Quote from Forum Archives on April 2, 2009, 5:57 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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4/2/09 Eggs, Rushed, Recipe, Gardening, Laundry Soap, Apron, Psalm 23, Leftovers, Look Up!

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If "Heart to Heart" fills a need in your life, bringing blessing and encouragement, please INVITE your women friends and family to subscribe and be blessed and encouraged as well.  Instructions appear at the very end of each newsletter. 
I suggest you PRINT this newsletter to read at your convenience, but save the original e-mail for checking websites.
Send ADDRESS CHANGES to Remain on the E-mailing List - Reply to newsletter with your name & old and new address.  

 

IN THIS ISSUE:

RESURRECTION EGGS 

ARE YOU INWARDLY RUSHED?
A GREAT RECIPE
PARENTING TIP - A THREE-COLUMN PLAN
SAVE MONEY ON SPRING PLANTING  

GARDEN IN A BAG 

TIPS AND TIDBITS

REVISITING THE TOPIC OF HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP

APRON EVANGELISM

PSALM 23 FOR THE WORKPLACE
FROM LEFTOVER TO STARRING ROLE

BABY CONGRATULATIONS
FINGERPRINTS OF LOVE

A SOBERING STORY ABOUT THESE DAYS

KEEP LOOKING UP!

 

 

RESURRECTION EGGS - This is a fun method of teaching younger children the Easter story!  Another version is in the next segment.

ANOTHER METHOD FOR RESURRECTION EGGS WITH SCRIPTURES
Thanks to Suzy Zabel in Maryland for sending another way to teach young children about the real meaning of Easter!

1. Palm Branches for Jesus entry into Jerusalem (or donkey) - Matthew 21:1-9 
2. The coin: Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver - Matthew 26:14-15, 46-50, 27:1-5 
3. Matzo: The Last Supper (or a communion cup) - Matthew 26:17-19, 26-28 
4. Flowers: The Garden of Gethsemane (or  praying hands) - Mark 14:32-42
5. Leather strip: Jesus was arrested and whipped - John 19:1-15 
6. Thorns: the crown of thorns - Matthew 27:29
7. Nail: Jesus was nailed to the cross - . John 19:16-22
8. The die: soldiers rolled dice for Jesus clothes - John 19:23-25

9. The spear: the soldier pierced Jesus side to prove he was dead - John 19:32-34

10. The Cloth:  Jesus was wrapped in a linen cloth and buried in the tomb. - Matthew 27:57-61 

11. The Stone:  was placed over the entrance of the tomb, but was rolled away and the tomb was - Matthew 28:1-2
12. Empty: Jesus is alive! - Matthew 28:5-8

 

ARE YOU INWARDLY RUSHED?

Malia Russell - www.homemaking911.com - Used by permission

 

Do you ever have so much to do that you feel completely overwhelmed?  Do you feel too tired, too weak, too irritated, too disorganized, too ___________(fill in the blank) to possibly get everything done that you should?

 

Beloved, I sometimes feel like that too. 

 

But in my recent reading I read an incredible quote from one of my favorite authors, Amy Carmichael.  

 

"..she learned that duties do not clash any more than do the stars.  If we become inwardly rushed we shall feel as if they were all [the children in her care] demanding attention at once.  But if we are inwardly quiet we shall see the purposed sequence and take them one by one.  An angel is never sent on more than one errand at a time."

 

So if duties do not clash, we must learn to listen and watch for the ONE voice that can take all the disorder and chaos and give us purposed sequence.  This reminds me of another author I love, Elizabeth Elliot from whom I learned the phrase:  "Just do the next thing."  

 

But these two ladies had something more than just an idea or a formula.  The key to being able to be successful in perceiving and doing "the next thing" is a close relationship with the Lord. 

 

There are times in my walk with the Lord when I feel extremely close to Him.  He is at my side, at my shoulder, whispering in my ear, guiding my footsteps.  And there are those times when I am so busy in my own agenda, I forget he is there.  The difference for me between those times seems to be quite commiserate with whether or not I am sincerely praying and reading or studying his Word.   It also has to do with what I use to fill my head all day.  The music I choose to play in the car, the books I read at bedtime, the websites I read, the devotional I keep tucked in my bathroom or in my purse can all help fill me with the good things that will lead me ever-closer to my Lord. 

 

Alternatively, if I fill my head with spiritual junk food, the noise and clamor of the world will seep in once again.  My tasks will be overwhelming because I have no one clearly directing my path. 

 

So, today, I am reminded once again that if I am inwardly quiet I shall see the proposed sequence and take my day one thing at a time. 

 

"My vocation is no game." - The Golden Road, Raymond De Perrot

 

(Note from Lois: Listening to a good Christian radio station or good Christian music all day long helps keep the mind meditating on spiritual things, praying for others and singing melodies of edifying songs.)

A GREAT RECIPE
Thanks to Margie DeMonbrun and Pat DeMonbrun in Missouri for sending this great recipe for life!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
 
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.  Talk to God about what is going on in your life.  Buy a lock if you have to.
(Note from Lois:  I would add that you get the Lord's instructions and blueprint for your life by reading His Word each day as well.)
 
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, ‘My purpose is to__________ today.  I am thankful for______________.’
 
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
 
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
 
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
 
7. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
 
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
 
9. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
 
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
 
11. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
 
12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree.
 
13. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
 
14. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
 
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
 
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words:  ‘In five years, will this matter?’
 
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
 
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
 
19. GOD heals everything – but you have to ask Him.
 
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
 
21. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick.  Your friends will.  Stay in touch!!!
 
22. Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need.
 
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________.   Today I accomplished_________.
 
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
 
25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You’ll be smiling before you know it.

PARENTING TIP - A THREE-COLUMN PLAN
By Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN - www.biblicalparenting.org - Used by permission

Parents sometimes feel that because their child is a challenge that they, as parents, are the problem. "If I would just do the right things then I wouldn't have this problem with my child," they say. Of course, we, as parents do have a lot of influence on our kids, but it's certainly not the whole story.

Children aren't robots; they're people who have wills of their own. You can influence but not control them. That's why parents must be praying for their kids often. God uses you, as a parent, to mold your child. As you work on the heart you will benefit from developing a character development plan uniquely tailored for each child.

Here’s an idea: Fold a piece of paper to make three columns. In column one, list unwanted behaviors you see in your child. In many cases this is a long list but that's okay. Putting the problem on paper often helps sort it out. In the second column try to group the behaviors into character issues. We find that challenging children often lack qualities like self control, sensitivity, perseverance, and gentleness, just to name a few.

In the third column identify positive character qualities as headings and then specific behaviors you'd like to see to replace those unwanted behaviors. Taking this information, develop a strategy to motivate your child to make small changes.

Whatever you do, don't show the paper to your child. That's too much for any one person to see. Choose one character quality to work on and look for positive ways to correct as well as proactive ways to teach the new character quality.

You'll be surprised at the small steps of progress you'll see. But it's those steps of progress that will encourage you and your child. After all, in many homes children are making small steps in the wrong direction so turning things around is a tremendous blessing.

If you'd like help developing an Action Plan for your child, or you want to learn more about this six-step character development plan, you'll find it in the book, Home Improvement, The Parenting Book You Can Read to Your Kids by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

 

 

SAVE MONEY ON SPRING PLANTING  
Thanks to Kathy Fictorie in Iowa for these tips she gleaned from a magazine.
 
Packing peanuts make great filler in flower pots especially larger ones.  Fill the bottom of your pot to reduce weight.  Water can drain through but not your soil.
 
For really big planters, fill in the bottom with crushed cans or plastic bottles.  Once again they will let water through, save on weight and you don't need to use as much potting soil.  Recycle old wash tubs, farm boots, baskets and fruit boxes as unique planters.
 
Place several layers of newspapers or broken down cardboard boxes under your mulch instead of expensive gardening fabric.  It will break down and enrich your soil while preventing weeds.
 
Get together with gardening friends and split up your perennials and trade instead of heading to the garden shop.
 
Compost!

 

GARDEN IN A BAG 
This is a great tip on growing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc. in any location, especially if you have poor or hard soil. Buy a bag of good top soil or potting soil. Make a few slits in the bottom of that bag and a hole or two in the top of the bag, depending on which plant you want to grow. Lay this on top of the ground. It could be in the flower bed or garden. Just plant in the holes, water and watch them grow. You can group several together and mulch around them with leaves or grass clippings if you do not like the look of the plastic. If you check the home stores and garden centers, you can usually purchase bags of soil that are already damaged with small holes for half the price. The bags will usually last a year or more. ~ Darlene J. in Tennessee  www.stretcher.com - Used by permission from The Dollar Stretcher

 

 

TIPS AND TIDBITS

Tell the Whole Truth about Easter ~ Evidence for the Resurrection by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell (Books on the level for adults, teens and children)  www.josh.org/risen

Prayer Tip from a Subscriber ~ I found a great way to pray many times for people when I have my computer in front of me.  I was sick yesterday, so had more time in front of it (laptop on a bed tray).  I put the prayer request as an appointment in Outlook, and then when it would pop up, I would pray and then hit the snooze feature for another 30 minutes.  In that way, I don't let an important prayer request slip from my mind, as it is likely to do in such a busy household as ours.  I still don't know who to handle remembering when I am up on my feet and don't touch the computer all day.  But, that's another puzzle to solve sometime. ~ Bethany Hargett in PA

 

Bible Bee ~ Alice Stoddard in Virginia heard about this on a Christian program.  www.biblebee.org   It looks like a great opportunity for children.  Those starting this event, nationally, did so, because they had a concern that the youth make a difference in our culture, but that they could do that by needing to know the Word of God through quizzing. 

If You Enjoy Music While on the Computer ~ These are similar but a bit different.  You put in the name of an artist that you like, and most of the time they play at least one, and then rotate others that are similar. You can block ones you don't want, or star others you really like.  You can find good Christian music on these:  www.abidingradio.com    www.pandora.com  ~ Thanks to Alice Stoddard in Virginia for these links.

 

Another Food Recall ~ Pistachio Product Recalls: Salmonella - www.fda.gov        

What the Mainstream News Media Left Out of Their Reporting ~
Montana Plane Crash Has Ties To California's Largest Abortion Chain
By Mary B. Worthington, The Bulletin  (Editor's Note:  I had to read this twice to take in the impact of the story!)
Thursday, March 26, 2009 - Thanks to Bethany Hargett in Pennsylvania for sending the link to this story.
http://www.thebulletin.us/articles/2009/03/26/top_stories/doc49cb5e6c2def8797850118.txtReminder 
        On Sunday, a small plane owned by Irving “Bud” Feldkamp crashed into Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Butte, Mont. The cemetery is home to a “Memorial to the Unborn,” dedicated to unborn children destroyed through abortion.
        Though a dentist, Dr. Feldkamp owns Family Planning Associates, the largest private chain of abortion clinics in California, reports pro-life activist Gingi Edmonds. As a member of Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, Ms. Edmonds protested weekly at Dr. Feldkamp’s home in Redlands, Calif. Dr. Feldkamp oversees 17 abortion facilities affiliated with Family Planning Associates.
        Members of Dr. Feldkamp’s family who died in the crash include two daughters, their husbands and five grandchildren. Authorities speculate that the plane’s cabin was overloaded.
        A representative from the Diocese of Helena said at this time they are unsure whether the pro-life memorial was impacted by the crash.

 

 

REVISITING THE TOPIC OF HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP

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

 

Back in November of 2008, I included a recipe for homemade laundry soap in Heart to Heart.  Since then, many ladies have written me about the benefits of making this soap themselves - much less cost per load than detergents bought in the store, softer clothes, less wrinkles, great for skin that is sensitive to laundry detergents, low sudsing for the newer high efficiency washing machines, and easy to make!  Several ladies wrote to express their thanks again for the recipe and help in making the soap.  One mentioned she is using it every day now and she has shared the recipe with several friends who are also interested in saving money in this way.  I know I've been very satisfied with making my own laundry soap.  Not only is it quick, easy and fun to make, but it gets the clothes clean, fresh smelling, softer, and less wrinkled, not to mention all the money I'm saving!

 

As I mentioned in November, I made a few changes in the recipe I gave.  I used one full cup per load, whereas the recipe called for only a half cup.  That increased the cost per load from 3 cents to 6 cents (still much lower than store bought).  I also added a small amount of regular laundry detergent for more fragrance.

 

If you would rather not use fabric softener sheets as I still do, a cup or even a half cup of white vinegar in your washer's

fabric softener dispenser will remove any soap residue and help to soften the clothes further, as well as act as a disinfectant.

 

At the time I first told you all about the homemade soap, our grocery store (Kroger) was carrying Fels Naptha bars of soap, but lately it's nowhere to be found, so I called the manager and he has special ordered some for me.  It's also back on the shelf, since I also filled out a form to get it back in the store again.  Anyone can take both of these measures to get the soap in their stores.  The young store manager thought it was really fascinating that I'm making my own laundry detergent!   The young lady 

who called to let me know the soap is in, was intrigued that she could make her own laundry soap and asked to have the recipe sent to her e-mail address.  If you are unable to buy Fels Naptha soap, use bars of Ivory Soap or other bars of soap.  It will require a little more than if you use the Fels Naptha soap, but it will also work fine.

 

To make laundry soap you only need three ingredients which can all be found in the laundry aisle of many grocery stores:

        1/3 bar of Fels-Naptha soap (Or 1 whole bar of Ivory or any other bar of soap)   1 bar costs $1.29
        1/2 cup Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (This is not baking soda)                     1 box costs $2.89
        1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax                                                                                      1 box costs $3.99

 

The recipe I gave you earlier was a lot more detailed and drawn out than the one below, but either would work fine.  There are other recipes Online if you care to do your own search.  Anyone who would like the recipe included in the November 1, 2008 newsletter, please simply reply to this newsletter and ask for it.

 

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap

Combine one bar of shaved Fels Naptha soap with two quarts of water.  Simply shave the bar of soap with a chef's knife.  Heat until melted. Stir in 1 cup Borax and 1 cup Arm and Hammer Washing Soda and remove from the heat.   Pour the mixture into a large bucket to make four gallons of soap.  Let the mixture set overnight, without stirring, until it thickens.  Then stir it and pour into several old detergent containers with lids and use one cup per load.  Putting a few marbles in each container will help to mix the soap when you give it a shake before pouring.

Note: Never put this liquid soap or any liquid into large buckets without tight-fitting lids.  If accessible to young children, they could fall in and drown!

 

Homemade Powdered Laundry Soap

1 cup shaved or grated Fels-Naptha soap
1/2 cup Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda (not baking soda)
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax

Mix and store in airtight container.  For light loads, use 2 tablespoons.
For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons.

To Make a Larger Batch ~ Shave 6 bars of Fels-Naptha soap with a chef's knife.  Add 3 cups of Super Washing Soda and 3 cups of 20 Mule Team Borax.  Mix well and store in an airtight container.

APRON EVANGELISM

http://www.hillbill yhousewife. com/apronevangel ism.htm
Philosophies on the pleasure and power of aprons - Thanks to Elizabeth Beck in North Carolina for sending this.

One day not too long ago I was struggling with the boys over some minor details which come up when a lot of people live in a small shack in the woods. Details like the value of picking one's dirty clothes up off of the living room floor when company has been spotted driving up the mountain. The boys were unusually stubborn that particular day. Rather than fight with them over their household responsibilities I picked up the dirty clothes myself and crammed them into the washing machine. I ran some soapy water in the sink to get a start on the dishes before the company arrived.

 

Now usually I am not one to hold a grudge over small disagreements like laundry on the living room floor. This one settled in my brain though, and I felt compelled to mull over it for several days. It was the outright insubordination which offended me the most. After I figured that out I went in search of solutions.

About the same time I was in the process of Spring Cleaning. I was having a great deal of trouble motivating myself to wash the walls in the kitchen and mop the back porch where the cats live (blessedly with a doggie door so they don't need litter boxes).
Well, the more I worried about these twin dilemmas the more I felt the need to discuss them with the queen of solutions, my momma Darthulia. As I suspected she had the perfect solution. Darthulia told me I needed a uniform or costume which would reassure myself and others of my intention and status in the home. She claimed it would remind me of my duties, inspire me to greater levels of cleanliness (which as a hillbilly I sorely need), and reaffirm my authority in the home.

Darthulia then went on to describe the homemaker's uniform to me in detail. "Imagine the modern archetype of the housewife." She began. "Think Donna Reed, or Beaver Cleaver's mom. They wore full skirts, and stockings, and heels when they vacuumed. But you knew they were doing housework because they had their aprons on. A string of beads graced the necks of their classic shirtwaist dresses, and a lacy bibbed apron proclaimed their role as matriarch in charge of household management."

I only have a fleeting memory of Donna Reed. I sort of wish she came on television regularly so I could take notes but she doesn't in my area so I am stuck looking for other heroines-of- the-home to model myself after. Most of what momma said made sense to me though. That very day, I put on a full skirt, stockings, sensibly low high heeled shoes, and a string of pearly white beads. Then I sat down at my sewing machine and ran up a couple of bibbed aprons, decorated with lace and ribbons.
I made up the pattern as I went along using a small rectangle for the first bib and a heart shape for the second bib. Then I stitched lace around the edges of the bib and attached it to a simple tie with a full apron skirt gathered to the waist. I made them short waisted so they would fit my maternal figure a bit better, and voila, I was set. I put the first apron on, a creamy white or ecru, and looked in the mirror to admire my handiwork. I expected to see myself staring back at me, probably looking a little silly in this frilly piece of confection designed to protect my clothing.

Boy howdy, was I in for a surprise. In the mirror I saw a vision of the homemaker I have always strived to become staring back at me. Her cheery face glistened in the sunshine. Her hair tied up neatly in bun looked authoritative, and compassionate all at the same time. The apron covered several figure flaws and accentuated the fertile curves of the woman I saw in the mirror. This woman had purpose. She had status. She had clout. I stood there, contemplating the wonder of the homemaker that shone through my image in the mirror. "This is who I want to be" I told myself. "This is the Keeper of the home, with a capital 'K'. "

I wear my aprons every day now. I have made more, in different colors and configurations so as to be pleasing to my senses. I have come to believe they are a like lacy bits of lingerie, only worn on the outside, and a quite a bit more respectable. When I put on my aprons the children mind me better, wandering visitors immediately know my role as a stay at home mom. Door to door religious missionaries assume I am a virtuous woman and cheerfully move on to the next house. Fred thinks I look cute as a button, and neighbor children hug me more often.

I like my aprons. They have changed my life, raising my standards, inspiring me to greater feats of home making skill, and making me more effective as a parent. Whoever thought that a dollar's worth of fabric and lace could effect so many changes on one woman and one family? Since my success with aprons I have become a true believer. I am now called to spread the word among my fellow housewives. Join the crusade by sharing your love of aprons with friends, family and internet buddies around the world. Together we will change the face of the House Wife, the world over.
Blessings,
--Maggie

 

PSALM 23 FOR THE WORKPLACE
Author unknown - Thanks to Susan Whiteside and Brenda Clark in Virginia for sending this.

 

The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want.

He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me,

He gently reminds me to pray and do all things
Without murmuring and complaining.

He reminds me that He is my source and not my job.

He restores my sanity every day and guides my decisions

That I might honor Him in all that I do.

 

Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes,

Unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers,

Discriminating supervisors and an aging body

That doesn't cooperate every morning, I still will not stop --

For He is with me!  His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through.

 

He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me,

He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens

To let me go,  His Faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check.

 

His retirement plan beats any 401K there is!

When it's all said and done, I'll be working for Him

A whole lot longer and for that, I bless His Name!

 

FROM LEFTOVER TO STARRING ROLE

Copyright © 2009 Mary Hunt. All rights reserved.  www.everydaycheapskate.com  Used by permission

If your refrigerator is at all like mine, it harbors leftovers and an odd assortment of "almost empties," bottles and jars of dressings and condiments.  What can you do with them?  Try these suggestions on for size.

Applesauce That last bit of applesauce will make a wonderful coleslaw dressing. Make sure you have about 1/2 cup applesauce left in the jar. Then, add the following ingredients right into the jar: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/3 teaspoon celery salt 1 teaspoon prepared mustard 1 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons water Apply the lid, shake well and toss with 4 cups shredded cabbage or packaged coleslaw mix. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld. Salad dressing It's a rare refrigerator that doesn't have an assortment of almost-empty salad dressing bottles. Here's what you can do with any oil and vinegar dressings like Caesar, Italian or other vinaigrettes: Mix them together to make a marinade for beef, pork or chicken. The oil adds flavor, the vinegar and other acids like lemon juice tenderize. Coat the meat or poultry with the mixture. Then, cover and refrigerate it for at least an hour before roasting, grilling or baking. Buttermilk That 1/2 cup of buttermilk left over won't last forever. Before it goes bad, use it to make fabulous oven-fried fish. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a baking pan or cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray. In a flat dish or pan, mix together 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, stirring with a fork until blended. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow bowl. Cut fish fillets (catfish is perfect for this recipe) into four equal servings. Dip each piece in the buttermilk and then in the cornmeal mixture, making sure to dip both sides of each piece. Place fish on the greased foil. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and bake for 25 minutes. Cooked rice Turn that rice into a wonderful quiche crust. Mix together 2 cups white or brown leftover cooked rice, one beaten egg and one teaspoon soy sauce. Spread evenly to cover a well-buttered quiche or pie pan. Bake crust at 350 F. for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Place any kind of fresh or frozen vegetables (broccoli is a good choice) or meat in bottom of crust. Mix together 4 beaten eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk or half-and-half, salt and pepper to taste and a dash of nutmeg. Pour over vegetables. Top with 1 cup grated cheese (Swiss, cheddar, Jack or any combination). Bake at 350 F for 45 to 50 minutes or until a knife inserted near center of pie comes out clean. Remove from oven and let sit 10 minutes before serving. This recipe is so versatile, you can practically clean out the refrigerator right into your quiche pan. Just remember to add the cheese last to make a beautiful, mellow, brown crust on the top.

BABY CONGRATULATIONS Cydney Dru Carter was born on March 19, 2009.  She is the second daughter of Chad and Christy Carter who live in North Carolina.  Caleigh is going to be a great big sister.  So here we have Chad, Christy, Caleigh and Cydney Carter in Carolina!

 

FINGERPRINTS OF LOVE

By R.H. Martin - Thanks to Jalisa Wenger in Pennsylvania for sending this poem.

 

Sometimes ..... the hand of God passes over us

And we find ourselves walking in the shadow of His hand.

In the midst of the darkness we find God has two hands,

One above us and another below us.

When the shadows life and the storm is over we discover

God's hands are still with us;

We find we are resting in the comfort of God's arms.

As we are prompted to travel on, God's hands

May no longer feel so close but they have left

God's fingerprints on our hearts.

We find in each valley there are arms of strength

And hands to uphold us. . .

When the clouds part and the storm passes,

We find we have been given . . . to carry with us. . .

A reminder. . .fingerprints of love!

 

A SOBERING STORY ABOUT THESE DAYS

A dog had followed his owner to school.  His owner was a fourth grader at a public elementary school.  However, when the bell rang, the dog slid inside the building and made it all the way to the child's classroom before a teacher noticed and shooed him outside, closing the door behind him.  The dog sat down, whimpered and stared at the closed doors.  Then God appeared beside the dog, patted his head, and said, "Don't feel bad, fella.   They won't let me in either."

 

 

KEEP LOOKING UP!

        During my growing up years, our beloved pastor, Ralph Boyer (father of Dave Boyer, the gospel singer whose life was transformed when Jesus got his attention), at the old York Gospel Center many years ago, always ended his messages with, "Keep looking up for certainly, surely, your redemption draweth nigh!"  I remember as a child, hanging up clothes on the clothesline, looking up at the puffy white clouds to see if Jesus was in one of them, retunring for us.  The time really seems near now! 

        This next story was sent by Julie Druck in Pennsylvania, concerning her son Eli, 11 years old.

To subscribe to Julie Druck's monthly newsletter, A Heart for Home, send a blank e-mail to:  [email protected]

 

Eli’s creativity astounds me!  We recently watched the movie “Left Behind” – done several years ago about the Rapture and end times.  There is a scene in that film where a main character enters his house to find that his believing wife and son have disappeared.  All that is left behind are their clothes and jewelry that they wore at the time of the Rapture.  Those scenes have made an impact on Eli, and in each family member’s bedroom he recreated what it may look like if the Rapture happened today.  Caleb’s clothes were draped on his desk chair with the computer mouse dangling.  Ben’s T-shirt and jeans were stretched out on his bed with a book opened to the page he was reading.  And Eli’s attire is on the floor – made to look as if he were lying there looking through the reels of his Viewmaster.  What he and the movie attempted to recreate is a powerful image to remember.  This is NOT our home and the Lord may call us to our real Home at any time.  I pray that you are ready, as I am, for that marvelous event.   Come, Lord Jesus.  

 

 Ladies, have a Blessed Easter!

  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,

                                                                                                                        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 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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