by Jalisa Wenger
A little girl just five years old
She called and Mama came
To put the pieces that she held
Into her puzzle’s frame.
But when her Mama tried to help
And show her where they go
She fussed and tried to make them fit
Her way– not Mama’s– no!
"Oh, Mama, let’s do this one now"
But Mama thought it best
To lay that piece aside awhile;
It did not fit the rest.
Then as they worked together on
The puzzle piece by piece,
They found the one they’d laid aside
Now fit with perfect ease!
This little girl, she is my own
And I’m her mother dear.
While watching her, I saw myself–
It really was quite clear!
"But Lord," I whined, "I do not want
To put this piece that way.
I’d like it better over here.
Please tell me that I may!"
Or "Father, let’s do this one now"
But Father knows it’s best
To lay that piece aside awhile
Until we’ve pieced the rest.
Then one by one we fit them in
According to His choice.
I now can see just why 'twas best
To heed His gentle voice.
He saw the big scene of my life
But I saw just a part,
He knew the choices that I craved
Would draw me from His heart.
In tender love He bid me lay
The treasured piece aside
That I might learn to yield to Him
And in His will abide.
As we continue working on
Life’s puzzle side by side,
My heart is filled with gratitude
For this– my faithful Guide!
And when we stand on Heaven’s shore
And view the scene– complete–
With joyful praises on my lips,
I’ll worship at His feet!
Inspirational Home and Family Blog
Monday, January 27, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Fifteenth Anniversary for the Heart to Heart Newsletter / Blogs / Missing Newsletters / Subscriber Comments
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.
I so much appreciate all the kind words, love, and prayers from each one of you who write! ~ Lois
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
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
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?
Links are shown at the top of every newsletter.
You Can Help!
If you find any misspelled words or incorrect grammar, please notify me. I'm not perfect, and you'll be doing me a big favor. Thanks so much!
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.
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.
Main Blog: http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com
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.
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.
Recipe Blog:http://heartfilledhomerecipes.blogspot.com/
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.
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. I'm not perfect, and you'll be doing me a big favor. Thanks so much!
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
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
25 Ways to Communicate Respect to Your Husband (without uttering a word)
by Jennifer Flanders - http://lovinglifeathome.com/2012/08/06/25-ways-to-communicate-respect/
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.
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. Read More.
Marriage Evaluation
Introduction by Julie Druck of York, Pennsylvania
Author of a wonderful e-mail newsletter, "A Heart for Home"- aheartforhome-subscribe@welovegod.org
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.
To view Julie's blog, visit: www.lifeinskunkhollow.blogspot.com
Used by permissionSeveral 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?
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? Check out the articles on "Marriage" on this blog, 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.
For your Valentine's Day celebration, how about working to improve your marriage? Check out the articles on "Marriage" on this blog, 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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Becoming God's True Woman . . . While I Still Have a Curfew by Mary A. Kassian and Susan Hunt
- God Girl: Becoming the Woman You're Meant to Be by Hayley DeMarco
- James: Faith Under Pressure by Pam Gibbs
And here are a couple Bible studies written by yours truly.
- True Princess: Embracing Humility in an All About Me World
- Beautiful Encounters: The Presence of Jesus Changes Everything
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!
Homemade Chapstick Recipe
by Lois Breneman - 2015 - Revised 2016
Many of the brands of chapstick, even those bought at a health food store, often contain soybean oil, which is a cancer-causing substance, so I wanted to avoid products that use soybeans in making a homemade chapstick. As often as I use chapstick, it's good to know that all these ingredients are completely healthy and safe to ingest.
Recipe for Chapstick
3 Tbsp. bees wax
1 Tbsp. shea butter
2 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 Tbsp. jojoba oil
1 Tbsp. lanolin
1 Tbsp. vitamin E oil
20 drops of any combo of therapeutic essential oils
(Examples:
10 drops orange and 10 drops lavender;
10 drops melaleuca and 10 drops orange;
10 drops orange and 10 drops bergamot;
or 20 drops of one essential oil)
5 drops helichrysum, optional
Directions:Melt bees wax, shea butter, and coconut oil in a double boiler. Add jojoba oil, lanolin, and Vitamin E along with the essential oils of your choice.
Carefully pour melted ingredients into clean chapstick containers. I used a teaspoon to transfer the liquid.
All of the essential oils mentioned in the recipe are therapeutically safe to ingest if using the brand I use, as well as a few other brands.
The convenience in making this recipe is that if you don't have enough empty chapstick containers, you can save your liquid, which will become solid, for another time. I suggest saving it in a glass container so when you want to remelt it to pour into additional chapstick containers, you can. Products with essentials oils should be stored in glass containers anyway.
Many of the brands of chapstick, even those bought at a health food store, often contain soybean oil, which is a cancer-causing substance, so I wanted to avoid products that use soybeans in making a homemade chapstick. As often as I use chapstick, it's good to know that all these ingredients are completely healthy and safe to ingest.
Recipe for Chapstick
3 Tbsp. bees wax
1 Tbsp. shea butter
2 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 Tbsp. jojoba oil
1 Tbsp. lanolin
1 Tbsp. vitamin E oil
20 drops of any combo of therapeutic essential oils
(Examples:
10 drops orange and 10 drops lavender;
10 drops melaleuca and 10 drops orange;
10 drops orange and 10 drops bergamot;
or 20 drops of one essential oil)
5 drops helichrysum, optional
Directions:Melt bees wax, shea butter, and coconut oil in a double boiler. Add jojoba oil, lanolin, and Vitamin E along with the essential oils of your choice.
Carefully pour melted ingredients into clean chapstick containers. I used a teaspoon to transfer the liquid.
All of the essential oils mentioned in the recipe are therapeutically safe to ingest if using the brand I use, as well as a few other brands.
The convenience in making this recipe is that if you don't have enough empty chapstick containers, you can save your liquid, which will become solid, for another time. I suggest saving it in a glass container so when you want to remelt it to pour into additional chapstick containers, you can. Products with essentials oils should be stored in glass containers anyway.
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
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
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
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
- 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
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: 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
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."
Monday, January 20, 2014
Orange Pomanders: A Craft that Will Last for Years
by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2014
This project is perfect for doing with your older children or with girlfriends, such as "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 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. 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)
Photo of the supplies, except for the bag of spice and alum mixture. The skewer was shortened, making it easier to handle.
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, remove the part that attached to the stem, poke a hole there with the skewer, 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
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Below is another orange I started last night after this was posted. I used a juicy orange with a thin skin, as I did for the one above. You can see the juice oozing out in the front. It smelled so good, and juice ozzing out is not a problem. I will need to fill in with small cloves to completely cover the orange peel in that area. It's a good idea to refrigerate any partly completed orange to keep it fresh. Tonight I plan to finish it. Then I'll coat it with the spice and alum mixture, by following the recipe above. |
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