8/4/10 Packing, Grandparents, Natural Housecleaning Recipes, Envelopes , Lunch Packing
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman
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8/4/10 Packing, Grandparents, Natural Housecleaning Recipes, Envelopes, Lunch Packing
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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 jhbreneman@juno.com. New subscribers will receive a "Start-Up Kit."
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IN THIS ISSUE:
DO YOU ENJOY PACKING FOR TRIPS?
SUNDAY SCHOOL SONGS - LYRICS AND TUNES
GRANDPARENTS.COM ~ YOUR VOICE
STRONG-WILLED KIDS
UPDATE ON BABY BELLA-MARIE --- PLEASE PRAY
HOMEMADE FABRIC SOFTENER
NATURAL HOUSECLEANING RECIPES
FOR TOUGH SHOWER SCUM
GREAT CUT-UP BIRTHDAY CAKES
UPDATE ON BABY BELLA-MARIE
A SUBSCRIBER'S REPLY TO JULY'S HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
UNIQUE AND COLORFUL ENVELOPES FOR ALL AGES ~ FUN AND FREE!
LUNCH PACKING IDEAS
KIDS' CRAFTS
PRECIOUS GEMS
DO YOU ENJOY PACKING FOR TRIPS?
by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart Newsletter
Packing is not one of my favorite things to do. I'm afraid I'll forget something important. Then while lying in bed, I often wonder what else I need to take along, and usually I end up taking more than necessary. Just ask my husband! A master list I've compiled, and shared in Heart to Heart a couple times, does help a lot, although I'd just as soon enjoy the trip, but skip the packing all together!
Well, one of these days I'll be going on the trip of my life, and won't need to pack a single thing! It will happen "in the twinkling of an eye," and I am ready! I pray each one of you is ready as well! If, you're not absolutely, positively sure, here's how you can have no doubt whatsoever!
The Bible tells us that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We've all done wrong, and in our fleshly bodies, we still do wrong, even as Christians. That will continue until we have our glorified, heavenly bodies!
The terrible news is that the payment for sin is death (Romans 6:23). "But" (one of the best words in the Bible - a wonderful turn of events!) -- But the gift of God is eternal LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord! All we have to do to receive a gift is to ACCEPT it! Take it! It's completely free. We don't pay for it!
You see, even while we were sinners, God loved us so much that He gave His own son to die for our sins - taking our payment for sin. That's why Jesus died on the cross - to pay for our sins - all the wrong we would ever do. (Romans 5:8) So we need to believe and accept God's free gift.
Then if I confess with my mouth what God has done for me, and believe in my heart that He has raised Jesus from the dead, I will be saved. In my heart I believed, and with my mouth I confessed (told others) that Jesus saved my soul. (Romans 10:9-10)
So, are you ready to take that most wonderful and final trip of a lifetime?
Are you as excited to leave on this trip - "without packing" - as I am?
Are you thrilled that you will meet your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as I am?
Are you as anxious to meet your loved ones who beat you to heaven as I am?
As one song writer wrote, "When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!"
Please - Be There!
If you are absolutely SURE that Heaven is your final destination, I am so glad! We will meet there some day! But if you know of others who may not be ready, please feel free to copy and paste this section and send it to them.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SONGS - LYRICS AND TUNES
Thanks to Joyce Quam for sending this great resource! This is for you to use with your kids and grandkids! Enjoy! If you decide to print this out, it is 27 pages of words to the tunes of familiar songs and the links within are great in case you want to get more information. http://www.ebibleteacher.com/children/songs.htm
GRANDPARENTS.COM ~ YOUR VOICE
by Judy Trent in Tennessee, who wrote this specifically for the Heart to Heart readers! Thanks so much, Judy! I plan to do this myself!
I have enjoyed sending my voice to my grandson(s) over the computer using grandparents.com's free service called "your voice," a tool they provide free. I can sing or quote a Bible verse or tell a story or read a short piece or share a poem.
Here is how it works: I log onto grandparents.com and copy down the toll-free number to call (don't have a phone in the same room as computer), then go and call the number. I hear a beep and leave my message and hit pound (#) on the phone when finished. If I mess up the message, I just hit pound (#) right away and listen to the prompts to start over. I can choose to listen to my message, re-record my message, or save my message. (I started over 5 times on the same message one time!). Then I go back to the computer after saving my message on the phone and hanging up, and I hit "Continue" on the computer screen. Then I can enter up to four email addresses and it will send a copy of the audio message to my email box as well.
My niece asked me to sing old hymns for her children since they go to a church with contemporary music but she wanted her young children to know the old songs too. I did several for her, all four verses, one for each phone call (or computer file). She was going to try to get someone to put it on a CD for her. I don't know if she was successful or not.
This has been a joy and the price is RIGHT. It is convenient for my daughter-in-law to play if for my grandson(s) when it fits in their schedule. I do not interrupt a meal or a nap to talk to them on the phone (as often) but they can hear from Mimi.
My sons wanted copies of songs I made up for them when I was rocking them as babies. Now I have sent them copies. No microphone--the phone alone is sufficient. The computer quality is great. Can you tell I am a fan?
STRONG-WILLED KIDS
This parenting tip is from the book, Parenting is Heart Work by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. You can sign up to receive parenting tips at http://www.biblicalparenting.org.
Children who make decisions with intensity tend to be labeled “strong-willed.” At the end of the day, their parents feel as if they’ve been engaged in hand-to-hand combat—and that the child often wins at the parent’s expense! Most parents consider a strong will a negative personality trait because it often creates resistance and frustration in family life. Yet, in reality, it’s the strong-willed kids who are often better equipped to succeed, be creative, and face adversity.
Children with strong wills have the potential to become the next generation of leaders. They have their own ideas and plans. They know what they want. They’re persistent, confident, passionate, and determined to succeed at whatever they choose to do.
Leaders have an agenda, look for ways to incorporate others into their plans, and have a high need for control in life. Balanced with graciousness, leaders become a treasure because they make things happen, create organization out of chaos, and motivate people to action.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to raise a leader. These kids tend to have their own ways of doing things and like to tell other people (including their parents) what to do. A strong will keeps a child moving in a certain direction in spite of obstacles. Often these children need bigger barriers or tighter limits to teach them that those boundaries are firm.
Don’t be discouraged by the effort it takes to teach a strong-willed child which limits not to push. The strong-willed child accomplishes things in life, because the roadblocks that might hold others back are no match for this kid’s determination. Your job is to help him know the difference between obstacles to overcome and limits to live within.
A strong will can be an asset… as long as the heart is in the right place.
UPDATE ON BABY BELLA-MARIE --- PLEASE PRAY
Freshen Your Home With Eucalyptus Essential Oil ~ Eucalyptus is one of mother nature's most powerful disinfectants. For an air freshener, mix 2 cups distilled water with 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil from a health food store. Use this mixture in a spray bottle as a natural air freshener without harmful chemicals. Lemon or lavender essential oil are other wonderful, refreshing fragrances. This can be used as an air freshener, a carpet or upholstery spray. Test a small area first for fabric discoloration and do not spray on wood surfaces. Read on for more recipes from this website!
Floor Cleaner ~ Add 1 tablespoon of liquid Castile soap to 1 gallon of hot water and 1/3 cup Borax. Mix in 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. of Eucalyptus oil.
All Purpose Cleaner ~ Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 1 cup hot water, add 1/8 tsp. liquid dish detergent (nothing with bleach), 6 drops Eucalyptus oil. Pour into a spray bottle and shake before each use.
Soft Scrub Cleaner ~ Mix baking soda and liquid Castile soap until you have a smooth paste (some water can be added). Stir in a few drops of the Eucalyptus oil. Take a damp sponge, dab into the paste and use to scrub over stained areas. Wipe off with a damp, clean cloth.
Kitchen Spray Freshener ~ Fill a small spray bottle with lukewarm water and add 3 drops Eucalyptus oil (ratio is about 1 drop oil to 4 ounces water). Shake. Use on freshly washed surfaces as a fragrant rinse. Store away from sunlight.
Garbage Pail Deodorizer ~ Mix 4 teaspoons Eucalyptus oil with 4 cups of baking soda. Store in an airtight plastic container. After cleaning garbage can, sprinkle a handful of baking soda mixture on the bottom (once dry).
Tub and Sink Cleaner ~ Mix 1 cup baking soda and 15 drops Eucalyptus oil well then scrub onto bathroom tub and sink with a damp sponge. Allow to set for a bit before rinsing off with clear warm water.
Laundry Disinfectant ~ Add Eucalyptus oil to homemade laundry detergents and fabric softeners to add a level of disinfectant cleaning.
FOR TOUGH SHOWER SCUM
Although Blue Dawn is not a natural cleaner, sometimes tougher problems call for tougher solutions. Mary Hunt (http://www.debtproofliving.com) says, " If you haven't experienced the power of original Blue Dawn plus white vinegar, you are in for a treat. Remove the top of a plastic spray bottle and fill it half full of white vinegar. Carefully heat it in the microwave until the vinegar is hot, taking care not to melt the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with Blue Dawn liquid dishwashing soap. Apply the top tightly. Gently shake the bottle to mix. That's it. You now have a powerful cleaning product that will melt soap scum and tub and shower buildup, clean sinks, appliances and just about anything. Just spray it on, scrub, rinse and be amazed. For tough soap scum buildup, spray the mixture on and allow it to sit as long as overnight. Then, scrub and rinse." Used by permission
Note from Lois: I recommend wearing gloves for this project. Dawn and most regular dishwashing liquids cause my hands to peel, so there is definitely something harsh in them. However natural dishwashing liquids are much kinder to the hands. I've also started using a small bar of natural homemade soap containing natural oil to wash my hands, and that has also helped a lot. Cutting a bar of handmade soap in half and placing a piece at each sink has made a huge difference! Now, washing my hands more often actually makes them softer and less dry. As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing!"
GREAT CUT-UP BIRTHDAY CAKES
Sarah Escalera in Virginia says, "I like making cakes for my kids birthdays, and they like getting to pick out their cake each year. The cake book that I've been using was given to me by my mom. And as you can imagine after making it through the birthdays of 7 kids it was -- well, falling apart! The entire binding was history and only the pages were left. I was lamenting over the poor cake book and would you know, they have a new addition of Baker's Easy Cut-up Cakes!! And my wonderful husband found the new book on Paperback Swap! I was so excited!! It's always fun to see what our kids pick AND to see how they turn out, which can be rather hilarious given my lack of artistic skill."
Thanks, Sarah, for allowing me to share your great information! I am so glad to see these books are still available, and that Sarah provided the links to get them, because I've got two "falling-apart" books of Baker's Easy Cut-up Cakes" of my own, from our family's birthdays, and loved making those for our kids as well. My husband liked the sailboat cake too. One year I remember making an airplane from one of the books. It had so many pieces and by the time I had finished, it looked like it was in a plane crash, but all the little boys at my son's party absolutely loved it!
Of course, there are much easier cakes that we've made before - the butterfly, heart, daisy, flower cart, elephant, Raddedy Ann and Andy, baseball glove, football, Snoopy, lop-eared rabbit (using the Snoopy directions, with a few changes), fish, rocket, train, race car, and I'm sure there were others. We also made a three foot crocodile with candy corn teeth, using directions in a magazine.
Oh, and just because these books are from Baker's coconut, doesn't mean you have to put coconut on the cakes. My daughter reminded me that directions are also on the Internet.
A SUBSCRIBER'S REPLY TO JULY'S HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
Andrea Spears in Virginia replied to last month's encouragement to moms, and since I know she isn't the only young mom who feels this way, I asked if I may include her reply in this newsletter, so here it is!
"I haven't gotten to read this newsletter in its entirety yet, but I wanted to thank you for your bit of encouragement to mothers in the beginning portion. It meant so much to me. I have been praying lately that the Lord would give me abundant joy as a mother. I want to spend my days content with where I am rather than just trying to get by when things seem difficult. I do realize that I will look back and recall these days (although at times difficult), as some of my best days. Yesterday I was in the restroom and both children were by my side. It occurred to me that I never even use the restroom in private! There are times that I wish someone would just take them from me for a few hours to give me a break, but whenever they are gone (out on a walk with dad or with grandparents), there is an eerie silence in the house. I am so used to the music of their little feet. I know there will come a day when it's all over so for now I want to take it all in and try to enjoy it as much as possible. Thank you so much for the reminder. As always, I look forward to reading the rest of the newsletter! ~ With love - Andrea"
I really appreciate Andrea taking the time to write and share her heartfelt feelings as a mom! I know there is not a mother anywhere who has not felt those same feelings. I remember many afternoons as I tried to get dinner ready as a young mom, I would have at least one toddler hanging onto my legs, begging to be picked up! They don't call the hour between 4 and 5 "Arsenic Hour" for nothing! : )
For Healthier Lunches, think "whole foods," rather than processed. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts would top my list for healthy snack ideas for anyone - kids or grownups. Cut way back on sugar, and use stevia as a sweetener for better health. You may even notice less illness when you cut way back on sugar or eliminate it, since it is known to break down the immune system. My favorite way to buy stevia is at our health food co-op. NuStevia is found in a small tub for about $25, but it goes a very long way, since very little is needed. It takes far less to replace equal amounts of sugar.
PRECIOUS GEMS
Wisdom from the mouth of Gracie (7): "My mind has a camera and it takes a picture. When I see something I shouldn't I keep asking God for a delete button." ~ Penny Yonts in Virginia
Gracie (7) says to my mom: "Mamaw, I want to watch a movie. Do you have a way to play these fat DVD's"? She's referring to VHS tapes. ~ Penny Yonts in Virginia
Samantha (5) to her brother (4 ): "Alex, the Bible says that children should obey their parents ... and their sister." 🙂 ~ Amanda Clarke in Virginia
Last month our nephew, Jeremiah, age 4, was playing in a lazy river and floated by a man with very long hair. He looked at the man and asked, "are you a boy or a girl?" The man simply answered, "a boy." His grandmother was turning red with laughter. ~ Joy Wright in Virginia
Tonight at supper Madelyn (3) sneezed and I felt a few drops fall on my leg. She said, "Oh, sorry Mom, I didn't mean to get achoo on your leg!" - Liz Smith in Washington
So we went school supply shopping today. One of the things on Samantha's list was a large towel (for rest time). Samantha (5) asked what it was for, and when I told her this was the reply: "I think I would rather have a mattress. That's not going to be comfortable!" She is SO my kid. 🙂 ~ Amanda Clarke in Virginia
Yesterday while we were at the park my sweet little evangelist, Joshua (9), gave a man (who appeared to him to be in need) his Bible verse card from camp. It read: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God bless my little son. I love that boy so much! ~ Penny Yonts in Virginia
LUNCH PACKING IDEAS
1/2 cup peanut butter 2 Tbsp. honey Mix all ingredients except sesame
2 1/2 Tbsp. nonfat dry milk 1/4 cup coconut seeds. Form small balls and roll
Hard Cooked Eggs provide good protein. Peel before sending. Provide a salt packet, unless salt is available at lunchtime.
Homemade Granola can be stored in snack bags, along with a plastic spoon for lunches or snacks. Or make a trail mix using pretzels, peanuts, Chex cereal, granola, dried fruit, popcorn, and chocolate chips. Popcorn alone is a great snack, as well as the other ingredients, but go easy on the chocolate chips.
Green Salad with a dressing to add at lunchtime.
Cheese Sticks can be cut in advance, wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge for lunches. String cheese is another option.
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Quesadillas ~ Assemble shredded cheese on a tortilla. Fold it over and wrap in plastic. Send along some salsa in a Tupperware midget cup. The child can microwave the tortilla until the cheese is melted and dip away. Or send a few tortilla chips for dipping. If you'd like to make your own salsa, mix together chopped tomato, chopped green onion, a little garlic salt, sea salt, and chopped fresh cilantro.
KIDS' CRAFTS
Coffee Filter Sunflower ~ http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/coffee-filter-sunflower.shtml
Fabric Pencil Case ~ http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/fabric-pencil-case.shtml
Friendship Pens ~ http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/friendship_pens.shtml
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Many Heart to Heart ladies and their families need our prayers, (¨`·.·´¨) 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 jhbreneman@juno.com. New subscribers will receive a "Start-Up Kit." Disclaimer: Various web sites are given as credits or to supply additional information for readers. However, all the views and advertisements represented by web sites given in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the20 editor. Please use your own discretion regarding all information given in this newsletter. |
Several months ago, after an article on infertility was included in Heart to Heart, Twylene wrote to me about her husband and her being so happy to have a sweet baby girl, Bella-Marie, as their foster child after not being able to have children of their own.
Recently Twylene sent me an update concerning their foster care journey, and their continued hope to adopt Bella-Marie, who she said is growing sweeter each day. The court said they are giving Bella's biological mother three months to get straightened out. If, on August 31, she is still not capable of having her children back, they will be put up for adoption. If she is capable, they will increase visits and work toward reunitification.
Bella's biological mother is also pregnant again - due at the end of December, and was seriously considering abortion! However, we thank the Lord that she has decided to give her unborn baby life! If the baby is placed in an adoptive home after birth, Twylene and her husband would be the first option. This baby is most likely Bella's full sibling, and of course, they would be so thrilled if the Lord chooses to give them these two babies to love and raise for God's glory.
Twylene says, "It would be easy to be angry about all this -- why can she (the biological mother of Bella) get pregnant so easily with a child she doesn't even want, when some of us long so much to have a baby? I know we serve a God who is in control of everything, but sometimes it's easy to wonder what He's thinking."
Twylene asked that you ladies please pray with her about this. Since this prayer request correlates with Twylene's article on infertility and foster care several months ago, I am happy to include it. Thanks so much for your prayers for God's perfect will for these two children!
HOMEMADE FABRIC SOFTENER
Thanks to Nancy Marlow for sharing these two links, after making this recipe for herself!
http://www.ehow.com/how_2268787_homemade-liquid-fabric-softener.html
http://tipnut.com/frugral-fabric-softener-recipes-dryer-sheet-tips/
(Basically you mix 2 cups hair conditioner (In most cases 1 bottle will do) with 3 cups white distilled vinegar and 6 cups water.)
NATURAL HOUSECLEANING RECIPES
Recipes were found at http://www.tipnut.com
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