HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman
~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~
6/17/08 Daddy and Me, Refreshing, Vacationing at Home, Ingenious & Practical Tips
~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~
Please Send Me Address Changes to Remain on the E-mailing List - with name, old and new address.
Simply reply to this newsletter to send me an e-mail.
Feel free to share this complete newsletter with women who might benefit by subscribing. Thanks!
Instructions are at the very end of each newsletter.
IN THIS ISSUE:
MY DADDY AND ME
A REFRESHING SUMMERTIME SALAD
TACO PIE
VACATIONING AT HOME: HIGH GAS PRICES AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES
THE HEART IS WHERE WE FEEL CLOSE
SCRIPTURE MEMORY CARDS
NATURAL INSECT REPELLENT FROM ESSENTIAL OILS
FEEL-GOOD FOODS: MOOD BOOSTERS
MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS
INGENIOUS AND PRACTICAL MONEY SAVING TIPS
A CRITICAL YEAR FOR AMERICA
HUMOR AND SWEET TENDER MOMENTS IN THE FAMILY
MY DADDY AND ME
By Rachael Walton Breneman
(Written on behalf of almost three month old Daniel Joel for his daddy, Jeff)
My daddy and me -- We make a great team!
For many years I was only a dream.
But I'm finally here,
Your new little toy;
Full of giggles and smiles,
Your own little boy.
Right now there isn't much I can do,
Except add up the diaper bill for you.
But I can't wait to learn from you
How to ride a bike and tie my shoe,
To ride in the wagon and rake the leaves,
To plant a garden and climb up trees.
And then we'll move on to have more fun,
With boats and tools and B-B guns.
We'll sail, cut wood, and shoot at cans,
You'll teach me how to be a man.
But for now I'm still your little boy,
My smiles fill your life with joy.
I love you so much and I just wish I could say,
"Have an indubitably Happy Father's Day!"
(Note from Lois: Our son, Jeff, says the word "indubitably" a lot, Rachael told me. He thinks it is a $5 word. I can barely say it! Pronounced "in-doo'-bi-te-bal-ly." - Try to say that real fast! It means "that cannot be doubted; unquestionable." We certainly do need more things and people these days that are unquestionable and cannot be doubted. We definitely know One Person who fits that description, without fail - the Lord Jesus Christ!)
A REFRESHING SUMMERTIME SALAD
Thanks to Margie DeMonbrun in Missouri for sending this recipe!
Place torn crisp greens on individual salad plates or in a large salad bowl.
Use the following ingredients in the amounts you like:
Strawberries - cut in 1/2 (or smaller if really big berries)
Blueberries - whole
Mandarin oranges - leave in sections
Pineapple - cut in very small pieces
Pecan pieces
Toss lightly with light poppy seed dressing and chill. Serve.
TACO PIE
Copyright: 2006 -- LeAnn R. Ralph - Used by permission
This is an easy recipe that also allows you to make use of those crumbs that accumulate in the bottom of the taco chip bags! My husband really loves taco chips, so maybe we end up with more crumbs than your average household.
1 pound hamburger Crust:
1 small onion chopped 2 cups flour
taco seasoning or chili seasoning 3/4 cup of warm water
1 cup sliced black olives 1 pkg. dry yeast (2 teaspoons bulk yeast)
2 cups crushed taco chips 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup dry oatmeal
Cook hamburger, add onions and add taco seasoning or chili seasoning to taste. Add olives and sour cream. Heat well.
Crust: Dissolve yeast in warm water, add remaining ingredients and roll out to fit a large pie pan. Place on the bottom of a pie pan.
Sprinkle one cup of crushed taco chips over the crust. Add meat mixture. Put remaining taco chips on top of the meat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the chips.
Bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
VACATIONING AT HOME: HIGH GAS PRICES AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES
Have you heard about the woman who told her husband she'd like him to take her to some place real expensive, so he took her to the gas station? We laugh, but it's becoming a "not-so-funny" predicament lately. If high gas prices, a tight financial situation, or other circumstances like ailing health or the last months of pregnancy make it difficult or impossible for your family to go on a regular vacation, why not do some research on local activities and sights to see? With less effort and cost, you can still have lots of fun and a memorable vacation together if you spend nights at home and venture out to local destinations each day. You may even be able to include other family members nearby. Why not have Grandma and Grandpa come spend the week with your family?
Last summer since our daughter's family was unable to join the rest of the family for our annual family week at the beach, due to her delivery date being in July, the rest of the family all agreed to vacation at a lake near their home, so we could still be together. Our daughter and her husband were so touched that my husband's suggestion. Months before our vacation week came, however, they invited the whole gang to their home for vacation - a total of nine of us at the time. Two more precious babies have joined the family since that time! Vacationing in our daughter and son-in-law's home also eliminated the greatest cost of our vacation - renting a house large enough to accommodate everyone! A comfortable inflatable mattress and using a playroom as a bedroom made it possible for each couple to have a bedroom, without four year old Justin having to give up his bedroom. The dining room table was a perfect fit. We planned the meals ahead of time, took the food, did day trips and had a great time together! That was much better than a vacation at the beach with part of the family missing.
So sit down with your spouse and list activities and attractions nearby that everyone would enjoy as day trips. Research and planning ahead is the key. Check with the Chamber of Commerce, go Online, ask friends, and check the newspaper for interesting things to see and do locally. You know how it goes - many of us live near tourist attractions, yet have never been there ourselves. So now's the time! Keep notes and make lists. Then present your ideas to the rest of the family, listen, and consider their ideas and suggestions as well. Being with family and having fun is what vacations are all about anyway. Be sure not to let business interfere with this family time.
For day trips check out local farmers' markets, art galleries, historic landmarks, gardens, zoos, transportation museums, science museums or any other kind of museums, aquariums, scenic spots, lakes, or if you live near the Blue Ridge Parkway, what a beautiful place for hiking, biking or picnicing! It's easy to find good hiking areas especially in the mountains, and biking trails abound in our area as well. Go canoeing, bowling, roller skating, play miniature golf, or visit a cavern.
Even a special park could fill an entire day full of fun and relaxation as you take in a picnic, fly kites, run remote control cars or fly airplanes, toss Frisbees, play in the sandbox, swing and seesaw with your children. The kids will enjoy it to be sure, having your undivided attention all day at the park! The day before, you could possibly have a kite-making session as a family!
Maybe you know someone who has a fishing spot on their property or a friend who has their own dairy farm. Ask if you may bring your family fishing or come to see the cows being milked by machine. If you know of a fish hatchery, ask if you may come to watch during feeding time. That is really something to see! Is there a bakery, factory, lumber mill, television station, or newspaper building you might be able to tour as a family or with another family joining your own?
Plan a morning or an entire day of crafts at home for the whole family. Be sure to have all the supplies ready for specific projects beforehand. Maybe Dad could teach how to do a woodworking project or Mom could teach how to make a simple sewing project.
Any of these ideas would work for an At-Home Summer Vacation. Or you may prefer to spread the fun over the entire hot summer months by vacationing with the family one day each week, all summer long. Oh, and did I forget to mention swimming, running through the sprinkler, and making homemade ice cream to keep cool? Be sure to take lots of pictures too!
THE HEART IS WHERE WE FEEL CLOSE
By Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller - All rights reserved - Used by permission
http://effectiveparenting.org/ - For free e-mail parenting tips sign up: www.biblicalparenting.org
This tip comes from the book Parenting is Heart Work by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller
As parents, we long to connect with our children in meaningful ways and those connections often provide teaching opportunities. When children are young, those special moments happen regularly, even daily. You read a book to your four-year-old, he leans on your arm, and you cherish the time of closeness. You correct your six-year-old, and he cries that repentant cry and wants a hugand tears come to your eyes, too, because you know youve connected with his heart.
The closeness you and your children feel is a function of the heart. In Acts 4:32 we read the early disciples were one in heart and mind, a statement of their unity. The heart is where we build the close relationships that help us to teach our kids in ways that will have a lasting impact. Closeness allows us to work with our children rather than against them as they develop the valuable character qualities they need to succeed in life.
These special moments of heart connection also happen with older children, but, in many families, they come less often. A fourteen-year-old gets a positive school report, giving her dad an opportunity to affirm her hard work. Her smile confirms he made the heart connection hed hoped for.
Be on the lookout for opportunities to connect with your kids on a heart level, affirming their successes and sympathizing with their losses. The relationships you build with your children now are an essential foundation for helping them to grow in the future. In those moments of closeness you may have an opportunity for a significant conversation or you may simply want to enjoy the heart connection.
SCRIPTURE MEMORY CARDS
Written for use in "Heart to Heart"
I am a homeschooling mom and as many other homeschooling moms, I am always on the look out for ways of improving what we do, especially when it comes to God's Word. Two years ago we became a rubber stamping family, creating cards and other projects. Recently I came across an ongoing project that a lady started where she was purposefully trying to commit more of God's word to memory. She created Scripture cards and also started a challenge to others who would like to join her. I have enthusiastically embraced this idea for myself and also for my children.
For my children, each week they receive a scripture from Sunday School to memorize. For the last year I have been having them hand write the verse in a journal that I purchased for each of them. But now, we are creating card fronts for them with the scripture as the focal point and then they get to embellish the rest of the card stock. The computer can be used to write and print out the verses.
For inspiration and instructions on how to make your own Scripture Memory Box and cards, see examples of what others have done with their cards:
Note from Lois: After viewing these examples, I can see many of them making beautiful and meaningful greeting cards!
PERSISTENT
© 2006, Stacy R. Miller - Proverbs 31 devotionals - My blog - Used by permission
One night as I watched our hamster, I thought about how persistent she is in trying to escape from her cage. It never fails. Every single night, as soon as she awakens, she starts seeking a way out of that cage. When one tactic doesn't work, she will resort to another.
It made me think about my walk with God. Am I that persistent to seek after my Father every day? When I go through a dry season in my devotional times, will I diligently pursue a different route to find Him? Could I be accused of persistence when it comes to seeking my Lord? Do I persistently spend time with Him every day? Or, am I only persistent when my back is against the wall?
Proverbs 21:5 tells us that the plans of the diligent lead to profit. In relation to our time with the Lord, if we are diligent in spending time with Him, it will profit us greatly in the many things that we face every day.
First Timothy 4:15 tells us to be diligent in matters pertaining to the Word of God. The result is that others will see our spiritual progress. Not that we should specifically seek out being godly just so that others notice, but it is refreshing when someone comments on the spiritual growth they see taking place in our lives.
In Second Timothy 3:16, we find that all scripture is useful. If we haven't been persistent in spending time in the Word, we need to start small. Rather than trying to read for long periods of time, try reading for five minutes. Since all scripture is profitable and useful to us, we will find something there that will teach us, rebuke us, correct us, or train us. Start small and see what God will begin to teach you as you begin to be persistent about reading His Word.
If you don't want unsafe chemicals from many repellents such as DEET or Deep-Woods OFF to be absorbed into your skin, nor do you want to smell like insecticide, here's a basic recipe to use that is said to work just as well -- from the book, Healing with Herbs by Penelope Ody. I made this recipe and it has a delightful fragrance. What's especially nice is that I sat on the front porch and enjoyed a refreshing warm rain today as I read the mail, and wasn't bothered by mosquitoes at all. Mosquitoes usually send out a search party and find me in short order.
For a Basic Repellant start by mixing the following essential oils: 4 drops of eucalyptus, 4 drops of lavender, 4 drops of rosemary, 4 drops of tea tree with 1 teaspoon of witch hazel and 4 teaspoons of water. Shake the mixture and apply directly to skin. I put this mixture in a small Avon bottle with a dropper for applying to the skin before rubbing it in.
The book went on to give these two variations as well:
For a Bug Repellant variation, add the same mixture of oils to 2 teaspoons of witch hazel and a cup of water. Put this in a spray bottle and shake well. This is safe enough to spray directly on the skin as a bug repellant.
For an Oil Rub Down variation, add the same mixture of oils to 5 teaspoons of olive oil. Rub the mixture into your skin.
FEEL-GOOD FOODS: MOOD BOOSTERS
By Shara Aaron, MS, RD
Dark Chocolate
Nutrition facts (1 oz.): 136 calories, 2 g fiber, 8.5 g fat, 1 g protein
How it boosts mood: Just call it the ultimate comfort food. Chocolate has been found in study after study to improve a negative mood. Why? Besides evoking fond memories of holidays and happy occasions, chocolate has the optimal combination of sweet flavor and creamy texture to cause a very effective release of endorphins, which are mood-elevating hormones. Cocoa and dark chocolate contain significant amounts of antioxidant flavanols, which have been shown to improve blood flow in the brain.
Quick-prep idea: Add mini, semisweet chocolate chips to your trail mix. Or melt a few pieces of dark chocolate in the microwave to use as a dip for strawberries.
Keep in mind: This advice isnt a green light to replace your balanced meals with dark chocolate. Remember, fruits and vegetables are also loaded with antioxidantsand in contrast to eating chocolate, you dont have to worry about fat when chomping on carrots and apples. If you love chocolate, eat it in moderation, and try to make the switch from milk chocolate to dark chocolate to get more antioxidants. For more information about savoring this sweet treat, check out Rediscovering Chocolate.
Related Features:
Feel-Good Foods: Best Non-Organic Produce
Feel-Good Foods: Organic Choices
Feel-Good Foods: Spring Sensations
Feel-Good Foods: 10 Stress Soothers
Feel-Good Foods: 10 Cold & Flu Fighters
MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS
Keep Informed about vital news that you most likely will not hear from the mainstream media - things that affect your family and your world. Get free reports sent to your Inbox through CitizenLink, www.citizenlink.org, a ministry of Focus on the Family. They do the research, keep Christians informed, and let us know what we as responsible citizens can do. A very valuable resource!
New American Girl Movie ~ In theaters everywhere starting July 2nd ~ Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
Additional Endorsement for Knockout Roses ~ I just wanted to endorse the knockout roses! My mom bought me two of them, one is a double! We just absolutely love them. They just bloom and bloom and bloom! We bought them at an auction over here in Lancaster County, PA. She first heard about them from my aunt who lives in Slidell, LA. I guess they grow great anywhere. I had already bought two rose bushes before we got these and I'm glad I did because the knockouts don't smell. So now I have an abundance of blooms with the knockouts and a great fragrance with the others. ~ Rebecca in Pennsylvania
Note from Lois: This is the site where I found these roses - http://www.greatgardenplants.com// It has a lot of good gardening information too, like perennials for sun or shade, etc.
Control Key on the Computer Has Many Functions ~
Hold the Ctrl key and one of these letters to perform these different shortcuts:
Ctrl + O = OPEN Ctrl + A = SELECT ALL
Ctrl + S = SAVE Ctrl + G = GO TO
Ctrl + P = PRINT Ctrl + V = PASTE
Ctrl + C = COPY Ctrl + H = REPLACE
Ctrl + F = FIND
Green Bags really do help prolong the life of produce. I have been using them and have found them to extend the freshness of lettuce (I only buy the green varieties), tomatoes, grapes, apples, strawberries, mangoes, cherries, oranges, other citrus fruit, and other vegetables. I was able to keep bananas in a green bag for 6 days without them getting those brown spots, however, when I checked on them, they were extremely soft and mushy, so I made banana bread with them. Overall though I have found these green bags very helpful in keeping fruits and vegetables from spoiling so quickly. The idea is that the bag itself absorbs the gases given off by the fruits and vegetables that normally cause spoilage. I found a package of 20 of these reusable bags at CVS for just under $10, and I figure it won't take too long to reclaim that investment. It also saves on running to the store as often.
Spray Bottles That No Longer Spray can usually be made reusable again by soaking them in a sink of hot water for about ten minutes. Today hot water alone unclogged three spray nozzles for me.
Color Coded Tupperware Cups, a different color for each family member, will cut down on so many glasses to wash every day. Line them up on the countertop each day.
An Outdoor Water Station for the Kids will help prevent them from running in and out of the house during playtime. Set up a small table with color coded Tupperware cups of ice water for them, covered with lids.
INGENIOUS AND PRACTICAL MONEY SAVING TIPS
Creative, Casual Outdoor Party ~ A few years ago, we had a rather large party for my son-in-law's college graduation. Since we wanted an outside party on a warm California evening, we did a great salad bar. We used a round aluminum umbrella table (no umbrella that day) and put a very small size inflatable splash pool on top. We filled the small kiddie pool with crushed ice to keep all the salad ingredients cool. Large paper cups (about quart size) worked great. Everyone loved the salad bar and the kiddie pool kept everything ice cold. It was an inexpensive way to entertain many people. ~ Tommie in Abilene, TX
Water Damage ~ If your handheld GPS, digital camera or other electronic device gets a surprise soaking, try placing it in a resealable bag full of dry, uncooked rice for 24 hours. Often, the rice will absorb the moisture without the need for damaging heat. ~ Cecelia M.
Musical Door Chimes ~ There are times when we want to know if a door in our house is being opened or closed. For instance, we want to know in the winter when kids tend to leave the door open to run out to the car or let the dog out or at night if someone is up in the bathroom, maybe sick. We have a simple and pleasant method of monitoring the doors. If you attach a simple musical box or toy item with a string you pull to make it play to the wall behind the door with a hook or screw and then attach the string to the back of the door with a cup hook or strong piece of duct tape, each time the door is closed the string is pulled and the music box is "wound." Then when someone opens the door, the string is loosened and the music plays. Kids love it, and if you find a tune that you like, it is very pleasant.
We have "I'd Like to Teach The World to Sing" on our kid's bedroom door. This way, if they are up during the night to go to the bathroom or for some other reason, we hear it and can check on them if necessary. It would also alert me if someone else tried to enter the kids' room. We also keep one of these on our entry doors for that very reason. No one comes in without us knowing about it. My neighbor loved it because she always knew when her teenagers came home at night. It is impossible to disable from the outside of the house and uses absolutely no power, plus no one expects it. It lasts forever. We have had ours for over twenty years. I suggested this to a friend whose father lived with them and was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and tended to wander at night. Another friend whose children wouldn't stay out of the snack cupboard put one in the cupboard. The possibilities are endless. It is so useful. ~ Rebecca T. in Traverse City, MI
The Gift That Keeps On Giving ~ I love having an herb garden as it's nice to go out and pick herbs for cooking. However, I discovered another use for this garden. Whenever I need a gift to bring somewhere, I fill a basket (bought at yard sales) with baggies, each one containing a different herb from the garden. Another idea is to fill a vase with water and place stalks of the herbs inside as a display, which is also useful for cooking. People love this gift. ~ Janet W.
Connect the Dots ~ Growing up with two sisters, my mother would always take a Rub-A-Dub Marker and dot our clothes. She would use one dot for the oldest, two dots for the middle child, and three dots for the youngest. There would be a small dot on the tag of the clothes or on the back of jeans. This works wonders and you can fold the clothes and sort them into piles easily. She would dot our undergarments, socks, jeans, shirts, etc. I now have three girls of my own, and this is working great for us! ~ Erin in Oklahoma
Long Hair Shampoo Secret ~ If you have past-shoulder-length hair, you can shampoo it much more quickly and use less shampoo if you make a slightly loose pony tail before wetting your hair. Shampoo and rinse the scalp and the ponytail as two units. It's amazing how much easier this is than shampooing and rinsing all that loose hair. ~ Jana in Arkansas
Laundry Soap Extender ~ Cheaper laundry soap is available to all. I like the washing power of name brand soaps, but I can't afford them. So I mix my powder laundry soap (a 63-load box of soap) to 12 pounds of baking soda. I can't tell the difference in cleaning power. My mom said that the baking soda softens the water and allows the smaller amount of soap to clean better. I don't know why, but I know it works, and it's much more affordable. ~ Barb
From Roast to Ready ~ I recently shopped at our local market and found chuck roasts for $1.85 a pound. I bought six roasts, put them all in my roaster, and cooked them. After letting the meat cool, I shredded it and then put it into gallon baggies and froze it. I had over 10 bags of shredded beef to use for soups, stews, BBQ beef, beef and noodles, and beef over potatoes. What a savings to our family budget! We can get a lot of meals for less money. My family would rather have a home cooked meal than to eat out any day! Jackie S. in Sidney, Ohio (I love to cook this way! Saves lots of time as well! ~ Lois)
Leftover Baby Food? ~ If my 6-month-old does not care for a particular baby food or is unable to finish it, I don't throw it away. Instead, I put it in smoothies for my older children and me. This works well with all fruit baby foods and many sweet vegetable baby foods. I have done this with sweet peas, butternut squash, beets, apples, pears, sweet potatoes, carrots, and many others. ~ Aubri in Austin
Weed Control ~ Here's a suggestion for easily beautifying your home. Weeds usually grow in the cracks/openings of your front walk. Instead, plant thyme. It is a low-lying plant that will spread along all the cracks as it grows. Not only is thyme pretty to look at, but also it creates an aromatic smell when stepped on. ~ Joyce in Massachusetts
Stubborn Stain on Shirt ~ If you have a stain you just can't get out, try disguising it with fabric paint. My son had a very nice kelly green t-shirt that I just couldn't get the stain out of so with the help of a stencil and some fabric paint I turned it into a lizard on a rock. Turned out really cute and it's still nice enough to wear to town. Give it a try. ~ Iris S. (Machine embroidery works great too! ~ L)
Garbage Can Liner Support ~ To hold a garbage bag in place in a garbage can, cut four 9" long pieces of old garden hose. Slit them lengthwise and place them over the rim of the garbage can. ~ Maryann K.
Snake Prevention ~ I'm from South Carolina originally, and I live in Atlanta, GA now. Growing up in a farming family, it is a Southern custom to use lime. Lime irritates and eats away at a snake's or any reptile's skin, so they stay miles away from it. You can buy bags of lime at any feed and seed store, your local Wal-Mart, Home Depot or Lowe's. We in the South have always sprinkled lime under our houses and around our yards and gardens. It's a proven scientific method, and it's not harmful to humans at all! ~ Stephanie R.
Snake Away ~ Here is an old trick to keep snakes away from under your house or under your deck. Throw some mothballs under there. This will not hurt the snakes, but they do not like the "smell" of them. Within an hour and a half, they will start moving out. My friend, who worked with an exterminating company, told me about it when we had too many "sneaky snakes" around, and it worked for me! ~ Arlene in Raleigh N.C.
When the Lights Go Out ~ Instead of candles when the lights go out, use a wireless LED puck light. They are available most anywhere these days. I got a pack of three at Costco that even came with the AAA batteries that the lights required (3 batteries per light) for $12.99.
We have had two power failures within the last two weeks that have lasted for several hours into the evening. These little lights have been wonderful! They are compact and easy to carry. My lights have a high and a low setting, and they can be set down and used as background lighting for moving around.
These are safe for kids to carry and there is no worry for fires to start as a result of falling asleep with a candle burning or going through batteries with a regular flashlight. They are even safe to use for the child that is scared of the dark and needs a light on in their room for those nights the power is out. ~ Billie B.
Preparing for One-Income Living ~ My husband and I both graduated from college, but we knew long before I graduated that we wanted me to stay home and raise our kids. Once we decided to start trying to get pregnant, we stopped using my income. My income was saved or used to make extra payments on our house, which we bought when I was only 19. We sat down and decided what was a must and what was a luxury. We got rid of all the luxuries and stayed focused on the prize, which was me staying home with our children. This has been the best decision we have ever made. I love being with my kids. ~ Carol from PA
A CRITICAL YEAR FOR AMERICA
Please do your homework when checking out the Presidential candidates. Support a man of morals who stands for the values that we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ hold dear and which are vital to the continuance of America as a free nation under God.
If we are to join God in reviving the Judeo-Christian ethic on which this great country was founded, it will be because like-minded folks unite on common ground.
Check out these helpful websites to see how you can get involved in saving our country so that the gospel might continue to be propagated.
www.Faith2action.org - (Janet Folger)
www.focusaction.org - (James Dobson)
God blesses the country that blesses Him. America is only great because our founding fathers chose to honor God. We must do the same if we expect Him to continue to bless this great land.
PLEASE get involved at some level. PRAY, then get up off your knees and put feet on your prayers. The freedom of our children and grandchildren is at stake, with very few years left to remain complacent.
Lets do our part in electing a President who will stand for righteousness!
HUMOR AND SWEET TENDER MOMENTS IN THE FAMILY
A few weeks ago, I decided to make a great dinner for my husband who works so hard for me to be able to stay at home with our 4 children. I decided to do steaks, potatoes, bread and some vegetables. My 4 year old daughter, Kiara, says "Mommy!! I love these mistakes!!!" I just died laughing. So now whenever we have steaks we tell the kids we are having mistakes for dinner. That is one mistake that my husband loves to eat!!! ~ Debby Minick in Oklahoma
I gave Brian, age 3, one of the first strawberries of the season, stem and all - after weeding the garden. He looked it over and handed it back to me. "Momma, can you take them weeds off?"
Dawn Sensenig in Pennsylvania
I babysat my two year old grandson, Larson last weekend and gave his parents a break to have a date night and eat at a restaurant and visit friends. I bought Larson a big ball, similar to a beach ball but a little heavier quality. It was so hot that day we stayed indoors and played in the living room. I bounced the ball to Larson and it hit him in the face. He looked stunned and about to cry. I quickly apologized. His stunned expression changed to a big smile as he said, "It's okay, Grandma. It's okay, Grandma." That brought tears to my eyes. Then when I was changing his diaper he looked at me and said, "You're a good Grandma!" He has no idea how happy he made me feel. ~ Carol Miller in Pennsylvania
Please remember to pray for each dear Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.
Remember those who lost everything from flooding and tornadoes.
Many ladies are going through very tough times and need our prayers!
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 [email protected]. New subscribers will receive a Welcome, a "Start-Up Kit," and several recent newsletters.
Disclaimer: Various websites may be given as credits or to supply additional information for readers. However, all the views and advertisements represented by websites in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the editor. Please use your own discretion and common sense regarding all information given in this newsletter
