      FOR GOD SENT NOT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO

                                              CONDEMN THE WORLD, BUT THAT THE WORLD

                     THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED.

 

 

SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO SERVE THE ONE YOU LOVE

- Gary D. Chapman, DECISION, June 1998
(Magazine: DECISION http://www.graham-assn.org/decision/)
 
*1.  Admit to your spouse that you have made mistakes and that you desire to change.

 

*2.  Ask your spouse to tell you one thing that you could either begin doing or stop doing that would make life easier or more meaningful for him or her.

*3.  Write your spouse's suggestions on a card or a poster for future reference.

 

*4.  Ask God to help you serve your spouse better. 

 

*5.  Continue to ask for suggestions, building them into your lifestyle. This will require thought, prayer and discipline, but the satisfaction of genuinely serving your spouse in worth the effort. 
 

TIPS FOR A MORE ROMANTIC MARRIAGE
 Author Unknown

Give seven compliments a day.  If that is too difficult in the beginning, start with one or two!
 
Best Tip: Give your spouse at least seven compliments a day. It works.   Some days you may wonder if you can find one, let alone seven. But when it becomes a lifestyle, it becomes easy to look for the good in your spouse.  When you compliment each other with words of appreciation and affection, it projects acceptance and creates trust and security.
 
Examples:
   * You do such a great job with the lawn.

* You even look great in your old, sweaty work clothes.
* Thanks for being such a great dad to our kids.

   * Thanks for a lovely meal.

* It's wonderful just to be near you.

* I appreciate your working so hard to support our family as you do.
* Thanks for taking out the garbage.
* You are my best friend.  I can tell you anything.
* No one touches my heart like you do. 

* I trust you.

 

Practicing seven-compliments-a-day goes a long way to warding off strife. But when tiffs begin, remind yourself that marriage is for the long haul - for keeps. Many divorces develop through strife, and most of them are avoidable. Don't pick at each other over petty annoyances. Before you criticize your spouse, ask yourself how important the issue is. Ask if that comment is going to help or hurt your relationship. Ask yourself if the issue at stake is more important than your marriage, or your spouse's probable reaction to your words.

 

 

ROMANTIC IDEAS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY
<3 Write out reasons why you love your husband or "I remember when..." (remembrances of your special times together).  Cut strips of paper (about 2x3") or valentines from card stock or construction paper and punch a hole in each one.  Buy a bouquet of roses or other flowers and arrange in a vase.  Then tie your love notes to each flower stem with ribbons. 

 

<3 Another way that you could use this same idea is to tie “Heart-shaped Notes” everywhere around your house, so your husband will find them throughout the day – on his socks, toothbrush, toothpaste tube, to the stem of an apple in his lunch, to the doorknob, to the steering wheel (after he comes home), to his car keys, to his silverware, around his glass at dinner, to his coffee mug, under his plate, etc.  Examples for notes:

• I first knew that I loved you when...
• I remember our first date...
• I remember when you asked me to marry you...
• I love you because … 

I did this for an anniversary – I believe it was for our 33rd – so I tied that number of valentines – everywhere!  My husband was still finding them the next evening and it was a lot of fun!

 

<3 You could also color copy an entire page of old pictures of you and your husband from during your dating years and afterwards for a dollar or two at Staples.  Crop the pictures and glue them to card stock with your own captions.  You could use these pictures to make a little romantic booklet for him.  Give it a title, such as, "The Romance of Joe and Beth,"  or something else.  He will love it!  ~  Lois

 

 

UNSELFISHNESS

If you want your marriage to be happy and one that honors the Lord, put the needs and desires of your partner before your own. Philippines 2:3-5 says, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself;  do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus."  When you stop and think about it, almost every problem in marriage stems from SELFISHNESS.  Make an effort to be unselfish and considerate to you husband.  It works!

 

 

A HANDMADE VALENTINE

Rather than going out and buying a valentine for your husband this year, try making one.  Fold a plain 8 1/2 by 11" piece of paper in half, then in half again.  On the front, you could use a rubber stamp of a heart or flowers,  paste a floral picture from an old card, paste a cut out heart, or use a paper doily with the words, "How do I love thee?"  (Or "you"). 

 

On the inside write, "Let me count the ways."   Then list for your husband the things you like about him - (1) His character (honesty, integrity, dependability, godliness, faithfulness, hard working, kindness, sensitivity to your needs, the way he treats his parents, the way he spends time with your children, etc.);  (2) His talents (being able to fix things around the house without calling a handyman, his organizational ability, his singing ability, his ability to remember names, his ability to plan for the future, his financial ability, etc.);  (3) His looks (his nice smile, gorgeous blue eyes, broad shoulders, tall, his strong muscles, handsome, etc.);  (4) Etc., Etc. Etc.  Also let him know how much you appreciate his going to work every day to support your family.  If you have trouble thinking of many good qualities, just think of the things that attracted you to him in the first place.   

 

On the back of the card, draw a simple flower or a heart and write, "Made in (name of your city)."  Write the date too.  I guarantee that your husband will appreciate your handmade card much more than any $3 card! 

 

Another idea is to make a giant card out of a big cardboard box.  Or make a  booklet, telling about your courtship ( places you've been and things you've done together).  With computers these days, the possibilities are unlimited!

 

 

TREASURED VALENTINES FOR DADDY AND GRANDPARENTS

Color copy recent pictures of your children or print digital pictures.  Below are some photo ideas. Make a personalized Valentine for Daddy and the grandparents from each child.  Have older children help with their own Valentines. 

 

Ideas for Baby Pictures and Pictures of Older Children:

Baby's hand in Daddy's hand

Baby dressed only in Diaper and Daddy's Necktie

Baby Sitting in the Buff with his back to you - call his name and snap the camera!

Close-up of Child's Face with Daddy's

Group Picture of all your children with a big poster board valentine saying, "We Love Daddy!"  (Some of you with 8 or 9 children are laughing at the thought of doing this alone!  Maybe a friend can help.)

Picture of you with the children. (Maybe a friend can snap the camera for you.)

 

(If you have any type of other unique photography ideas, please let me know.)

 

Parents and Grandparents: Be sure to remember your children and grandchildren as well!

 

 

VALENTINE GIFT IDEAS

A good back massage with lotion or oil

A foot massage

Make him a banana split or hot fudge sundae

Coupons for any of the above for another time, as well

A special candlelight dinner - or breakfast or lunch.

      Make your husband's favorite meal and eat by candlelight, with romantic music playing.

 

 

I DID IT BECAUSE I LOVE YOU

When our children were small, we made hearts (about 3") out of construction paper, and wrote, "I did it because I love you!"  on each one.  Every family member had several and we each signed them on the back.  In order to preserve them, we covered them with clear contact paper.  I still have them!  Next we found little things to do for other family members, and left our heart for the other person to know that we did it for them because we love them.  It was fun and helped bring harmony to the household.  Things we did for each other were the following: make a bed, wash dishes, empty the trash, set or clear the table, pack a lunch, make a special meal, dust, vacuum, etc.   It helps to let others know that we don't just do these things because they are expected, but we do them because we love the other person.  Try it!

 

 

COOKING MEASUREMENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS  

Note from Lois: You may want to copy and paste these substitutions, then laminate and stick them inside your kitchen cabinet for a quick reference (with this note deleted).

 

MEASUREMENTS TO EQUAL ONE POUND

The following measurements equal approximately 1 pound:

2 cups butter or shortening                   

4 cups sifted, all-purpose flour                                

2 1/4 cups granulated sugar                                        

2 1/3 cups powdered sugar (superfine)                     

3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar (4x to 10x)                       

2 1/4 cups brown sugar, firmly packed                        

2 1/8 cups rice                                                     

3 3/4 cups whole wheat flour                                        

3 cups corn meal                                                        

5 cups coffee (about)                              

2 cups finely chopped meat                        

9 large eggs (one medium egg also measures about 1/4 cup)

  

Basic Measurements:

3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon

2 tablespoons = 1 ounce

4 tablespoons = 1 ounce

4 tablespoons = 1/4 cup

16 tablespoons = 1 cup

4 cups = 1 quart

4 quarts =1 gallon

 

Other Measurements:              

1 square cooking chocolate---1 ounce

1 cup molasses---11 ounces (Most liquids are 8 ounces per cup)

1  6 oz. package of Jell-0 measures 7/8 cup

 

SUBSTITUTIONS (for when you don’t have ingredients called for in a recipe)

Flours:

*To substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour,

*Use 1 cup minus 2 Tbsp. all-purpose for 1 cup cake flour. 

*Convert plain flour to self-rising: Add 1/2 tsp. salt and 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder to each cup of flour. 

*Thicken gravy or stew: 1 Tbsp. flour equals 1 1/2 tps. cornstarch or 1 Tbsp. quick-cooking tapioca.

 

Baking powder:  If you're out of baking powder, use 1/4 tsp. soda plus 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar for each tsp. of baking powder. Or use 1/4 tsp. baking soda plus 1/2 cup buttermilk or sour milk.  This would replace 1/2 cup liquid required in the recipe.

 

Chocolate:  To substitute for unsweetened chocolate, use 3 Tbsp. cocoa plus 1 Tbsp. shortening, butter, margarine or oil to equal 1 square or 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate.

 

Dairy items:  If your recipe calls for sour milk and you have only sweet milk, measure 1 Tbsp. lemon juice or vinegar in a cup and fill with fresh whole milk.  Stir and allow to stand 5 to 10 minutes before using.

 

Evaporated milk may be substituted for whole milk.  Use 1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water for each cup of whole milk required.

 

If you need shredded cheese for a recipe, remember that about 1/2 pound of cheese should yield about 2 cups shredded cheese. Also remember that different cheeses weight different amounts.

 

To thickening custards or puddings: 2 egg yolks or egg whites have the same thickening power as one whole egg. 

 

 

                                            PACKING LIST

 

Personal & Toiletries                            Items to Keep Handy in Car

Toothbrush                            Umbrellas                 Reading Material        State Maps        

Toothpaste                            Pillows                      Hand Sewing              Atlas

Shampoo                               Sunglasses              Activity Bags -Kids     Directions        

Conditioner                            Wet Washcloth        Camera & Film           Phone #’s

Comb/Brush                          No Doz (just in ca       Flashlight                   Purse/Wallet

Blow Dryer                            Quilts/Blankets         Wrist Watch               Toll Money

Hair Spray                             Tissues                     Hand Cream               Audios/CD’s

Body Lotion                           First Aid Kit               Extra Eye Glasses      Gum    

Hand Mirror                           Tool Chest                Baby Wipes                Cell Phone

Powder                                  Apples – Grapes- Carrots – Celery - Granola Bars - Juice

Face & Bath Soap                 Nuts – Crackers – Water Bottles – Coffee in Thermos  

Deodorant

Makeup                                   Apparel                     Don’t Forget To:

Aspirin – 21 & Older                Belts                           Make Arrangements for Mail

Tylenol – Under 21                  Hosiery                       Make Arrangements for Newspaper

Medications                             Socks                         Make Arrangements for Pets

Vitamins                                  Shoes                         Water Plants

Cotton Balls                            Handkerchiefs            Pull Plugs in Case of Storm

Q-Tips                                     Underwear                 Turn off Water

Razor                                      Slip                             Adjust Heat or Air Conditioning

Cologne                                  Jewelry                       Set Up Timer for Light

Bible/Notebook                        Pajamas                    Empty Waste Cans

Alarm Clock                            Slippers                     Lay Out Traveling Clothes

                                                Dressy Clothes         Plan Hostess Gifts

                                               Casual Clothes          Take Hanging Clothes

                                                                                  Set VCR for favorite program

                                                                                  Get Subs for Responsibilities

                                                                                  Tell Family Where You Will Be

 

Winter – Coats –  Jackets – Gloves – Scarves – Boots 

Summer – Swimsuits – Sunscreen Lotion - Insect Repellent 

Beach Items - Beach Umbrella, Beach Chairs - Beach Towels 

Laundry Items – Laundry Detergent – Fabric Softener Sheets – Hangers – Clothes Pins      

 

Additional Items:                                    Last Minute Items:           

 

 

Notes of Explanation:

* Adjust this packing list to work for your own family.  Then copy and paste your own version and print it in multiples for easier packing!  This packing list will fit on one page, if using #11-12 size font.

* Designate certain things for your husband to get together or do before your trip.  Possibly he would recharge the camera and cell phone, turn off the water, get tool box, get maps, directions, etc.

* "Last Minute Items" might include things you need up until the last minute - makeup, slippers, hand mirror, toothbrush, blow dryer, alarm clock, wet washcloth in baggie and items like that.

* If your children have all left home and the back seat of your vehicle is empty, you will have room to hang a rod for hanging clothes.  This is a great help and keeps clothes more wrinkle-free.

* Aspirin should never be given to children because of the possible fatal risk of Ryes Syndrome.

* Of course, families with small children and babies will have an even longer list!  I remember!

* The snacks listed are only suggestions.

* Pack interesting books, toys, crayons, paper, a stuffed animal and small games in an Activity Bag for each child.  Keep snacks in your own bag to hand out at the appropriate times.  Play music and stories for the family to listen to together, rather than individually.

 

 

PURSE ORGANIZATION ~ ITEMS YOU MAY WANT TO CARRY IN YOUR PURSE

by Lois Breneman ~ Heart to Heart Newsletter ~ [email protected]      

 

This is just one possible list of items to carry in your purse, though you will want to personalize your own list.  Many would want to carry much less in their purse.  A compartmentalized purse will help you to keep things more organized and find things more quickly.  It is of utmost importance that as many items as possible be *small*, otherwise your purse will be too heavy.  You may find that going through your purse on occasion and removing unnecessary items will be beneficial, since we often tend to toss this or that into our purses.  I personally find that it is too much trouble to change purses, so I normally use the same basic purse most of the time.  The first two items listed will help prevent any frustration from locking your keys in the car.  The important thing with this tip is to keep your purse with you when you get gas or when you leave your car.

 

House and Car Keys Clipped to Purse – Extra Set of Keys Tied Together in Change Purse – Library Card –  Voter Registration Card –  Driver's License – Credit Card – Health Insurance Card –       Phone Calling Card – Auto Insurance Card – Grocery Shopping Card (for discounts) – Tissues in a Tissue Holder – Hand Cream – Toothbrush (small) – Toothpaste (just part of a small tube) – Dental Floss – BandAids (few) – Antiseptic Cream – Antibacterial or Antiseptic Wipes – Ora-Gel (for numbing mosquito bites) – Skin-So-Soft Packet (for mosquito prevention) - Checkbook – Pens (a couple) – Index Cards for Notes (large and small) - Sunglasses/other glasses - Glass Cleaner/Cleaning Cloth - Finger Nail File – Nail Clippers - Comb/Brush/Hair Lift - Small Scissors – Fan (or use large index card) - Small Calculator – Business Card – Gospel Tracts – Reading Material – Coupons – Tiny Sewing Kit – Breath Mints – Gum – Small Pair of Plain Earrings –  Cosmetic Bag with Small Mirror, Lipstick, Powder, Foundation, Blush  

 

Additional Notes: If your trip involves a flight, be sure to remove all sharp items from your purse, pockets or carry-on luggage, such as nail files, nail clippers or scissors, so they won’t be taken when going through security.

 

It would also be beneficial to write up an information card to carry with all the information needed when filling out forms.  List phone numbers of your husband's employment, doctors' names and phone numbers, insurance company and group number, license plate numbers.  For each family member, carry a record of their blood type, birth dates, etc.  (Do not carry Social Security Numbers, however, because of the possibility of Identity Theft).  For close family members who live out of town, record their name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, for times when you might need these.     

 

Early Shopping and Senior Citizen Discounts:

During my many years of early morning carpooling, I kept a list of stores or businesses that were open early, so I might combine errands with carpooling (post office, hardware stores, grocery store, Walmart, etc.).  If you qualify for a senior citizen discount (55 most places), keep a list of the stores, times the discount is available and amount of the discount.  Examples:

Kroger                         every Tues.                           5%

Hancock Fabrics        1st Wed. of month                10%

Belk                            1^st  Tues. of month               15%

 

 

FOCUS ON YOUR CHILD 

Focus on the Family offers a wonderful complimentary program for parents of children, ages twelve and under.  This includes practical help and encouragement each month.  Check it out at www.family.org.  You will be glad you did!

 

 

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER BEGINNING THE SIXTH YEAR

The Heart to Heart Newsletter began in February of 1999, so this month begins another year!   I am so blessed by each one of you ladies and thank the Lord for allowing me to be involved in serving Him in this way! 

This ministry began with six ladies and has grown to 627.  Ladies from 43 of the 50 states in the United States are represented.  The seven states not represented in Heart to Heart are North Dakota, New Mexico, Idaho, Nevada, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming.

Other parts of the world that are represented outside of the United States are Israel, Kuwait, Austria, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Poland, Portugal, Hungry, the Czech Republic, the Philippines, China, Japan, Asia & the South Pacific, Taiwan, Thailand, Mongolia, Indonesia, Malta, India, the Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, Uganda, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, Paraguay, Honduras, and Canada (Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta).   Many in these countries are serving the Lord as missionaries.

If I failed to mention your state or country, please let me know!

When asked last week if the Heart to Heart Newsletter was free to others and if it may be sent to friends, I replied in this way: "Yes, Heart to Heart is a free e-mail ministry.  You have my permission to copy and paste Heart to Heart, including the bio at the end, to friends and family that you think will enjoy reading or receiving it.  You might remind them that I need the information as shown in the bio (at the end of the newsletter) and to allow for a week to get them started.  

Example:  Laura Sunshine ~ Phoenix, AZ ~ Referred by Joy Blessing"

 

            Ladies, it is a special joy and privilege for me to serve each of you!   Thank you so much for that honor and privilege!  You bless my heart and I thank the Lord for each of you!

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love from your “Heart to Heart” friend,
Lois 

The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to bring godly and practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family – regarding homemaking, marriage, children and much more.  You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to Lois Breneman at [email protected].