Quote from Forum Archives on March 2, 2009, 12:55 pm

Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman 

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3/2/09 Save BIG on Groceries, Hot Dip, Tidbits, Tools, Brighten Your Home, Prop Us Up, Girls
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IN THIS ISSUE:

TIME CHANGE ON MARCH 8 - SPRING FORTH, FALL BACK
A READER'S COMMENT ABOUT THE ADVENT CALENDAR PATTERN OFFER

50 WAYS TO SAVE BIG AT THE GROCERY STORE
TWENTY CANS OF SUCCESS
SPRING CLEANING THE NATURAL WAY
TOSTITOS TORTILLA CHIPS AND HOT CHEESY BEAN DIP

TIDBITS

TOOLS TO KEEP US INFORMED AS CHRISTIANS

10 QUICK AND INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME FOR SPRING!
LORD PROP US UP

PRECIOUS BABY GIRLS

   

 

TIME CHANGE ON MARCH 8 - SPRING FORTH, FALL BACK

March 8 is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time, so we LOSE ONE HOUR.  Set clocks AHEAD one hour.  Adjusting to the new time change may be a little easier for children and adults alike, if we would all move up our bedtime fifteen minutes each night, until we're going to bed an hour earlier by the end of the week.  That way by the time you "Spring forth," you will have self-corrected for the loss of that hour.

 

 

A READER'S COMMENT ABOUT THE ADVENT CALENDAR PATTERN OFFER

I just wanted to tell you that a friend and I made our advent calendars together many years ago.  It has been one of my family's favorite things each year, much anticipated.  When the children began to move away for careers and college, we continued to "do" advent calendar on our family message board.  My husband, Ken, writes and posts a devotional to go along with each day's ornament.  This has now become one of the family's favorite things.  Thanks for offering the patterns to people.  What a blessing!  I hope many people will take advantage. Thanks for all the time you spend and the encouragement for us mothers. ~ Helen Johnson in Virginia who made the same advent calendar offered to you last month.  So ladies, here it is again:

 

 If You Are Interested in Receiving This Very Special One-of-a-Kind Advent Calendar Pattern and Directions:

Please e-mail me at [email protected], and include your complete name and mailing address.  A fee of $5 will cover the printing, postage and mailing envelopes.   I will reply to you as soon as possible about how you can receive the Advent Calendar pattern. 

 

You Will Receive:

1. Patterns for ornaments

2. Scripture verses - You will only need to cut out the squares of paper containing scriptures for each day
3. Complete directions

4. Several picture attachments of the ornaments and calendar - sent by e-mail

5. Short cuts and variations of the pattern.  For instance, you may decide to make only the ornaments and store the scriptures and the ornaments for each day in separate envelopes, rather than making the calendar with pockets to hold everything.  The ornaments could then be hung on a tiny tree or even a bulletin board, using green push pins to form a tree and red push pins to hold each ornament.  The ornaments involve mostly cutting felt and gluing.  There is some hand embroidery, but if you choose to take the quick and easy route, you can use liquid embroidery.  You can make this project as elaborate or simple as you'd like!  The choice is yours.

 

 

50 WAYS TO SAVE BIG AT THE GROCERY STORE

By Lois Breneman, © 2009, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]    

 

It is rewarding to learn new ways to save big at the grocery store.  Many of these tips to save money start in your home, before you ever get to the store.  Some involve careful planning and using what you already have to the fullest potential, so you won't need to buy as much at the grocery store.  Remember, you only pay taxes on purchases made, so buying less means lower taxes for you.  I'll give you some pointers, many of which I'm sure you are already putting into practice.  In that case, you might want to use this article as a checklist to prove to yourself how well you are doing.  But even if you happen to find only one or two new ideas, it would be worth implementing them as well to save even more.

 

Plan your meals around each week's grocery store sales.  Write up a sketchy menu plan, but be flexible.

 

Take advantage of the markers for grocery store items giving the price per ounce or serving.  These are very helpful.

 

The store brands are usually less expensive and have the same ingredients as higher costing brands.  Take advantage of that.

 

Invest in a freezer.  You will be able to stock up on food that is on sale and freeze many meals ahead to make life easier.

 

Prepare large batches of food ahead of time - casseroles, meat loaves, quiche, chile, meat dishes, vegetable dishes, quick breads, etc. and freeze them.  

 

Load up your freezer with frozen vegetables when they go on sale at the rock bottom price.  Never buy them at full price.  Frozen vegetables are generally picked at the peak of ripeness and immediately flash frozen, which also correlates with greater nutritional value.  This is a healthy and economical option during in-season and off-season months.

 

Pack lunches rather than buying lunch out.  Get the family involved in packing lunches to make it easier.  Include foods like individually wrapped frozen quick breads (from your freezer), nuts, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, yogurt and sandwiches.

 

Eat out much less often and make it more special when you do.  If possible, when you do, use a coupon and drink water instead of ordering a drink of any kind.  In reality, restaurant meals should be added to your food budget.  Freezing meals ahead will help cut down on eating out.  Try copying and serving a few meals similar to those you've enjoyed while eating out at your favorite restaurant.  Then set a pretty table, get out the best dishes, light a candle, and put on some soothing music. 

 

When staple items are on sale, stock up, so you don't run out.  By preventing extra trips to the grocery store, you will save on gas as well as extra purchases. 

 

One time it is worth a return trip to the store later in the week would be when a favorite fresh produce item is marked way down.  It may be worth an extra return trip - or ask your husband to stop by on his way home from work.

 

Never pay full price for staple grocery items that keep over a long period of time.  Items like toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, napkins, toothpaste, toothbrushes, Ziplock bags, cleaning supplies, etc. are often less expensive at a dollar store.  These stores take coupons, but do not double them. 

 

It does not pay to stock up too far ahead on certain staples such as salad dressings, mayonnaise and other dated items.  If you do, you'll lose money.

 

Most grocery stores are closed on Christmas Day, which means they drastically slash the prices of meat on the afternoon of Christmas Eve.  Ask your store's meat department supervisor when the meats will be marked down, so you can be there early enough.  Chicken usually goes first.  You may want to be ready for Christmas ahead of time, so you can take advantages of this.

 

Most grocery stores have a special place where they display marked down meats daily - those with dates ready to expire.  Plan to have one of those packs of meat for dinner the evening of your grocery shopping.  You may decide to freeze some as well.

 

A slow cooker allows you to turn less expensive cuts of meat into delicious, melt-in-your-mouth meals.

 

Since meat is often the most expensive food in a meal, use less of it in casseroles.  Cut chicken breasts in half, lengthwise for smaller servings.  Have one or two meatless meals each week.  Use other protein in that meal.

 

Eggs, dried beans and brown rice are all low cost foods that have unlimited possibilities.  Soak dried beans in fresh water overnight, drain and rinse well, then cook on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, covered in more fresh water until tender, skimming off any foamy water.  Cooked beans, as well as brown rice freeze very well for quick meals, so get out your big Dutch oven or slow cooker and start cooking!  Unbaked quiche also freezes very well.  Onions and garlic are relatively low cost, and add great flavor, so give your dishes wonderful extra zip.  Onions can also help stretch some recipes.

 

Save by buying bags of onions, lemons, or other citrus fruit, rather than purchasing them individually or per pound.  Freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays for cooking use and spur-of-the-moment fresh lemonade.

 

Make large pots of different varieties of homemade soup at a time.  Freeze individual servings for lunches, if a microwave is available.  Serve "Free Soup" as well.  Keep a container in your freezer for any leftovers, such as cooked meat, broth, gravy, sauces, beans, rice, pasta and vegetables.  When it's full, heat it up, add anything else you want, and serve your free flavorful soup!   

 

Buy whole carrots in one, two or five pound bags, rather than sending more on baby carrots, unless the cost is slashed.  Buying 5 # bags of organic carrots on sale is an especially good buy.  Peeling isn't necessary - just scrub well with a vegetable brush, or scrape with a sharp paring knife.

 

Some grocery stores offer a discount on gas, depending on how many points you accumulate in a given month.  Using a gift card to buy your groceries doubles your gas points.  Some Christian schools are also set up to receive a percentage of your grocery store purchases, given by the store through a gift card purchase, so inquire at your school about that.  This won't save on your grocery bill, but may allow more families to take advantage of Christian education, by keeping the cost down.

 

Use paper towels only for the messiest jobs.  Otherwise use cloth towels.  Some families also save on napkin purchases by making wrinkle free cloth napkins.

 

Rather than wiping up babies and toddlers at mealtimes with napkins, paper towels, or a dirty dishcloth, cut an old towel into eight cloths, zig zag the edges, and use those or baby washcloths (dampened).  Use them only for wiping up Baby after meals.  They do a better job than paper towels anyway.

 

Make your own baby food.  You will not only save big, but it will be much healthier for your baby, with no fillers or preservatives.

 

Save up to ten times the cost of herbs and spices by buying them in bulk at a health foods co-op, rather than your grocery store.

 

Use reverse osmosis, a distiller, or a filter (least expensive option) for your drinking water and forego purchasing bottled water.

 

Take an inventory of what you already have in stock in your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry.  Make sketchy meal plans from that.  Also if you see you are well stocked up on shampoo, cream rinse, skin lotions, paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste and all purpose cleaners, etc., make a list to carry in your wallet, so you don't buy more, even if on sale.  Use what you have on hand.

 

Make your own laundry soap for pennies per load (3 to 6 cents per load), rather than spending as much as 45 cents per load. 

 

Make homemade cleaners when your store bought cleaners run out.  Mix one part white vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle for cleaning windows, counter tops and bathrooms.  Rubbing alcohol is good for making chrome sparkle, and baking soda has many cleaning uses.   Use white vinegar and hot water for steam cleaning carpets.

 

Rather than buying special sprays to wash produce, spray them with diluted white vinegar.  Let set a few minutes to kill germs and rinse.  Natural organic dishwashing soap works well, and liquid organic-type cleaners are also available in concentrated form and go a long way (Melaleuca, Amway, Shaklee).

 

When a bottle of shampoo or cream rinse seems to be empty, add a little water and shake it up.  You can often get a few more shampoos out of it.

 

When a tube of hand cream, makeup, etc. seems to be empty, cut the tube in half and you will find it's not empty at all!  Put the contents in the bottom half and the empty half will fit over the bottom to save it until it's used up.  Plastic containers of hand cream, etc. can also be carefully cut with a knife in order to use up the remaining contents.

 

Save slivers of soap bars.  After you have a few, put them in a shallow dish of water and microwave for a minute or two.  When softened, each sliver will mold onto a new bar of soap.  Dove or Ivory works especially well, but other soaps stick together too.

 

Cook and bake from scratch as much as possible.  Bake your own bread, cookies, desserts, pizza, etc. Buy baking yeast in bulk at a health food co-op or at Sam's, rather than in individual packets.  It keeps very well in the freezer.

 

Many items bought at warehouses such as Sam's or Costco's can save money, but to keep food from spoiling before it's used, split some perishable items with a friend or family member.

 

Avoid packaged and processed foods as much as possible.  They often contain sugar, corn syrup, dyes, preservatives, MSG, sodium nitrates, and ingredients your mind can't even take in when you read the labels.  Neither can your body take them in, without adverse effects.  Fresh produce, meats and dairy products are usually located around the perimeter of the store.  Buy mostly whole foods as God made them.

 

Buy a few bushels of cooking apples at an orchard, and make applesauce, using a Squeezo or Victorian strainer.  It makes quick work of the job.  Cut out the blossom end, cut the apple into eights, and cook.  This wonderful tool separates the stem, peel and the seeds from the applesauce!  Freeze as much as will fit in your freezer and can the rest.  Skip the sugar and add stevia just before serving.  Buy fresh corn, green beans, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, etc.  in season when on sale and put in your freezer.

 

If you don't get the newspaper, it's worth picking up a Sunday paper just for the coupons.  Use coupons and take advantage of double coupons (50 cents becomes $1).  Many times an item that you have a coupon for will also be on sale, making your savings a double bonus.   Some stores even offer triple coupons.   You can save money using rebates as well.  Some stores offer free items, if you send for a rebate.  

 

If you qualify for the Senior Citizen discount, shop on that designated day - Tuesdays at many stores. 

 

Serving healthy foods to your family will save on added expenses for cold and flu remedies, etc., and cut way down on misery too!  Cut back on junk food.  Eliminate soft drinks.  Read labels.

 

If sweets are a downfall for you and your family, don't buy them.  Make just a few healthy desserts and keep them in the freezer.

 

If the store is out of a sale item that you need, get a rain check at the office, so you can benefit from that sale the next time.

 

For breakfast, remember that cooked cereal is healthier and much less expensive than packaged.  Boxed cereal is very expensive in comparison and most are loaded with various forms of sugar.

 

Many times the most expensive items in the store will be at eye level.  Often you can look down closer to the floor for better buys.

 

Purchase produce in season.  Skip watermelon when it's sky high during the winter.  Eat fruits and vegetables found on sale. 

 

Plant a garden and freeze as much as possible.  Be sure to grow herbs that you can dry and use herbs to perk up dishes.

 

If possible, save money on apples by buying them at a nearby orchard.  The flavor and quality is much better as well.

 

Don't allow your produce to spoil in the refrigerator.  Use it as soon as possible.  Use green bags to keep produce fresh longer.  Wrapping celery in aluminum foil will keep it fresh much longer as well.

 

Buy bread, milk and orange juice on sale and freeze to save extra trips to the store.  Drink about 1/4 cup first, since liquids do expand when frozen.

 

If fresh produce spoils or gets moldy after just a few days, or if milk sours or cheese molds before the date, on your next trip go to your grocery store office and let them know in a polite manner.  They want to know.  Having your receipt will help, but sometimes that isn't even necessary for them to gladly refund your money.  They are always good at making it right.  Always check over your receipt for mistakes, which happen from time to time.

 

When we work hard to put these tips into practice, we should see our grocery spending go down and our family will be healthier.  Why not save this list and check to see how you are doing a month or two from now!

 

 

TWENTY CANS OF SUCCESS
Author unknown - Thanks to Jalisa Wenger in Pennsylvania for sending this!

1. Why should I say I can't, when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Phil. 4: 13)?

2. Why should I lack, when I know that God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4: 19)?

3. Why should I fear, when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7)?

4. Why should I lack faith to fulfill my calling, knowing that God has allotted to me a measure of faith (Rom. 12:3)?

5. Why should I be weak, when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God (Psalm 27:1; Dan. 11:32)?

6. Why should I allow Satan supremacy over my life, when He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)?

7. Why should I accept defeat, when the Bible says that God always leads me in triumph (2 Cor. 2:14)?

8. Why should I lack wisdom, when Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it (1 Cor. 1:30; James 1:5)?

9. Why should I be depressed, when I can recall to mind God's loving kindness, compassion and faithfulness and have hope (Lam. 3:21-23)?

10. Why should I worry and fret, when I can cast all my anxiety on Christ who cares for me (1 Pet. 5:7)?

11. Why should I ever be in bondage, knowing that there is liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is (Gal. 5:1)?

12. Why should I feel condemned, when the Bible says I am not condemned because I am in Christ (Rom.8:1)?

13. Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5)?

14. Why should I feel accursed or that I am the victim of bad luck, when the Bible says that Christ redeemed me from the curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit (Gal. 3:13, 14)?

15. Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul, can learn to be content in all my circumstances (Phil. 4:11)?

16. Why should I feel worthless, when Christ became sin on my behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21)?

17. Why should I have a persecution complex, knowing that nobody can be against me when God is for me (Rom. 8:31)?

18. Why should I be confused, when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through His indwelling Spirit (1 Cor. 14:33; 2:12)?

19. Why should I feel like a failure, when I am a conqueror in all things through Christ (Rom. 8:37)?

20. Why should I let the pressures of life bother me, when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations (John 16:33)?

SPRING CLEANING THE NATURAL WAY
By Cyndi Roberts - http://www.cynroberts.com - Used by permission

Remember the days when spring meant cleaning the house from top to bottom? Well, actually, I don't either, but I have read about it and seen it done in old movies!

Still, there comes a time when we all must do at least a little cleaning. Maybe you prefer to start in one room and work your way through the house a little at a time. Some people might like to clean all the walls at one sitting and the next time wash all the window coverings.

Whatever routine you use when you clean, using these hints for natural cleaning products can save you money. Other advantages are: no extra packaging to dispose of and fewer toxic chemicals in your home.

1. To clean windows and mirrors, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray on windows and wipe off with crumpled up newspapers.

2. To remove stains from carpet and upholstered furniture, mix equal parts of white vinegar, liquid dish detergent and water. Spray on stains and scrub with a brush and rinse with water. Another trick is to use shaving cream to clean carpet stains. Just scrub it in and rinse and let dry.

3. For a natural carpet deodorizer, sprinkle carpet with baking soda. Let sit for a few minutes; then vacuum as usual.

4. Mix equal parts olive oil and lemon juice for a natural furniture polish. Just apply with a soft cloth and buff to a shine. You can also use this on wood paneling.

5. When you have cleaned out your kitchen drawers, a bay leaf placed in the bottom will discourage bugs.

6. For a general all-purpose cleaner (instead of cleaners like Fantastik, etc.) mix 2 teaspoons each of borax and baking soda in 1 quart water. Put in a spray bottle.

7. Put an old sock on your hand, dampen it a little, and dust the leaves of your houseplants. Add a dab of mayonnaise and your plants' leaves will shine!

8. To clean the toilet, sprinkle in baking soda and scrub with a brush.

9. If you have rust stains in your bathtub or sink, pour on hydrogen peroxide and sprinkle on a little cream of tartar. Let it sit for a half hour or so, then wipe clean.

10. For cleaning bathroom tile and fixtures, mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 2 cups rubbing alcohol and about 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap. Add this to a gallon of water.

11. Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down your drain followed by a quart of boiling water, to deodorize it and keep it flowing freely.

By using ordinary household products to clean, you can save money and at the same time do something positive for our environment!

Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the bi-weekly newsletter "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another", bringing you practical, money-saving tips, recipes and ideas. Visit her online at http://www.cynroberts.com to subscribe and receive the Free e-course, "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill."

 

TOSTITOS TORTILLA CHIPS AND HOT CHEESY BEAN DIP

By Lois Breneman, © 2009, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]

3 cups white northern beans, cooked                1 tsp. garlic salt

1 1/2 cups sour cream (or part plain yogurt)     1 tsp. Mexican seasoning (found at health food store) *

1 cup Colby or cheddar cheese                         1/2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. dill weed                                                     1/2 tsp. sea salt

* If you can't find Mexican seasoning in a health food store, use extra cumin for a flavorful Mexican dip. 

 

If you've cooked a large pot of white northern beans and frozen some, now's the time to thaw a bag of beans.  Put thawed beans in a food processor or blender.  Add the remaining ingredients and blend well.  Taste to see if more salt is necessary.  Heat in microwave and dip away!  You could make a meal out of this with some additional vegetables and fruit!

 

 

TIDBITS

Enjoy a Beautiful Garden Tour!  Breathtaking! ~ http://www.simplesite.com/daylilies  Carol Miller is a personal "Heart to Heart" friend of mine from way back in high school.  She designs gardens as a business and her husband, Curvin, is a Master Gardener.  They have both transformed their Pennsylvania lawn and garden into a piece of "heaven on earth!"  Enjoy their lush and beautiful garden, as well as the fish, cats, and frogs (one is blue), but most of all the gorgeous flowers and foliage!  I've been so privileged to enjoy a delightful tea luncheon with Carol in her garden!  You will see the spot on their website.

 

When We Complain, We Need to Watch This Video! ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MslbhDZoniY

 

Quote by Helen Keller (1880-1968) ~ I thank God for my handicaps, for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God.

 

Children's Devotionals ~  http://www.christian-parent.com/childrens-devotionals.shtml

A Twelve Year Old Canadian Girl Speaks Out for the Unborn ~ http://www.nmatv.com/video/1318/Preteen-pro-life-speech-goes-viral

 

Kids Will Enjoy Playing with This Real Looking Spider!  Adults too! ~ http://www.onemotion.com/flash/spider/  

 

Twin Baby Boys Laughing at Each Other ~ So cute! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7mOzWQSnaQ

 

 

TOOLS TO KEEP US INFORMED AS CHRISTIANS

CitizenLink ~ www.citizenlink.com ~ Sign up for free CitizenLink daily updates Monday through Friday.
Click here to proceed to the sign-up page

American Family Association: While you're at www.afa.net, sign up to get the AFA Journal free for six months.  A Quick and Easy Way for Christians to Make Their Voices Heard in These Trying Days!  Help push back against the moral free-fall in our nation, by signing up for the AFA Action Alert.  Usually you can make your voice be heard in less than three minutes and with one click of the mouse.

 

OneNewsNow ~ Receive Daily News Briefs ~ http://www.onenewsnow.com/newsbrief/smallemail.aspx

 

Point of View ~ Listen to this informative Christian talk show broadcast Monday through Friday.  www.pointofview.net

 

10 QUICK AND INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME FOR SPRING!
By Kathy Wilson - http://.www.TheBudgetDecorator.com - Used by permission

Spring is a sign of renewal in many areas of our lives, and our homes are no different! There is something energizing and refreshing about bringing that bright, airy feeling of spring into your home. Here are the 10 best ways to spruce up and revitalize your rooms, on a dime!

1. Add white! White with your present color scheme will both cool and brighten, adding the freshness that only white can! If your room colors tend toward the warm side, such as yellows, browns, or reds…then choose creamier white such as ecru or ivory. If you have cooler colors in your room, such as greens and blues, go with the brighter, cleaner whites.
 
2. Try painting your focal wall, (that is, the one most seen) in a sunnier, brighter, or lighter shade of your current wall color. It will add lightness to the room without drastically changing the whole scheme. Don’t worry, you can always go back to that rich red in the fall, but how about a little petal pink, or sky blue? Remember, its only paint, its cheap!
 
3. Add a floral print fabric to your room. Using the primary colors already in your room, visit your fabric store and pick out a floral fabric you love with at least one of those primary colors in it. (The more, the better, but don’t feel you must have every color in the room also in the fabric!) Use that floral fabric to make table scarves, placemats, pillow covers, and simple seat cushion covers. Pair it with a solid fabric color already in the room, and you have a custom coordinated look, for just a few dollars and some simple straight sewing!
 
4. Pick up some pretty colored glassware from the dollar shop, and display it where the sun will light it up! You could even use clear glassware, and fill it with colored water to coordinate with the room. Use your glassware as vases, pencil holders, or candy dishes, but make sure it is seen! Glass sparkles and adds a bit of sunshine to a room.
 
5. Take down your curtains, and just leave your mini blinds underneath. Don’t leave it bare, though, we don’t want boring! Swag some dried or silk flowers over the top of the blinds, or use some muslin to twist around a curtain rod for an informal but airy valance. (No sew!)
 
6. Keep your windows sparkling clean. Dirty windows cut down on a surprising amount of light, and make a room look dull.  As a bonus, clean windows mean more sparkling glass, and that makes room feel larger and brighter!
 
7. Pot up some pansies from the garden center and use them indoors as houseplants. They are cheap, easy, and add flowers to a room without the cost of replacing floral arrangements every week! You can even coordinate the flower color to the color 

scheme of the room. Don’t match the colors, just pick something complementary. 

8. Clear most of the artwork and accessories out of your room, and just keep a few larger, simpler pieces. It declutters the room, and helps to put the focus on the freshness of a room. Consider picking up a white lattice from the garden center, and hang it on the wall as a focal point. Place a potted plant in front of it, or hang small framed garden catalog prints from it. Let it be a reminder of the outdoors all season long!
 
9. Use a stencil or a stamp to add floral and nature motifs to your room for very little money. Stencil vines around windows and doors, hand paint seasonal sayings over doorways with a paint pen, or stamp a floral bouquet on the front of cupboard doors. You can always paint over those small areas with touch up paint in the fall. (Or you might love them so much, they stay year round!)
 
10. Finally, don’t forget your entry area when you are creating that spring glow all around your home. Remember, your entries are a visitors first impression of your home! Add a pot of pansies on the porch, paint your entry a fresh spring color, and hang a handmade wreath or a basket of flowers on the front door.
 
All these ideas take very little time, little or no money, and do wonders for your spirit and the spirit of those who you love. Take a little time to brighten your lives!
 
Kathy Wilson is an author, columnist, and editor of The Budget Decorator. If you would like hundreds more great budget decorating ideas, visit her at http://.www.TheBudgetDecorator.com

LORD PROP US UP
Author unknown ~ Thanks to Angie Walker in Pennsylvania for sending this!

Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old deacon who always prayed, "Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side."  After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.

He answered, "Well sir, you see, it's like this... I got an old barn out back.  It's been there a long time; it's withstood a lot of weather; it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years.  It's still standing.  But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit.  So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall.  Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long time.  I've withstood a lot of life's storms.  I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life.  I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at times.

Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't.  So we need to pray, ''Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.''

 

 

PRECIOUS BABY GIRLS

AnnaRuth Grace Judd was born on August 24, 2008.  She's named after her 108 year old Great-Great Grandmother Anna Ruth Martin Wills who lives in the same town.  Chris and Ashleigh Judd are the proud parents of AnnaRuth, their second child.  Big brother, Trent, is very proud of her too.  The family lives in Virginia.

Abigail Dora Hurt was born on February 27, 2009 to Josh and Erin Hurt.  She is their first child, and the third granddaughter of Don and Ruth Ann Assaid.  All are living in Virginia.  Abigail was given the middle name, Dora, after her great-grandmother who is 90 years young and still going strong.

 

Speaking of Baby Girls, be waiting to hear about a new book coming out soon - Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson!  His book, Bringing Up Boys came out at the perfect time for our family, around the birth of our first grandson, but his little sister is already twenty months old, so we are thrilled about this book soon hitting the bookstores!  The broadcast ministry of Focus on the Family has been such a great help in our family!   Check it out!  http://www.focusonthefamily.com/about_us/broadcasts.aspx

 

Laughing Baby Girl Video ~ So cute! ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2ybqtgEOZg&NR=1    

 

 

                                             I thank my God upon every remembrance of you (dear ladies). Phil. 1:3                                                
                     Please remember to pray for each dear Heart to Heart lady and her family as you receive your newsletter.  
                                          So many ladies are going through very tough times and need our prayers! 
                                      Some have lost loved ones and others have lost jobs, homes or their good health.
                                 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:jhbreneman@... href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected].  New subscribers will receive a Welcome, and a "Start-Up Kit." 

 

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