Prayer pursues joy in fellowship with Jesus and in the power to share His life with others. And prayer pursues God’s glory by treating Him as the inexhaustible reservoir of hope and help. In prayer we admit our poverty and God’s prosperity, our bankruptcy and His bounty, our misery and His mercy. Therefore, prayer highly exalts and glorifies God precisely by pursuing everything we long for in Him and not in ourselves.
John Piper

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Feb. 2014 15th Anniversary for Heart to Heart, Bible Study, Marriage, Orange Pomander

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#1 · January 21, 2014, 2:30 pm

Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER 

 
 ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
 
 Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman    
A categorized storehouse of information for you from past newsletters,
plus a second blog just for recipes! 
   ~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~
Feb. 2014  15th Anniversary for Heart to Heart, Bible Study, Marriage, Orange Pomander
~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~ 
 
TO SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE, OR CHANGE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS: 

 New Subscribers: Please e-mail your name, city, state, and name of your referral person to jhbreneman@juno.com. 
Example of New Subscriber Info:  Sunny Marlow - Gatlinburg, TN - Referral: Joy Blake in PA
Change of E-mail Address: Name: Deb York - Old: deby@yahoo.com - New: deby@gmail.com
To Unsubscribe: Please reply to any newsletter. 
Please do not use heart2heart@welovegod.org to subscribe, unsubscribe or correspond.
It is used to send newsletters except to Yahoo subscribers.  Thanks so much!

 
IN THIS ISSUE:
FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY FOR THE HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE TWO BLOGS FOR HEART TO HEART?
IF YOU EVER STOP RECEIVING "HEART TO HEART" AND DON"T KNOW WHY . . .
COMMENTS FROM "HEART TO HEART" SUBSCRIBERS
TEN WAYS TO STUDY THE BIBLE
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
MARRIAGE EVALUATION
25 WAYS TO COMMUNICATE RESPECT TO YOUR HUSBAND
ORANGE POMANDER: A CRAFT THAT WILL LAST FOR YEARS
NEW TRICKS FOR YOUR SLOW COOKER
DIY DIAPER RASH STICK - CLOTH DIAPER SAFE
PRECIOUS GEMS
QUOTE

FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY FOR THE HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2014

When I think of all the years the Lord has helped me send this newsletter to so many special ladies all over the world, the words to a song always come to my mind - "To God Be the Glory!  Great Things He Hath Done!" 

In the very beginning (February 1999) I sent out three short e-mails each week.  That changed to a longer newsletter sent once a week for a good while.  Later it was sent twice a week for quite a few more years, before going to once a month, as it is currently being sent.  Since my husband's full retirement last June, we've been able to spend more time visiting our children and do other traveling while we are still able.  Some months it has been difficult to get a newsletter ready in time.   I feel like I am winding down in my strength and energy, in keeping up with all that I should, but keep trudging alone.  By God's grace and with His much-needed help, I will continue as long as He gives me the strength. 

 
Your prayers and words of encouragement every now and then are very much appreciated along the way!  And now on to the 16th year for "Heart to Heart!"     

 
DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE TWO BLOGS FOR HEART TO HEART?

 
I'm learning of ladies all the time who say they know nothing about the two blogs, so here's the information:
Links are shown at the top of every newsletter.
All topics are organized in a categorized list and there is a search bar as well.
Lots of my photography is shown there - a renewed passion in recent years.
From the Main blog, you can easily transfer to the Recipes blog.
 
Ten different categories of recipes are shown in tabs at the top of the home page.
If you forget the blog links, you can simply do a search for "Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart" and the link will be given.

You Can Help!
If you find any misspelled words or incorrect grammar, please notify me.  You'll be doing me a big favor.  Thanks!

 
IF YOU EVER STOP RECEIVING "HEART TO HEART" AND DON"T KNOW WHY . . .
 Please keep this in mind.

If you still want to have "Heart to Heart" coming to your inbox, please send me your old and new e-mail address when you make a change.  If you've been dropped, most likely your e-mail address was changed but you forgot to let me know.  This happens all the time!  In order to be added back to the Master E-mailing List, you can do one of two things:


1.  You can simply reply to any newsletter giving your name, as well as your old and new e-mail addresses, asking to be added back to the list, and your message will come to my inbox.  
2. Or you can do a search for "Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart" and (http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com), the link to the blog  will appear.  Go to the "Contact" tab at the top to get my e-mail address, and send me your current e-mail address, asking to be added back.

 
 
COMMENTS FROM "HEART TO HEART" SUBSCRIBERS
Comments used by permission
I so much appreciate all the kind words, love, and prayers from each one of you who write! ~ Lois
 
Thanks! Your newsletters are always inspiring and encouraging! Go with God! ~ Charlotte Steiner in Nicaragua.
 
Thanks for your newsletter.  It's always uplifting and full of great information. ~ Sue Huey in Georgia (Sue also sent a great kid's quote for Heart to Heart!) 
 
How I love your newsletters!  You are such an encouragement and definitely the hands and feet of Jesus to me (in newsletter format)! ~ Beth Breon in Pennsylvania 
 
Thanks so much for these great newsletters! They are so wonderful!!!  I have printed off my newsletters in the past, and I have them from years ago. Take care! ~ Ellen Ericson Wiegman
I wanted to thank you for the love, time, and obvious prayer that goes into each edition of Heart to Heart. What a blessing you are. I love reading the articles, stories, kids quotes, recipes, and yes -- even the info about coupons I cannot get or use. 🙂 heehee  The Lord always uses something in each issue to touch my heart, challenge me in my daily walk with Him, encourage me in a discouraging moment, or just to remind me how much I am loved. Thank you for ministering ... to me, and to so many others. ~ Tracy Coupe in Ecuador
 
Great newsletter Lois.  I just stopped everything, took a break, and read all the way through.  Thank you so much for your love and dedication to reach out to all of us.   I have been blessed. ~ Joyce Cronin in Virginia 
I love reading your newsletters. They mean so much to me. Would you send me a copy of "A Gracious Woman Retains her Honor"? I would love to have a copy to keep in my Bible.  Thank you so much. Keep up  the good work. ~ Shirley Jones in Alabama
Lois, you have outdone yourself!  Loved this newsletter.  I had never noticed your recipe blog before.  Awesome. I bookmarked it and will check it daily.  Thanks for your service and love. ~ Prudence Kinley-Ruth in Pennsylvania
 
A friend forwarded your Heart to Heart newsletter to me so I could check it out.  She is apparently on your mailing list now.  I told her who you were (my former college roommate) and that I was very familiar with your newsletter.  She said she was trying to introduce you to as many of her friends as she could as she thought your newsletter was wonderful and she wanted her friends to know about it.  Just thought I'd let you know. ~ Bernadine Teague in Missouri
 
 

TEN WAYS TO STUDY THE BIBLE
by Erin Davis - Used by permission

Erin's twitter handle is @eringraffiti

 
Here are ten practical ways you can stand in God's truth.
1. 365 Days of Truth
The best way to study the Bible is to make it a part of your daily life. Simply setting aside ten or fifteen minutes every day to learn more about God through His Word will go a long way toward helping you stand for truth. There are lots of great resources available to break the Bible down into 365 smaller sections; that's one for every day of the year! Pick up a one-year Bible or check out this article that's loaded with info on how to read the Bible in a year.
2. Thirty-one Days of Wisdom
There are thirty-one chapters in the book of Proverbs and thirty-one days in each month. Simply choose the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with the day of the month. (For example, I would read Proverbs 9 today because it is January 9th.) After thirty-one days, I promise you will gain a lot of wisdom. You can start today!
3. Mirror, Mirror
I bet you look in your bathroom mirror at least once every single day. (Hey, that's what girls do!) That makes your mirror a great place to soak up God's truth. Place several key verses on note cards, or write them on your mirror with a write-and-wipe marker. Then read them out loud as you fix your hair or apply your makeup. It's a great idea to change the verses out after a few weeks in order to expose yourself to more truth.
I've got some adorable cards that you can simply print and cut on my website.
4. Get Technical
Download a Bible app on your phone or iPod, and ask your parents to do the same. That way when you find yourself waiting in the car, at the doctor's office, or at a restaurant, you can pop open God's Word for a dose of truth. (Sure beats spending all of your free time with those Angry Birds!) You can also sign up to have Bible verses texted to you daily through websites like godlythoughts.com or bible-sms.com. There are also apps available to do the same thing. Here's a list of apps designed to help you memorize Scripture.
Do you know about a great Bible app? Leave us a comment below with the scoop so we can check it out.
5. Flip Out
In addition to going high-tech, you can pore over God's Word old-school style—that is by using actual pen and paper! Write ten to fifteen of your favorite Bible verses on 3 x 5 cards. Punch a hole in the corner of each card and attach them with a ring. Flip through the cards several times a day for a rapid-fire dose of God's truth. Exchange the cards for new verses every few months.
6. Work Together
Everything is more fun with friends, even getting into God's Word. Ask a friend or two to hold you accountable for reading God's Word. Text or call each other daily to remind each other to read the Bible.
7. Stick to the Stories
Jesus taught tough truth using stories or parables. This teaching style helps break down complex truths about God into bites that are easier to digest. To hear truth straight from the source, focus on reading Jesus' teachings in one of the gospels. Here is a list of all of Jesus' parables.
8. Hear Him Preach
Jesus was more than a great storyteller; He was also a powerful preacher. His most famous sermon is known as the Sermon on the Mount (because He preached it on a mountain). Jesus covered everything from prayer to salvation to worry in that single sermon. If you're the kind of student who likes to listen to someone break lessons down for you rather than searching out all the right answers on your own, the Sermon on the Mount is a great place to start. With so much truth packed into a single sermon, this passage is like God's Truth for Dummies (not that I'm calling names). Take your time pouring over it, and ask God to use this sermon to help you build a foundation of truth. The Sermon on the Mount can be found in Matthew 5–7.
You can also listen to the Bible on CD or mp3. No, you can't hear the sermon actually read by Jesus (that would be way cool!), but you can listen to this passage being read by some other great voices. (You might hear the voices of some of your favorite celebrities on this audio version of the TNIV Bible.) This is a good option if you learn best by hearing.
9. Speaking of Stories . . .
We girls love to connect with other people. We are more likely to study someone's story than we are to memorize facts. That's good news, because the Bible is filled to the brim with stories of people standing for God's truth. Here are folks who took big stands for God's truth. You're gonna love their stories.
Noah: Genesis 5–10
Joshua: Book of Joshua. (He got his own book!)
Hannah: 1 Samuel 1–2
John the Baptist: Matthew 3, 11, 14, 16, 17; Mark 6 and 8; Luke 7 and 9; John 1. He is also referenced several times throughout the book of Acts.
Paul: Read about Paul's radical collision with truth in Acts 9:1–22.
10. Get a Coach
It's okay to get help from others as you make the move to get into God's Word. There are great Bible studies available that can guide you as you learn more about the Bible. You can choose Bible studies that help you focus on a single subject (such as boys, friendship, or service), Bible studies that break down a single book of the Bible, or Bible studies that hone in on a specific biblical character (such as David, Mary, or Paul). I could never list all of the Bible studies that might be helpful to you, but here are a few of my favorites.
And here are a couple Bible studies written by yours truly.
When it comes to searching for truth, there isn't a "right" way or a "wrong" way. The important thing for you to remember is that God's Word is truth. In order to tap into the power of that truth, you must find a way to get into the Word and get the Word into you!
 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
For fun activities for Valentine's Day, check out the nine entries on the blog for ideas - http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Valentine%27s%20Day

For your Valentine's Day celebration, how about working to improve your marriage?  Below are two articles to help revitalize your relationship with your husband.  If you're single, pray that the Lord would lead you to a godly man who would strive toward a marriage with these attributes.

 

MARRIAGE EVALUATION
Introduction by Julie Druck of York, Pennsylvania
Author of a wonderful e-mail newsletter, "A Heart for Home"- aheartforhome-subscribe@welovegod.org

To view Julie's blog, visit:  http://www.lifeinskunkhollow.blogspot.com

Used by permission

Several years ago, Marty and I attended a Sweetheart Banquet at our church.  After dinner a guest minister gave a short message on marriage.  He concluded his time by passing out an evaluation sheet that contained questions to answer relating to our marriage relationship.  The minister encouraged the audience to take the evaluations home and spend some time thoughtfully and honestly answering the questions individually.  He then suggested exchanging papers with your spouse and discussing whether you agreed or disagreed with the other’s answers.  The vulnerability such an exercise creates can be uncomfortable, but I found the benefits of the discussion Marty and I had made it worth it!  In case you’d like to evaluate yourself, below you’ll find the questions for wives to answer.  Actually, I’ve found it helpful to go over this list every so often to be encouraged by areas of growth and convicted in areas of slack. 

 
1.) Commitment (Matt. 19:5,6) - A.) Am I committed to stay married, regardless of my feelings or any other circumstances, until we are separated by death?;  B.) Does my husband know that I will never divorce him for any reason?; C.) Next to my relationship with God, is my relationship with my husband the highest priority of my life?; D.) Do I pray faithfully for my husband?
 
2.) Serving (Gal. 5:13) – A. Do I put my husband’s needs and desires ahead of my own?; B.) Do I look for creative ways to please my husband?; C.) Am I content to serve, even when my husband doesn’t seem to notice or appreciate my efforts?
 
3.) Yielding Rights (Phil. 2:5-8) – A. Have I yielded all my expectations concerning my husband to God?; B.) Do I trust God alone to meet all of my physical, emotional, and spiritual needs?; C.) Have I yielded to God my “right” to my own time and independence?
 
4.) Submission (Eph. 5:22-24) – A.) Do I willingly yield to my husband’s authority in all things?; B.) Do I communicate an attitude of submission, as well as submissive actions?; C.) Do I seek my husband’s counsel, rather than acting independently?; D.) Am I teaching our children, by my example and words, to honor and obey their father?
 
5.) Forgiveness (Col. 3:13) – A.) Do I seek to resolve each conflict or misunderstanding as soon as possible?; B.) Am I quick to forgive my husband for his failures, offenses, or insensitivities?; C.) Do I refuse to bring up the past or to hold past failures against my husband?
 
6.) Humility (Phil. 2:3) – A.) Am I quick to admit when I am wrong?; B.) Am I content to not have the last word?: C.) Am I willing to relinquish my “right” to be understood or to prove my point?
 
7.) Patience (I Cor. 13:4) – A. Do I respond graciously to interruptions and irritations?; B.) Am I willing to overlook obvious imperfections in my husband?
 
8.) Sensitivity (Tit. 2:5) – A. Am I sensitive to my husband’s occasional desire to be alone or undisturbed?; B.) Am I sensitive to the best times to tell my husband negative news or to offer suggestions or constructive criticism?
 
9.) Purity (Eph. 5:3-4) – A. Do I keep my mind free from books, magazines, or entertainment that could stimulate fantasizing or thoughts that are not morally pure?; B.) Do I dress modestly, drawing attention to the inner life of Christ, rather than to my physical appearance?
 
10.) Communication (Eph. 4:25,29) – A.) Do I always tell my husband the truth?; B.) Do I avoid sarcasm, hurtful remarks, and public criticism of my husband?; C.) Do I speak words of encouragement and admiration to my husband?; D.) Do I discipline myself not to interrupt or contradict when my husband is talking?
 
11.) Kindness (Eph. 4:32) – A.) Do I treat my husband as graciously as I would a guest?; B.) Do I go out of my way to perform special acts of kindness for my husband?
 
12.) Gratitude (Prov. 31:26) – A.) Do I regularly express appreciation for the sacrifices my husband makes to provide for our family?; B.) Do I praise my husband for spiritual, Christ-like qualities in his life?
 
13.) Loyalty (I Cor. 13:7) – A.) Do I speak positively about my husband to others?; B.) Do I focus on my husband’s successes and positive traits, rather than his weaknesses and failures?; C.) Do I hold in confidence personal matters that my husband shares with me?
 
14.) Acceptance (Rom. 15:7) – A.) Do I love, accept, and admire my husband as he is?; B.) Does my husband feel that he has the freedom to fail, without fear of criticism or rejection?
 
15.) Availability (I Cor. 7:3-5) – A.) Am I willing to adjust my schedule to meet my husband’s desires?; B.) Am I willing to offer physical love to my husband, regardless of my personal feelings or desires?
 
 
25 WAYS TO COMMUNICATE RESPECT TO YOUR HUSBAND
(without uttering a word)
Used by permission

Actions speak louder than words. You can say you respect your husband, but he’ll have a hard time believing that unless your behavior backs it up.

 
What does respectful living look like? Here are 25 ways you can communicate respect to your spouse without uttering a word. If you’ll make it your habit to do these things, the next time you tell your husband how much you respect him, he won’t have to wonder if you really mean it.
  1. Choose Joy
    It’s true: A happy wife makes a happy life. Please don’t use moodiness as an attempt to manipulate your man, but in all things rejoice, because that’s the right thing to do. (1 Thessalonians 5:16; Philippians 4:4)
  2. Honor His Wishes
    Give weight to what your husband thinks is important. Make those things a priority that matter most to him, whether it’s having dinner ready when he gets home from work or keeping the house tidy or limiting computer time. Don’t make him ask twice. (Philippians 2:4)
  3. Give Him Your Undivided Attention
    Yes, I know that women are masters of multi-tasking, but when your husband is speaking to you, make a point to lay other tasks aside, look into his eyes, and listen to what he is saying with the goal of understanding and remembering his words.
  4. Don’t Interrupt
    Have you ever been around a person who won’t let you finish a sentence? That gets old fast. Even if you think you already know what your husband is going to say, allowing him to say it without cutting him off mid-sentence shows both respect and common courtesy.
  5. Emphasize His Good Points
    Sure, he has his faults (as do you), but dwelling on them will only make you (both) miserable. Choose instead to focus on those qualities in your husband that you most admire. (Philippians 4:8)
  6. Pray for Him
    Ruth Graham advises wives to “tell your mate the positive, and tell God the negative.” Take your concerns to God. Faithfully lift up your husband in prayer every day, and you will likely notice a transformation not only in him, but in yourself, as well. (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
  7. Don’t Nag
    Your husband is a grown man, so don’t treat him like a two-year-old. Leave room for God to work. You are not the Holy Spirit, so do not try to do His job.
  8. Be Thankful
    Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Don’t take your husband for granted. Be appreciative for everything he does for you, whether big or small. Always say thank you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20)
  9. Smile at Him
    Smiles spread happiness. Smiles have even been shown to create happiness. Smiles are contagious. And a smile makes any woman more beautiful.
  10. Respond Physically
    Did you know that the way you respond (or don’t respond) to your husband’s romantic overtures has a profound effect on his self-confidence? Don’t slap him away when he tries to hug you or make excuses when he’s in the mood. Your enthusiastic cooperation and reciprocation will not only assure him of your love, but will make him feel well-respected, too. (1 Corinthians 7:3-5)
  11. Eyes Only for Him
    Don’t compare your husband unfavorably to other men, real or imaginary. It is neither fair nor respectful and will only breed trouble and discontent. Avoid watching movies or reading books that might cause you to stumble in this area, as well. (Psalm 19:14; Proverbs 4:23)
  12. Kiss Him Goodbye
    I once read about a study done in Germany which found that men whose wives kissed them goodbye every morning were more successful than those who weren’t kissed. Success and respect often go hand-in-hand, so be sure to send him off right, and don’t forget to greet him with a kiss when he returns home, for good measure. (2 Corinthians 13:12)
  13. Prepare His Favorite Foods
    Although the rest of the family is not overly-fond of spaghetti, my husband loves it, so I try to make it at least two or three times a month as a way to honor him. Next time you’re planning meals, give special consideration to your husband’s preferences. (Proverbs 31:14-15)
  14. Cherish Togetherness
    I love to sit near my husband, whether at home or away. Our church shares potluck dinners every Sunday afternoon, and although the men and women normally sit separately to visit, I like to position myself close enough to my husband that I can listen to the conversation, as I think everything he says is so interesting. At home, I’ll take my book or handwork to whatever room in the house he’s working in, just to be close to him, because I enjoy his company, even when neither of us is talking.
  15. Don’t Complain
    Nobody wants to be around a whiner or complainer. It is grating on the nerves. Remember the serenity prayer: accept the things you can’t change, courageously change the things you can, seek wisdom to know the difference. (Philippians 2:14)
  16. Resist the Urge to Correct
    I know one wife whose spouse can’t tell a story without her stopping him fifteen times to correct inconsequential details: “It wasn’t Monday evening, it was Monday afternoon…. It wasn’t blue, it was turquoise…. He didn’t ride the bus, he took a shuttle.” Please. Please. Please. Don’t ever do that to your husband — or to anyone else, for that matter! (Proverbs 17:28)
  17. Dress to Please Him
    Take care of your appearance. Choose clothes your husband finds flattering, both in public and around the house.
  18. Keep the House Tidy
    To the best of your abilities, try to maintain a clean and orderly home. Seek to make it a haven of rest for your entire family. (Proverbs 31:27)
  19. Be Content
    Do not pressure your husband to keep up with the Jonses. Take satisfaction in the lifestyle he is able to provide for you. (1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:5)
  20. Take His Advice
    Do not dismiss his opinions lightly, especially when you’ve asked for his counsel in the first place. Make every effort to follow your husband’s advice.
  21. Admire Him
    Voiced compliments and heartfelt praise are always welcome, but you should also make it your habit to just look at your husband in a respectful, appreciative way. Think kind thoughts toward him. He’ll be able to see the admiration in your eyes. (Luke 6:45)
  22. Protect His Name
    Honor your husband in the way you speak of him to family and friends. Guard his reputation and do not let minor disagreements at home cause you to speak ill of him in public. Live in such a way that it will be obvious to others why your husband married you in the first place. (Proverbs 12:4; 22:1)
  23. Forgive His Shortcomings
    In the words of Ruth Bell Graham, “A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” Please do not hold grudges against your husband. Do not allow a root of bitterness or resentment find a home in your heart. Forgive your husband freely, as Christ has forgiven you. (Mark 11:25; Matthew 18:21-35)
  24. Don’t Argue
    You are not always right, and you do not always have to have the last word. Be the first to say, “I’m sorry.” Be willing to accept the blame. It takes two to argue, so “abandon a quarrel before it breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14; 21:19; 25:24)
  25. Follow His Lead
    If you want your husband to lead, you must be willing to follow. Neither a body nor a family can function well with two heads. Learn to defer to your husband’s wishes and let final decisions rest with him. (Ephesians 5:22-24)
Proverbs 18:22 tells us, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” Do these 25 things consistently, and your husband will never have trouble believing that fact.
 

ORANGE POMANDER: A CRAFT THAT WILL LAST FOR YEARS
by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2014 
http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/2014/01/orange-pomanders-craft-that-will-last.html
(Photos shown at the link above)

This project is perfect for doing with your older children or with girlfriends, such as on "Girls' Night Out!"  It's easy to talk while you craft this fun project!  My sister-in-law, Linda, makes these every Thanksgiving with her daughter and daughters-in-law to add to their own bowl of fragrant spicy pomanders each year.  They even made small pineapple pomanders recently, covered in the same way!  Linda Walker in Pennsylvania is my inspiration for this project!

I saw orange pomanders for sale online with a beautiful bow and a cinnamon stick at the top for more than $35 including shipping.  These would make wonderful gifts as well as decorations in your own home, and you could get a head start on gift-making right now.  I keep mine setting out all year long. 


 Supplies:

1. Fresh Orange (I used an orange with a thinner skin, verses a naval orange with a thick skin, but either will work fine.)

2. Metal or wooden skewer (to make it easier on your fingers as you push each whole clove into the orange)

3. Bottle of whole unbroken cloves (I bought mine in bulk at a lower price at our natural foods co-op)

4. Container of powdered alum or orris root (preservatives found with spices - a must if you want your orange not to get moldy and rot)  I will refer to only alum in this article.

5. Ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice (choose the ones you want, but definitely cinnamon and cloves)

6. Ziplock bag (gallon size if making more than one or saving mixture for another year)
 
The best way to cover an orange with cloves so it will last for years, is to cover it completely, rather than make a design.  If covered completely, it will keep for years.  Those with designs where part of the orange rind is showing tend to mold or rot.

Directions:
1. Starting at the top of the orange, poke a hole and insert a whole clove by pushing the pointy end into the hole. 

2. Poke more holes next to the first clove, so there will be no spaces of orange showing through after the cloves are inserted.  After you get the idea, you can poke an entire row of holes before inserting the whole cloves. This will take quite a while, and don't rush the process.  Enjoy listening to music or the radio - or listening and talking with family or friends. 

3. After your orange is studded completely, pour at least 1 Tbsp. alum into a Ziplock bag, with a large container of cinnamon and a few tablespoons of ground cloves.  Mix well.  Dollar Tree has cinnamon in large containers for a dollar.  Extra alum won't hurt either.

4. Wet the clove-studded orange with water, and shake off extra drops.  While wet, put the clove-studded orange into the bag of alum and spice mixture and gently turn the bag until the orange is completely coated with alum.  This is what will make your beautifully scented orange last for quite a few years.  Without alum, your time, energy, and money will be wasted.  Gently tap the orange on your other hand to get rid of any excess powder.  Place on a paper towel or tea towel and turn it a little each day as it completely cures.  Continue turning for 2 weeks so all the sides will dry out.  

5. Save any alum and spice mixture for future orange pomanders.  Label the bag.  Add more spices and alum when the mixture is running out.
 
 The clove-studded orange pomander I made three or four years ago when my daughter-in-law and I each made one together, is still looking nice, setting in a small glass bowl.  My sister-in-law, Linda, has quite a few pomanders setting in a wooden bowl, lined with an antique cloth.  When the aroma fades, a few drops of  essential oils (wild orange, clove bud and cinnamon) give pomanders renewed refreshment.  I hope you'll give these a try!
  

NEW TRICKS FOR YOUR SLOW COOKER
by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2014

Hot and Spicy Roasted Nuts
Put 2 cups raw almonds, cashews, or pecans in a medium slow cooker. 
Mix in 1 tsp. chili powder, 1/2 tsp. cayenne powder, and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes until the nuts are roasted.
Combine 1 Tbsp. olive oil with 2 tsp. sea salt, and stir into nuts.
Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.  Yields 2 cups.

Caramelized Sweet Onions
A time-saver!
For no tears, place 3 pounds of sweet onions in the fridge until they are cold (or outside on a cold day until they are cold).
To the slow cooker add 3 pounds of sliced onions, 1/2 cup butter and 1 tsp. sea salt.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours until soft and golden in color.
Use immediately, refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze to add wonderful flavor to future dishes.  Yields about 3 cups.
A double recipe would also work fine, although you might need to cook it a little longer.

Baked Potatoes

Saves using your large oven for baking potatoes, and if you aren't home during the day, you can get these started early!
Scrub and pierce 6 to 8 baking potatoes several times with a fork.  Rub softened butter generously on potatoes and arrange in a circle around the bottom of a large slow cooker.  Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 9 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 5 hours until soft.

Flavorful Chicken Broth
Using a large slow cooker, place 5 pounds chicken thighs, 3 coarsely chopped onions, 3 coarsely chopped carrots, 3 coarsely chopped stalks of celery, 10 peppercorns, 1 tsp. onion powder, 1 tsp. celery salt, 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar, and 10 cups pure water.  Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours.  Cool for an hour and strain broth into a bowl.  A little sea salt may be needed to suit your taste.  Reserve cooked chicken and vegetables for dinner that evening.  Use leftover chicken for soup, a casserole, or chicken salad.  Refrigerate broth up to 3 days or freeze for making delicious soups. The apple cider vinegar helps release extra minerals from the chicken bones for added nutrition.

 
Freshly Baked Yeast Bread
I don't normally recommend buying frozen bread dough, but there are times when you may need the aroma of a loaf of yeast bread with little effort, especially for company.  Here's how you can do that, but start cooking it about 6 to 7 hours before you need to serve the bread.  Rub a one pound loaf of frozen bread dough generously with olive oil, and place in a greased loaf pan (for an oval slow cooker) or a greased round cake pan (for a round cooker).  Place pan in slow cooker, and cover.  Cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours until dough is thawed and beginning to rise.  Turn setting to HIGH.  Cover and cook an additional 2 to 3 hours, until the loaf is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.  Let cool a bit before slicing.
 
 
DIY DIAPER RASH STICK - CLOTH DIAPER SAFE
http://cocoswell.com/diy-diaper-rash-stick/ 
(A recipe containing bees wax, shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and essential oils)
 
 
PRECIOUS GEMS
Ladies, thanks for your contributions, as always!  Anyone is welcome to send me precious gems for the newsletter!

Driving home on New Year's Eve after her family spent the evening with friends, Ryan Elizabeth (6) asks, "So what about the toast? I thought we were going to eat toast!" ~ Lois

 Daniel (5) and I read about Gideon and the battle against the Midianites, and learned about decisiveness and how God helped Joshua and Gideon with their battle plans. He's been playing war all day! It's the Revolutionary War, he said. Then he drew different battle plans for over an hour! He's been more into drawing and even wants to write some battle plans. He said he wants to help us with our battle against Satan. ~ Rachael in Ohio

 
Tonight I gave Andrew (2) some ice cream (made from the raw milk) after supper.  He emptied his little bowl and I asked him if he wanted a little more.  He replied, "Yes, a big more!" ~ Rachael in Ohio
 
Daniel (5) just sat on Andrew's feet, and Andrew (2) exclaimed, "Oweee!  I can't breathe!" ~ Rachael in Ohio
 
Malakai (5): "I am NOT going to build my house in a volcano. It will get too hot in there!" ~ Danielle in Alabama
 
My grandson, Brayden, came home from preschool one day complaining, "My friends know how to do the limbo and I don't. It's not fair!"  After saying this on several occasions, finally his mother said, "Well, if you really want to know how, I can teach you."  As she started her demonstration, he was giving her some really funny looks.  She finally figured out that he wasn't talking about the limbo, but the Rainbow Loom!  ~ Sue Huey in Georgia
 
When my grandson, Brayden, was 3 1/2, his parents adopted his sister, Selah, as a newborn.  One day from the back of the car he speaks up and says, "Mommy, I prayed for the wrong fing."
His mommy asked, "What do you mean you prayed for the wrong thing?"
He said, "Well, I prayed and prayed for a baby brother, but God knew I needed a little sister and so that's why He gave me Selah." ~ Sue Huey in Georgia

 
What is life like with a toddler, you ask? Let me paint you a picture...During my shower this morning the door opens and in comes....
- a toy barn
- then a box of random toys
- two books
- a fishing pole, balloon (blown up), and a couple random toys
- another box of random toys.
- then....a tractor!! (big enough that he can sit on) but it won't fit so he takes it out, goes around to the other door and brings it in (with a backpack full of toys on)
- then a cart and exclaims, "There!" Then several seconds later, "Oh, wait!" And goes out and comes back in with a jug of matchbox cars and trucks. Never a dull moment! ~ Leigh Ann in Virginia
 
Boom (8): Mommy, why do all moms say they have eyes on the back of their heads?
Me: Cause we all do!
Boom: How come daddies don't say that?
Me: Cause they don't have eyes on the back of their heads.
Boom: Oh man!
LOL!!!! ~ Darlene in Thailand
 
Things said this afternoon while cleaning up:
Me: Do you know how to get those handcuffs off without the key?
Si (7): Yes. Super stretchy power.
Me: Okay. Do you know how to get those handcuffs off without the key and/or super powers? ~ Beth in Ohio
Me: Put these jammies away.
Jocy(4): But you are the one who bought me those jammies! ~ Beth in Ohio
Jocy (4), while washing her hair: Is this ear free?
Me: Do you mean "tear" free?
Jocy: No. I just got it in my ear. ~ Beth in Ohio
 
Me: "Brookie, don't eat all the bacon yet. I am not done with the pancakes. Wait until it's all done and we will eat it together."
Brookie: "I not eat it. I just lick it and put it back on plate."~ Lauren in Virginia
 
The house phone rang last night and Halle (6) went to check and see if it was her daddy calling. After she checked the number she said, "It's not Daddy's number ....it must be a farmer's marketer." Lol! (Translation: telemarketer) ~ Sarah in Georgia
 
 
QUOTE
The Bible says, "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." (Proverbs 16:24) 
Mother Teresa had a saying, "Let no one come to you without leaving happier and better."
 
 

Ladies, I would love to hear from you anytime!
Tell me what you liked, didn't like, or what you'd like to see included.
Simply reply to any newsletter and share your thoughts with me.
I'm always looking for Precious Gems from kids (old or new would be great)!

I pray each of you found something in this edition to bless, encourage and teach you!
Please remember to pray for each dear Heart to Heart lady and her family,
because so many ladies are going through very tough times and need our prayers!
Some have lost loved ones, others have lost jobs, homes, or their good health.
Pray each day for the protection of our troops, and for their families left at home,
as well as adjustment and employment after they return home.
God bless you and your family and keep you in His loving care!
Your "Heart to Heart" friend
Lois

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