6/5/06 FATHERS, HUSBANDS, PORCH, BBQ, DISCUSSION, ULTRASOUND
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love
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6/5/06 FATHERS, HUSBANDS, PORCH, BBQ, DISCUSSION, MARRIAGE
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IN THIS ISSUE:
CELEBRATING FATHERS
THE HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY
DADDY'S FOOTPRINTS
FRONT PORCH FIX-UP
OUTDOOR BARBECUING: THE ONLY TYPE OF COOKING SOME HUSBANDS WILL DO
OUTDOOR GRILLING - DELICIOUS SAVORY POTATOES AND ONIONS
THE POWER OF A TOUCH
FATHERHOOD
FAMILY READING AND DISCUSSIONS
A MOUSE STORY
BADGERING
TO MY CHILD
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES
BABY CONGRATULATIONS!
TIPS FOR YOUR FAMILY ROOM AND KITCHEN
DISCLAIMER
ULTRASOUND SAVES THE LIVES OF BABIES
by Susie Cortright, http://www.momscape.com, Copyright 2001, Used by permission
A number of recently published studies call attention to the effects of good fathering. Men who play an active role in their childrens lives stimulate all aspects of development: emotional, academic, behavioral, and social, even when those men dont live in the same home as their children.
But we dont need a study to understand that the men in our lives matter, whether hes a husband who lives at home, an ex-husband who lives across town, a stepfather, a grandfather,
an uncle, or a mentor in the community.
Even from a childs conception, a supportive father makes a difference in the lives of mothers, their children, and the world-at-large. In fact, research shows that women with supportive
partners experience fewer health complications in pregnancy and have better attitudes about the inevitable physical changes to their own bodies. Studies indicate that even labor and delivery may be shorter and easier when your partner is by your side.
Men lend a sense of self-control. They model their work ethic. They make us laugh and help us develop a sense of humor. Men teach self-reliance, self-confidence, discipline, independence, and the ability to deal with frustrations, large and small. They help their daughters understand how to relate to men and the meaning of trust and intimacy in all relationships. They help their sons understand what it means to be a husband and a father and a man.
This Fathers Day, let us remember the fathers role. Let us actively engage him in this day-to-day process of parenting. Let us stand back so he can take charge and do things his way once in a while. Let us see his parenting style as a complement - and not an opposition - to our own.
Let us celebrate our fathers and honor them for making a difference in our world.
About the author:
Susie Cortright is the founder of Momscape.com ( http://www.momscape.com ), a website devoted to celebrating life with children. Check out her online Scrapbooking magazine here:
http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking Visit her site today, and get a subscription to her weekly newsletter free: http://www.momscape.com/subscribe.htm
From Wisdom's Way of Learning - Contributed by Barb Campbell in Mississippi
Note from Lois: Tape this somewhere in your bathroom and pray for your husband, sons and sons-in-law as you get ready for each day. Imagine if we women all did that! I'm certain these special men in our lives would all feel the power of answered prayed in their lives! Try it!
Sunday
* That he might become a holy man, a man of prayer, mature in the Lord, growing in his knowledge of God. (I Thes. 5:23, Col. 4:12, Eph. 6:18, Eph. 1:18-19, Eph. 3:16-19).
* That he might daily seek God with all his heart, walking in the Spirit moment by moment, growing in his dependence on Him. (Psm. 119:1-2, Psm. 27:4, Prov. 3:5-6, John 15:5).
Monday
* That he might learn to take every thought captive, to not be conformed to the world's thinking and to think scripturally (Rom.12:2, 2 Cor. 10:5)
* That he would learn to not depend on his circumstances for happiness but on God alone (Hab. 3:17-19)
Tuesday
* That he might have new strength in the midst of his busy schedule and that the Lord might infuse him with His strength (Isa. 40:31, Eph. 3:14-19).
* That his self-image might be a reflection of the Lord's thoughts toward him (Eph. 1:17-19; Romans 12:3, Psm. 139)
Wednesday
* That he might become a called man, not driven, with well thought-through and prayed-through goals in life (I Cor. 9:24-27).
* That the Lord might give him wisdom to lead his family physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually (Eph. 1:17-19, James 1:5-7)
Thursday
* That he might stand firm against the schemes of the devil and resist Satan in all circumstances (Eph. 6:10-18, James 4:7)
* That he might not be deceived into unbelief or sin (Gal. 6:7)
Friday
* That the fruit of the Spirit might be exhibited more and more in his life (Gal. 5:22-23)
* That he might learn to love as God has commanded (I Cor. 13:4-7, Rom. 12;8-10)
Saturday
* That the Lord might protect him, guarding his course (Prov. 2:8).
* That he might learn to manage his time well (Eph. 5:15)
THE HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY
Father's Day is June 18! The celebration of Father's Day can most likely be credited to Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington State, who first suggested the idea of the holiday in 1909. Then iIn 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day, but it wasn't until President Lyndon Johnson signed the presidential proclamation in 1966 that it became official. Ever since that year the 3rd Sunday of June has been set aside for Father's Day.
© 2005 Linda J. Stevenson - Used by permission
I saw my daddys walking shoes
Sitting by the door one day,
So I slipped my feet into them
And went quickly out to play.
There was a path that he had made
That led to a big oak tree
Where he would bow alone to pray,
And Hed ask God to bless me.
His footprints, molded in the clay
From daily going there,
Beckoned me to follow them,
To spend some time in prayer.
Beneath the shade of the oak tree
Where dad would so often go,
I found the place where He would kneel
And would pray for me, I know.
I said, Dear God, my Dads a man
Whose shoes I love to wear,
For hes a man who taught me how
You hear and answer prayer.
So now I pray Youll hear my prayer
And bless my Daddy, too,
For his footprints have led me here
And taught me to love You.
You may receive Linda's poems "hot off the press" by e-mailing her at [email protected].
Linda is one of our very own "Heart to Heart" ladies in Virginia, working via e-mail with Mary Rice Hopkins who has a wonderful children's music ministry in California! Check out her site: http://www.maryricehopkins.com/
By Monica Resinger - http://www.homemakersjournal.com - Used by permission
Having a nice pretty front porch will make you feel good about your home and is a nice way to welcome guests. The first thing to do is clear away any clutter that doesnt belong so you can have a clean canvas to work with. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
~ Consider the time of year. Since summers on its way, maybe you can decorate your porch with a summer theme like sunflowers. Grow mini sunflowers in pots, make or buy a wreath or straw hat that includes silk or dried sunflowers, put up a welcome sign with painted sunflowers, get a sunflower welcome mat or paint rocks as sunflowers. You can use these same ideas with any other summer themes -- sail boating, the sun, the beach, shells -- the skys the limit.
~ Attach thin strips (6-10 or so) of lattice to the roof of your porch lengthwise with nails, then intertwine silk or real vines, leaves and flowers for a cute cottage look border.
~ To save money and also look for creative ideas, shop thrift stores and yard sales. Youll find all sorts of neat stuff like baskets, old cans, silk flowers, plants, welcome signs, wreaths and other odds and ends that you can use in your porch fix-up. When shopping, keep in mind how you could fix up some of the things you find. For example, maybe you see a plain grapevine wreath you could attach your own silk flowers or pretty ribbon to later, or maybe you see a basket you like the shape of, but it needs a paint job so you could spray paint it later. This kind of thinking will save you money and can give you some unique decorations.
I hope these ideas will give you inspiration to fix-up your front porch.
OUTDOOR BARBECUING:
THE ONLY TYPE OF COOKING SOME HUSBANDS WILL DO
Thanks to Linda Crosby in Virginia for sending this!
In preparation for the traditional kick-off to summer, here's a little humor.
When a husband volunteers to do such cooking, the following chain of events is put into motion.
1. The wife goes to the store.
2. The wife fixes the salad, vegetables, and dessert.
3. The wife prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils, and takes it to the man, who is lounging beside the grill, drinking a tall, cold beverage.
4. The husband places the meat on the grill.
5. The wife goes inside to set the table and check the vegetables.
6. The wife comes out to tell the husband that the meat is burning.
7. The husband takes the meat off the grill and hands it to the wife.
8. The wife prepares the plates and brings them to the table.
9. After eating, the wife clears the table and does the dishes.
10. The husband asks the wife how she enjoyed "her night off". And upon seeing her annoyed reaction concludes that it is just impossible to please some women!
OUTDOOR GRILLING - DELICIOUS SAVORY POTATOES AND ONIONS
Spray a large piece of foil with canola or olive oil. Slice several potatoes and a large onion onto the foil. Add several pats of butter, sprinkle with salt, pepper and dried green herbs. Suggestions are sweet basil, rosemary, thyme or tarragon for added flavor and nutrition. Fold foil up tightly and grill on medium heat for 30-40 minutes. Ask husband to turn over once. J
THE POWER OF A TOUCH
Daily Encounter by Dick Innes - Copyright by ACTS International - Used by permission http://www.actsweb.org/detoday
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV).
The word encourage simply means to put courage into another -- something we all need to receive regularly.
Years ago -- I was little more than a kid -- one of the men in our church squeezed my arm affectionately and spoke a kind word as I passed by him.
I've never forgotten that tiny touch which to me was a big encouragement. Some years later I recall how in my beginning days of ministry after speaking to a youth group one of the members in attendance said to me, "Thank you for being God's messenger to me today." I've never forgotten her words and those of many others along the way either. (Sadly, though, a cutting word can have the opposite long-term effect.)
Encouragement. So easy to give, costs nothing, and worth its weight in gold.
As Leo Buscaglia said, "The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have a potential to turn a life around. It's overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt." 1
Be sure to encourage--and put courage into--someone today, especially your own loved ones.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all the people who have encouraged me along the way. They are greatly appreciated. And please help me to be an encourager to someone else every single day just as others have encouraged me. Thank you for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Leo Buscaglia, cited on Inspirational Peak! http://www.inspirationpeak.com/
"I have known ninety-five of the world's great men in my time, and of these eight-seven were followers of the Bible. The Bible is stamped with a Specialty of Origin, and an immeasurable distance separates it from all competitors." -- W.E. Gladstone (Prime Minister)
FATHERHOOD
From the Good Clean Funnies ~ Thanks to Wanda Fox in Pennsylvania for sending this!
The nurse returns a short while later and tells the second man, "You are the father of triplets!" "Wow, what a coincidence!" he replies. "I work for the 3M Corporation!"
When the nurse comes again, she tells the third man that his wife has given birth to quadruplets. "Another coincidence! I work for the Four Seasons Hotel!"
At this point, the fourth guy faints. When he comes to, the others ask, "What's wrong?"
"What's wrong? I work for Seven-Up!"
The Mouse Story below is an appropriate reading for fathers to use during family devotions, followed by an interesting discussion. Talk about the importance of our concern, care and willingness to help others. Ask your children for examples. Take this opportunity to point out the importance of family members sticking together, being on the same team, and looking out for one another. That would be a wonderful remedy for sibling rivalry!
A MOUSE STORY ~ Author unknown ~ Contributed by Karen Coughlin in Florida
Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning. "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"
The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."
The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."
The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."
So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone. That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.
The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital, and she returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.
But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. The farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them. The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.
So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another. Remember: Each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry; our lives are woven together for a reason.
BADGERING
By Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller - Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved
http://effectiveparenting.org/ - http://www.biblicalparenting.org/ - Used by permission
This tip comes from chapter 5 in the book, "Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids."
A badger is a burrowing animal with an amazing amount of persistence. Badgers have extraordinary physical strength and a tenacious approach to life's challenges. Many children are like badgers when they can't accept no as an answer. They badger parents to try to reverse the decision. Children who badger usually have dominating personalities and confident persistence, challenging anyone who blocks their path.
When a child resorts to badgering, the goal is to wear the parent down in order to change the no answer to a yes answer. It's amazing how many different ways a child can rephrase the same question, hoping that this time it will result in a different response. Badgering is very tiring for a parent and that's probably why it works sometimes.
Children who use badgering tend to be self-focused and can't see what their barrage of questions and comments is doing to relationships. Parents who experience this kind of tension may find it helpful to reflect their feelings in a gentle way, helping to develop the sensitivity that's desperately needed. "I'm feeling uncomfortable with your question because I think I already answered it." Or "I'm not sure how to respond here. I don't want to talk about this subject anymore but you keep bringing it up." Or, "I feel like you're running over me like a truck. Let's talk about something else before I get smashed to bits!"
These kinds of comments can help raise the awareness level for kids and help them see that they have crossed the socially appropriate line and are now sacrificing the relationship for their issue.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth. Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. - Ephesians 6:1-4
Author unknown ~ Thanks to Jennifer Garman in Virginia for sending this!
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles..
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just! for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this! evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you good-night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day.
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES
Thanks to Elaine Daniels in Virginia for sharing Noah's great quote with us!
My oldest son, Noah will be eight in September. Two days after his 5th birthday he asked Jesus into his heart. About a year later, he wanted to have communion. We had been talking about the last SUPPER, and how Jesus BROKE the bread before giving it to the disciples, and Noah wanted to participate in this special time at church. When the "bread" came around, Noah's eyes were huge with astonishment. He leaned over and whispered, "THAT"S IT? Well I can't break this; it's tiny!" I explained to him that it is simply a symbol of what Jesus did, and he seemed to reluctantly accept that. He still was thinking along the lines of a supper though, because he leaned over and said, "Well, when do we eat it? I'm starved." A few months later when he was in "big church" with us again he wanted to know if we would be having "that tiny bread and that juice."
BABY CONGRATULATIONS!
Hannah Elizabeth Vega was born on May 26th, 2006. She is the 5th blessing of David and Carol Vega in Pennsylvania. Congratulations to all seven of you!
Welcome to Katie Joy Roberts, who was born on May 24, 2006 in the Czech Republic. Katie is the 4th child of Lance and Sandy Roberts. Congratulations!
TIPS FOR YOUR FAMILY ROOM AND KITCHEN
Tapering Tattling ~ If your children love to tattle on each other, have them first say something nice about whoever they are tattling on. They would no doubt rather die than say something nice about that person at that particular time and pretty soon the tattling may lessen.
Here's How I Peel Boiled Eggs ~ As soon as they're done, I pour off the hot water. Then I pour cold water over and make sure each egg has a little crack in it. I let them sit until they're cool and they always peel easily! ~ From Cyndi Roberts http://www.cynroberts.com in TX
Cooking Eggs ~ A trick that I learned from my grandmother to cook the eggs on top without having to flip them over is to put a lid on the pan while they are cooking. The steam will cook the whites over the yokes and, of course, the longer you leave the egg in the pan the more the yoke will cook so you can have them as runny (my brother and I used to call them dippy eggs. We liked to dip our toast in the yokes) or as cooked as you like. My grandmother always cooked our eggs like that for us. If someone prefers the crispiness of fried eggs then they can cook them as follows: Grandma Webers DIPPY EGGS (for those who like to dip their toast). Heat some butter in skillet. When hot crack eggs into pan and turn heat to medium and put on tight fitting lid. Let cook very briefly (takes only moments really) until the whites around the eggs are starting to get done. Pour in just a few dribbles of cold water and pop the lid back on. Cook until the whites are formed (cooked) over the top of the yoke. I like this method because I dont have to flip the eggs and risk breaking the yokes or over cooking the yokes. My grandmother would also put dippy eggs between pancakes and serve the stack with syrup over top. My grandfather especially liked them with buckwheat pancakes. ~ From Tracy Voorhis in Michigan
Natural No-Cook Apricot Preserves ~ After finding 1 pound containers of dried apricots on sale for $1.99, I bought several, and covered one pound with distilled water in a bowl. After about 24 hours, some puffed up to a completely round shape. They are delicious that way. You can also make natural apricot preserves by blending all of the fruit and some of the liquid in a blender. If added sweetener is desired, add Stevia, honey or Agave nectar, made from cactus plants in Mexico (all found at health food stores). Store in the refrigerator. Delicious! ~ Lois
Permission was given by Debbie in Michigan to use her quote in this section
In the last issue of Heart to Heart I mentioned how I recently came across an Internet link that I thought some of you ladies might enjoy (http://www.justmommies.com/ ). It consists mostly of articles, topics from A to Z concerning trying to conceive, pregnancy, babies, parenting, children's health, women's health, and breast feeding, including tips for each day throughout a pregnancy that I thought many would find helpful. It is excellent information.
A "Heart to Heart" mother of six, Debbie in Michigan, wrote to say that she loves the newsletter but was surprised that I had mentioned a web site that would ask readers to donate to the March of Dimes, telling me it is an organization that promotes abortion and genetic testing. I was not aware of that ad, and I am certainly pro-life and in favor of protecting unborn life within the womb. My sincere apology to her and others who were offended.
Regarding web sites, starting today you will find a disclaimer at the end of each newsletter.
Debbie says, "They are technically 'right' when they say they don't encourage abortion. But they do push genetic research and genetic testing for 'problems' that would only be solved by abortion ... many genetic problems are 'seek and destroy.' This they won't admit to you, but it's true."
ULTRASOUND SAVES THE LIVES OF BABIES
Focus on the Family has been providing ultrasound equipment for Pregnancy Resource Centers in America through Operation Ultrasound. This positive impact has already saved countless precious lives that would otherwise have been destroyed through abortion! Research shows that a high percentage (about 80%) of women who plan to abort their babies will change their minds when they are able to actually see that growing life inside their womb. The cost to provide one piece of ultrasound equipment is $25,000.
On the May 30 broadcast of Focus on the Family, four homeschooled teenagers whose goal it was to raise enough money for one machine, presented Dr. James Dobson with $33,000 instead. What a moving example these precious unselfish teens gave us, making a difference by giving life to potentially thousands of unborn babies! Read more about Operation Ultrasound at http://www.heartlink.org/ . This is a wonderful alternative in making donations. Every penny goes toward the purchase of an ultrasound machine and you can be sure of their Christian stand for life of the unborn.
CitizenLink will give you the news from a Christian perspective, not heard on the mainstream media. "Helping you defend the family - News . Action . Impact" - http://www.citizenlink.org/
For wonderful resources on marriage and the family, go to http://www.family.org/
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
(¨`·.·´¨) God bless you and your family and keep you in His care!
`·.¸(¨`·.·´¨)
`·.¸.·´ Your Heart to Heart friend,
Lois
The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to bring godly and practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family regarding homemaking, marriage, children and much more. You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to Lois Breneman at [email protected].
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