Friday, May 31, 2013

Practical Household Tips

Reusable Shopping Bags ~ Machine wash occasionally to keep them clean and free from Salmonella bacteria, E.coli, and more.  Use grocery bags for that purpose only.  Have raw meat bagged in disposable bags before putting into your reusable bags to prevent contamination. Store bags in house, not in a hot car trunk where germs will breed.  Spray bags inside of bags with diluted essential oils. (See tip below)  http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/05/keeping-your-reusable-shopping-bags-clean.html

Anti-Bacterial Essential Oils ~ Bergamot, Cinnamon, Clove, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree, Thyme

Separate Toothpaste Tube for Each Family Member ~ This tip could even save marriages, when I hear stories of how husbands and wives have differences in putting on the cap or leaving it off, how they squeeze the tube, etc.  This is an easy solution.  It also helps prevent spreading germs throughout the family.  Give each child his own tube as well!

Toothpaste Tube Troubles (Wrinkled tubes) can be alleviated by laying the toothpaste tube on a flat surface, pushing toothpaste upward to the top of the tube with your toothbrush handle, then tightly rolling up the end of the tube and securing with a medium to large spring clip.  A rubberband works as well.

When Two Children Share a Closet use two different colored hangers for clothing, so there's no problem finding outfits.

Avoid Matching Socks ~ To avoid having to match socks, when buying everyday socks for a child (or adult), get plenty of the same style and color (white to match everything).  When folding clothes, each person's socks (if short) only need to be stacked.  Stand socks on their sides when storing in bedroom drawers for neater drawers.

Preventing Mold in Berries ~ We all know how quickly store bought strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and other fruit can grow mold, even when refrigerated.  Vinegar can help tremendously.  I keep a spray bottle of straight white vinegar for spraying produce.  As soon as I bring home my berries and other produce, I saturate the dry produce with vinegar, let set a few minutes, then soak in water, and rinse.  This prolongs the freshness of berries and other produce.

The Use of Trays can save steps, spills, and time. When transporting food to a freezer downstairs, using trays, bags or a box, rather than stacking them in your arms could prevent a catastrophe.

Reusing Ziplock Bags ~ Most people won't go along with this tip, but bags that did not store meat or gooey substances could be washed in hot water and dishwashing liquid, then hung to dry for a second life.  You could keep used bags in a certain place to be washed all at once.Saves money.

Soap Chips ~ If you have soap chips and slivers that you weren't able to melt onto a new bar of soap, try this.  Use an old washcloth to fold in half, insert the soap chips and sew shut.  Use long stitches, so you can pull out the thread and refill later.  This can be used to suds up while showering or bathing. You might want to make one for each family member.  Kids love them and it might even make taking a bath more fun.

From a Tablecloth to Kitchen Towels ~ Certain tablecloths (cotton or linen), if found for a good price at a yard sale, can be cut and hemmed for very nice kitchen towels.  If you have an embroidery machine, you can make them even more special and fun to use.

Nice White Doilies and Towels ~ Every now and then put all of your doilies in an Oxiclean solution to whiten them.  Avoid bleach which will deteriorate the fibers. Do the same with kitchen towels, dishcloths, towels, and washcloths.  I have a batch soaking right now.  Oxiclean works wonders on stubborn clothing stains as well.

Custom Window Shades ~ When window shades become worn, save the roller and slat.  Buy oil cloth at the fabric store (with or without a design) and cut it to the size of the shade.  Sew the bottom to fit the wooden slat and glue or staple to the top of the roller.
 
 
 

Reaching through to the Hearts of Our Children

by Lisa Jacobson - Mother of eight - Used by permission
 
More than anything else, it’s what I care about. Their little hearts.
It’s what matters most to me as their mom. Sure, I want them to behave, to learn all they can, and to live meaningful lives. But where are their hearts? That’s what I really want to know.
 
And what does a mama do to minister in those deeper places?
Lately, I’ve been talking this over with our older children (does the word “child” even apply to a 17 or 19 year-old?) and asking them what touched their hearts when they were younger. What helped them connect when they were struggling, or when we were in a tough season. What’s kept our hearts tied together through it all?
Of course, there’s no formula. No 5-Step Program. It’s a Holy Spirit thing and by the grace of God. Along with a whole lot of love, patience and persistence on the parent’s part.
 
So then how does a mama go about reaching her child’s heart?
Ask God for wisdom. Okay, I say “ask”, but I’ve been known to literally cry out to Him, desperately seeking His light on a situation. It seems often it’s in the wee hours of the night when He’s revealed the Real Issue underlying a certain behavior or serious concern.  At other times He has simply shown what the next step should be. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God (James 1:5a).
 
Make your child’s heart the highest priority. Above our schedule, activities, and even other ministries. Hearts do not become hardened overnight – this only happens over time – so keep a close watch that they remain tender and open. This also means that we can’t be so busy that we’re unable to see what’s going on, or have the time to do anything about it. Parenting takes TIME. Tons of it.  Keep your heart with all diligence. (Prov.4:23a).
 
Listen carefully. Sometimes as parents, we get too caught up in the talking. Lecturing. Teaching. But it’s good to remember that listening says a whole bunch too. Listening says, “I love you and I care.”  Even if our child is off-track, this might be the chance to identify where there’s been a mistake (yours or theirs) or just a plain bad attitude. After we’ve heard them out, then we can lovingly correct where necessary. Let every man (or mama) be swift to hear. (James 1:19a).
 
Point them to the truth. As parents, we are to be truth-tellers. We have the responsibility to gently lead them to what is good and right. It’s not about our “rules” or “preferences” or “expectations”, but a matter of grounding their hearts in the truth. Teach them to love God’s Word and to look to the Savior for the answers.  Trust in The Lord with all your heart. (Prov.3:5a).
 
Accept that it’s a process. We can easily fall into thinking that how it is now – is how it will always be. Not so! That’s the voice of the Enemy seeking to discourage. She’s having troubles with lying? Maybe today. But not forever. He’s been angry or withdrawn? Maybe today. But not forever.  Patiently pursue their hearts and believe that God is the Redeemer He says He is.
After all, He’s redeemed you.  And me.
Because as much as we care about our children’s hearts? More than anything else.
Our Heavenly Father cares about them far more.

Impacting Teens, Influencing Moms, Inspiring Mentors (Did You Teach Them?)

Not doing more .. but being more .. more like Jesus!
Elisa is the founder of this wonderful blog where you can find Free Topical Downloads, Tips for Teens and 20's, and more at: http://www.moretobe.com/
 
Did You Teach Them?
 
I suppose it is normal to have a sobering sense of time when you look up from your desk, caught off guard by the young woman walking through the door, only to realize it is your own daughter.
When did she grow up?
I feel like I just tucked the 4T dresses away for her little sister. Wasn't it only yesterday when she insisted on wearing sports shorts and a t-shirt, all-the-time? Now she's dressed like she's ready to step into the world of business movers and shakers.  That's what dress code looks like on a nearly fully matured teenager's body.
 
In only a blink, I am sure she'll be walking back out that door and into the world God is waiting for her to explore. And I am left to wonder.
Did I teach her the most important lessons of all?
Did I model authentic faith?  Did I share with her the awesomeness of God and proclaim His glory in my worship, praise, and prayers? Did I show her what to do with unbelief, letting her know it is okay to cry out to God in doubt but walk faithfully anyways?  Have I given her a taste of my whole faith, even the messy parts, because isn't life messy?  Won't she be a doubting Thomas at times, too?  But it is my prayer for her to echo Mary's words more often, "My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…" (Luke 1:46-47).

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

In the very blink frozen by my thoughts, I turn my heart to the Lord and stare down Proverbs 3:5-6. It was the very first verse my daughter had to memorize when she entered kindergarten and the very first verse I really sunk my knees deep into prayer over the life of my children.
Oh Lord, may they trust in you with all their heart, and lean not on their own understanding. In all their ways may they submit to you, O God, and may You make their paths straight.
It's been a prayer for my littles, spoken so many times in gasps of, "Oh Lord. Help them to submit. Dear God, make them stay the straight way."  But in this moment of window gazing and wonderment of time, the Lord whispered to me a new way to use this passage of Truth. He asked me…
  • Did you teach them to trust me?
  • Did you teach them how to give their heart to me?
  • Did you teach them to not lean on their own understanding?
  • Did you teach them to live set apart?
  • Did you teach them to pay attention to me?
  • Did you teach them to follow my ways?
  • Did you teach them how to live on the straight path?

Did I teach them?

It's now my accountability checklist for the remainder of my motherhood journey. Not so that I'd feel bound up in condemnation, but so that I'd really pour into the years left with her and her siblings.  It's a tool to help me evaluate my time, offering the Holy Spirit a good old fashion moment of silence as I step away from the screens to face my Maker.
 
Oh sure, it makes me squirm on days when the answer is "No, Lord. I didn't." But because of His grace and the mercies bestowed each morning, I can embrace living with an momma heart, eternally bent. It's the best thing I can do for my children — to give them Jesus in a faith that's still being learned — while they are still young enough to teach.
:: click here to download a copy of Did You Teach Them to encourage you
and a printable version of Proverbs 3:5-6 ::

Did You Teach Them?
Encouragement for a momma from the heart of God
Did you teach them to trust me?
Did you teach them how to give their heart to me?
Did you teach them to not lean on their own understanding?
Did you teach them to live set apart?
Did you teach them to pay attention to me?
Did you teach them to follow my ways?
Did you teach them how to follow the straight path?
 
Blessings,
Elisa, MoreToBe.com
 

The Mayonnaise Jar

Author unknown

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.


A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.  When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and fills it with golf balls.  He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.  He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. 
 
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “YES.”  The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions. Things, that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.” he said.

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “There is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you...” he told them.

“So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Worship with your family.  Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner. Spend time with good friends. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled and said, “I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”
 

Identifying Food and Other Products Containing Aluminum

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2013

Here is an excellent link that tells us how we can avoid aluminum, which has been known to contribute to Alzheimer's disease. 
Buying baking powder at a health food store or ordering online from i-herb would eliminate a good bit, especially if you enjoy baked products.  Baking soda is safe.  In fact, a thin paste of simply baking soda and water makes a very effective deodorant.  I've used this for years, after my sister mentioned that she uses it to avoid aluminum.  Sometimes one application even works as long as five days!  A money-saving, time-saving and healthy tip!
Lists are given here.  Shocking!  Prepared foods and mixes are some of the worst culprits.

3D Shapes

Author unknown

Note from Lois: This little poem will help young children in learning 3D shapes, and memorization is a great exercise!

3D shapes are fat not flat.
A cone is like a party hat.
A sphere is like a bouncy ball.
A prism is like a building tall.
A cylinder is like a can of pop.
A cube is like the dice you drop.

3D shapes are here and there.
3D shapes are everywhere!
 
 

Little Hands, Little Man

    by Victoria Brake

Little hands to hold so tight.
Hair to comb, and tears to wipe.
Little feet that grow so fast.
Teeth to brush and bedtime baths.
Little cups that must be filled.
Teething rings that must be chilled.
Clothes that come in green and blue.
Doing things boys love to do.
Time is fleeting, oh so fast.
What was just here, is now the past.

Little hands that needed me.
Now need me less, I start to see.
He ties his shoes and combs his hair.
Picks out his clothes, knows what to wear.
We hunt for bugs and play with cars.
Draw pictures of the moon and stars.
We're at the park, we play pretend.
He tells me I'm his favorite friend.
Who, what, when, where, why and how?
He needs to know these things right now.
So full of life, so full of love.
This gift sent from the Lord above.

He's older now, my little man.
No need for him to hold my hand.
Fishing, camping, baseball games.
Collecting worms after it rains.
Each night I ask the Lord above,
to help me teach him how to love.
There's so much that he needs to know,
and I'm still learning as I go.
Please, Lord... PLEASE help me get this right.
I beg, as I lose sleep at night.
Precious soul, undefiled.
Lord, guide me as I raise this child.

What just happened? Can it be?
My little boy is now a teen.
I stock the fridge to keep him fed.
Make sure he still fits in his bed.
Try not to let my worry show.
This happened fast, where did time go?
Help me to listen patiently.
As I instruct him, Lord guide me.
May my words be gentle and kind.
Loving, sincere, pure and wise.
His time at home, will soon be gone.
It sure did fly, but it was fun.

His bags are packed and by the door.
He's off to face a whole new world.
It seems like only yesterday,
as I would rock him… he would say.
Just one more story, pretty please?
Please would you read one more to me?
Then I would tuck him in his bed,
and kiss him on his precious head.
No more karate, no more ball.
No more measurements on the wall.
Today he'll leave this cozy nest,
and spread his wings, and give his best.

Five years later, this handsome man,
will take a wife and give his hand.
A beautiful bride, for my son.
I've prayed for her since he was one.
Thank you Lord, for hearing me.
For growing now, our family tree.
Two young lives will now be one.
A new love story has begun.

Two years later, waiting room.
A child will be here very soon.
Tiny bundle, wrapped in blue.
My boy, he knows just what to do.
He holds his son so tenderly.
An instant bond that I can see.
I run my hand through baby's hair.
The tears they fall, without a care.
His child held gently on his chest.
The years ahead will be his best.
It's true, he may not know it yet.
But he will soon, that I can bet.
Little hands to hold so tight.
Hair to comb and tears to wipe.

Precious Gems

My daughter Elizabeth came home from a field trip happy and tired. Before long she stretched out on the couch with her hands over her head and said, "Whew, I am so exaggerated!" ~Catherine in Indiana

Autumn Rose (4) saying the Pledge of Allegiance:  "I pledge allegiance to ANY flag because of the United States of America..."   Guess we need to work on that one a little bit! ~ Mary in Virginia
 
As we left (Primary Election), Savannah (5) asked why I voted for a boy.  I told her there were no girls running.  She then responded that she didn't see any boys RUNNING either, but that they were all wearing ties and shaking hands, they didn't even have any stickers for kids, and that if I was up for election she would vote for me, if she wasn't a kid, because they don't let kids vote.  Sometimes I think she might be older than 5. ~ Lauren in Virginia 
 
Picked up Malakai (5) from school and he told me, "It was a great day.  First it was morning and them it turned into afternoon and that made it a great day!"  Thank you, God, for the sweet reminder of how blessed we are and how grateful we should be for each day you've created ~ Danielle in Alabama 

It might be a good time for some upper body exercises if your kid says, "Hey Mom!  I can make your arm wiggle like a gobblin king's neck!"  But that hasn't happened to me.  I am just saying, in case it happens to you.  You know...just fyi.  :) ~ Elaine in Virginia

Quote


"Whether or not we have spiritual discernment is a matter of life or death." ~ Unknown

A Tribute to My Husband at His Retirement

by Lois Breneman - May, 2013

After almost forty-three years as a mechanical engineer, yesterday was my husband's last day at the office.  He had worked at two different architectural engineering firms all those years, and it was time.  He was grateful that since January, 2010, he was able to cut back with his firm, and work as an independent consultant for three days a week.  Sometimes, however, the work load expanded to full time. So now his full retirement is official! 

We look forward to visiting our three children, other three children by marriage, and five grandchildren more often now.  Of course, there is always plenty to do around the house.  Unlike other years, now when the wind is blowing just right and the weather is good (not too cold or hot), we can take off and go sailing with our very used Hobie-Cat before the hulls crack and we drop into the lake!   There were several other times when gusts of wind dumped us, even during the last race in a regatta in 2001 - too much excitement for me!  We were amazed to still come in second place overall and second place in the multi-hull division that summer.  That was our first (and last) race though.
After packing thousands of lunches for John and our children, I am happy to know that job is completed - not my favorite job.  But for those of you who are still packing lunches, hopefully this Heart to Heart link will give you some new ideas:  http://www.heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Lunch%20Packing%20Ideas

In answer to my many prayers, I thank the Lord so much for giving John to me as my husband of almost forty-five years, and the father of our children.  He is a godly man of integrity, and has put the Lord first in his life as long as I have known him.  He is faithful, dependable, logical, practical, a problem solver, organized, a good manager of money, level headed, and likes to have fun. 

So on to another "Season of Life" for us - all Saturdays now, except for Sunday!