by Jalisa Wenger - Used by permission
Tears were streaming down our faces
Like a show'r of rain.
In our aching hearts we carried
So much grief and pain.
Many questions had no answers -
"Oh, dear Father, why
Did our Kendall have to leave us?"
This our troubled sigh.
"We'd have loved to keep him longer...
Care for him each day...
Hold him in our arms and love him...
Watch him grow and play..."
Many were the dreams we'd cherished
For the coming years.
Then we saw just shattered fragments
Through a veil of tears.
Now as I reflect years later
On that time of pain,
I thank God for all the rainbows
Glistening in the rain.
Many blessings He has given
That we wouldn't know
If He had not taken Kendall
Many years ago.
God used trials to refine and
Make us purer still.
Though it was a painful process,
'Twas His perfect will.
I thank God He did not leave us
Like we used to be.
He gave us deeper meaning,
To Him glory be!
"Deep compassion fills my heart, Lord,
Since we've walked this road.
And I long to comfort others
Who now bear grief's load.
And I pray that though it's raining
In their hearts today,
They may see the rainbow colors
Of your grace some day."
Inspirational Home and Family Blog
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
Precious Gems
I picked up a very disappointed 3 year old from preschool today. It was a make up day, due to all the snow days they had. She didn't understand why they didn't do her makeup. ~ Alicia in West Virginia
It was very windy and the electricity went off.
Greta (5), had her own version of it: " A possum crossed the road and a tree fell on it!" ~ Martha in Oregon
It was very windy and the electricity went off.
Greta (5), had her own version of it: " A possum crossed the road and a tree fell on it!" ~ Martha in Oregon
April
1st: By 8:00 a.m. Jocelynn (6) had dumped the Lego box into Si's (8)
pants drawer (after dumping the contents onto the floor), and Silas had
put salt into the sugar canister. I instituted a "No pranks without
permission" rule. Si immediately asked me if he could put super glue on
Dad's alarm clock. This is going to be a long day! ~ Beth in Ohio
My
husband, Rob, often makes comments about my night owlish ways. Last
night as we were on the way to the beach, Carter (3) fell asleep around
9, and I groaned saying, "I would be up with him the rest of the
night." Rob made some remark about how I stay up all night anyway, so
it shouldn’t matter. Eva (7) immediately piped in and said, “That’s
because mommy is nocturnal, Daddy.” She sighed and continued, “I wish I
were nocturnal.” ~ Elizabeth in Virginia
I
was heading out the other evening to do a facial. Before I left Carter
(3) gave me a big hug and a kiss, and Mia (5) gave me some good advice:
“Don’t get pulled over tonight, Mommy,” she said. ~ Elizabeth in
Virginia
Mia
(5) was upset at me the other night because I wouldn’t let her have any
candy. “Well, when you are old and I have to take care of you, I won’t
let you have any candy either. And I am going to eat it ALL BY MYSELF in
front of you!” ~ Elizabeth in Virginia
Sitting
in a parking lot I hear a loud hot rod pass. Karlie (10): "Wow! That is
a cool car, Mom! It has no hood and a video camera sticking out!"
Ha! So cute! She was embarrassed when I told her it was the motor. I
told her it was cute! ~ Julie in Washington
On
Sunday at church Malakai (6) was singing during worship so I leaned in
closer to hear his sweet little voice sing...The Alphabet Song! ~
Danielle in Alabama
Teens
5 Strategies to Keep Teens Safe on Facebook
Although
there are a lot of studies showing that less teens are using Facebook
than in the past, most teens still keep an active Facebook profile. Find
out how you can keep help your teen use Facebook safely and
responsibly.
Search Related Topics: teens and technology internet safety for teens
Teens
need to know the basics about budgeting, saving and spending if we want
them to become responsible adults. I interviewed a financial expert to
learn what skills teens need and how to start teaching those skills now.
Search Related Topics: teens and money financial skills for teens
Teens
are worried about more than just what they're going to do on Saturday
night. A new study reveals they're anxious about money. Learn what's
causing their anxiety and find out what parents are saying about it.
Unplanned Pregnancy
If
you know of anyone struggling with an unplanned pregnancy, or hurting
from a past abortion, free counseling and other resources are available:
2. by calling 800-A-FAMILY (800-232-6459).
1. by checking a phone book for a Pregnancy Resource Center
and contacting them
and contacting them
2. by calling 800-A-FAMILY (800-232-6459).
The Empty Nest - Notes & Quotes for Parents & Children
by Lois Breneman
Ladies, as your children leave the security of your home and go off to college, here are some quotes that may encourage you as moms, and a few to share with your children and young adults. I believe the most important things we can offer to our children, as they leave home are a continued godly example in our life and marriage, unconditional love, respect, constant prayer and wide open doors of communication.
Success is to stand in the presence of God, unashamed.
If we are praying diligently for our children, we can be confident that God is faithfully working behind the scenes, even when we don't know the details of His working. - Lois Breneman
Ladies, as your children leave the security of your home and go off to college, here are some quotes that may encourage you as moms, and a few to share with your children and young adults. I believe the most important things we can offer to our children, as they leave home are a continued godly example in our life and marriage, unconditional love, respect, constant prayer and wide open doors of communication.
As your children leave home, Talk Less - Trust God and Pray More!
Commit your children to God in the Security, Safety and Strength of the LORD!
It is comforting to know that the God who guides us sees tomorrow more clearly than we see yesterday. -- Author Unknown
'Difficulty' is not a word to be found in the dictionary of heaven. Nothing can be impossible with God. -- Charles H. Spurgeon
As your children seek to know God's will for their future:
To have God in our life, doesn't mean sailing on a boat with no storms, it means having a boat that no storm can sink! -- Author Unknown
To have God in our life, doesn't mean sailing on a boat with no storms, it means having a boat that no storm can sink! -- Author Unknown
Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you. -- Warren Buffett
If we are praying diligently for our children, we can be confident that God is faithfully working behind the scenes, even when we don't know the details of His working. - Lois Breneman
The Five Finger Prayer
1.
Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those
closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our
loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty.'
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, ministers, and doctors. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. I reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the others four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, ministers, and doctors. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. I reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the others four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
Quick & Easy Way to Clean Windows Outdoors
A great solution for those who still have windows that need to be washed from the outside.
Forget the ladder! This is the best way ever to wash outside windows.
No wiping or drying is needed, and you won't have any spots or streaks on your windows!
You can clean 2 big sliding glass doors and 8 large windows in minutes!
These are the ingredients you need to use:
1/2 gallon warm water
1 Tbsp. liquid "Jet Dry" (Finish Rinse Aid)
2-3 Tbsp. liquid laundry detergent or dish washing soap
Mix all of the ingredients above.
Spray the windows down with a hose to wet them well.
Wipe or brush the solution onto your windows, then immediately hose it off.
You're finished! The remaining water just slides off without any wiping!
Forget the ladder! This is the best way ever to wash outside windows.
No wiping or drying is needed, and you won't have any spots or streaks on your windows!
You can clean 2 big sliding glass doors and 8 large windows in minutes!
These are the ingredients you need to use:
1/2 gallon warm water
1 Tbsp. liquid "Jet Dry" (Finish Rinse Aid)
2-3 Tbsp. liquid laundry detergent or dish washing soap
Mix all of the ingredients above.
Spray the windows down with a hose to wet them well.
Wipe or brush the solution onto your windows, then immediately hose it off.
You're finished! The remaining water just slides off without any wiping!
Household Tips
Caring for Houseplants while on Vacation
~ Most houseplants will do fine if you're gone for a week. If you
need to leave small potted plants unattended inside your home longer
than that while on vacation, here's a solution. Place a jar of water
next to each plant. Tear an old T-shirt into strips about 1-2" wide.
Place one end of a strip deep inside the jar and secure the other end in
the soil of the plant with a nail or whatever will hold it securely.
The strip of absorbent fabric will act as a wick to water your plants
while you are gone. Some water evaporation could be prevented by
placing plastic wrap over part of the jar. Be sure you won't get any
furniture wet using this solution. Another remedy
is to use your bathtub. Place an old towel or drop cloth in the tub
first to protect your tub; then set bricks in the tub and set your
plants on the bricks. Run enough water in the tub to cover the bricks.
Then use T-shirt strips to act as wicks to keep your plants moist.
Clever Coupon Clipper ~ Save envelopes from junk mail. I especially like to save colored envelopes. Before heading to the grocery store, write out your shopping list on the envelope and place the coupons you plan to use on the inside. That way both your list and coupons will be at your fingertips. Then when I find the product matching my coupon, I place the coupon inside my purse.
Easier Toilet Cleaning ~ Once you have your toilet very clean inside, push out the water, let the inside dry, and wax it with automobile wax. Wax the entire toilet - seat and lid as well. Let the polish dry, and buff to a shine. Because of the polish job, it will stay clean much longer.
Easier Tub and Sink Cleaning ~ Wax the tub and sink after it is clean and dry. Buff to a shine, and it will cause dirt not to cling to it as before the waxing job. Be sure to use a slip-proof mat in your bathtub to prevent slipping.
3 Ways to Banish Hard Water Deposits with Vinegar ~ Soak a cloth in white vinegar, and wrap it around chrome faucets, allowing it to set for an hour or so. To clean a clogged showerhead, attach a plastic bag of white vinegar, allowing the showerhead to soak in the vinegar for an hour. Works like magic! Wipe down a shower and glass door using a Magic Eraser saturated with white vinegar.
Quick Shine to Chrome ~ Rubbing alcohol on a Terry cloth cleaning cloth makes chrome shine instantly. I like to use the wintergreen (green) kind for the great smell. It works great for a quick all-over bathroom cleanup!
Vanishing Odors ~ Air fresheners only mask odors. Disinfectants and pine oil cleaners kill odors, but some of them are strong enough to knock you out. Good old baking soda, vinegar, or Borax will get rid of odors as well. Keeping an open shallow dish of baking soda behind your toilet will help to absorb odors.
Removing Blood Stains ~ I've had nurses tell me they soak blood stains in hydrogen peroxide or club soda after rinsing first in cold water - even rubbing ice over the stain first is helpful.
Old Toothpaste for Cleaning Silver Jewelry ~ Rub silver jewelry with toothpaste on an old toothbrush to make it shine.
Clever Coupon Clipper ~ Save envelopes from junk mail. I especially like to save colored envelopes. Before heading to the grocery store, write out your shopping list on the envelope and place the coupons you plan to use on the inside. That way both your list and coupons will be at your fingertips. Then when I find the product matching my coupon, I place the coupon inside my purse.
Easier Toilet Cleaning ~ Once you have your toilet very clean inside, push out the water, let the inside dry, and wax it with automobile wax. Wax the entire toilet - seat and lid as well. Let the polish dry, and buff to a shine. Because of the polish job, it will stay clean much longer.
Easier Tub and Sink Cleaning ~ Wax the tub and sink after it is clean and dry. Buff to a shine, and it will cause dirt not to cling to it as before the waxing job. Be sure to use a slip-proof mat in your bathtub to prevent slipping.
3 Ways to Banish Hard Water Deposits with Vinegar ~ Soak a cloth in white vinegar, and wrap it around chrome faucets, allowing it to set for an hour or so. To clean a clogged showerhead, attach a plastic bag of white vinegar, allowing the showerhead to soak in the vinegar for an hour. Works like magic! Wipe down a shower and glass door using a Magic Eraser saturated with white vinegar.
Quick Shine to Chrome ~ Rubbing alcohol on a Terry cloth cleaning cloth makes chrome shine instantly. I like to use the wintergreen (green) kind for the great smell. It works great for a quick all-over bathroom cleanup!
Vanishing Odors ~ Air fresheners only mask odors. Disinfectants and pine oil cleaners kill odors, but some of them are strong enough to knock you out. Good old baking soda, vinegar, or Borax will get rid of odors as well. Keeping an open shallow dish of baking soda behind your toilet will help to absorb odors.
Removing Blood Stains ~ I've had nurses tell me they soak blood stains in hydrogen peroxide or club soda after rinsing first in cold water - even rubbing ice over the stain first is helpful.
Old Toothpaste for Cleaning Silver Jewelry ~ Rub silver jewelry with toothpaste on an old toothbrush to make it shine.
How to Make your Own Terry Cleaning Cloths
by Lois Breneman - 2014
I don't even call these cleaning cloths "rags," because they are so nice to use - no holes and very durable. Using thin, worn towels (without holes), I cut each bath towel into 8 sections.
I don't even call these cleaning cloths "rags," because they are so nice to use - no holes and very durable. Using thin, worn towels (without holes), I cut each bath towel into 8 sections.
After rounding the corners by trimming, I zigzag each one, non-stop, all around the rounded edges with my sewing machine, assembly line style, without cutting the thread until they are all sewn.
Old hand towels, dish towels and washcloths work too. Fluff them in the dryer to remove the lint before using them as cleaning cloths.
When laundering them, I skip the fabric softener so they are more absorbent. We are still using cleaning cloths that used to be towels received as wedding gifts 45 years ago! If you don't have worn towels yet, check at yard sales, Salvation Army, and Goodwill.
After laundering the cleaning cloths, I simply fold mine in half and stack them in bathrooms, the laundry room, and the hall closet for cleaning.
After laundering the cleaning cloths, I simply fold mine in half and stack them in bathrooms, the laundry room, and the hall closet for cleaning.
Game: Name Their Wives
Author of original is unknown.
This has been slightly altered.
This would be a great game for a bridal shower, Valentine's party, an anniversary celebration, or just for fun for your family and friends! Try it before looking at the answers at the very end.
1. ___ Oysterman's wife? a. Grace
2. ___ Lawyer's wife? b. Amy
3. ___ Bookkeeper's wife? c. Jinnie
4. ___ Dentist's wife? d. Betty
5. ___ Capitalist's wife? e. Sophia
6. ___ Gambler's wife? f. Flora
7. ___ Shoemaker's wife? g. Belle
8. ___ Doctor's wife? h. Carrie
9. ___ Fisherman's wife? i. Octavia
10. ___ Miner's wife? j. Nettie
11. ___ Marksman's wife? k. Pearl
12. ___ Cotton Farmer's wife? l. Sue
13. ___ Civil Engineer's wife? m. Jewell
14. ___ Gardner's wife? n. Bridget
15. ___ Meteorologist's wife? o. Hattie
16. ___ Sexton's wife? p. Flossie
17. ___ Porter's wife? q. Iris
This has been slightly altered.
This would be a great game for a bridal shower, Valentine's party, an anniversary celebration, or just for fun for your family and friends! Try it before looking at the answers at the very end.
1. ___ Oysterman's wife? a. Grace
2. ___ Lawyer's wife? b. Amy
3. ___ Bookkeeper's wife? c. Jinnie
4. ___ Dentist's wife? d. Betty
5. ___ Capitalist's wife? e. Sophia
6. ___ Gambler's wife? f. Flora
7. ___ Shoemaker's wife? g. Belle
8. ___ Doctor's wife? h. Carrie
9. ___ Fisherman's wife? i. Octavia
10. ___ Miner's wife? j. Nettie
11. ___ Marksman's wife? k. Pearl
12. ___ Cotton Farmer's wife? l. Sue
13. ___ Civil Engineer's wife? m. Jewell
14. ___ Gardner's wife? n. Bridget
15. ___ Meteorologist's wife? o. Hattie
16. ___ Sexton's wife? p. Flossie
17. ___ Porter's wife? q. Iris
18. ___ Dancing Master's wife? r. Ione
19. ___ Pianist's wife? s. Sandy
20. ___ Milliner's wife? t. Adaline
19. ___ Pianist's wife? s. Sandy
20. ___ Milliner's wife? t. Adaline
21. ___ Ophthalmologist wife u. Patience
22. ___ Upholsterer's wife? v. Gail
23. ___ Oceanographer's wife? w. Peggy
22. ___ Upholsterer's wife? v. Gail
23. ___ Oceanographer's wife? w. Peggy
Answers to Game: Name Their Wives
1-k; 2-l; 3-t; 4-p; 5-r; 6-d; 7-w; 8-u; 9-j; 10-m; 11-b; 12-c;
13-n; 14-f; 15-v; 16-g; 17-h; 18-a; 19-i; 20-o; 21-q; 22-e; 23-s
13-n; 14-f; 15-v; 16-g; 17-h; 18-a; 19-i; 20-o; 21-q; 22-e; 23-s
Asking for Her Hand in Marriage
Author unknown
A fun poem to read at a bridal shower and give to the guests to take home. Or you could change the capitalized words to lower case and let the bridal shower guests find all the trees themselves!
There was a youth so SPRUCE and neat,
Who loved a maiden wondrous sweet.
A POPLAR girl, with her he'd stray
Along the BEECH beside the BAY,
When breezes fraught with ocean air
Would softly touch her CHESTNUT hair.
Her rosy PALM in his was pressed,
To ask PAW PAW was her request.
Should he succeed, with hope elate,
She promised him, she'd fix the DATE.
He brought her home that very night.
Although he feared the DOGWOOD bite.
But for her sake he then could dare
So not a FIG then did he care.
Then spake he to the ELDER man,
A fun poem to read at a bridal shower and give to the guests to take home. Or you could change the capitalized words to lower case and let the bridal shower guests find all the trees themselves!
There was a youth so SPRUCE and neat,
Who loved a maiden wondrous sweet.
A POPLAR girl, with her he'd stray
Along the BEECH beside the BAY,
When breezes fraught with ocean air
Would softly touch her CHESTNUT hair.
Her rosy PALM in his was pressed,
To ask PAW PAW was her request.
Should he succeed, with hope elate,
She promised him, she'd fix the DATE.
He brought her home that very night.
Although he feared the DOGWOOD bite.
But for her sake he then could dare
So not a FIG then did he care.
Then spake he to the ELDER man,
"To win your daughter's hand, I plan,
And for her constantly I PINE.
So, honored sir, may she be mine?"
The father said, "For one so kind
O-RANGE the world and none I'll find.
Though should she leave me, I must sigh,
For she's the APPLE of my eye.
And from my side should she be torn,
Twould pierce my heart just like a THORN."
And for her constantly I PINE.
So, honored sir, may she be mine?"
The father said, "For one so kind
O-RANGE the world and none I'll find.
Though should she leave me, I must sigh,
For she's the APPLE of my eye.
And from my side should she be torn,
Twould pierce my heart just like a THORN."
Then spake the youth, "And yet, I dare
To ask for your daughter so fair,
And truthful must I surely be
Like him who chopped the CHERRY tree.
I love the maid, in truth I do,
Her cheeks have caught the PEACHES' hue.
I long to press her TULIPS fair."
Replied the sire, "I'll bless the PEAR."
To ask for your daughter so fair,
And truthful must I surely be
Like him who chopped the CHERRY tree.
I love the maid, in truth I do,
Her cheeks have caught the PEACHES' hue.
I long to press her TULIPS fair."
Replied the sire, "I'll bless the PEAR."
Why Do I Run?
by Ed Cunningham
Why do I run? Tain't no mystery --
Wanna have a good medical history.
Doctor told me runnin' is great --
Helps my blood cells circulate.
Great for the lungs, great for the ticker.
Can't nothin' get ya in better shape quicker.
Feels so healthy, feels so sweet,
Pumpin' my arms and flappin' my feet.
Moldin' my muscles, firmin' my form,
Pantin' like a pack mule, sweating up a storm.
Keeps me youthful, keeps me loose,
Tightens my tummy and shrinks my caboose.
Beats bein' sluggish, beats bein' lazy --
Why do I run? Tain't no mystery --
Wanna have a good medical history.
Doctor told me runnin' is great --
Helps my blood cells circulate.
Great for the lungs, great for the ticker.
Can't nothin' get ya in better shape quicker.
Feels so healthy, feels so sweet,
Pumpin' my arms and flappin' my feet.
Moldin' my muscles, firmin' my form,
Pantin' like a pack mule, sweating up a storm.
Keeps me youthful, keeps me loose,
Tightens my tummy and shrinks my caboose.
Beats bein' sluggish, beats bein' lazy --
So why do I run? Maybe I'm crazy!
Natural Detoxification
http://www.realfarmacy.com/how-to-clean-your-liver-with-5-natural-liver-cleansing-tips/
You will want to read the entire article, but these are the 5 natural remedies:
1. Warm Lemon Water every morning
2. Garlic
3. Avocados
4. Cilantro
5. Tumeric
1. Warm Lemon Water every morning
2. Garlic
3. Avocados
4. Cilantro
5. Tumeric
Quotes
How we live depends on the Master we choose. ~ Chuck Swindoll
You belong to the power which you choose to obey. ~ J.B. Phillips
One of the most courageous decisions you'll ever make is to finally let go of what is hurting your heart and soul. ~ Brigette Nicole
You belong to the power which you choose to obey. ~ J.B. Phillips
One of the most courageous decisions you'll ever make is to finally let go of what is hurting your heart and soul. ~ Brigette Nicole
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
How to Clean Your Liver with 5 Natural Liver Cleansing Tips
http://www.realfarmacy.com/how-to-clean-your-liver-with-5-natural-liver-cleansing-tips/
You will want to read the entire article, but these are the 5 natural remedies:
1. Warm Lemon Water every morning
2. Garlic
3. Avocados
4. Cilantro
5. Tumeric
You will want to read the entire article, but these are the 5 natural remedies:
1. Warm Lemon Water every morning
2. Garlic
3. Avocados
4. Cilantro
5. Tumeric
Monday, April 7, 2014
How to Open Swiffer Wet Jet Bottles and Refill with Your Own Solution
Save money by removing the lid from your Swiffer Wet Jet bottle according to these instructions! Then refill with your own homemade cleaning solutions!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-SWvjkUW-s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-SWvjkUW-s
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