HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman
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3/7/07 TIPS, BUTTER, BIRDS, MODESTY, SMALL BATHROOMS, COOKIES, PSALM 23
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IN THIS ISSUE:
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ON MARCH 11 - TURN CLOCKS "FORWARD!"
TIPS! TIPS! AND MORE TIPS!
SOFT BUTTER ~ REAL BUTTER AND OLIVE OIL
QUICK TREAT FOR THE BIRDS
WALKING WITH A CANDLE AMIDST STRAW OR GUNPOWDER (MODESTY)
DESIRING GOD ~ BY John PIPER
A WEALTH OF INFORMATION FROM A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
10 WAYS TO MAKE ONE SMALL BATHROOM WORK
THE "BESTEST" OATMEAL COOKIES EVER! ~ A TRIPLE BATCH
PEACEFUL RETREAT FOR PASTORAL AND MISSIONARY COUPLES
A MEANINGFUL NEW WAY OF LOOKING AT PSALM 23
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ON MARCH 11 - TURN CLOCKS "FORWARD!"
Correction from the last newsletter: Turn your clocks FORWARD. If you go by my previous instructions, you'll be TWO hours late for Sunday school and church! Forward is the key word! Thanks to the two "Heart to Heart" ladies who wrote earlier and brought that to my attention!
TIPS! TIPS! AND MORE TIPS!
Most of us keep our eyes open, L°Ô¿Ô°KING for good tips to make our lives easier, but if we can find tips that also save time and money, they are especially worth trying. I would be interested to know if you try some of these tips and find them to be beneficial in your home!
Auto Inspection Savings ~ Before my husband takes a vehicle for inspection, he always checks the lights, turning signals, windshield wipers, etc. himself, sometimes with my help. Then he replaces whatever needs attention for a fraction of the cost, buying parts at an auto parts center. If one doesn't know how to do this, it would be worth learning from a friend.
Appliance Wholesale Distributors sell appliance parts for much less! Recently the lightbulb burned out inside our microwave oven. The service center of the store where we bought it was going to charge an unbelievable price to replace the bulb, drive to our house and install it! My husband bought the bulb from an appliance wholesale distributor in town for 59 cents and replaced it himself. The distributor where he bought the bulb told him that's exactly where that particular store buys all their appliance parts, but they were going to charge my husband $29.99 for that same little 59 cent bulb! It took us a while to find where that tiny bulb went and how to get to it, but my husband was able to save us well over $100 that evening!
Check Your Roof After a Snow ~ If it's under freezing outside and the snow melts quickly on parts of your roof, the heat from your house may be helping to melt it, since warm air rises. Check to see if you need more insulation in the attic. That can make a huge difference in heating costs! With heating bills "going through the roof," we need all the savings we can get!
Foaming Natural Dishwashing Liquid ~ Regular dishwashing liquids from the grocery store cause chapped and peeling skin for many people. I couldn't resist the new foaming liquid by Dawn, but it wasn't kind to my hands at all, so I emptied the bottle to save for other types of jobs - possibly as a prewash on clothing stains. Natural dishwashing liquid from a health food store is much easier on hands, and I stock up when it's on sale. Wearing gloves, of course, is another alternative, but many of us find them to be bothersome. This is my solution to the problem - using natural dishwashing liquid in the foaming dispenser at a 1 to 2 ratio - one part liquid soap with 2 parts water. The foaming dispenser makes the natural liquid last much longer. I soaked the bottle in hot water to remove the label, and Goo Gone removed the sticky residue. I decoupaged a fabric flower on the front of the plain blue bottle, so now it looks like it really belongs in my kitchen.
Preserving Baby Memories ~ After our daughter's family moved into a new house, and I noticed our 3 year old grandson's nursery curtain (a topper) in storage, I asked my daughter if she'd like me to preserve the memory of his baby nursery by turning the topper into four drawstring totebags for his toys, and she liked the idea. When I made them, I removed the inside label, sewing it on the outside of one bag to expose the label, "Just Born." If it's okay with my daughter, I plan to give them to our grandson at the birth of his new baby sister J this summer, with a new toy, book, craft activity and game in each bag to open over a four-day period, letting him know he's still very special, even with a new baby sister in the house taking center stage.
Planning an Herb Garden ~ While the snow still lies on the ground, why not look forward to spring, by thinking of starting an herb garden and drawing up plans? Herbs usually flourish in spite of neglect - they love the hot sun and do well even in drought. My favorite herbs are sweet basil, curly and flat leaf parsley, garlic chives, thyme, peppermint, tarragon, marjoram, oregano, sage and rosemary. Small plants can be found at farmers' markets to plant after frost. Basil is a tender plant when it comes to frost, but is very easy to grow. Peppermint is delicious, but invasive, so plant that in pots or in an area where the roots will not invade other plants. Check out a book on herbs from the library to help with your dreams and plans.
Hard Water Deposits on Showerheads and Nozzles ~ Vinegar is great to remove hard water mineral deposits around faucets, but have you ever noticed mineral deposits clogging the holes on your sink spray nozzle and showerhead? Pour about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of straight white vinegar into a baggie and fasten it to a nozzle or showerhead with a strong rubberband until the deposits disappear. Then reuse the same bag for another clogged nozzle or two. Works like magic!
Easy Lunch Time ~ Eating lunches out on a job quickly drains a budget dry. Just in case you forget to pack your husband a lunch some day, supply him with a few things like canned soup, fruit, crackers, peanut butter and nuts to keep on hand at work. For traveling keep fresh fruit, crackers, cheese, granola bars, and nuts handy. Carry water bottles and healthy snacks in the car all the time. While running errands, many times I've found it took longer than planned. Rather than stopping for fast food, having a healthy snack and water in the car saved me from spending time or money on another purchase, especially an unhealthy snack or meal.
Lemon Juice without Seeds ~ Microwave lemons briefly to get more juice from them. Then
squeeze a half of lemon, holding cheesecloth over the cut part, to catch the seeds. Or hold it with the cut part upright, so the seeds won't fall out.
Oil in a Squirt Bottle ~ I keep oil in a honey bear squeeze bottle in a cabinet near the stove - with the lid off. That way I can reach for the oil, squirt it into the pan, and put it back in the cabinet - all with one hand. As often as we cook, little things like this save time and help a lot.
For Browning Meat ~ Keep whole grain flour in a sugar shaker container, so you can simply sprinkle flour over the meat before browning, rather than putting flour into a dish to coat the meat. Flour is not wasted when using a sugar shaker. Brown only one side of the meat, put in a pan with oil, floured side down, and sprinkle flour on the other side while in the pan before turning to brown the other side.
Dried Beans and Brown Rice ~ Save money and upgrade your nutrition by cooking a large Dutch oven full of dried beans and freezing them in meal size portions. Do the same by cooking brown rice and you'll have healthier beans and rice on hand for many dishes. Thaw the frozen package on a plate in the fridge a day or two before needing it. By doing so, the frozen food will help to cool your fridge more economically. Or just defrost and heat in the microwave.
What to Do with White Rice? ~ Forget about eating white rice with the natural nutritional value bleached out. Use any white rice you may still have in the house to make beanbags for children or draft dodgers to keep cold air outside. Or fill a storage bin with white rice and sand toys for toddlers to have lots of indoor fun while it's too cold or rainy to play in a sand box outdoors. A swivel sweeper will make quick work of the mess made indoors (see tip below).
Large Chicken Breasts have too much meat for one serving, in my opinion. Many times I slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into two portions, after removing the fat. My favorite way to shrink the portion is to slice each chicken breast in half, horizontally, and freeze the meat with plastic wrap between each piece, so they can be separated easily when needed.
Easy Gourmet Chicken ~ Using a meat tenderizer mallet, pound each whole chicken breast with plastic wrap on both sides of the meat, stretching it to a larger flat piece of chicken. Place a spinach filling or stuffing on the breast and tightly roll up to bake, placing the seam on the bottom. This gourmet touch is very easy. One large chicken breast can serve two people easily. Top it off with a light sauce and a sprinkle of sweet basil or parsley.
No More Tears with Onions ~ When peeling and dicing onions, burn a candle nearby. Peel the onion from the top without disturbing the root, which is the part that causes burning tears. Chop or dice the onion, leaving the root intact. I cut down almost to the root all across the onion about 4 times, then give the onion a quarter turn and do the same thing. Next I thinly slice the onion on a cutting board, while clasping it with my left hand, as the root holds it all together.
Easiest Way to Get Rid of Onion Odor on Hands ~ After working with onions, wash with soap and water, then rub your hands over the chrome faucet several times. This really works!
Extend the Life of Celery ~ Wrap celery in aluminum foil as soon as buying it and refrigerate it, for much longer lasting fresh celery. It stays fresh for 3 weeks this way!
Quick Fix for Spots on Kitchen Floor ~ When you find a few spots on your kitchen or bathroom floor, that don't warrant getting the mop out and washing the entire surface, just drop a wet terry cleaning cloth on the floor and move it around with your shoe, cleaning the spots. No need to get down on your hands and knees or even bend down, until you retrieve the cloth.
Cutting Down on Newspaper Clutter and Cost ~ We discontinued our newspaper, except for Friday through Sunday (their downsized package deal), after not finding enough time to read it. That measure has also simplified our lives, and the Sunday paper coupons completely pay for those three days. We still get enough news through
www.Citizenlink.org, radio and TV.
Pure Water ~ Distilling your own drinking water saves on buying and lugging 8 pound gallon jugs home from the store. A water distiller removes chlorine, lead, and other harmful contaminates that are present in water and the taste is great, making it much easier to drink the large amount of water each day that we should. Ask me more about distillers and how to get one, if you wish. Plenty of pure, uncontaminated water is very important for our bodies - and even improves the complexion.
How Much Water Should We Drink Each Day? ~ Take your weight in pounds and divide by 2. That will tell you how many ounces of pure water you should drink each day. A person weighing 130 pounds should drink 65 ounces of water every day. With 32 ounces in a quart, that's one ounce more than 2 quarts (8 cups). A person weighing 200 pounds needs to drink 100 ounces of water each day - more than 3 quarts. If you have trouble keeping track of how much you drink, it helps to measure out the amount each morning in a juice pitcher, water bottles or Tupperware cups (2 cups/16 oz. each). My doctor said headaches are sometimes brought on by forgetting to drink enough water. Pure water removes toxins from our bodies.
Make Do and Do-It-Yourself ~ The older generation would often say, "You can't squeeze blood from a turnip." Or "Make do with what you have." Then they would
make whatever they needed! If your parents were known to say things like that, you are probably creative, from their example and out of necessity. Today we have lots of practical help with Do-It-Yourself information at our fingertips! Do a search on specific projects at
www.DIYnet.com, www.HGTV.com,
www.lowes.com and
www.homedepot.com for step by step instructions; then print them out for your use. Teaching video clips are available on these sites as well.
Patching the Soap ~ Our son-in-law laughed so hard when he learned how we have always "patch the soap," as my husband calls it, by sticking the last sliver of soap onto the next bar, rather than tossing it. My husband and I both grew up in homes where we were taught to do that, and continued with this money saving practice after we were married. Our son-in-law gave us a call last night, just to say he asked his best friend what he does with the last little bit of soap. His friend said, "I just stick it onto the next bar of soap!" So even some in the younger generation have learned this trick! J
My Favorite Housecleaning Shortcuts ~ The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, lamb's wool dusters, the Swivel Sweeper, OxiClean, rubbing alcohol, and terry cloth cleaning cloths are my favorite housekeeping shortcuts, each helping to save lots of time and energy! Read on ...
Marks on Walls, Appliances, Floors ~ The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is truly magic! I find more uses for it every week. It removes coffee cup rings from a light countertop, without having to reach for bleach! It removes stains from leather tennis shoes, appliances, scuffs on floors and the bottom of doors. Dollar General has a less expensive brand that works just the same.
Lamb's Wool Dusters can pick up dust in a jiffy. I use 3-4 at a time, and shake the dust off of all of them outside when they have done their job. They come with long or short handles.
A Swivel Sweeper picks up surface dirt in just a few minutes, from all four sides without a cord following you around (rechargeable). It swivels 360 degrees and allows you to maneuver around furniture and other objects easily! CVS has carried them ($39.95).
www.swivelsweeper.com
OxiClean Works Great! ~ Even when clothing has gone through the dryer, only to find a stain afterwards, OxiClean still works most of the time. Last week OxiClean removed black grease from a pair of khaki pants that had gone through the dryer and some unknown stains from two other items. It works great on used baby clothes you might find at Goodwill or yard sales.
Rubbing Alcohol dabbed onto a terry cleaning cloth works as a great cleaner and germ killer, as well as being inexpensive. Shine a bathroom in short order. Start with the mirror, and wipe the countertop, faucet and sink. Use another cloth to wipe over the bathtub faucet, tile and the tub. Shine the towel racks and toilet tissue holder. Wipe over the toilet - even the floor. Periodically wipe over all the doorknobs and light switches, especially during the cold and flu season. I like to use wintergreen alcohol, but the plain kind works just as well.
Terry Cleaning Cloths ~ I don't even call these cloths "rags," because they are so nice to use - no holes. Using thin, worn towels (without holes), I cut each bath towel into 8 sections, and zigzag, non-stop, all around the rounded edges with my sewing machine, without cutting the thread until the end. Old hand towels, dish towels and washcloths work too. Fluff them in the dryer to remove the lint before using as cleaning cloths. I fold mine over once and stack them in bathrooms, laundry room and the hall closet for cleaning. When laundering them, I skip the fabric softener so they are more absorbent. We are still using cleaning cloths that used to be towels we received as wedding gifts almost 39 years ago! If you don't have worn towels yet, check at yard sales, Salvation Army, and Goodwill.
Combining Discount Opportunities ~ One week at Kroger, after missing several weeks of grocery shopping, trying to use up what we had, I paid $140 for two full carts of groceries, but actually took home an extra $104's worth of groceries - because of sale items, triple coupons, and my senior citizen discount. That was fun - until I had to put all those groceries away! Save trips to the store by keeping bread and milk in the freezer and planning to use what is already in the freezer, refrigerator and pantry. Krogers doubles the value of coupons every day (50 cents and under) and periodically offers triple coupons.
Ladies, I would love to hear about any new tips you have tried - these or others.
Thanks to Becky Noell in Georgia, for the following tips seen in the Home & Garden section of her local newspaper, and also sent by a friend. Other than that, the source is unknown.
Easy Deviled Eggs ~ Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up, mixing thoroughly. Cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done for easy clean up. - Janet, Killeen, TX
Expanding Frosting ~ When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar/calories per serving. - Kathy, Mesick, MI
Reheating Refrigerated Bread ~ To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster. - Dave, Camden, DE
Newspaper Weeds Away ~ When you start putting in your plants, work nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers and put layers around the plants, overlapping as you go. Cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic, but they will not get through wet newspapers. - Linda, Monmouth Jct., NJ
Retrieving Bits of Broken Glass ~ Use a dry cotton ball to pick up tiny broken glass pieces of glass. The fibers catch ones you can't see! - Olive, Santee, CA
Easier Thank You Notes ~ When you throw a bridal/baby shower, buy a pack of thank you notes for the guest of honor. During the party, pass out the envelopes and have everyone put their address on one. When the bride/new mom sends the thank you notes, they're all addressed! - Jessica, Saint Johns, MI
In Case of Stolen Bike ~ If you purchase a new bike for your child, place his/her (ID) inside the handle bar before placing the grips on. If the bike is stolen and later recovered, remove the grip and there is your proof of who owns the bike. ~ Janet,Carthage, IL
Flexible Vacuum ~ To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge, add an empty
paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings. - Donna, Anderson, SC
Reducing Static Cling ~ Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a
clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and - voila - static is gone. - Pam, Maple Rapids, NH
Measuring Peanut Butter or Honey ~ Before pouring sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out. - Kim, NC
Foggy Windshield? ~ Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth! Alicia, Tampa, FL
Leg Shaving Conditioner ~ Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair. - Kerry, Canada
The following tips came from Cyndi Roberts and readers of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" Newsletter with Cyndi Roberts as Editor - www.cynroberts.com - Used by permission
(The first 9 tips came from Cyndi and the next 3 came from her readers.)
Good Marinade for Meat ~ Did you know that any brand of bottled Italian Salad Dressing makes a good marinade for meat?
Pastry Blender for Meat ~ When browning ground beef, try using a pastry blender to break the meat into smaller pieces. It works much better than a fork.
Broth with Vegetables ~ Canned chicken broth is a very tasty addition to any canned vegetable, instead of water. You might want to use the fat-free version.
Uses for Potato Masher ~ Your potato masher will mash bananas for banana bread or avocados for guacamole in a hurry!
Frozen Oranges and Lemons ~ Buy several oranges and lemons when they are on sale. Put them in the freezer in zip-top bags. When a recipe calls for juice, just defrost in the microwave. When a recipe calls for grated peel, it's easy to grate while frozen.
Vinegar with Cabbage ~ Add a dash of vinegar to the water when boiling cabbage. You won't taste it, but it will cut down on the strong aroma.
Peeling Sweet Potatoes ~ For easy-to-peel baked sweet potatoes, rub the skin with vegetable oil before baking. The skins will come right off.
Less Mess ~ Peel your vegetables over a half sheet of newspaper. When you're finished, just fold up and throw it all away!
No Smoke While Broiling ~ When broiling meat, put 1/2 cup of water in the drip pan. There will be no smoke and cleanup is a snap!
Bread Machine Tip ~ Here is a section from the site, www.recipelink.com, which might be helpful to all breadmakers:
To adapt bread machine recipes for your machine (smaller loaves may be made in larger machines): If a recipe doesn't include the bread machine size:
1 lb machine = 2 cups flour maximum
1 1/2 lb machine = 3 cups flour maximum
2 lb machine = 4 cups flour maximum
To find your bread machine pan size: Fill the bread pan with water and measure it out in cups
Less than 10 cups of water = 1 pound
11-13 cups of water = 1 1/2 pounds
More than 13 cups of water = 2 pounds - Sandy
More Economical Fabric Softener Sheets ~ I don't use the store bought dryer sheets anymore. I use an old wash cloth and soak it in liquid fabric softener and hang to dry. Works every bit as good as those fancy dryer sheets you can purchase for a small fortune at the grocery, but each application lasts for 20 loads at least!!! I still have the original bottle of fabric softener I started with 2 years ago that I purchased from Sam's, and yes, I do soften every load except towels. I am also a home childcare so I do a lot of laundry. - Sonya
Homemade Salsa ~ The generic cans of Mexican flavored stewed tomatoes make an excellent salsa. Throw it in the food processor for a couple of secs (You don't want soup ... just chopped some more) and voila! - Dorothy
Readers' Tips from The Dollar Stretcher - www.stretcher.com - Used by permission
The Morning Crazies ~ To save time in the morning, I pack my five boys' lunches at night as I clean up the kitchen from dinner. They place their cleaned out lunch boxes in order (oldest to youngest). I then pack juice boxes and other snacks from the pantry. In the morning, I simply add a sandwich, cheese and/or veggies from the fridge and the ice pack and we are ready to go. I also pack a "to go" lunch for my husband from our dinner. So, it is all sitting out and ready for business in the morning! - Lisa S.
Just a Few Homemade Cookies ~ In order to save money with treats, I make a double batch of my family's favorite cookies and flash freeze them as individual batter ball serving sizes. The freezing process is pretty quick and easy. Simply take scoops of cookie batter (I usually use a melon ball scooper) and place the batter balls on cake pans (or any other pan) and freeze them. The batter is usually solid in about two hours. After that, transfer all the cookie batter balls into a freezer bag and put back into the freezer. When needed, I pull out a dozen batter balls and bake them at the prescribed temperature. I don't even bother thawing them. I just tack on a few extra minutes and they turn out perfect every time. This method has been helpful for unexpected company, potlucks, and when my family has a sweet tooth. I have no idea how much money it's saved us, but I never buy pre-made batter or other sweet treats anymore knowing I have homemade goodies on hand. - Christy G.
Grandmother Knew Her Lettuce ~ My grandmother taught me this tip. To keep lettuce fresh
longer, rinse it, cut it, and dry it off. Put the lettuce in a gallon size resealable bag. Close the bag only far enough to insert a straw in the top. Suck out all of the air with a straw and then carefully seal the bag. It keeps for weeks like this without turning brown! - Megan M. of IL
Flaky Skin Care ~ I have used lotions, oils, and body butter to get rid of my flaky skin. A friend told me to use a mixture of glycerin and water in a 1:3 ratio in a spray bottle. I couldn't believe how well it worked. I no longer "snow" when I change clothes. I swim at the Y and this works so well after swimming too. Spray it on, rub it in and dress. It works wonders! - Julia W. in IL
Picture Perfect ~ It's hard to position a nail in exactly the right spot for hanging a picture. So here's a handy and easy tip. Stick some double-face tape on the head of a thumbtack and stick it directly under the picture's mounting bracket. Hold the picture right where you want it and push on the top of the picture frame to make your mark with the thumbtack. Now you have a little tiny mark to guide you for placing the nail in the right spot. - Linda from Georgia
The Pro's Advice on Cleaning Bathtubs/Showers ~ My best friend is in the professional cleaning business and she gave me a tip that is tried and true. For cleaning tubs/showers, use shampoo! I tried this and it works wonders. Those rings around the tub are "gone instantly." Think about it. If it cuts oil and dirt from your hair, why wouldn't it cut the body oils that are left in your tub? Also, I have not found anything that cleans glass shower doors like shampoo. - Shelia
Mom's Laundry Tip ~ My mother recently gave me a tip to whiten up dingy whites when nothing else works. Pour approximately 1/2 cup Cascade powder automatic dishwasher soap into a bucket or the washing machine with enough cold water to just cover the clothes, and let whites soak for one hour or more. Then put the clothes through a regular wash cycle and you will have sparkling whites! - Laurie
Scuff Solution ~ Our school custodians have found a great way to remove those nasty black scuff marks from the hallway floors. They simply made a small slit in a tennis ball and inserted the end of a broom handle. The custodians no longer have to bend down to scrub the marks, as a swipe or two with the long-handled tennis ball quickly removes them. - C.
SOFT BUTTER ~ REAL BUTTER AND OLIVE OIL
There was a recent question from a "Heart to Heart" lady about this recipe, so I will explain further why and how I make this soft butter - a homemaking tip my mother taught me many years ago. Why? The olive oil makes it a healthier spread than all butter. When? When butter and olive oil go on sale. How? I blend large batches of butter and cold pressed extra virgin olive oil with a little salt, then freeze and/or refrigerate it in Glad, Tupperware or other small containers. Then I keep the container of butter in use on the countertop, so it remains soft. I prefer olive oil to canola oil, but the combination butter/oil I make tastes like the real butter and canola mix that you can buy. If both the butter and olive oil are purchased when on sale, this recipe may cost less than the store bought version when on sale. I use a Vita Mix blender which comes with a heavy wooden stirring stick that can be used while the blender is in operation, since it can't reach down to the blades. Here's the recipe for a delicious soft butter:
2 pounds of real butter (8 sticks / 4 cups)
1 cup cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
salt to taste
QUICK TREAT FOR THE BIRDS
I usually mix up large batches of suet for the birds, using peanut butter, shortening and flour or cornmeal (using a large mixer) and they absolutely love it! But I had run out in all my busyness lately. Not having time to make more this week, I supplemented their black oil sunflower seeds with some "fast food!" I got out a jar of peanut butter and scooped it into the suet feeder for the poor little hungry winter wrens, chickadees, tufted titmice, downy woodpeckers, nuthatches, sparrows, catbirds and mockingbirds.
My favorite, a cute little winter or Carolina wren, was the first to find the new treat! He went crazy over it and put on a show as if to thank me, then kept returning! It wasn't long before the other birds found it! After the long cold snap we've had, I thought they deserved it. Although it was reported earlier that birds can choke on peanut butter, the Birds and Blooms Magazine says peanut butter alone is fine for birds and will not hurt them. Birds need extra fat especially during the winter months, but we indulge our birds with suet all year long, and they reward us by continuing to return and entertaining us on the sundeck off the kitchen. That's what I call inexpensive entertainment!
Last week a mourning dove moved onto our bathroom window sill to hatch her young. The male dove continually brought small twigs for her, carefully laying them at her side, as she formed the nest. Now there are several eggs in the nest and she rarely ever leaves them - only for a brief time each morning to exercise her wings and take a short break. This is the second time mourning doves have chosen that spot for increasing their family. A robin family had occupied that window sill several years ago, but they are messier, using straw and mud for their nests. Like I said, it's inexpensive entertainment!
WALKING WITH A CANDLE AMIDST STRAW OR GUNPOWDER (MODESTY)
Dr. Greg Huffman recently gave an excellent 2-part message on
Modesty. He explained how dressing immodestly is like "walking with a candle amidst straw or gunpowder." Quite a dangerous combination! This is an extremely vital message for us all in today's culture, and I would encourage each of you to listen to these messages Online or order a copy to add to your library.
www.shenandoahbaptist.org/ Ladies, this is such an important message especially for us as women, and could be a valuable tool in teaching our daughters. Let's be a good example for them to follow, bringing honor to the Lord.
When ordering, please give the title and/or the dates as shown:
Walking with a Candle Amidst Straw or Gunpowder (Modesty) - 2/18/07 & 2/25/07
The sermon notes for both messages will also be included, if you request them.
Before shipping, a check made out to the church, needs to be received at Shenandoah Baptist Church, 6520 Williamson Road, NW, Roanoke, VA 24019 with "Attention: Joy Wright." The cost for both CD messages in this 2-part series is $8 if shipped in the U.S. If able to pick up -$6. If living outside the U.S. - $12. Both messages can be included on one cassette tape and sent to those in the U.S. for a cost of $4 ($3 for pick-up and $6 for international shipping). If you have further questions reply to this newsletter.
How major stores are encouraging little girls to dress like trashy dolls:
Thanks to Tami Qualls in Oklahoma for sending this link.
This quote says it all:
It is contrary to reason for a thirsty person to turn from a pure, sparkling mountain stream to quench his thirst at a stale, putrid cistern -- yet that is what the human race does when it rejects God's truth and standards in favor of the devil's impure philosophies. -- Billy Graham
DESIRING GOD ~ BY John PIPER
Thanks to Barb Campbell in Mississippi for this information!
Someone mentioned John Piper's book Desiring God (February 17, 2007 newsletter).
There are sermons to read and listen to and many other wonderful resources can be found there. In fact, most of his books are available online to download for FREE! Desiring God is one that is there.
Here's How: Go to the site. At the bottom of the webpage is a link for Online Resources. Once on that page, you will see a link in the center of the page for Online Books. Click it and the list of books available for download are there.
I highly recommend any of his written works and I love listening to his sermons! He is a wonderful man of God!
A WEALTH OF INFORMATION FROM A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
Note from Lois: Ladies, Focus on the Family is one radio broadcast I try not to miss each weekday, because of the wealth of information, teaching and encouragement from a biblical perspective. I recommend spending some time searching out this great wealth of resources, available for everyone, no matter what the age or situation!
On Relationships, Marriage, Parenting, Faith, Life's Challenges, Social Issues, Entertainment, and Much More -
www.family.org
Find a Radio Station that Carries Focus on the Family in Your Area
Why Marriage Matters for Adults
How Fathers Matter for Healthy Child Development
How to Stay Informed on Issues That Affect Your Family and Your World -
WHERE'S THE GROOM?
A little girl was playing, pretending to be the bride in a wedding.
Her father asked her, "Honey, where's the groom?"
She said, "Oh, Daddy, I don't need a groom. It's just a small wedding!"
10 WAYS TO MAKE ONE SMALL BATHROOM WORK
by Jill Cooper -
www.LivingOnADime.com - Used by permission
Remodeling or adding a bathroom can be a major expense. I remember when 2 bathrooms use to be considered a luxury and now a bathroom for every person is thought to be a necessity. If you still happen to be in the dark ages like me and have only 1 bathroom, here are a few suggestions to help you make 1 bathroom work.
1. Place a vanity or table with a mirror in the bedrooms, especially the master bedroom and girls' rooms. All hair curling and blow drying can be done in the bedrooms. This can free up a lot of bathroom time.
2. My brother had 3 daughters so needless to say bathroom time could be a problem. Instead of the expense of adding a whole bathroom he had just a sink put in one of the bedrooms to help free up the bathrooms.
3. Stagger shower times. If you have 4 people all trying to take showers in the morning, it's just not going to work, so have different family members take showers at different times.
For example:
* Young children could take their baths at night.
* Mom could take a soothing bath in the evening instead of a hurried shower in the morning.
* Some family members can take their showers on Monday and others on Tuesday taking turns. Before you have a heart attack about not showering every day, remember that most dermatologists will tell you a shower everyday is not good for you.
4. Have everyone get dressed in their bedrooms and not the bathroom. Use a bathrobe to walk to the bathroom. Use the shower, put on your robe and go back to the bedroom to dress.
5. Limit shower times or the amount of time each person is allowed to use the bathroom in the morning when everyone needs the bathroom and things are especially hectic. Save those long soothing hot showers and baths for less hectic times of day.
6. If you must put your makeup on in the bathroom when others need it, learn to put it on in 5 minutes or less.
7. Do you have 5 people in your family and only one towel rod in the bathroom? Don't panic. Hang an attractive rod behind the door in each person's bedroom. When they are done with their showers, they can carry their damp towels with them to their rooms to hang them up. When it's shower time again, they can grab it after they slip on their bathrobes and head for the bathroom. When the towel is dry they can toss it in the hamper.
8. If your bathroom is short on storage, keep extra supplies in another room (things like toilet paper, shampoos, and even your towels and washrags if you're desperate). It is best if the room or closet where you store extras is close to the bathroom. I recommend keeping a couple of extra rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom, but not 12 rolls.
9. Keep your medicines in the kitchen. Most of us take them into the kitchen anyway. You can even keep your first aid kit in the kitchen. Think about it -- half the time when you get burned, it happens in the kitchen. When someone gets cut, they are very rarely in the bathroom when it happens. In our house, first aid moments usually happen at meal time when I'm trying to get dinner ready, so why go all the way into the bathroom when you are already in the kitchen?
10. Buy a make up organizer or use a decorative box for your make up and keep it on the back of the toilet. You could also get an organizer that hangs on the back of the door to hold all kinds of things. Buy a shower curtain with pockets or put shelves in your shower.
Some of these suggestions may take time to get used to, but with a little practice like many other things they can become easy habits.
THE "BESTEST" OATMEAL COOKIES EVER! ~ A TRIPLE BATCH
Compliments of Large Family Logistics - with Kim Brenneman, Editor - http://largefamilylogistics.net
Recipe written by: Chelsy Bontrager (age 16), daughter to Marlin & Becky and sister to Mitchell-14, Allison-12, Carson-11, Joshua-9, Denver-7, Taylor-5, Liz-3, Hudson-1 & baby # 10 due in Sept!
Note from Lois: For additional healthy alternatives you could also substitute honey and carob chips in place of sugar and chocolate chips and use pure vanilla.
*3 cups butter, softened
*3 ¾ cups unrefined cane juice sugar
*6 eggs
*1 16 oz. jar peanut butter (we use natural because it doesn't have hydrogenated oils or sugar)
Cream butter, sugar, eggs, and peanut butter in large mixer.
*3 tsp. lemon juice
*1 tsp. vanilla
*3 tsp. baking soda
*1 ½ tsp. baking powder
*1 ½ tsp. salt
*2 cups flour (I used to use soft wheat flour, but recently I've been using spelt flour; I prefer spelt because it gives the cookies a lighter texture/taste, more like white flour would. Either soft wheat or spelt flour works.)
*9 cups oatmeal
Mix in order given with the creamed mixture. Be careful not to over mix the flour and oatmeal.
*12 oz. bag of chocolate chips ( or more, however you like them. Depending on if I'm in a really chocolaty mood or not, I use more. They turn out either way.) Mix in chocolate chips.
Your mixing bowl will be VERY full - we have a Bosch, and I have to keep the lid on so the cookie dough doesn't fall out! By the way, this is a triple batch from the original recipe! That way we have a lot in the freezer. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto cookie sheet; bake for approx. 10 minutes at 350 degrees or until done. Enjoy warm out of the oven with a glass of milk!
PEACEFUL RETREAT FOR PASTORAL AND MISSIONARY COUPLES
Mary Rice Hopkins, a "Heart to Heart" subscriber, who is a wonderful song writer and has a wide-reaching ministry of music with children, is on the board of a pastoral retreat center in California, the Genesee Home (www.geneseehome.org). She said it is the best kept secret, but wanted to let you know about it. Mary said it is very reasonable and a great place for pastors and their wives, as well as missionary couples, to go and feel refreshed, restored, and enjoy recreation as well, basically for the cost of meals, yet you will be fed gourmet meals. They are also looking for a host couple (all expenses paid) to be there during June, July, and August, 2007, if anyone is interested in contacting the Genessee Home via the Internet.
A MEANINGFUL NEW WAY OF LOOKING AT PSALM 23
Author unknown - Thanks to Karen Coughlin in Florida for sending this! This is an eye opener. Many of us probably never thought nor looked at this Psalm in this way, even though we say it over and over again.
The Lord is my Shepherd - That's Relationship!
I shall not want - That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures - That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters - That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul - That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness - That's Guidance!
For His name sake - That's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - That's Testing!
I will fear no evil. - That's Protection!
For Thou art with me - That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me - That's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies - That's Hope!
Thou anointest my head with oil - That's Consecration!
My cup runneth over - That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life - That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord - That's Security!
Forever - That's Eternity!
A little girl once tried to quote Psalm 23:1 in this way: "The Lord is my shepherd. That's all I want!"
God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. -- John Piper
Many Heart to Heart ladies and their families need our prayers, so
please remember to pray for each Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.
(¨`·.·´¨) 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,
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 sending your name, city, state, e-mail address, and name of your referral person to Lois at [email protected]. New subscribers will receive a "Start-Up Kit."
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