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8/16/04 READING SPACE, KITCHEN TIPS, OH GAMMA!, POTTER AND CLAY
#1 · August 16, 2004, 11:01 pm
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman
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8/16/04 READING SPACE, KITCHEN TIPS, OH GAMMA!, POTTER AND CLAY
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CONTENTS:
STILL PRAYING FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE HURRICANES
TIDBITS OF INFORMATION
ENCOURAGE READING BY CREATING A COZY READING SPACE
GRILLED STUFFED MUSHROOMS
KITCHEN TIPS
KITCHEN TIPS
WHAT WAS IT LIKE 100 YEARS AGO - IN THE YEAR 1904?
OH, GAMMA!
SEND YOUR KIDS' QUOTES AND BABY ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR HEART TO HEART
A NEWBORN BABY ~ CONGRATULATIONS!
THE POTTER AND THE CLAY
STILL PRAYING FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE HURRICANES
Quite a few ladies from Florida, the Carolinas and other coastal areas receive the Heart to Heart Newsletter. You have been in my prayers a lot recently, concerning protection for your families and your homes, as Hurricanes Bonnie and Charley came through your area! I will continue to pray for you and would love to hear from those of you who were affected by the storms in any way. I keep a list of prayer requests from Heart to Heart ladies by my computer and do pray for you.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. ~ Romans 8: 35-39 (KJV)
TIDBITS OF INFORMATION
Joni and Friends ~ Some of you may have caught Joni Eareckson Tada on Larry King Live on August 3 and again on the 7th. I caught the last half - both times. It would be helpful if we let Larry King know how much we appreciated him having someone like Joni on his show. It was wonderful how she gave her clear personal testimony along with the complete plan of salvation, as only she can do so sweetly - and without his argument. In the late 60's I saw the very inspiring movie, "Joni," with her playing herself. After contacting Joni and Friends, I learned they do still carry the movie. Before World Wide Pictures moved to Charlotte, they re-mastered it, so it is now available in both video and DVD. Today I called one video rental store, and they do not carry it. This morning I heard Joni on her daily radio broadcast on the Bible Broadcasting Network (BBN). The web site for Joni and Friends is http://www.joniandfriends.org.
Available Soon ~ DVD of "The Passion of the Christ" ~ If you missed it in the theater, Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" is coming out on video and DVD on August 31. For balanced insight into the film, go to the Radio Bible Class web site http://www.rbc.net/rbcnews/, where you will find reviews of the movie as well as answers to questions this film evoked. The site also includes materials for personal or group study and an online discussion forum on the topic of Christ's death and resurrection.
Home Schooling on the Rise ~ More than 1 million children are now being educated by their parents. Read more about it. http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0033127.cfm
New Christian Schools Open Every Day ~ If not homeschooling your children, consider
Christian education as an alternative to public school education, which according to government restrictions may not include teaching from the Bible. Ironically it seems that almost any belief, including witchcraft may be taught in public schools, except Christianity. Since 1963 prayer and Bible reading have been excluded. As far back as the mid 70's in our child's public school kindergarten classroom, I was restricted from using anything to do with the real Christmas story (star, baby, sheep, camel, etc.) in a game during a Christmas party. Although the teacher was a Christian she told me she could be fired if these Christmas figures were used. In recent years Christmas carols have even been excluded. Research the differences for yourself.
Quote ~ "Parents help shape the world's future by the way they shape their children's values." ~ Contributed by Mirian Cox in Brazil
Register to Vote ~ How easy can it get? http://www.capitolconnect.com/fotf/default.asp Please don't be one of the 24 million evangelical Christians who aren't even registered to vote! And do all you can to get those Christians moved to action. Today one can register to vote and vote by absentee ballot without ever leaving home! No excuses! Another helpful web site is http://www.ivotevalues.org, a resource of Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council, and there are plenty of Christian and family values hanging in the balance during this election. This site is available to help you understand why you should register to vote, encourage others to do the same, and how to vote your values because only you can help to elect your future and that of your children and grandchildren. What will that future be? And don't forget to pray every day for God's will to be done.
How to Contact Your Congressman or Senators on Various Issues ~ http://www.family.org/cforum/action_center.cfm?capwizurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efamily%2Eorg%2Fcitizenaction
ENCOURAGE READING BY CREATING A COZY READING SPACE
By Pamela Cole Harris ~ Used by permission
The best thing you can do to help your child succeed in school is to encourage reading - no matter how young your child is! Research has shown that reading to your child not only forms a stronger bond between you, but also increases his/her cognitive, motor and social skills. And designating a space in your home as a cozy reading corner can make the experience comfortable and cozy for both of you.
Here are some tips for making the most of your reading corner:
1. Find an overstuffed chair wide enough for the two of you. Kids love to snuggle with their parents! (And parents love to snuggle with their kids!)
2. Make sure that there is proper lighting in the corner. Don't rely on harsh overhead lighting! Use soft, reader-friendly bulbs in lamps which are the correct position to prevent light from shining directly at eye height.
3. Find a table to put beside the chair to hold the lamp, glasses or additional books. Make it sturdy enough so that kids cannot accidentally turn it over when climbing on your lap!
4. Choose appropriate books for your child. Ask your local librarian to recommend books or do some research online to find books which have been favorable reviewed for your child's age. One great way to engage your child is to make your own books. Have your child dictate a story and type it out on the computer. Scan in your child's artwork or pictures that you child might tear out from magazines to illustrate his/her story. Print the book out and bind with ribbon. Then snuggle up and read!
5. Have a warm afghan or quilt in the wintertime to wrap you both in a snuggly cocoon. It increases the sense of intimacy!
6. Buy or build bookcases for the corner which are short enough so that your child's favorite books are easily accessible. Have your child choose a favorite book to read together!
7. An ottoman or footstool is a wonderful place to put up your feet while reading! And if your child is older (and no longer wants to snuggle as often!), it is a perfect place for him/her to sit.
8. Gather stuffed animals as an additional audience when your child begins to read to you. Kids love to have an audience of favorite friends!
9. As your child gets older and is reading on his own, put bean bag chairs in the reading space. Children love to "slouch" in bean bags!
10. An alternative reading area may be a rug or maybe even a big pillow on the floor. The most important thing is that your child be comfortable reading.
11. Make it a point to read to your child at bedtime. It creates a feeling of security for your child. Your special reading corner may well be your child's bed!
12. Don't make reading a 'hafta" time! You 'hafta' sit up straight, 'hafta' read this or that, or 'hafta' keep your feet off the furniture!
Whether the special reading spot in your family home is a corner chair, a bean bag, a rug or a bed, the most important thing in it is you! Make the time to read with your children! Even 10 minutes a day will make a world of difference in the life of your child.
______________________________________________________________________
Pamela Cole Harris is a writer with over 35 years experience. Her expertise on decorating on a budget comes from her own experience. See http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com for her unique view of home decorating and remodeling (and a free monthly newsletter!).
The best thing you can do to help your child succeed in school is to encourage reading - no matter how young your child is! Research has shown that reading to your child not only forms a stronger bond between you, but also increases his/her cognitive, motor and social skills. And designating a space in your home as a cozy reading corner can make the experience comfortable and cozy for both of you.
Here are some tips for making the most of your reading corner:
1. Find an overstuffed chair wide enough for the two of you. Kids love to snuggle with their parents! (And parents love to snuggle with their kids!)
2. Make sure that there is proper lighting in the corner. Don't rely on harsh overhead lighting! Use soft, reader-friendly bulbs in lamps which are the correct position to prevent light from shining directly at eye height.
3. Find a table to put beside the chair to hold the lamp, glasses or additional books. Make it sturdy enough so that kids cannot accidentally turn it over when climbing on your lap!
4. Choose appropriate books for your child. Ask your local librarian to recommend books or do some research online to find books which have been favorable reviewed for your child's age. One great way to engage your child is to make your own books. Have your child dictate a story and type it out on the computer. Scan in your child's artwork or pictures that you child might tear out from magazines to illustrate his/her story. Print the book out and bind with ribbon. Then snuggle up and read!
5. Have a warm afghan or quilt in the wintertime to wrap you both in a snuggly cocoon. It increases the sense of intimacy!
6. Buy or build bookcases for the corner which are short enough so that your child's favorite books are easily accessible. Have your child choose a favorite book to read together!
7. An ottoman or footstool is a wonderful place to put up your feet while reading! And if your child is older (and no longer wants to snuggle as often!), it is a perfect place for him/her to sit.
8. Gather stuffed animals as an additional audience when your child begins to read to you. Kids love to have an audience of favorite friends!
9. As your child gets older and is reading on his own, put bean bag chairs in the reading space. Children love to "slouch" in bean bags!
10. An alternative reading area may be a rug or maybe even a big pillow on the floor. The most important thing is that your child be comfortable reading.
11. Make it a point to read to your child at bedtime. It creates a feeling of security for your child. Your special reading corner may well be your child's bed!
12. Don't make reading a 'hafta" time! You 'hafta' sit up straight, 'hafta' read this or that, or 'hafta' keep your feet off the furniture!
Whether the special reading spot in your family home is a corner chair, a bean bag, a rug or a bed, the most important thing in it is you! Make the time to read with your children! Even 10 minutes a day will make a world of difference in the life of your child.
______________________________________________________________________
Pamela Cole Harris is a writer with over 35 years experience. Her expertise on decorating on a budget comes from her own experience. See http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com for her unique view of home decorating and remodeling (and a free monthly newsletter!).
GRILLED STUFFED MUSHROOMS
Contributed by Julie Druck in Pennsylvania - a recipe from her brother-in-law, Vince Reedy.
Wash large mushrooms by running under water and wiping with a clean dishcloth. Chop off the mushrooms stems. Saute them with a minced onion or two in butter. Carefully remove and set aside the mushrooms. For the filling use the onion and butter mixture, add bread crumbs (enough to help hold it together) and some Parmesan cheese. Put a bit of plain bread crumbs into each mushroom cap. The mushrooms tend to get watery and the crumbs help to soak up that excess moisture. Add filling to each mushroom and cover with Parmesan or Swiss cheese. Put them in a greased glass baking pan and set on the grill for about 10-15 minutes. Using a glass dish helps to see when the mushrooms are done - the bottom of the glass pan will brown slightly when the mushrooms are ready.
KITCHEN TIPS
These tips originally appeared in the Mommysavers Newsletter. To sign up for the free weekly newsletter, click here: http://www.mommysavers.com ~ Used by permission
Chicken Nuggets ~ If your kids only like chicken nuggets, make your own! Just cut up boneless, skinless chicken and coat with Shake-N-Bake. Put on metal sheet pan and bake at 400 for 15 minutes. Fast and delicious. A meal for the kids and the entire family, more healthy than the nuggets you buy already made. -- Gail, 42, from GA
Rotating Menus ~ I have two 28 day rotating menus (one for Spring/Summer and one for Fall/Winter). The advantages of this system are that we eat balanced meals over the month, meal planning is quickly done once or twice a year, knowing how much of each food I will need for the month helps with grocery shopping, the family knows what's for dinner without asking, and some meals can be made or started at the same time. One day a week is "Cook's Choice" which allows for a meal out, a new recipe or a special occasion. This idea is a combination of the SideTracked Sisters' seasonal meal plan and Rose Kennedy's 21 day rotation meal plan. -- Leslie, 55, LA
Savings with a Freezer ~ Before our first child was born we bought a deep freezer - it was a floor model so we got it below list price. On a monthly basis we go to our local BJ's and stock up on meats. Between my husband grilling some cuts and me baking/saute/etc. others, we can get all the meat cooked within a day or two. We then portion out meals, vacuum seal them, and dump them in our deep freezer. With baby #2 due any week now, this really helps us stock up on dinners. We can spend $60 on meats but have enough meals for 4-5 weeks. I definitely recommend the deep freezer and a vacuum sealer. You can use the vacuum bags in the microwave - or throw them in a pot of boiling water to reheat the food. No dirty dishes to clean up after dinner. -- Denise, 30, from NJ
Spanish Rice ~ A great tasting easy Spanish rice dinner. All you need is one pound ground beef, 1 green pepper diced, 1/4 cup diced onion (if desired), 2 15oz. cans of tomato sauce and instant rice. Cook ground beef, green pepper, and onion and drain. Add tomato sauce. Use empty cans to add two cans full of water and two cans full of rice. Add a dash of salt and pepper. Bring to boil. Turn to low and simmer for 15 minutes and serve. -- Jennifer, 30, from IN
(Note from Lois: Cooking large batches of brown rice ahead of time and freezing it in smaller batches would be a healthier choice for your family than white rice.)
WHAT WAS IT LIKE 100 YEARS AGO - IN THE YEAR 1904?
Contributed by Maggie Chandler of Virginia
The year is 1904... one hundred years ago. What a difference a century makes!
Here are some of the U.S. statistics for 1904:
Here are some of the U.S. statistics for 1904:
The average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47 years.
Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
A three-minute call from Denver to New York City cost eleven dollars.
There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S., and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California. With a mere 1.4 million residents, California was only the 21st most populous state in the Union.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
The average wage in the U.S. was 22 cents an hour.
The average U.S. worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. took place at home.
Ninety percent of all U.S. physicians had no college education. Instead, they attended medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press and by the government as "substandard."
Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law prohibiting poor people from entering the country for any reason.
The five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet.
The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was 30!!!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two of 10 U.S. adults couldn't read or write. Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at corner drugstores. According to one pharmacist, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health." (Shocking!)
Eighteen percent of households in the U.S. had at least one full-time servant or domestic.
There were only about 230 reported murders in the entire U.S.
And I forwarded this from someone else without typing it myself, and sent it to you in a matter of seconds! Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years ... it staggers the mind.
OH, GAMMA!
Recently I was talking to my cousin on the phone, who by the way, is also my sister-in-law, since she is married to my husband's brother! Their children and ours are first and second cousins! Now that you are totally confused, let me tell you about two quotes from her granddaughters that she gave me permission to use in the newsletter. The first is from Elaine Breneman's two year old granddaughter, Kara Breneman. Elaine asked her granddaughters if they would like to hear some songs that she used to play for their daddy when he was a little boy. They did! When Elaine brought out a record to play for them, Kara exclaimed, "Oh, Gamma! That's a really BIG CD!"
Elaine's oldest granddaughter, Maegan, 4, named after her Great-Grandma "Mae," really loves pink, and said she wants everyone to come to her birthday party dressed as a princess. She told Elaine she wanted her to come dressed as a princess too. Elaine said, "Oh, but I don't know what I'd wear!" To which Maegan quickly replied, "You can wear your wedding dress!" Her grandma explained that she's too fat to get into her wedding dress anymore - that she'd never be able to get the zipper up! Maegan said, "No, you're not, Grandma! Grandpa can just push you in and zip it up!"
Just a side note, Art and Elaine Breneman celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary yesterday, August 15, and we celebrated our 36th anniversary today. Elaine and I are both very thankful to the Lord for these two wonderful husbands, who grew up together with three other siblings in Lancaster and York, Pennsylvania!
SEND YOUR KIDS' QUOTES AND BABY ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR HEART TO HEART
Ladies, please send me your kids' quotes to be used in Heart to Heart. I will use your name and state, unless you'd rather I don't. Also if you want your newborn child or grandchild's birth announced, please send me the information as shown in the announcement below. Thanks!
A NEWBORN BABY ~ CONGRATULATIONS!
Joel Edmund Roberts was born on July 27, 2004. He is the third son of Jesse and Kerry Roberts, and the third grandchild of Dennis and Caffy Roberts, all living in Vermont.
THE POTTER AND THE CLAY
Author unknown ~ Contributed by Annamarie Kresge in Virginia
There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in a beautiful antique store. This trip was to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both liked antiques and pottery, and especially tea-cups. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked, "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful!"
As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea-cup spoke, "You don't understand," it said. "I have not always been a tea-cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me, pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'Don't do that. I don't like it! Let me alone,' but he only smiled, and gently said, 'Not yet!!'
Then, WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. 'Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!,' I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, quietly, 'Not yet.' He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then......
Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. 'Help! Get me out of here!' I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet'.
When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! 'Ah, this is much better,' I thought.
But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please; Stop it, Stop it!!' I cried. He only shook his head and said. 'Not yet!'
Then suddenly he put me back into the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited - and waited, wondering, 'What's he going to do to me next?'
An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.' And I did.
There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in a beautiful antique store. This trip was to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both liked antiques and pottery, and especially tea-cups. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked, "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful!"
As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea-cup spoke, "You don't understand," it said. "I have not always been a tea-cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me, pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'Don't do that. I don't like it! Let me alone,' but he only smiled, and gently said, 'Not yet!!'
Then, WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. 'Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!,' I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, quietly, 'Not yet.' He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then......
Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. 'Help! Get me out of here!' I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet'.
When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! 'Ah, this is much better,' I thought.
But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please; Stop it, Stop it!!' I cried. He only shook his head and said. 'Not yet!'
Then suddenly he put me back into the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited - and waited, wondering, 'What's he going to do to me next?'
An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.' And I did.
I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!'
Quietly he spoke: 'I want you to remember, then,' he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.' "
The moral of this story is this:
God knows what He's doing - for each of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mould us and make us, and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will.
So when life seems hard, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this.... Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter.
So when life seems hard, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this.... Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter.
Love from 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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