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

 

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7/3/07 FREEZER MEALS, PRODUCE, TIPS, IMAGINATION, IN CHRIST

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IN THIS ISSUE: 

ASSEMBLING MEALS FOR THE FREEZER

        My Favorite Meatloaf

        Good Recipes to Freeze Ahead for Quick and Easy Meals Later: 

        Brown Rice and Vegetable Casserole

        Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

        Delicious Broccoli Casserole

        Tasty Squash Casserole

PICKING PRODUCE

TIPS AND TIDBITS

AN "IMAGINATION STATION" FOR YOUR CHILDREN

WHAT TO DO WHEN KIDS ARE ANNOYING

WHO I AM IN CHRIST

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

 

 

ASSEMBLING MEALS FOR THE FREEZER

By Lois Breneman, © 2007, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected] 

 

During our family vacation in May, we "girls" had great fun putting together some meals for my daughter, Joy, to have on hand when their baby daughter arrives.  She had paid for twelve freezer meals of meat (and got another one free), but they had to be assembled.  That was the fun part!  Each recipe had a work station where the recipe was posted.  The fresh raw meat was already in a gallon Ziplock bag in a cooler under the work table.  The bag was opened and tucked inside a tall plastic tub about the size of a small ice bucket.  The top of the bag was folded out over the container, so other ingredients could be added more easily without spilling.  At each station, other than the meat, all the remaining ingredients were lined up within reach, already chopped or diced, with the correct measuring cup or spoon right there!  Now don't we all wish we had this convenient setup in our own kitchens! Some recipes called for quart Ziplock bag for additional ingredients to go along with the recipe.  In order to fill a quart size bag more easily, a travel-sized coffee thermos works well.

 

After each recipe was assembled, we took the one or two Ziplock bags over to the wrapping table, where plastic wrap was ready for us.  We spread out the plastic wrap, and put the label face down.  The label had the recipe title and the cooking or baking instructions.  We put the one or two Ziplock bags for that particular recipe on top of the label, wrapped it securely, and put it in Joy's space in the large refrigerator.  We continued until all the meals were completed and went home amazed at how quickly the assembling of all those recipes went.  We repeatedly mentioned how much fun we had!

 

So what can we learn from this type of organized meal preparation?  For starters, it helps to have everything prepped and ready to go for each particular recipe.  This Ziplock Bag Method works great for marinated meats.  Meatloaf can also be mixed in a Ziplock bag for those who don't like to touch the raw meat.  Crab cakes and seasoned hamburgers, with other ingredients added, can be mixed in a Ziplock bag as well, and then shaped into patties while wearing latex gloves.  Patties can be separated by squares of waxed paper before wrapping, making it easy to separate one or two from the pack while still frozen by carefully using a knife, and returning the remaining patties to the freezer.

 

For this Ziplock Bag Method, try the recipe for shish-ka-bobs in the last Heart to Heart Newsletter - June 20.  I recently prepared two freezer meals of that recipe and we plan to grill one pack of shisk-ka-bobs and also grill potatoes and onions on the Fourth of July.  By the way, chicken can be substituted for the beef in shish-ka-bobs.  Marinated meats work very well to freeze ahead using the Ziplock Bag Method, because the meat marinates as it is being thawed in the refrigerator the day before it is cooked and served.  It would be good to turn the bag sometime during the day to distribute the flavors evenly.

 

The meatloaf recipe in the June 6th edition is another one you already have, but any meatloaf recipe works great to freeze ahead, unbaked or baked.  I'm sure you already have many favorite recipes that you can incorporate into this method of planning ahead.

 

My Favorite Meatloaf

Recipe from a good friend, Nena Breeding in Virginia - Extra special with all the fresh vegetables!

3 lbs. ground chuck                                       1/4 cup soy sauce
2 eggs                                                            1 cup catsup
2 cups carrots, fresh, grated                        1 cup onion, minced or 1 large onion     
2 cups celery, fresh, minced                        1 tsp. salt
2 cups mushrooms, fresh, chopped            1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 cup oatmeal, uncooked

 

Mix well.  Wrap in foil to freeze.  I freeze it unbaked, thaw it in the refrigerator and bake it at  350 degrees until cooked through, about 1 – 1½ hours.  You may prefer to freeze this either baked or raw. 

 

Although the meals we made for my daughter all contained raw meat, there are many that work well either uncooked or cooked before freezing. 

 

Freezing One Recipe in Multiples

Although the Ziplock Bag Method is excellent, in the home, I find it easier to make duplicate meals of just one recipe at a time,  because it's less work than making several recipes all at once, and one can take better advantage of specific meats found on sale this way.  Gather recipes from the stash of your family's favorites that you would like to make "assembly line style."  Let one of your children help at a time for a fun "Me and Mom Time."  They will learn a valuable lesson and skill for their future, enjoy time with Mom alone, and it's loads of fun! 

 

Good Recipes to Freeze Ahead for Quick and Easy Meals Later: 

* Recipes included in this article

Meatloaf/Meatballs *              Crab Cakes                                        Marinated Meats

Pasta Casseroles                  Green Bean Casserole                    Pizza

Dried Bean Dishes                Squash Casserole *                         Chili

Brown Rice Dishes *             Broccoli Casserole *                        Spanish Rice

Unseasoned Rice                  Spaghetti Pie or Casserole             Spaghetti Sauce  

Unseasoned Beans               Breakfast Casseroles *                    Quiche

Homemade Breads               Quick Breads / Muffins                     Soups          

Cooked/Seasoned Meat and Beans for Tacos                              Beef Barbecue

Chicken, Turkey Breast, Venison, Pork Loin, Seasoned and Cooked in the Crockpot 

 

By pulling an already prepared dish from your freezer, thawing it a day ahead (or thawing at the last minute at 30% power in your microwave), a nutritious meal can be put together in short time!  Many of the dishes above only need an additional baked potato (or rice) and vegetable and/or salad. 

 

Baked potatoes can be quickly baked in the microwave by wrapping in plastic wrap.  Pull a long piece of plastic wrap from the roll.  Lay the washed potatoes in a row with about 2 inches between them.  Wrap and twist between each potato and lay them in the microwave in a circle for even baking.  A frozen vegetable can be cooked quickly on the stove top or microwaved in a glass dish with a cover.  A little salt and a few spices finish off the vegetable.  Add water for the beverage.  If you choose to have bread and dessert, the meal will take a little more time.

 

As I've mentioned many times, a large Dutch oven of brown rice can be cooked ahead and frozen in Ziplock bags.  I do the same thing with dried beans.  It is best to drain and rinse the beans after soaking overnight, and add fresh water to prevent the unwanted effect that beans can have.  Bean or rice can be frozen in unseasoned form, and used as the basis for a quick and nutritious meal - in soups or casseroles.  Or if you wish, you could season beans or rice.  Here is a recipe I came up with several years ago - my favorite idea for seasoned brown rice.

 

Brown Rice and Vegetable Casserole

Instructions on how to make this dish in quantity to freeze ahead - saves time and energy.

 

Brown rice is packed with lots of nutrients, as opposed to white rice, and has a delicious nutty flavor.  In a large 6 quart cooking pot combine 7 cups of brown rice with 15 cups of water.  Add a tablespoon of olive oil to help the rice not to boil over.  Bring to a boil and cook on low for about 40-45 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.  If the rice seems too sticky, pour it into a colander and run cold water over it to remove the excess starch, then drain well.

 

Buy a large quantity of sliced almonds and roast on an ungreased baking pan with sides at 350 º stirring every so often.  Bake until golden brown.  Be careful not to burn them.  They can also be microwaved, but stir often and be careful to only brown them.  Keep the almonds frozen in a freezer bag, ready to use when needed to top off a dish to make it extra special. 

 

Grate 2 lbs. of carrots and slice 4 large onions.  A food processor comes in handy here!  Saute 1-2 cloves of crushed garlic for a minute or two in at least 2 tablespoons of olive oil.  Add carrots and onions and saute the vegetables until translucent. 

 

In a large clean dishpan set aside for cooking, combine all the cooked and drained brown rice (doesn't matter if it's still hot) with all the cooked vegetables.  Add the equivalent of 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1-3 teaspoons turmeric, 1 tablespoon of green herbs (sweet basil, chives, or whatever you like), salt and spices to taste and 1-2 cups grated cheese (optional).  Mix all together.  The turmeric will tint the rice yellow and add flavor.  If it stains your countertop, use a wet Magic Eraser sponge!  There's no need to use bleach.  If it stains your clothing, soak in OxiClean!

 

For additional color and flavor, add chopped pimientos and/or minced green peppers, if desired.  Freeze all the rice in Ziplock freezer bags or casserole dishes.  When ready to use, simply thaw and heat! 

 

Or for an extra special rice dish, after the rice has been heated through, use kitchen shears to cut up fresh spinach leaves and add to the rice just until the leaves wilt (do not cook).  You can use quite a bit, because as the fresh spinach heats a bit, it will quickly wilt and shrink.  Fresh basil leaves are delicious as well.  Serve with sprinkles of green herbs, grated cheese and toasted sliced almonds on top.

 

A bag of frozen stir fry vegetables is another great variation to add to the rice, instead of spinach - or serve the rice just as you have frozen it - with the carrots and onions.  Delicious!

 

This rice is even delicious served cold over top of a tossed green salad!

 

Unbaked quiche and breakfast casseroles also freeze very well.

 

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
A favorite breakfast casserole of ours.  This freezes very well. 

Thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
 
1 (24 oz) pkg. frozen hash                                    1 (6 oz.) can ham
  brown potatoes, thawed                                     1 cup Half and Half or milk
1/3 cup butter, melted                                            4 eggs
1 (4 oz.) pkg shredded                                          1/4 tsp. seasoned salt
            sharp Cheddar cheese                             1 Tbsp. chopped chili peppers, optional
1 (4 oz.) pkg. shredded Swiss cheese                1 tsp. dry mustard

                               

Blot potatoes with paper towels to remove excess moisture.  Press into greased 10" quiche dish to form crust.  Spread butter over potatoes.  Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes.  Fill crust with layers of cheese and ham.  Combine milk, eggs, salt, mustard and peppers; beat well and pour over cheese and ham.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until knife tip inserted near edge comes out clean.  Yields 6 to 8 servings.

Notes:

   Sausage or bacon can be substituted for the ham - or make it meatless. 
   Rather than using two cheeses, you can simplify the recipe by using 8 oz. of Cheddar.   

   Dill or sweet basil works well as a substitute for chili peppers.

 

Delicious Broccoli Casserole

3 (1 lb.) boxes broccoli, chopped        1 cup Duke's Mayonnaise (no sugar)

2 eggs                                                    1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup cheddar cheese                          Salt and pepper to taste

1 small onion, chopped fine

 

Combine all ingredients except broccoli, mixing very well.  Add broccoli. Pour into a greased casserole dish to freeze.  After thawed in the refrigerator, bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

 

Tasty Squash Casserole

2 lbs. yellow or zucchini squash, cooked with one diced onion

2 carrots, grated fine                                 1 pkg. Pepperidge Farm Cornbread Dressing

1 can cream of chicken soup                   1 stick butter - Melt with dressing.

1 cup sour cream                                       Salt, pepper and herbs to taste (Ex: basil or dill)

 

Drain squash. Add all ingredients except the dressing and butter.  Add salt, pepper and any herbs you desire.  Layer half of dressing and butter mixture in casserole.  Add all of the squash and onion mixture, and remaining dressing on top.  Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. 

Note: Don't bake if you plan to freeze this casserole.  Freezes great!

 

The squash is really abundant in our son and his wife's garden right now.  Zucchini and yellow squash!  A girl that James works with heard him say how abundant the squash is in their garden now and said, Well, it's time to lock all the doors!"   All kidding aside!  This is one of the best squash recipes I've ever eaten!

 

So you can see that a little planning and cooking ahead makes everything much easier when you need a quick and easy meal, and the preparation is lots of fun as well!  Happy Cooking!

 

 

PICKING PRODUCE
By Leanne Ely, Copyright 2007, Used by permission

A bargain isn't a bargain if it rots in your fridge!
 
A lot of the questions I get asked frequently have to do with fresh produce. Not just how to buy it, but also how to store it and maximize the life of it. When you're trying to be mindful of your money and making sure everything gets used up, this is an important question. We've all been guilty of opening the produce drawer of our fridges to find a green slimy thing in a plastic bag that used to be a head of lettuce.
 
To battle the slime fest in your fridge, you need to know what to buy that you can store for a longer period of time, what to buy sparingly and what to look for.
 
The first thing you need to know is what to look for when purchasing produce. Obviously, the more unblemished and the fresher your produce, the longer it will last. Wilting, discolorations, spots and a dried-out end will signal to you that that particular produce selection is well past its prime and won't last long. You want heavy melons, hard apples and fresh smelling green vegetables. If it smells fresh, it is. If it doesn't, steer clear.
 
Marked down produce, unless used right away, is usually not a good purchase. The exception being overly ripe bananas. I buy them whenever I can, peel them, freeze them and use them for smoothies, but you can use them for banana bread and other things, too.
 
Potatoes, onions and garlic can all be stored for about a month. They need to be stored in a cool place (not the fridge), and not together (when stored together, they produce gasses that spoil both). I have two bins in my pantry, one for onions and one for potatoes, that keep my produce friends cool and comfortable and keeps them from sprouting, too.
 
In the refrigerated section, carrots and celery will last a good two weeks. Take the tops off of carrots to extend their life otherwise the end, the plant part of the carrot, will continue to grow and sap the root part, the part you eat, causing the carrot to wither and dry out. While different fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, apples and some grapes all can be stored safely for two weeks, maybe even three weeks. Again, the trick is bringing home very fresh produce.
 
Broccoli and cauliflower will easily last the week in your fridge. The stuff that is tricky is the fresh greens, especially lettuces and spinach. These need to be used up within the week. The way to keep them from going bad is to plan on having the more perishable veggies for dinner as soon as you can after you purchase them. So you'll have a lovely big green salad for dinner the day after you've grocery shopped and a nice spinach salad a day later. By the time the end of the week comes 'round, you'll be down to carrots or scrounging the freezer for frozen green beans. That's okay.  You haven't wasted a thing; you should be proud!
 
To maximize the life of your produce, make sure they are kept in the produce drawers of the refrigerator (there is better humidity in there than the rest of your fridge), get the air out of the bags they're in as best you can, and check the temperature of your drawers. They should be right at about 40 degrees.
 
And remember, don't refrigerate tomatoes. They will continue to ripen if they're left out and will taste better. Hard squashes such as butternut and acorn squash and sweet potatoes also don't need refrigeration, but will fair well in the pantry with your onions and potatoes.
 
Fresh produce can be both a healthy choice and a budget saver when bought in season (seasonal produce is cheaper) and in the right quantities. Just remember that a bargain isn't a bargain if it rots in your fridge!

_____________________________ 
For more help putting dinner on your table, check out Leanne's website at www.SavingDinner.com or her "Saving Dinner" Book series published by Ballantine and her New York Times Best Selling book "Body Clutter," published by Fireside.  

 

 

TIPS AND TIDBITS

Extend the Life of Fresh Celery Considerably by wrapping it in a long piece of aluminum foil.  You will be amazed at how well this works.  I was!  This tip can more than double the life span of celery!   It will stay fresh and crisp.  If you ever have limp or wilted celery, soaking it in ice water for a few minutes will perk it up again!  This quote is worth repeating: A bargain isn't a bargain if it rots in your fridge!  - Lois

 

Honey How-To's ~ When substituting honey for sugar in a recipe, reduce any liquid by 1/4 cup and add a teaspoon of baking soda for each cup of honey used.  Also reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees to prevent overbrowning.  Coat your measuring cups and spoons with vegetable cooking spray to make it easy for honey to slide out when pouring.  Store honey at room temperature.  If it crystallizes, remove lid, and place in a container of hot water until crystals dissolve." - Found in the Southern Living Magazine and sent by Michelle Doss West in Florida

 

VBS "Recycling" ~ I wanted to share with you something that has really blessed our family. The night before VBS is over at our church, I start asking teachers if I can have their "leftovers" ... that is any decorations, posters, lesson books, music CDs, etc. Most teachers are very happy to get rid of the stuff!  My family has gotten wonderful felt Bible scenes, music that my kids love, and cool decorations. This year the theme was "game day central"  & the decorations were sports related. I have enough "leftovers" to decorate both boys' rooms and they are SO excited!  I also really like reinforcing the Bible verses & songs they learned  at VBS.  There are also ways to bless others ... giving decorations to children's centers, doing follow up home visits and taking some "VBS souvenirs" to children, stateside missionaries may need material, and the list goes on.  Just thought I would pass this idea on. I get excited when the Lord blesses us in unexpected ways! ~ Heather Farmer in Virginia

 

Natural Heartburn Remedy ~ I have to tell you that this was packed full of good stuff and I have one more thing that treats heartburn - for my husband and myself, and it is especially great for pregnant women.  Milk!  It has the calcium like the Tums, along with the other good things milk provides, and it is more natural and cools as it is going down.  I don't know if this works for everyone but we use it whenever we have heartburn here.  My husband is the one who recommended it to me when I was pregnant the first time and started getting heartburn.  God bless! ~ Tami Lysczek in Maryland

 

Batteries for Every Reason and Season - www.batteries.com

 

Brand Name Diapers at Low Prices ~ Check out www.1-800diapers.com for brand name diapers at low prices.  For 8-14 pound babies, Pampers diapers are 16 cents per diaper.  For 12-18 pound babies - 19 cents.  For 16-28 pound babies - 21 cents.  For 22-37 pound babies - 23 cents. They carry Huggies, Luvs, Seventh Generation and Tushies/Tender Care.  Fast free shipping with orders over $50. ~ Recommended by my daughter, Joy.

 

"Those who have little, if they are good at managing, must be counted among the rich." -- Socrates

 

 

AN "IMAGINATION STATION" FOR YOUR CHILDREN

By Lois Breneman, © 2007, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected] 

 

Parents in every generation have looked for activities in which their children can have fun but also learn at the same time.  Today, more than ever, technology is competing for our children's time, as well as their minds and souls, with television, computers, video games and most likely technology I am not even aware of being available.  New inventions are popping up every week - inventions that cause our children and grandchildren not to exert their minds to think any more than they can get by doing.  Why not spark the imaginations, creativity, problem solving ability, and thinking power in your children with some of these activities?

 

Problem Solving ~ If you want your child to learn problem solving skills and attitudes, you need to take the time to talk about problems when they occur, or soon afterwards.  This is a valuable idea for toddlers, all the way up to adulthood, since there is never a lack of problems as we grow older.  Teach your children that problems of all kinds are a part of everyday life and that it doesn't help to fear them or get angry about them, but it does help to know how to deal with them with God's help.  Ask these three key questions: 1) What is the problem?  2) What caused the problem? and 3) How can we make it better?  Then try to come up with a good solution.

 

Arts and Crafts Box ~ Make your own "Imagination Station" for your children by saving anything they might be able to use to express their creative talents.  Save oatmeal boxes (drum), liquid laundry detergent lids, other interesting lids (but not small enough to swallow), smooth metal lids from concentrated juices, small boxes from bars of soap (these make a great train!), paper towel and toilet paper tubes, colorful paper, Christmas and greeting cards, washed egg cartons and Styrofoam meat trays, or anything you think could be used by your children in this creative venture.  Give them scissors, glue, tape and paint, and see what they come up with!  Depending on the age of your children, the younger ones will certainly need supervision and maybe a few suggestions.  Encourage them to come up with their own contraptions and inventions.  Keep the camera handy!

 

Boxes ~ When a big box arrived at my 4 year old grandson's house last month, he claimed it for his own.  He made lots of Father's Day cards for his daddy and stuck them inside to surprise him.  You know how kids often love the box more than the gift that came inside?  So why not let them be creative and see what they come up with using boxes!   They could make a car, train, house with windows and doors, doll house, table for a tea party for friends, dolls, and Teddy bears, airplane control panel, grocery store, or paint and decorate the box as a big gift box for a family birthday gift.  Adult help will be needed for cutting, of course.

 

Dress Up and Imagination Exploration for Kids ~ Find inexpensive dress-up clothing at yard sales and thrift shops.  Let your children help find hats, frilly dresses, and out-of-the-ordinary fun clothing.  The girls will love having tea parties with their stuffed animals and dolls.  Sisters and brothers can play house together.  I remember fun times as our young children pretended to be the mommy, daddy and baby.  Our daughter also used to pretend she was flying to Hawaii with her little suitcase -  the stairs being the airplane.  I played Hawaiian music for her.  She used to do that over and over again with her doll baby.  Encourage your children to use their imaginations more and watch TV much less.

 

Play Kits ~ Children love to imitate grownups, and learn about various roles, jobs, and how it feels to be an important person, performing special tasks.  Assemble items for several different play kits to keep handy for rainy days or simply "I'm bored" days.  Store each kit in a box, fabric bag, or old pillowcase.  Play kits might consist of a Cleaning Kit, Cowboy Kit, Daddy Kit, Detective Kit, Disguise Kit, Doctor/Nurse Kit, Hospital Kit, Fireman Kit, Kitchen Kit, Library Kit, Mommy Kit, Post Office Kit, Preacher Kit, Teacher Kit, Travel Kit, Rescue Squad Kit, Restaurant Kit, School Kit, Supermarket Kit, Tea Party Kit, or whatever type of play kit you want to assemble.  What you include as props will help stretch your own imagination, and I'm sure the kids would love to help to put these kits together!  Include a card with a list of some items that are too large to include in the kit (suitcase for Travel Kit, desk for Teacher's Kit).  When finished, be sure to label each kit.  If you end up with quite a few kits, line them up in alphabetical order to quickly find a specific one.

 

Funny Bubbles ~ Pour bubbles into a cake pan.  Dip a plastic basket (from strawberries, blueberries or raspberries) into the bubble mixture and see all the tiny bubbles it makes!  A slotted spoon will do the same!  You don't have to always use the standard tools for blowing bubbles!  Encourage the kids come up with some more bubble blowing tools.

 

Blowing Colored Bubbles ~ Fill a Tupperware or plastic dish almost full of water and put a few drops of dishwashing liquid and food coloring in the bowl.  Give your child a straw and have him blow into the water - not suck it up!  For a game, have the children line up around a table outside, each with a few drops of the three primary colors (red, yellow and blue) in their bowl.  Margarine tubs work well for this.  Have the children race to blow through their straw into the water and see who gets the bubbles to overflow first.  Then watch the colors mix!  Talk about which colors form green, orange and purple.

 

Treasure Hunts ~ Come up with a list of interesting objects that could be found in your own backyard or a park.  Either a parent or an older child could make the list and be in charge.  Give each child a plastic or paper bag and let them race to find the objects.

 

Science Experiments ~ Enjoy learning science by watching sixteen great experiments, and then trying them.  http://www.krampf.com/experiment_vid.html  You can use many of these experiments for family devotions, as you turn them into object lessons with a spiritual meaning. 

 

Hopefully these ideas will inspire you to help your children expand their imaginations as they continue to learn through play.

 

 

WHAT TO DO WHEN KIDS ARE ANNOYING

Copyright 2007 Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller - All rights reserved - Used with permission. 
http://effectiveparenting.org/ - For free e-mail parenting tips sign up: www.biblicalparenting.org

Dealing with annoying behavior is not like disciplining for defiance or teaching a child to follow instructions. When it comes to impulsivity, the child can't always make changes just by choosing something different. In many cases, kids don't realize that they're being annoying and they don't know what to do to be more appropriate. Furthermore, these patterns often come from habits that have been practiced for a long time. These reasons are not excuses for inappropriate behavior but they're a further indication that the job will take concentrated effort from the child and the parents.

Part of the issue is immaturity; the child hasn't learned how to pick up on the social cues or restrain behavior as much as we'd like. But these children need more than just time to grow up. They need concentrated work to develop two character qualities: self-control and sensitivity. These qualities not only help children when they're young, but they become tools for success as children get older.

Here are some working definitions for sensitivity and self-control to get you started with your children in this area:

Self-control is the ability to control myself so that Mom and Dad don't have to.
Self-control means to think before I act.
Self-control is the ability to talk about problems instead of grabbing, pushing, or hitting.
Self-control means that I limit the noises I make when others are around.
Self-control means that I focus on one thing until it gets done, before I move to the next.
Sensitivity means that when I walk into a room I look and listen before I speak.
Sensitivity is thinking about how my actions are affecting other people.
Sensitivity means thinking about how I could help someone else.

For more on how to help children who have a problem with annoying behavior, read chapter seven in the book, Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids.

 

 

WHO I AM IN CHRIST

By Barb Campbell in Mississippi

Note from Lois:  This is a great personal Bible study for yourself and an encouraging gift for friends or those who need a lift.  You could copy and paste five lists onto five different colors of paper and cut out each scripture.  Roll up or fold each one, including all the colors in each jar.  Use either a clean prescription bottle with the label removed after soaking in hot soapy water and using a Magic Eraser on it, or use a pretty glass jar from a dollar store! 

 

This is a list I have from my Bible study leader.  I have been telling an online friend about it and so I typed it all up and sent it to her.  You will see that there is a phrase that says who you are in Christ and then a scripture reference.  The actual verse is not written out.  I like to look up the verse and use it with the phrase to journal.

 

A really neat thing to do with this list is to create a "Who I Am In Christ" jar.  Take a clean glass jar and write on the outside - "Who I Am In Christ"  Take different colored slips of paper, and cut and fold them in various shapes and sizes.  On the slips of paper, before they are cut, write one of the phrases and the scripture reference.  Fill the jar with the papers and put the lid on.  I have given these to several folks and have one on my bedside table that my daughter, Katherine, made me.  It is great to stop and pull out one of the slips and read it.  Very encouraging! 

 

Who I Am In Christ

 

I am God’s child for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God which lives and abides forever - 1 Peter 1:23

 

I am forgiven all my sins and washed in the blood - Eph. 1:7

 

I am a new creature - 2 Cor. 5:17

 

I am a temple of the Holy Spirit - 1 Cor. 6:19

 

I am delivered from the power of darkness and transformed into God’s kingdom - Col. 1:13

 

I am redeemed from the curse of the law - Gal. 3:13

 

I am strong in the Lord - Eph. 6:10

 

I am holy and without blame before Him - Eph. 1:4

 

I am accepted in Christ - Eph. 1:6

 

I am blessed - Deut. 28:1-14

 

I am a saint - Rom. 1:7

 

I am qualified to share in His inheritance - Col. 1:12

 

I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath - Deut. 28:13

 

I am victorious - Rev. 21:7

 

I am dead to sin - Rom. 6:2, 11

 

I am elect - Col. 3:12

 

I am loved with an everlasting love - Jer. 31:3

 

I am established to the end  - 1 Cor. 1:8

 

I am set free - John 8:31 - 33

 

I am circumcised with the circumcision made without hands - Col. 2:11

 

I am crucified with Christ - Gal. 2:20

 

I am alive with Christ - Eph. 2:5

 

I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places - Col. 2:11

 

I am His faithful follower - Eph. 5:1

 

I am the light of the world - Matt. 5:14

 

I am the salt of the earth - Matt. 5:13

 

I am called of God - 2 Tim. 1:9

 

I am brought near by the blood of Christ - Eph. 2:13

 

I am more than a conqueror - Rom. 8:37

 

I am in Christ Jesus by His doing - 1 Cor. 1:30

 

I am an ambassador for Christ - 2 Cor. 5:20

 

I am beloved of God - 1 Thes. 1:4

 

I am the first fruits among His creation - James 1:18

 

I am born of God and the evil one does not touch me - 1 John 5:18

 

I am a king and a priest unto God - Rev. 1:6

 

I am a joint heir with Christ - Rom. 8:17

 

I am reconciled to God - 2 Cor. 5:18

 

I am overtaken with blessings - Deut. 28:2

 

I am healed by the wounds of Jesus - 1 Peter 2:24

 

I am in the world as He is in heaven - 1 John 4:17

 

I am a fellow citizen with the saints of the household of God - Eph. 2:19

 

I am sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit - Eph. 1:13

 

I am complete in Christ - Col. 2:10

 

I am the apple of my Father’s eye - Ps. 17:8

 

I am free from condemnation - Rom. 8:1

 

I am the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ. - 2 Cor. 5:21

 

I am chosen - 1 Thes. 1:4

 

I am firmly rooted, built up, strengthened in the faith and overflowing with thankfulness - Col. 2:7

 

I am a disciple of Christ because I have love for others - John 13:34-35

 

I am built on the foundations of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone - Eph. 2:20

 

I am a partaker of His divine nature - 2 Pet. 1:4

 

I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works - Eph. 2:10

 

I am being changed into His image - Phil. 1:6

 

I am one in Christ!  Hallelujah! - John 17:21 - 23

 

I have all my needs met by God according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus - Phil 4:19

 

I have the mind of Christ - 1 Cor. 2:16

 

I have everlasting life - John 6:47

 

I have a guaranteed inheritance - Eph. 1:14

 

I have abundant life - John 10:10

 

I have overcome the world - 1 John 5:4

 

I have the peace of God which passes understanding - Phil. 4:7

 

I have access to the Father by one Spirit - Eph. 2:18

 

I can do all things through Jesus Christ - Phil. 4:13

 

I walk in Christ Jesus - Col. 2:6

 

I press toward the Goal for the prize of the high calling of God - Phil 3:14

 

I live by the law of the Holy Spirit - Rom. 8:2

 

I know God’s voice - John 10:14

 

I show forth His praise - 1 Peter 2:9

 

I always triumph in Christ - 2 Cor. 2:14

 

CHRIST IS IN ME! THE HOPE OF GLORY!  - Col. 1:27

 

 

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES 

The following two kids' quotes are from my cousin, Karen Swarr, in Pennsylvania:

Charlie, age 5, is like 3 kids all in one!!  Charlie was playing with some nails that he found ( not hard to do in a carpenter's garage ) and was making crosses and asked, "When we die will we see the boo boo's in Jesus hands?" Charlie is my thinker and comes up with all the questions.

 

Another one:  We were on the sofa and Charlie was rubbing his hand up and down my legs, talking.  He stopped and asked, "Were did you get all those splinters?"

 

My 14 month old daughter, Halle, is often saying favorite phrases, mostly out of context. I was reading her a book of animal babies and mothers yesterday and showed her a faun who was nursing. I explained that the faun was "nursey mama," like she did. Having just completed weaning, Halle promptly looked up at me and clapped and said (quite in context), "all done"! 

-Sarah Zipfel Hillyer in Georgia

 

 

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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,

                                                                                                 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 <a title=mailto:[email protected] href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected].  New subscribers will receive a "Start-Up Kit." 

 

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