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9/16/03 CUTTING BACK, HOMEMAKING, MEN, CRAFT, GAMES

#1 · September 16, 2003, 1:37 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on September 16, 2003, 1:37 pm
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman

9/16/03 CUTTING BACK, HOMEMAKING, MEN, CRAFT, GAMES

~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

CONTENTS:

CUTTING BACK ON HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTERS

DECLUTTERING AND HOMEMAKING

"I'LL HOLD YOU IN HEAVEN SOMEDAY"

FATHER-DAUGHTER DATES

THE FIVE MOST DIFFICULT THINGS FOR MEN TO SAY

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

WHAT CAN WE DO WITH ALL THAT SQUASH?

SWISS VEGETABLE MEDLEY

AUTUMN LEAVES ~ CRAFT FOR KIDS

KIDS AND GLUE! ~ QUICK CRAFT TIP

FAMILY GAMES

FIVE FINGERS OF PRAYER.

THE LORD SHALL GUIDE YOU CONTINUALLY

WE HAVE A MIGHTY GOD! MAY WE NEVER FORGET!

CUTTING BACK ON HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTERS

Ladies, for several months I have been thinking and praying about whether I should continue sending this newsletter each week, as I've been doing since February of 1999. There have been only a few weeks that Ive missed during the past four and a half years, but I feel a need right now to catch up on some things that I have let go by the wayside. I'd like to try sending just two newsletters each month and see how that goes. As time allows I will send one or two extra newsletters occasionally using some of the material from earlier editions. This is a difficult transition for me, because I love every minute of ministering to you ladies, but after I get more organized again, maybe we can go back to Plan A. So the next newsletter will arrive sometime during the week of September 29^th. ~ Lois

DECLUTTERING AND HOMEMAKING

By Deborah Taylor-Hough ~ Used with permission

Author of Simple by Choice, http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/

While clearing out my bookshelves this week, I've not only found books I'm ready to part with, I've also found books I'd forgotten about. So in the midst of the decluttering, I'm also doing a lot of reading. 🙂

            Last night I was reading the book, "What's a Smart Woman Like You Doing at Home?" by Linda Burton, and found the following quote that really inspired me to think about the importance of making my house a home (I think this applies whether you work at home or out of the home):

            "It became clear to me that the job of homemaking was much more than an empty progression of menial tasks. More than anything, I learned that the substance of homemaking is the creation of a place that makes people feel good -- to, in effect, set a stage that allows     positive feelings to happen. It takes great artistry to create a home where people will want to talk to each other; where they will want to linger over dinner; where they will want to snuggle up with a quilt and a book on rainy day instead of escaping to the shopping mall. It takes skill and sensitivity to design ways to buoy, comfort, and strengthen the people we love."

I think I've gotten so wrapped up in my decluttering mode this week that I'd lost sight of "why" I'm actively seeking to make my house a home. It's for the people I love so they have a safe haven away from the weariness of the outside world, a place of refreshment and joy.

            I'll probably keep on doing the same things in my goal toward a clutter-free house, but I think each little step will be infused with love for my family rather than just frustration over too much stuff. I've discovered over the years that a simple change of focus like that can make the difference between a chore ... and an act of love.

"I'LL HOLD YOU IN HEAVEN SOMEDAY"

By Jo Ann Taylor, Mountain Home, Arkansas, who has a ministry to those who have lost a baby through miscarriage or other tragedies.

Operation Angel: http://fly.to/OperationAngel    http://opangel.angelcities.com/index.html

From the very beginning I loved you,

As I made plans to hold you and rock you;

You were tiny and helpless as you lay in my womb,

But something went wrong and soon you were gone.

My young heart was broken, my tears fell like rain,

I'd never known such heartache and pain.

I wonder who you look like, me or daddy,

Do you have my smile and his eyes?

Would you have been big and tall or tiny and small?

We had dreams for you that reached to the skies.

It was long, long ago and I still miss you so,

Thanks to Jesus, I'll see you in heaven.

I'll hold you in heaven someday,

When my trails on earth pass away;

The angels have rocked you,

The Father watches over you,

I know you're waiting for me:

I never could hold you or tell you "Goodbye!"

But I'll hold you in heaven someday.

Note from Lois: Be sure that your eternal destination truly will be Heaven. Don't take that for granted. If you need help, please e-mail me at [email protected]. Jo Ann Taylor offered to give out her personal e-mail address in "Heart to Heart" and pass it on to any hurting moms who may have experienced a loss in miscarriage. She said, "Talking with someone else who has been there is extremely helpful in the healing process and being able to talk openly about their babies is helpful also ... That's what I'm here for." [email protected] Thanks, Jo Ann, for your vital ministry and for your willingness to communicate personally with "Heart to Heart" ladies.



FATHER-DAUGHTER DATES

Copyright 2003 Dionna Sanchez

Used with permission. All rights reserved.

I have a neighbor girl who goes on dates with her dad. When I first heard this, I thought, "What a wonderful idea!" She shared with me how special these times with her dad were. He would call her up from work and ask her if she had any plans for the evening. Sometimes they would go to a movie or out to dinner. Sometimes they'd just grab dessert somewhere.

            This is such a special idea. What this dad is doing is creating a special bond with his daughter and maintaining it through the turbulent teen years. He is providing an outlet in which she can share things with him. Most importantly, he is teaching her what it's like to go on dates and how to be treated by a man. What perfect opportunities to demonstrate opening a door for a lady, pushing her seat in at a table, walking her to her front door, etc. She will know how it feels to be treated with respect and expect nothing less. Don't you want that for your daughter?

            My neighbor girl recommended that dads start this with their daughters while they are younger like elementary school so that they start doing father-daughter dates when they think it's really cool to be with their dad. But if your daughter is older, you can still give it a whirl. It's never too late to try an idea that could impact a life. It may just be a matter of who your son-in-law will turn out to be!

_____________________________

Dionna Sanchez is Editor/Publisher of Emphasis On Moms at www.EmphasisOnMoms.com

THE FIVE MOST DIFFICULT THINGS FOR MEN TO SAY

By Chuck and Eileen Rife, www.iwanttomakemymarriagework.com

1) I don't know    2) I was wrong    3) I need help    4) I'm afraid    5) I'm sorry

Or so Stuart Briscoe claims in his book entitled The Vulnerable Man. Read it and determine for yourself if he is right! In his writing, Briscoe encourages men to pattern their lives after John the Baptist who exemplified six outstanding character traits:

1) Sincerity    2) Simplicity    3) Conviction    4) Courage    5) Vision    6) Vulnerability

Briscoe latches onto John's heart cry in John 3:30 where he says, "He (Jesus) must become greater, I must become less."

A MUST READ for any man searching for a deeper walk with the Lord.

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

(Ladies, please send me your childrens cute quotes at [email protected] to be used in H2H. Thanks! The last two are from H2H ladies.)

A mother allowed her daughter to go to church with friends one Sunday. When the little girl got home, the mother asked her if she was a good little girl at church. She explained, Yes, Mother. A man even offered me a big plate of money and I said, No, thank you.

The crowded school bus pulled to the curb to make way for a speeding fire truck. The children were fascinated by the Dalmatian seated beside the fireman. One child asked why the firemen have the dog with them. Another child said it was to bark at the crowds to keep them away. A third child said he was there for good luck. The discussion ended when one lad explained, They use the dog to find the fire hydrant! That made sense!

A little girl, enchanted by her new baby cousin, asked her mother, Can we have a baby? The mother replied, I dont believe so, darling. They cost too much. When the little girl asked how much, the mother said, Oh, about $40,000. The youngster thought for a moment, then said, Thats not very much, when you consider how long they last!

A teacher asked her students, If you had 10 potatoes and had to divide them among 12 people, how would you do it? One child replied, Mash em! (My answer exactly!)

A woman came home from a nearby farm with two buckets of cow manure for her garden. Whats that for? asked 6 year old Kelly. The strawberries, Mom answered. After staring at the buckets for a moment, Kelly asked, Can I just have mine with whipped cream?

Monika McCall in Virginia sent this kids quote from her nephew's wife:
Just to let you know that even the little ones are listening - Yesterday after the sermon concerning the Ten Commandments, I asked my 5 year old son, Ross, what he learned from the preacher in "Big Church." He replied, "Don't cut up your neighbor's wife and don't cut up your neighbor's house."   He knows a lot of words, but "covet" is a new one for him!

Lisa Weddle in Virginia shares about her sons quote:

Last week Joshua (age 5 1/2) was helping me make zucchini bread. After we added the zucchini, Josh said "Now we add the water." I told him we didn't need to add water since vegetables were made mostly of water already. He looked up at me in amazement and said "Wow! How does God do that?" !!!!

WHAT CAN WE DO WITH ALL THAT SQUASH?

(If you have other ideas, please let me know ~ Lois)

*Make a squash casserole (Sept. 2 newsletter). If you are new to H2H since then, ask.

* Make zucchini bread.

* Add squash to spaghetti sauce.

* Add squash to vegetable soup.

* Slice thin slices of zucchini or yellow squash onto pizza, along with onions.

* Blanch squash for just 3 minutes, cool in ice water, drain and freeze in freezer bags.

* There is a chess pie recipe, using squash, but it is very sweet.

* Puree and freeze squash, and add it throughout the year to soups and sauces. Shh! Your family will never know!

* Sauté' squash with tomatoes, onions and herbs. Add grated cheese on top and serve.

* Hollow out a small zucchini with an apple corer, fill with tuna salad and slice.

* Cut zucchini in half, lengthwise. Fill with cooked ground beef or chicken, mixed with cream soup and vegetables. Bake until zucchini is tender. Top with cheese.

SWISS VEGETABLE MEDLEY

Recipe from Roxanne Staufer of Virginia

*Remember to eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day for good health.

1 (16 oz.) bag frozen broccoli, carrots and cauliflower combination, thawed and drained

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Swiss cheese

1/3 cup sour cream

¼ tsp. black pepper

1 (4 oz.) jar chopped pimiento, drained

1 can (2.8 oz.) French fried onions

Combine vegetables, soup, ½ cup cheese, sour cream, pepper, pimiento and ½ can onions. Pour into a 1 quart casserole. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and onions; bake, uncovered, for 5 minutes longer.



AUTUMN LEAVES ~ CRAFT FOR KIDS

By Denise Imbody

I used to do this craft with the different Sunday school classes I taught, and it was a big hit.

Materials:

A Big sheet of paper (your choice of size really)

All different colors of tissue paper

Markers or crayons

Glue or glue sticks

Scissors

Instructions ~ Have the children draw a picture of a tree, with bare branches, and ground--and whatever else they'd like in the picture. (If the children you are working with, are too young to do this, then have the pictures drawn ahead of time for them.)

            Cut the colored tissue paper into any size square--it's been a while since I have done this project - but I think 2" by 2" will work fine. (Again, you might want to have this done ahead of time too, depending on the age of the children.)

            I think glue sticks will work fine for this project. So, have them dab the glue in different places on the picture--some on the tree, some falling to the ground, and some on the ground.

            Then take the squares of tissue paper--1 at a time--crinkle it upand put it on the glue spots.

            If you would rather use glue, you can use the tip below. After the children crinkle the colored squares, apply a little glue to each "leaf" with the cotton swab, and stick it on the picture.

            There you have it - a nice picture of autumn leaves.

Note from Lois: Another way to do this craft is by cutting 1 1/2 inch squares of tissue paper, centering a pencil eraser on the paper, picking it up with the ends of the paper around the pencil. Twist the paper around the pencil, dip into glue and place each leaf on the tree in this way.

KIDS AND GLUE! ~ QUICK CRAFT TIP

Contributed by Barb Campbell of Mississippi

Kids & Glue! What a mess that brings to mind. Years ago when teaching Sunday school to 4 & 5 year old children, I learned the neatest trick. Save lids from small plastic containers, like margarine tubs. Clean them thoroughly. When your child has an activity that requires gluing, squeeze some glue into the lid. Then have the child dip cotton swabs (Q-Tips) into the glue and use them to apply it to the paper or whatever it is they are gluing. Have plenty of swabs on hand so they can toss them away as they get sticky! This is much easier for children to manage than glue bottles and makes a lot less of a mess! You can clean and reuse the lids if you like or just throw them away and use a new one the next time you're gluing!

FAMILY GAMES

INTRODUCTIONS ~ This game makes compliments fun among family members. Choose one person to be introduced. Everyone is to think of three positive things about the person and introduce him or her to an imaginary audience. Go around the circle until everyone has made an introduction. Then choose a second person to be introduced. You might begin with the youngest and move to the oldest. Continue the process until everyone has been introduced.

BIBLE FEELINGS ~ Make a series of index cards by writing different feelings on each card. Put the cards into a jar and take turns drawing a card. When a person draws Anger, he must think of an incident in the Bible that shows someone who showed anger. Choose as many feelings as you can think of, to write on index cards, but here are some to start with: Thankfulness, Excitement, Fear, Impatience, Weariness, Appreciation, Frustration, Comfort, Hope, Happiness, Pain, Elation, Loneliness, Disappointment, Surprise, Sadness, Shame, Boredom and Anger. This game would be great to do at the kitchen table or during family devotions - one or two each day. If you have long drives in the car to school, church, etc., this is a perfect activity! It will help you and your children to think more about the Bible stories as you read them.

THREES ~ Choose a category like animals, flowers, trees, songs, colors, Bible characters, colleges, boys names or girls names. The person who begins the game mentions three examples from the category chosen. If colors are the category, for instance, he might mention, blue, green and red. The next person mentions three more colors, without repeating those already mentioned. It gets more difficult and fun when you have to remember all those color names in the box of 68 crayons, such as periwinkle, fuchsia, olive, hunter green and forest green. Continue as long as you are able.

FIVE FINGERS OF PRAYER

Contributed by Alice Meyer, Virginia

        Your thumb is nearest to you, so begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

        The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

        The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

        The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

        And lastly comes our little finger, the smallest finger of all. This is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively. Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

THE LORD SHALL GUIDE YOU CONTINUALLY

Pearls of Wisdom from Homefires Hearth with Janette Lilley

Dwelling on the past is like driving forward with your eyes on the rearview mirror.

"For a thousand years in Your sight

Are like yesterday when it is past,

And like a watch in the night." Psalm 90:4

"The LORD will guide you continually,

And satisfy your soul in drought,

And strengthen your bones;

You shall be like a watered garden,

And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." Isaiah 58:11

Are you living in the past? Do you look back and wish things were different? Is there an event in your life that, when memories bubble up, you feel stuck in the moment?   As difficult as it might be, loosen your grasp around past hurts, open your hands and allow God to work. He already knows all about you. If you will let Him, He will guide you out of that place of regret, into His marvelous light. Loosen that grip! You are under His banner of love. Allow His love to wash over you.

WE HAVE A MIGHTY GOD! MAY WE NEVER FORGET!

Yesterday morning I felt heavy burdens for family and friends, as I sat down at the kitchen table for my Bible study. But the Lord already knew each of those burdens very well, and as I read the first verse, Psalm 50:1, the Lords love and power swept over me in calm assurance.   The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun, unto the going down.   That was a striking reminder to me that our Mighty God has everything (even our burdens and concerns) under His control.

Love from your Heart to Heart friend, Lois

Friends may subscribe to "Heart to Heart" by e-mailing [email protected] and sending their first and last name, city, state and name of the person who referred them to this newsletter. If at any time you stop receiving this newsletter, please let me know, so I can correct it. To unsubscribe, please reply with a brief message. Thank you!

Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman

9/16/03 CUTTING BACK, HOMEMAKING, MEN, CRAFT, GAMES

~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

CONTENTS:

CUTTING BACK ON HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTERS

DECLUTTERING AND HOMEMAKING

"I'LL HOLD YOU IN HEAVEN SOMEDAY"

FATHER-DAUGHTER DATES

THE FIVE MOST DIFFICULT THINGS FOR MEN TO SAY

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

WHAT CAN WE DO WITH ALL THAT SQUASH?

SWISS VEGETABLE MEDLEY

AUTUMN LEAVES ~ CRAFT FOR KIDS

KIDS AND GLUE! ~ QUICK CRAFT TIP

FAMILY GAMES

FIVE FINGERS OF PRAYER.

THE LORD SHALL GUIDE YOU CONTINUALLY

WE HAVE A MIGHTY GOD! MAY WE NEVER FORGET!

CUTTING BACK ON HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTERS

Ladies, for several months I have been thinking and praying about whether I should continue sending this newsletter each week, as I've been doing since February of 1999. There have been only a few weeks that Ive missed during the past four and a half years, but I feel a need right now to catch up on some things that I have let go by the wayside. I'd like to try sending just two newsletters each month and see how that goes. As time allows I will send one or two extra newsletters occasionally using some of the material from earlier editions. This is a difficult transition for me, because I love every minute of ministering to you ladies, but after I get more organized again, maybe we can go back to Plan A. So the next newsletter will arrive sometime during the week of September 29^th. ~ Lois

DECLUTTERING AND HOMEMAKING

By Deborah Taylor-Hough ~ Used with permission

Author of Simple by Choice, http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/

While clearing out my bookshelves this week, I've not only found books I'm ready to part with, I've also found books I'd forgotten about. So in the midst of the decluttering, I'm also doing a lot of reading. 🙂

Last night I was reading the book, "What's a Smart Woman Like You Doing at Home?" by Linda Burton, and found the following quote that really inspired me to think about the importance of making my house a home (I think this applies whether you work at home or out of the home):

"It became clear to me that the job of homemaking was much more than an empty progression of menial tasks. More than anything, I learned that the substance of homemaking is the creation of a place that makes people feel good -- to, in effect, set a stage that allows positive feelings to happen. It takes great artistry to create a home where people will want to talk to each other; where they will want to linger over dinner; where they will want to snuggle up with a quilt and a book on rainy day instead of escaping to the shopping mall. It takes skill and sensitivity to design ways to buoy, comfort, and strengthen the people we love."

I think I've gotten so wrapped up in my decluttering mode this week that I'd lost sight of "why" I'm actively seeking to make my house a home. It's for the people I love so they have a safe haven away from the weariness of the outside world, a place of refreshment and joy.

I'll probably keep on doing the same things in my goal toward a clutter-free house, but I think each little step will be infused with love for my family rather than just frustration over too much stuff. I've discovered over the years that a simple change of focus like that can make the difference between a chore ... and an act of love.

"I'LL HOLD YOU IN HEAVEN SOMEDAY"

By Jo Ann Taylor, Mountain Home, Arkansas, who has a ministry to those who have lost a baby through miscarriage or other tragedies.

Operation Angel: http://fly.to/OperationAngel http://opangel.angelcities.com/index.html

From the very beginning I loved you,

As I made plans to hold you and rock you;

You were tiny and helpless as you lay in my womb,

But something went wrong and soon you were gone.

My young heart was broken, my tears fell like rain,

I'd never known such heartache and pain.

I wonder who you look like, me or daddy,

Do you have my smile and his eyes?

Would you have been big and tall or tiny and small?

We had dreams for you that reached to the skies.

It was long, long ago and I still miss you so,

Thanks to Jesus, I'll see you in heaven.

I'll hold you in heaven someday,

When my trails on earth pass away;

The angels have rocked you,

The Father watches over you,

I know you're waiting for me:

I never could hold you or tell you "Goodbye!"

But I'll hold you in heaven someday.

Note from Lois: Be sure that your eternal destination truly will be Heaven. Don't take that for granted. If you need help, please e-mail me at [email protected]. Jo Ann Taylor offered to give out her personal e-mail address in "Heart to Heart" and pass it on to any hurting moms who may have experienced a loss in miscarriage. She said, "Talking with someone else who has been there is extremely helpful in the healing process and being able to talk openly about their babies is helpful also ... That's what I'm here for." [email protected] Thanks, Jo Ann, for your vital ministry and for your willingness to communicate personally with "Heart to Heart" ladies.

FATHER-DAUGHTER DATES

I have a neighbor girl who goes on dates with her dad. When I first heard this, I thought, "What a wonderful idea!" She shared with me how special these times with her dad were. He would call her up from work and ask her if she had any plans for the evening. Sometimes they would go to a movie or out to dinner. Sometimes they'd just grab dessert somewhere.

This is such a special idea. What this dad is doing is creating a special bond with his daughter and maintaining it through the turbulent teen years. He is providing an outlet in which she can share things with him. Most importantly, he is teaching her what it's like to go on dates and how to be treated by a man. What perfect opportunities to demonstrate opening a door for a lady, pushing her seat in at a table, walking her to her front door, etc. She will know how it feels to be treated with respect and expect nothing less. Don't you want that for your daughter?

My neighbor girl recommended that dads start this with their daughters while they are younger like elementary school so that they start doing father-daughter dates when they think it's really cool to be with their dad. But if your daughter is older, you can still give it a whirl. It's never too late to try an idea that could impact a life. It may just be a matter of who your son-in-law will turn out to be!

_____________________________

Dionna Sanchez is Editor/Publisher of Emphasis On Moms at http://www.EmphasisOnMoms.com

THE FIVE MOST DIFFICULT THINGS FOR MEN TO SAY

By Chuck and Eileen Rife, http://www.iwanttomakemymarriagework.com

1) I don't know 2) I was wrong 3) I need help 4) I'm afraid 5) I'm sorry

Or so Stuart Briscoe claims in his book entitled The Vulnerable Man. Read it and determine for yourself if he is right! In his writing, Briscoe encourages men to pattern their lives after John the Baptist who exemplified six outstanding character traits:

1) Sincerity 2) Simplicity 3) Conviction 4) Courage 5) Vision 6) Vulnerability

Briscoe latches onto John's heart cry in John 3:30 where he says, "He (Jesus) must become greater, I must become less."

A MUST READ for any man searching for a deeper walk with the Lord.

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

(Ladies, please send me your childrens cute quotes at [email protected] to be used in H2H. Thanks! The last two are from H2H ladies.)

A mother allowed her daughter to go to church with friends one Sunday. When the little girl got home, the mother asked her if she was a good little girl at church. She explained, Yes, Mother. A man even offered me a big plate of money and I said, No, thank you.

The crowded school bus pulled to the curb to make way for a speeding fire truck. The children were fascinated by the Dalmatian seated beside the fireman. One child asked why the firemen have the dog with them. Another child said it was to bark at the crowds to keep them away. A third child said he was there for good luck. The discussion ended when one lad explained, They use the dog to find the fire hydrant! That made sense!

A little girl, enchanted by her new baby cousin, asked her mother, Can we have a baby? The mother replied, I dont believe so, darling. They cost too much. When the little girl asked how much, the mother said, Oh, about $40,000. The youngster thought for a moment, then said, Thats not very much, when you consider how long they last!

A teacher asked her students, If you had 10 potatoes and had to divide them among 12 people, how would you do it? One child replied, Mash em! (My answer exactly!)

A woman came home from a nearby farm with two buckets of cow manure for her garden. Whats that for? asked 6 year old Kelly. The strawberries, Mom answered. After staring at the buckets for a moment, Kelly asked, Can I just have mine with whipped cream?

Monika McCall in Virginia sent this kids quote from her nephew's wife:
Just to let you know that even the little ones are listening - Yesterday after the sermon concerning the Ten Commandments, I asked my 5 year old son, Ross, what he learned from the preacher in "Big Church." He replied, "Don't cut up your neighbor's wife and don't cut up your neighbor's house." He knows a lot of words, but "covet" is a new one for him!

Lisa Weddle in Virginia shares about her sons quote:

Last week Joshua (age 5 1/2) was helping me make zucchini bread. After we added the zucchini, Josh said "Now we add the water." I told him we didn't need to add water since vegetables were made mostly of water already. He looked up at me in amazement and said "Wow! How does God do that?" !!!!

WHAT CAN WE DO WITH ALL THAT SQUASH?

(If you have other ideas, please let me know ~ Lois)

*Make a squash casserole (Sept. 2 newsletter). If you are new to H2H since then, ask.

* Make zucchini bread.

* Add squash to spaghetti sauce.

* Add squash to vegetable soup.

* Slice thin slices of zucchini or yellow squash onto pizza, along with onions.

* Blanch squash for just 3 minutes, cool in ice water, drain and freeze in freezer bags.

* There is a chess pie recipe, using squash, but it is very sweet.

* Puree and freeze squash, and add it throughout the year to soups and sauces. Shh! Your family will never know!

* Sauté' squash with tomatoes, onions and herbs. Add grated cheese on top and serve.

* Hollow out a small zucchini with an apple corer, fill with tuna salad and slice.

* Cut zucchini in half, lengthwise. Fill with cooked ground beef or chicken, mixed with cream soup and vegetables. Bake until zucchini is tender. Top with cheese.

SWISS VEGETABLE MEDLEY

Recipe from Roxanne Staufer of Virginia

*Remember to eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day for good health.

1 (16 oz.) bag frozen broccoli, carrots and cauliflower combination, thawed and drained

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Swiss cheese

1/3 cup sour cream

¼ tsp. black pepper

1 (4 oz.) jar chopped pimiento, drained

1 can (2.8 oz.) French fried onions

Combine vegetables, soup, ½ cup cheese, sour cream, pepper, pimiento and ½ can onions. Pour into a 1 quart casserole. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and onions; bake, uncovered, for 5 minutes longer.

AUTUMN LEAVES ~ CRAFT FOR KIDS

By Denise Imbody

I used to do this craft with the different Sunday school classes I taught, and it was a big hit.

Materials:

A Big sheet of paper (your choice of size really)

All different colors of tissue paper

Markers or crayons

Glue or glue sticks

Scissors

Instructions ~ Have the children draw a picture of a tree, with bare branches, and ground--and whatever else they'd like in the picture. (If the children you are working with, are too young to do this, then have the pictures drawn ahead of time for them.)

Cut the colored tissue paper into any size square--it's been a while since I have done this project - but I think 2" by 2" will work fine. (Again, you might want to have this done ahead of time too, depending on the age of the children.)

I think glue sticks will work fine for this project. So, have them dab the glue in different places on the picture--some on the tree, some falling to the ground, and some on the ground.

Then take the squares of tissue paper--1 at a time--crinkle it upand put it on the glue spots.

If you would rather use glue, you can use the tip below. After the children crinkle the colored squares, apply a little glue to each "leaf" with the cotton swab, and stick it on the picture.

There you have it - a nice picture of autumn leaves.

Note from Lois: Another way to do this craft is by cutting 1 1/2 inch squares of tissue paper, centering a pencil eraser on the paper, picking it up with the ends of the paper around the pencil. Twist the paper around the pencil, dip into glue and place each leaf on the tree in this way.

KIDS AND GLUE! ~ QUICK CRAFT TIP

Contributed by Barb Campbell of Mississippi

Kids & Glue! What a mess that brings to mind. Years ago when teaching Sunday school to 4 & 5 year old children, I learned the neatest trick. Save lids from small plastic containers, like margarine tubs. Clean them thoroughly. When your child has an activity that requires gluing, squeeze some glue into the lid. Then have the child dip cotton swabs (Q-Tips) into the glue and use them to apply it to the paper or whatever it is they are gluing. Have plenty of swabs on hand so they can toss them away as they get sticky! This is much easier for children to manage than glue bottles and makes a lot less of a mess! You can clean and reuse the lids if you like or just throw them away and use a new one the next time you're gluing!

FAMILY GAMES

INTRODUCTIONS ~ This game makes compliments fun among family members. Choose one person to be introduced. Everyone is to think of three positive things about the person and introduce him or her to an imaginary audience. Go around the circle until everyone has made an introduction. Then choose a second person to be introduced. You might begin with the youngest and move to the oldest. Continue the process until everyone has been introduced.

BIBLE FEELINGS ~ Make a series of index cards by writing different feelings on each card. Put the cards into a jar and take turns drawing a card. When a person draws Anger, he must think of an incident in the Bible that shows someone who showed anger. Choose as many feelings as you can think of, to write on index cards, but here are some to start with: Thankfulness, Excitement, Fear, Impatience, Weariness, Appreciation, Frustration, Comfort, Hope, Happiness, Pain, Elation, Loneliness, Disappointment, Surprise, Sadness, Shame, Boredom and Anger. This game would be great to do at the kitchen table or during family devotions - one or two each day. If you have long drives in the car to school, church, etc., this is a perfect activity! It will help you and your children to think more about the Bible stories as you read them.

THREES ~ Choose a category like animals, flowers, trees, songs, colors, Bible characters, colleges, boys names or girls names. The person who begins the game mentions three examples from the category chosen. If colors are the category, for instance, he might mention, blue, green and red. The next person mentions three more colors, without repeating those already mentioned. It gets more difficult and fun when you have to remember all those color names in the box of 68 crayons, such as periwinkle, fuchsia, olive, hunter green and forest green. Continue as long as you are able.

FIVE FINGERS OF PRAYER

Contributed by Alice Meyer, Virginia

Your thumb is nearest to you, so begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

And lastly comes our little finger, the smallest finger of all. This is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively. Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

THE LORD SHALL GUIDE YOU CONTINUALLY

Pearls of Wisdom from Homefires Hearth with Janette Lilley

Dwelling on the past is like driving forward with your eyes on the rearview mirror.

"For a thousand years in Your sight

Are like yesterday when it is past,

And like a watch in the night." Psalm 90:4

"The LORD will guide you continually,

And satisfy your soul in drought,

And strengthen your bones;

You shall be like a watered garden,

And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." Isaiah 58:11

Are you living in the past? Do you look back and wish things were different? Is there an event in your life that, when memories bubble up, you feel stuck in the moment? As difficult as it might be, loosen your grasp around past hurts, open your hands and allow God to work. He already knows all about you. If you will let Him, He will guide you out of that place of regret, into His marvelous light. Loosen that grip! You are under His banner of love. Allow His love to wash over you.

WE HAVE A MIGHTY GOD! MAY WE NEVER FORGET!

Yesterday morning I felt heavy burdens for family and friends, as I sat down at the kitchen table for my Bible study. But the Lord already knew each of those burdens very well, and as I read the first verse, Psalm 50:1, the Lords love and power swept over me in calm assurance. The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun, unto the going down. That was a striking reminder to me that our Mighty God has everything (even our burdens and concerns) under His control.

Love from your Heart to Heart friend, Lois

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