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8/4/07 MARRIAGE, TROOPS, SMOOTHIES, TOAD HOUSE, GRANDDAUGHTER!
#1 · August 4, 2007, 11:02 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
~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~ :~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~
8/4/07 MARRIAGE, TROOPS, SMOOTHIES, TOAD HOUSE, GRANDDAUGHTER!
~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~
IN THIS ISSUE:
MOMENTS TOGETHER FOR COUPLES
EXCELLENT ONLINE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY RESOURCES
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
EXPOSURE TO SEXUAL CONTENT IN THE MEDIA
MEDIA REVIEWS FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
THE GOAL OF MANY YOUNG ADULTS TODAY -- "TO GET RICH"
TRUE RICHES
HELP CHILDREN CHANGE THEIR HEARTS
THE DEEP ROOTS OF IRAQ IN THE BIBLE
PRAY FOR THE TROOPS - A SERVICE / MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
A SOLDIER IN IRAQ
JOE ARPAIO, COUNTY SHERIFF IN ARIZONA
ORGANIZING YOUR HOME
SMOOTHIES AND FROZEN DRINKS
SMOOTHIES AND FROZEN DRINKS
ATTRACT TOADS TO YOUR GARDEN IN A FUN AND CREATIVE WAY
NEAT MATH TRICK
ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN
RELAX
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES
OUR NEW GRANDDAUGHTER AND A PRAYER REQUEST
MOMENTS TOGETHER FOR COUPLES
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey - http://www.familylife.com/ - Used by permission
Who Is Your Enemy?
Ephesians 6:12 (King James Version)
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
A lot of jokes picture marriage as a battlefield. MS magazine once advised: "Marriage is the only war where you sleep with the enemy."
I would rather picture the entire world as the true battlefield and your marriage as being God's smallest battle formation for winning the war. In truth, your marriage is taking place on a spiritual battlefield, not a romantic balcony.
Every married couple needs to understand the following biblical principle:
Your mate is not your enemy.
Picture your marriage as two people joined together in a foxhole, cooperating in battle against a common enemy. Take a good look at your own foxhole. Are you fighting the enemy or each other? As a friend of ours told me, "I was so busy standing up in the foxhole duking it out with my husband that I had no time to be involved in fighting against the real enemy."
Keep in mind that whenever you declare war on your mate, ultimately you are opposing God Himself. You are rejecting the person He provided to complete you, to meet your needs.
Here's a practical test to discover if you view your mate as an enemy or as a fellow "soldier." Do you focus on the negative in your mate or on the positive? When you marry, you're so caught up in your new spouse that he or she can seem to do no wrong. But within 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, you reverse the process. You are now so focused on what your mate does wrong that you are oblivious to what he or she does right!
I love Robert Lewis Stevenson's exhortation for us as we look at our spouses. He says, "Make the most of the best and the least of the worst."
Prayer: That God would make you aware of the true battle and enemy you face each day, and how you need each other on that battlefield.
Discuss: Who is your real enemy? Think back to times when you have forgotten who your real enemy was-how did that impact your marriage and family? Do you treat your mate as a partner or as an enemy?
EXCELLENT ONLINE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY RESOURCES
http://www.family.org/marriage/ - Focus on the Family
http://www.familylife.com/ - Family Life - Dennis and Barbara Rainey
http://www.smalleyonline.com - Gary Smalley / Michael Smalley
http://www.marriagealive.com/- Dave and Claudia Arp
http://www.unitedmarriage.org/ - Christian resources on marriage
http://www.iwanttomakemymarriagework.com/ - Chuck and Eileen Rife
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Author unknown - Sent by Wanda Fox in Pennsylvania
Author unknown - Sent by Wanda Fox in Pennsylvania
I grew up in the 50's/60's with practical parents. A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it. A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.
Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things. A curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep.
It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, eating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.
But then my mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more.
Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away ... never to return. So ... while we have it, it's best we love it. And care for it ... and fix it when it's broken ... and heal it when it's sick.
This is true ... for marriage .... and old cars ... and children with bad report cards ... dogs and cats with bad hips ... and aging parents .... and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with.
There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special. And so, we keep them close! Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, eating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.
But then my mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more.
Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away ... never to return. So ... while we have it, it's best we love it. And care for it ... and fix it when it's broken ... and heal it when it's sick.
This is true ... for marriage .... and old cars ... and children with bad report cards ... dogs and cats with bad hips ... and aging parents .... and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with.
There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special. And so, we keep them close! Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
EXPOSURE TO SEXUAL CONTENT IN THE MEDIA
Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC, http://www.markbrandenburg.com, Used by permission
Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC, http://www.markbrandenburg.com, Used by permission
A study in the journal Pediatrics found that 55% of teens who were exposed to a lot of sexual material in movies, music and the Internet had intercourse by the age of 16. Compare that with only 6% of teens having sex who rarely saw such imagery in the media. I dont believe young teens are ready to put sexual content from the media into perspective. If you dont think it makes a difference, youre not opening your eyes.
It does makes a difference when you limit your kids exposure to sexual content from the mediaa big difference. TVs and computers in their room at an early age might be what a lot of other parents are doing, but they are also decisions that can have a permanent impact on your childs life. Make the right choice.
MEDIA REVIEWS FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Check http://www.pluggedinonline.org. This is a ministry of Focus on the Family (http://www.family.org) where lots more excellent family resources are available!
THE GOAL OF MANY YOUNG ADULTS TODAY -- "TO GET RICH"
Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC, http://www.markbrandenburg.com, Used by permission
Recently, the Pew Research Center asked 18 25 year olds what their most important goal was in life. 81% answered to get rich. Wonder where they get that value from?
It might not be a bad time to ask your kids what their most important goal in life is. Based on the answer, you can help direct them towards creating a life thats meaningful. As the awful news in the world around us mounts, we can help by parenting kids to be loving, kind, and responsible citizens. And if we can, it might not be too late.
TRUE RICHES
By Scott Bighorse on board M/V Olympic Orion - http://www.actsweb.org - Used by permission
By Scott Bighorse on board M/V Olympic Orion - http://www.actsweb.org - Used by permission
A few days ago you wrote about being rich -- not materially but spiritually. It brings back a
conversation I had with an engineer on an offshore survey boat I was on. My dad had just passed away a couple weeks before. My mom had a memorial service right after his death, then planned his funeral for a month later when all the family would get together.
I had returned to my job when the engineer asked if my dad were rich. Without thinking I said "Yes."
His next question was "How much money did you get?"
conversation I had with an engineer on an offshore survey boat I was on. My dad had just passed away a couple weeks before. My mom had a memorial service right after his death, then planned his funeral for a month later when all the family would get together.
I had returned to my job when the engineer asked if my dad were rich. Without thinking I said "Yes."
His next question was "How much money did you get?"
I then told him, "None." My Dad was rich, in the fact he was married 48 years to one woman, had 3 kids with successful careers and families. None of us got into any serious trouble, went to jail or committed crimes. I can't see being any richer than that. I remember this because the words were spoken through me as I had never pondered this question. It was then I had a better understanding about happiness and "riches." My wife and I appreciate what we have no matter how little it may seem. I felt God used me that day to not only to make him see truth but me as well.
HELP CHILDREN CHANGE THEIR HEARTS
Copyright 2007 Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller - All rights reserved - Used with permission.
http://effectiveparenting.org/ - For free e-mail parenting tips sign up: http://www.biblicalparenting.org
Too often parents focus only on behavior, getting the right actions down, but they don't address the heart. Jesus criticized the Pharisees, saying that they looked good on the outside but their hearts were still not changed. He said, "First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."
http://effectiveparenting.org/ - For free e-mail parenting tips sign up: http://www.biblicalparenting.org
Too often parents focus only on behavior, getting the right actions down, but they don't address the heart. Jesus criticized the Pharisees, saying that they looked good on the outside but their hearts were still not changed. He said, "First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."
Focusing on behavior change is not enough. Many parents work hard to help their children look good on the outside. Inadvertently, these parents teach their children "image management" the ability to appear good, clean, and nice. A change of heart is what children really need though.
Unfortunately, you can't force children to change their hearts. But we can do a lot to motivate them to make the necessary changes. We've identified several tools that, when used properly, address the heart. First, use sorrow instead of anger in the discipline process. Parents who misuse this technique often lay a guilt trip on their children. The key is to be genuine. If you, as a parent, look past your anger for a moment you will see that you truly are sad about what your child has done because you know the long-term consequences of such behavior. Reflect it in a gentle way. It's amazing to see how children will respond.
Another way to influence a child's heart is to use the scriptures. The Bible has an amazing quality, the ability to pierce through to the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Don't use the Bible in a harsh way. Instead reveal what the Bible has to say about being kind or respectful or obedient. There's a lot of wisdom and conviction that comes through the scriptures.
Be sure to talk about the heart during times of correction. "I can see you're angry because I said no, I'd like you to take a break for a bit and settle your heart down and when you're ready, come back and we'll talk about it." It will take work and a child may need some long times to settle down at first, but a change of heart is worth it in the end. Resolve the tension by having a Positive Conclusion together. Talk about what went wrong and why it was wrong. Address heart issues, not just behavior and help children see things from a deeper perspective.
You may think of some other ideas but whatever you do, don't rely on simple behavior modification techniques. They don't go deep enough and often don't address the real issues.
To learn more about how to help children change their hearts, consider the Home Improvement book by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Unfortunately, you can't force children to change their hearts. But we can do a lot to motivate them to make the necessary changes. We've identified several tools that, when used properly, address the heart. First, use sorrow instead of anger in the discipline process. Parents who misuse this technique often lay a guilt trip on their children. The key is to be genuine. If you, as a parent, look past your anger for a moment you will see that you truly are sad about what your child has done because you know the long-term consequences of such behavior. Reflect it in a gentle way. It's amazing to see how children will respond.
Another way to influence a child's heart is to use the scriptures. The Bible has an amazing quality, the ability to pierce through to the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Don't use the Bible in a harsh way. Instead reveal what the Bible has to say about being kind or respectful or obedient. There's a lot of wisdom and conviction that comes through the scriptures.
Be sure to talk about the heart during times of correction. "I can see you're angry because I said no, I'd like you to take a break for a bit and settle your heart down and when you're ready, come back and we'll talk about it." It will take work and a child may need some long times to settle down at first, but a change of heart is worth it in the end. Resolve the tension by having a Positive Conclusion together. Talk about what went wrong and why it was wrong. Address heart issues, not just behavior and help children see things from a deeper perspective.
You may think of some other ideas but whatever you do, don't rely on simple behavior modification techniques. They don't go deep enough and often don't address the real issues.
To learn more about how to help children change their hearts, consider the Home Improvement book by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
THE DEEP ROOTS OF IRAQ IN THE BIBLE
1. The Garden of Eden was in Iraq.
2. Mesopotamia, which is now Iraq, was the cradle of civilization!
3. Noah built the ark in Iraq .
4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq
5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq!
6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor, which is in Iraq!
7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq.
8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq.
9. Assyria, which is in Iraq, conquered the ten tribes of Israel.
10. Amos cried out in Iraq!
11. Babylon, which is in Iraq, destroyed Jerusalem.
12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq!
13. The three Hebrew children were in the fire in Iraq (Jesus had been in Iraq also as the fourth person in the Fiery Furnace!)
14. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writing on the wall" in Iraq.
15. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq.
16. Ezekiel preached in Iraq.
17. The wise men were from Iraq.
18. Peter preached in Iraq.
19. The "Empire of Man" described in Revelation is called Babylon, which was a city in Iraq.
2. Mesopotamia, which is now Iraq, was the cradle of civilization!
3. Noah built the ark in Iraq .
4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq
5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq!
6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor, which is in Iraq!
7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq.
8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq.
9. Assyria, which is in Iraq, conquered the ten tribes of Israel.
10. Amos cried out in Iraq!
11. Babylon, which is in Iraq, destroyed Jerusalem.
12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq!
13. The three Hebrew children were in the fire in Iraq (Jesus had been in Iraq also as the fourth person in the Fiery Furnace!)
14. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writing on the wall" in Iraq.
15. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq.
16. Ezekiel preached in Iraq.
17. The wise men were from Iraq.
18. Peter preached in Iraq.
19. The "Empire of Man" described in Revelation is called Babylon, which was a city in Iraq.
No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated with it than Iraq. And you have probably seen this one. Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know which nation is second? It is Iraq! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land of Shinar, and Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The name Iraq, means country with deep roots. Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible. Here's why:
* Eden was in Iraq--Genesis 2:10-14
* Adam & Eve were created in Iraq--Genesis 2:7-8
* Satan made his first recorded appearance in Iraq--Genesis 3:1-6
* Nimrod established Babylon & Tower of Babel was built in Iraq-- Genesis 10:8-97 & 11:1-4
* The confusion of the languages took place in Iraq--Genesis 11:5-11
* Abraham came from a city in Iraq--Genesis 11:31 & Acts 7:2-4
* Isaac's bride came from Iraq--Genesis 24:3-4 & 10
* Jacob spent 20 years in Iraq--Genesis 27:42-45 & 31:38
* The first world Empire was in Iraq--Daniel 1:1-2 &2:36-38
* The greatest revival in history was in a city in Iraq--Jonah 3
* The events of the book of Esther took place in Iraq--Esther
* The book of Nahum was a prophecy against a city in Iraq--Nahum
* The book of Revelation has prophecies against Babylon, which was the old name for the nation of Iraq--Revelation 17 & 18
PRAY FOR THE TROOPS - A SERVICE / MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
A dear friend, Debbie Klinect in Florida, recently shared with me that her oldest son, Chris, had arrived in Iraq. She gave permission for this to be included in Heart to Heart. A service/ministry opportunity for your family or Sunday school class is shared below.
The very cool thing about where our son, Chris, is going is that it is the same region where Abraham lived!!! Chris is a Bible and History nut (as his mom is) and so we got to talk about the fact that he is where Abraham used to be and also gets to go and visit a ziggurat, which is in plain view from the tent city where he will be living. Here is the link for you to see all of this:
We have been putting out the word to people that we are going to be sending weekly packages to Chris and the guys in his unit. We sent out our first batch of homemade cards to them yesterday. As we have been making them, I have been taking pictures of the cards and putting them on my gallery http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=94128. It's been so much fun to make these, knowing that they are going to be put in the hands of these guys and that they are going to be reminded that someone back home is thinking of them and praying for them.
Chris says that most of the guys in his unit are not Christians. This is our opportunity to show God's love to the unsaved. If you and your friends get creative and want to add to our weekly package, just mail the stuff to me and I'll pass everything on to them. I asked Chris today about sending goodies and he said, "YES and lots of them!" Whatever I send has to be enough for him to share! I have no problem doing that, knowing this has now become my mission field, so to speak. Our home address is 5334 Cypress Dr. Winter Park, FL 32792, if you would like to encourage and be a witness to the troops working hard to preserve our freedom.
Details:
*Notes written in purchased or handmade cards would be so encouraging to the troops! They love getting news from home!
*Drawings from children would be very dear items to receive. Cards with notes or pictures do not need envelopes. Simply send the stack to Debbie and she will take care of everything.
*Boxes of blank purchased or handmade cards could also be sent for the troops to send home to loved ones.
*If a check is sent, you need to know this is not a ministry where tax deductions can be applied. It would simply be going to a mom to pay for postage and goodies to be sent to the troops. *Checks may be sent to Debbie Klinect, at the address above, for this purpose, but boxes will be sent only up through the end of November.
A SOLDIER IN IRAQ
Thanks to Paula Archer in Ohio for passing this along.
This soldier video is new and different. It is moving and heartwarming.
The singer needs a recording contract when he comes home!
http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm
Thanks to Paula Archer in Ohio for passing this along.
This soldier video is new and different. It is moving and heartwarming.
The singer needs a recording contract when he comes home!
http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm
JOE ARPAIO, MARICOPA ARIZONA COUNTY SHERIFF
Thanks to Linda Crosby in Virginia for alerting us to this interesting story that the troops will love!
ORGANIZING YOUR HOME
By Debbie Williams, [email protected], Copyright 2007, Used by permission
One of the key rules in organizing and decorating is to utilize vertical space. Often we place furniture around the room with nothing above it, forming a nice horizontal line. There is a ton of unclaimed storage and visually appealing space right above the furniture line! For most organizing projects, you have four choices: hang it, put it in a drawer, store it on the floor, or shelve it.
GETTING STARTED. Gather several boxes labeled: To Keep, To Trash, To Sell, Undecided. Begin sorting. Don't try to find a place for everything until your items are sorted. Group your items by category. Decide what will be folded, what will be placed on hangers, what will go into drawers. By planning wisely during your sorting process, you have eliminated the need for many storage items. Use what you have around the house, then buy specific sizes for the articles you need to organize.
CLOSET SPACE. Up off the floor!! Use multilevel rods for hanging items. Bins and shelf dividers keep folded items stacked. They are inexpensive to buy and can usually be found in discount stores or home stores. The time you save sorting through things on the floor or in drawers for purses and accessories will be well worth the small investment. This will not only free up valuable drawer space, but can eliminate the need for chest of drawers altogether.
When organizing your closet, keep all blouses together. Sort by color, casual or dressy, long sleeved or short sleeved. Do the same for skirts, dresses, slacks and jeans.
KITCHEN CAPERS. Stack it Up. Use plastic or wicker in-baskets and go vertical to utilize counter space. Don't spread; stack. Purchase wire shelves for pantries and cabinets at your discount store. These double the space for dishes, pots, and pans. Lid organizers and baking tray racks store stackable pots and pans.
HANG ON. Use over-the-door hangers or door-mounted holders to display pantry items. Holders for seasoning envelopes, spice boxes, and plastic wraps consolidate these elusive items once and for all. You can even buy under-the-shelf organizers for paper plates, napkins, and coffee filters.
JUNK DRAWER. No more junk drawer? No way! Just use any type of plastic basket or cutlery organizer for your junk drawer, and clean it out routinely.
PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES. Since counter space is at a premium, don't display all your knick-knacks on the countertop. Hang framed prints rather than resting them on easels. Consolidate fridge photos with a magnetic mat, or adhere a magnetic sheet to each picture creating your own photo magnets. Store tall utensils in pottery or your favorite pitcher. This makes your favorite things do double duty, creating more drawer space and reducing countertop clutter.
KID CLUTTER. If you have a two-story home, upstairs toys are not dragged downstairs, they stay in the bedroom or playroom. Keep a few toys on a small shelf, in a wicker basket or toy bin downstairs in the family room. These must be cleaned up each night before bedtime. Downstairs push or riding toys must stay downstairs and off the steps.
To further utilize vertical space, install shelves and paint them to match the wall. Hang toy hammocks for stuffed animals. Spray paint a long shower tension rod, wrap with Velcro strips, and stick up stuffed animals.
Old soda crates found at flea markets can be cleaned up, painted, and will house treasures of all kinds: collections (shells, rocks, key rings, kids meal toys). Smaller versions can be purchased at craft and discount stores.
Interior decorators encourage us to keep our collections, but to consolidate rather than scatter them for drama. Encourage your child's creativity by enlisting their help for novel solutions for storage. Give them a budget, make a list of things to contain, and see what they come up with. Perhaps they'll surprise you and suggest taking a box full to their favorite children's charity, or have a garage sale to raise money for newer toys. Involving your kids in the planning, prioritizing, sorting, and containing stages ensures better (not perfect) participating in the maintenance of clutter. And who knows? You may actually nurture a minimalist of your own in the process. Or a packrat with incredibly organized closets.
In the lower grades of elementary school, the classrooms are set up in learning centers. And to contain the clutter in the classroom, Miss Crabtree has a strict rule of putting a toy away before taking out another one. This may seem strict in your own home and does not work with every child. With my own son, I have the "three toy rule": he may play with three toys, then it's time to put them away before dragging out another one. It works well with puzzles, books, and other like items. If you start young, they may continue this "clean as you go" rule throughout life.
Small plastic shoe boxes are perfect for Legos®, Barbie® clothes and accessories, and Hot Wheels. Find the totes a size larger with handles on the top for easy carrying to and from the play area.
Larger tubs hold blocks, play food and dishes, and other pieces that just seem to multiply in the night.
Save the extra large tubs for train sets, car tracks, doll accessories, and sports gear.
Flat under-the-bed boxes are wonderful for out of season clothes and toys. Most closets are not large enough for toys and clothes, so why not store unused toys as you would clothing: kites, beach gear, and baseball gear is stashed during winter months; football, hockey stick, and ice skates are stored during the summer.
By using some of these organizing tips, you will reclaim storage space and cut down on the clutter in your home. Use the basic principles of clutter containing for each area in your home. By containing clutter, you'll find yourself well on the way to becoming a bit more organized.
_____________________________________________________________________
Debbie Williams is an organizing strategist and parent educator who offers tools and training to help you put your house in order. She is the author of "Put Your House In Order." Learn more at http://www.organizedtimes.com
By Debbie Williams, [email protected], Copyright 2007, Used by permission
One of the key rules in organizing and decorating is to utilize vertical space. Often we place furniture around the room with nothing above it, forming a nice horizontal line. There is a ton of unclaimed storage and visually appealing space right above the furniture line! For most organizing projects, you have four choices: hang it, put it in a drawer, store it on the floor, or shelve it.
GETTING STARTED. Gather several boxes labeled: To Keep, To Trash, To Sell, Undecided. Begin sorting. Don't try to find a place for everything until your items are sorted. Group your items by category. Decide what will be folded, what will be placed on hangers, what will go into drawers. By planning wisely during your sorting process, you have eliminated the need for many storage items. Use what you have around the house, then buy specific sizes for the articles you need to organize.
CLOSET SPACE. Up off the floor!! Use multilevel rods for hanging items. Bins and shelf dividers keep folded items stacked. They are inexpensive to buy and can usually be found in discount stores or home stores. The time you save sorting through things on the floor or in drawers for purses and accessories will be well worth the small investment. This will not only free up valuable drawer space, but can eliminate the need for chest of drawers altogether.
When organizing your closet, keep all blouses together. Sort by color, casual or dressy, long sleeved or short sleeved. Do the same for skirts, dresses, slacks and jeans.
KITCHEN CAPERS. Stack it Up. Use plastic or wicker in-baskets and go vertical to utilize counter space. Don't spread; stack. Purchase wire shelves for pantries and cabinets at your discount store. These double the space for dishes, pots, and pans. Lid organizers and baking tray racks store stackable pots and pans.
HANG ON. Use over-the-door hangers or door-mounted holders to display pantry items. Holders for seasoning envelopes, spice boxes, and plastic wraps consolidate these elusive items once and for all. You can even buy under-the-shelf organizers for paper plates, napkins, and coffee filters.
JUNK DRAWER. No more junk drawer? No way! Just use any type of plastic basket or cutlery organizer for your junk drawer, and clean it out routinely.
PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES. Since counter space is at a premium, don't display all your knick-knacks on the countertop. Hang framed prints rather than resting them on easels. Consolidate fridge photos with a magnetic mat, or adhere a magnetic sheet to each picture creating your own photo magnets. Store tall utensils in pottery or your favorite pitcher. This makes your favorite things do double duty, creating more drawer space and reducing countertop clutter.
KID CLUTTER. If you have a two-story home, upstairs toys are not dragged downstairs, they stay in the bedroom or playroom. Keep a few toys on a small shelf, in a wicker basket or toy bin downstairs in the family room. These must be cleaned up each night before bedtime. Downstairs push or riding toys must stay downstairs and off the steps.
To further utilize vertical space, install shelves and paint them to match the wall. Hang toy hammocks for stuffed animals. Spray paint a long shower tension rod, wrap with Velcro strips, and stick up stuffed animals.
Old soda crates found at flea markets can be cleaned up, painted, and will house treasures of all kinds: collections (shells, rocks, key rings, kids meal toys). Smaller versions can be purchased at craft and discount stores.
Interior decorators encourage us to keep our collections, but to consolidate rather than scatter them for drama. Encourage your child's creativity by enlisting their help for novel solutions for storage. Give them a budget, make a list of things to contain, and see what they come up with. Perhaps they'll surprise you and suggest taking a box full to their favorite children's charity, or have a garage sale to raise money for newer toys. Involving your kids in the planning, prioritizing, sorting, and containing stages ensures better (not perfect) participating in the maintenance of clutter. And who knows? You may actually nurture a minimalist of your own in the process. Or a packrat with incredibly organized closets.
In the lower grades of elementary school, the classrooms are set up in learning centers. And to contain the clutter in the classroom, Miss Crabtree has a strict rule of putting a toy away before taking out another one. This may seem strict in your own home and does not work with every child. With my own son, I have the "three toy rule": he may play with three toys, then it's time to put them away before dragging out another one. It works well with puzzles, books, and other like items. If you start young, they may continue this "clean as you go" rule throughout life.
Small plastic shoe boxes are perfect for Legos®, Barbie® clothes and accessories, and Hot Wheels. Find the totes a size larger with handles on the top for easy carrying to and from the play area.
Larger tubs hold blocks, play food and dishes, and other pieces that just seem to multiply in the night.
Save the extra large tubs for train sets, car tracks, doll accessories, and sports gear.
Flat under-the-bed boxes are wonderful for out of season clothes and toys. Most closets are not large enough for toys and clothes, so why not store unused toys as you would clothing: kites, beach gear, and baseball gear is stashed during winter months; football, hockey stick, and ice skates are stored during the summer.
By using some of these organizing tips, you will reclaim storage space and cut down on the clutter in your home. Use the basic principles of clutter containing for each area in your home. By containing clutter, you'll find yourself well on the way to becoming a bit more organized.
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Debbie Williams is an organizing strategist and parent educator who offers tools and training to help you put your house in order. She is the author of "Put Your House In Order." Learn more at http://www.organizedtimes.com
SMOOTHIES AND FROZEN DRINKS
Secrets to Making the Perfect Frosty Summer Drink
by Linda Kling - Used by permission
by Linda Kling - Used by permission
What's more refreshing than a frozen drink? If you're looking for a delicious, healthy snack your kids will love, then a smoothie is a great choice. Or if you want to serve cooling refreshments to your summer guests, then a frozen drink is a real party pleaser. But there's more to it than just tossing ingredients into a blender. Follow these secrets to making the perfect fruit smoothie or frozen drink and you'll become an expert!
Freeze the fruit ahead of time. It doesn't matter whether your smoothie recipe tells you to do this or not, this little trick will make for a thicker smoothie. Wash your fruit, cut in bite size pieces (slice bananas), spread out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze. When your fruit is frozen, you can pack it together in a storage bag or container in the freezer. For best results, use within 2 weeks.
Use fresh ripe fruit for the best flavor.
When the recipe calls for ice, crushed ice is best. If you don't have crushed ice, you can always place ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag on a cutting board and "crush" the cubes with a hammer, rolling pin, frying pan, etc.
The blending order is important. First add the cold liquid, then the fruit, and last add the frozen yogurt (or ice cream) or the ice.
Considering using a Smoothie Maker. They really work! Unless you have a powerful blender, it will labor when pulverizing ice.
How to Fix a Less Than Perfect Recipe
Making smoothies and frozen drinks is not an exact science. You can start with a recipe and always change and improve it. Here are some basic tips to adapt any smoothie recipe to your own tastes and requirements.
To make it thicker: Add more ice, frozen fruit (especially a banana), frozen yogurt, ice cream or sherbet
If it's too thick: Add milk, water, or juice and blend again. Be careful when adding a lot of juice, because it will change the flavor of the frozen drink.
To make it creamier: Use ice cream, frozen yogurt or vanilla yogurt instead of the ice.
To reduce calories: Replace whole milk with skim milk. Use frozen yogurt or sorbet instead of ice cream. Add fresh fruit instead of sweetened frozen fruit. Use a sugar substitute. Choose nonfat yogurt over regular yogurt.
To make it sweeter: Add honey, maple syrup, a little sugar (superfine or confectioner's sugar blends best) or Splenda.
If it's too sweet: add a little lemon juice or even lemonade.
To make it healthier: Add protein power or brewer's yeast available from the health food or vitamin store (and some supermarkets).
To add fiber: Add ground flax seed, wheat bran, wheat germ, and leave the skin on the fruit.
If a frozen drink calls for alcohol, simply substitute juice, milk or water.
To add extra flavor: Use very ripe, quality fresh fruit. A little cocoa powder gives it a chocolaty flavor. Try a few drops of almond extract or some of the other fruit extracts sold in the baking section of the supermarket. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Recipes to get you started:
(Blend each of these as directed above)
Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
8 oz. vanilla or strawberry yogurt 1 whole banana
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, frozen 1 tablespoon honey
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
1 cup orange juice 2 cups orange sherbet
1/4 cup milk 3/4 cup vanilla frozen yogurt
Peach Smoothie
2 cups peach nectar (juice) 1 1/2 cups frozen peach slices
1 cup peach yogurt 1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt
1/2 banana
Cantaloupe Smoothie
1 cup orange juice 2 cups cantaloupe, cut in chunks, frozen
1 tablespoon honey 1 heaping tablespoon of vanilla yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla ice cubes to thicken
Cappuccino Smoothie
1 cup brewed coffee 1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 cup milk 2 cups crushed ice or ice cubes
1/3 cup granulated sugar Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
About the Author: Linda Kling is an artist, writer, party enthusiast and owner of Photo Party Favors at http://members.aol.com/PhotoPartyFavors - a great resource for party tips, hints, recipes, quotations, free printable candy bar wrappers, as well as original, custom personalized photo favors, photo magnets, photo bookmarks and more. Check out her website for unique, original photo Christmas cards.
ATTRACT TOADS TO YOUR GARDEN IN A FUN AND CREATIVE WAY
Information from http://familycrafts - Used by permission from Sherri Osborn, Editor
This would be a fun activity to do with your children! Toads eat insects, so the more toad houses, the merrier! Right? No matter what your age, if you want toads and frogs in your garden, this is an easy project to do! Sherri Osborn tells how Helena had a lot of fun making her own toad village with her dad, who says, "I'll never forget her squeals of joy that first evening when she realized a...read more
For toad houses you use coffee cans, making sure there are no sharp edges. You could also use old clay pots, margarine tubs, or any other container that is durable and large enough and something you do not plan on using again.
Sherry Osborn tells how: "I started out by using a gray, spray paint primer on the coffee cans, then my kids and I simply painted them using outdoor paints. Use your imagination! Once the paint was dry, I sealed the cans with a few layers of a clear, acrylic spray."
"Once your toad house is ready, find a moist, shady spot in your garden for it! Lay the can on it's side and bury half of it, filling the inside partially so any visiting frogs will be sitting on dirt. It's as simple and easy as that!"
Learn how to make a toad village with houses, as well as a pool, fences, and a sign.
NEAT MATH TRICK
Thanks to Barb Campbell in Mississippi for sending this!
Grab a calculator. You won't be able to do this one in your head.
1. Key in the first three digits of your phone number (NOT the Area code)
2. Multiply by 80
3. Add 1
4. Multiply by 250
5. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number
6. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number again.
7. Subtract 250
8. Divide number by 2
3. Add 1
4. Multiply by 250
5. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number
6. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number again.
7. Subtract 250
8. Divide number by 2
Do you recognize the answer ?
ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN
By Lois Breneman, © 2007, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]
Who needs a toddler to make a big mess? This grandmother made a big one all by herself! My four year old grandson will get a kick out of hearing all about this story! I can hear him laughing now.
Recently I cleaned my white tennis shoes, wiping the leather with a Magic Eraser sponge, washing the cloth part with Dawn Direct and a scrub brush, and washing the shoe strings nice and white. They were dry by the next morning and I sat down and took the time to lace them up just right. As I was about to make breakfast, I was thinking how my shoes looked so clean!
Thirty seconds later as I opened the refrigerator door and pulled out the last loaf of homemade bread in the house, I accidently pulled out a bowl of marinade, covered only by a saucer! It contained soy sauce, molasses, mustard, and little bits of garlic. What a mess! The very dark oily concoction splashed all over my white shoes, socks, the bottles in the refrigerator door, the kitchen rug and the floor! And, of course, I had just mopped the floor the day before! Isn't that how it always happens?
I stood there and just looked in disbelief at what I had done! Then I thought how my mini catastrophe was nothing, compared to the vast problems and illnesses so many friends, family and Heart to Heart friends were going through. I knew getting upset over "spilled milk," although this was a bit messier than milk, wouldn't help at all, so I spent the time praying for those in deep valleys and uncontrollable circumstances as I cleaned up. The next hour was spent cleaning and praying for all those people I thought of, and my shoes were starting to dry again and the shoestrings were hanging up to dry once more. That section of the kitchen floor was mopped four times already, and it's still oily in one spot. Well, I'm off to mop the floor one more time!
The moral of this story is to be sure to store marinade in a tightly sealed container. I will have to make use of this accident and ask my grandson how I should have solved the problem.
RELAX ~ Take few minutes to relax as you see this beautiful site sent by Karen Coughlin in Florida: http://members.shaw.ca/grandmafaith/bestday.htm
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES
Four year old Justin's mommy taught him to use a small dustpan and brush to clean up the dirt pile for her after she sweeps the floor. Recently his mommy, who was ready to deliver Justin's little sister any day, swept the floor, but didn't ask him to clean up the dirt. Instead she swept it to the side of the room where Justin saw the dirt later and said, "Mommy, I'll clean that up for you!" Then he said in a grown-up manner, feeling like a hero, "Mommy, you can go take a shower! I'll clean up the downstairs while you do that!" When she got back, she said it didn't look any different, but at least he was trying to be helpful.
When Justin's mommy was two years old, she was supposed to be in her bed. She came out to the family room to get a book, but knowing she shouldn't be there, she put her hands over her eyes, thinking I wouldn't see her disobey. She bumped into the doorway on the way out!
Just before our second child, Jeff, was born, we passed the hospital where I was planning to go before long. I asked Joy, 2, "Do you remember why Mommy is going to the hospital? She knew exactly why and told me so! "So Daddy can make me a sandpile!" She had been promised to get a sandbox while I was in the hospital and she and Daddy were home alone.
I asked Joy, 2, "What would you like to name our baby?" To which Joy immediately replied, "Happy Face!"
OUR NEW GRANDDAUGHTER AND A PRAYER REQUEST
In answer to many prayers, our brand new granddaughter, Ryan Elizabeth Clark, arrived on July 24, 2007. Her parents, Wayne and Joy Clark, and big brother, Justin, are very happy to have her join the family. I just returned from spending ten days with their family and especially loved all the cuddling time I had with precious little Ryan Elizabeth. She is such a beautiful and content little girl. She weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces and has gained 2 ounces each day. I could feel her little cheeks getting chubbier as I showered her with lots and lots of kisses.
Four year old Justin and I shot off Alka Seltzer rockets with a big boom, flew airplanes off the deck, made crafts out of egg cartons, built a toad house, made and played with playdoh, played a sequence game with tiny erasers, colored pages in a coloring book, counted to 40, did some activity pages, read books, sang, did puppet shows together and cleaned up his room together. His parents and I were also the audience for his many pretend stories, songs and shows. It was a special joy to serve their family in many ways during those ten days.
The day after little Ryan was born, a cardiologist came into the hospital room to explain about a medium sized hole found in her heart, explaining that small holes often close on their own, and large holes require open heart surgery. Her medium sized hole could go either way, he explained. Her parents are to watch for signs of congestive heart failure especially between 4 and 6 weeks of age, which would be the last half of August and into September.
Her parents and I were quite stunned at the news, but we are enlisting the prayers of those who would be willing to pray for the hole to close without surgery. Their Sunday school class all placed their hands on little Ryan Elizabeth and prayed for her when she was just 4 1/2 days old, and there was not a dry eye in the room. Such a sweet and caring class! They also brought a wonderful meal over to the house later that week as well.
Thank you so much for upholding Ryan Elizabeth in your prayers - that she won't go into congestive heart failure and for the Lord to close the hole if that is in His plan, so she won't need to go through open heart surgery before age one. Please add her name to prayer chains.
Many Heart to Heart ladies and their families need our prayers, so
please remember to pray for each Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.
(¨`·.·´¨) God bless you and your family and keep you in His loving care!
`·.¸(¨`·.·´¨) And remember, I love to hear from you dear ladies!
`·.¸.·´ Your Heart to Heart friend,
Lois
The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to encourage women and build biblical values into daily living through practical creative ideas for the Christian family regarding marriage, children, homemaking, and much more. Receive this free bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, e-mail address, and name of your referral person to Lois at [email protected]. New subscribers will receive a "Start-Up Kit."
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