Thursday, December 29, 2016

Tip for Making Peanut Butter Cookies

A great baking tidbit from a dear friend of mine!
Used by permission



As I was cleaning my sewing room tonight and tossing out close to empty spools, a memory was triggered.  My sister LONG ago showed me how these plastic spools with spokes can be used for pressing cookies (like peanut butter)....to make the cutest little flowers on top!  If you come across a spool....wash it up and toss it in your baking drawer for next time!  I just did.

Friday, December 23, 2016

The Perpetual Calendar

by Lois Breneman

This is the time of year when we try to have an ample supply of calendars for our home.

Years ago I bought more calendars than I really needed because they were super cute and very inexpensive.  Not a money-saving tip!  I thought I would use them as gifts, but then I changed my mind.  So I hung onto them, which IS a money-saving tip, because of the following information! Some of the nice calendars that we had used were not marked up, so those can be recycled.

I have four very nice specialty calendars with lovely pictures that I'll need to pass on to a younger person though.  Why? Well, because the next year they will match up, I will be one hundred years old!  I doubt I'll be needing them.  If I'm still alive, I probably won't know what day it is, even with a calendar!  Although I do enjoy saving money, sorry to say, this was *not* a money-saving measure!

Thanks to the perpetual calendar chart, we can find out other years that those calendars can used! http://www.vpcalendar.net/20th_21st.html


For the following five years in red, a calendar from those previous years listed will work, which means you don't need to buy more calendars if you have any from these corresponding years!

This link works even better when searching for a specific year so you can find out how it can be used again if not marked up:
http://www.whencanireusethiscalendar.com/

2017 - 1978 - 1989 - 1995 - 2006
2018 - 1973 - 1979 - 1990 - 2001 - 2007
2019 - 1974 - 1985 - 1991 - 2002 - 2013

2020 - 1964 - 1992  (Leap Year means less corresponding years)
2021 - 1965 - 1971 - 1982 - 1993 - 1999 - 2010


So don't toss out your old calendars.  Simply refer to a perpetual calendar.  I plan to label my old calendars to use in the future, since they're in perfect condition.

Friday, December 2, 2016

Encouragement for the Mom Who Regrets What She Said





When I learned my second pregnancy was with a little girl, I immediately had visions of tutus and hairbows. Parenting up to that point had consisted of Tonka trucks and John Deere tractors, so the thought of dressing up a little girl fascinated me. I left the ultrasound and went straight to the store, needing to buy something pink and prissy to hang in her closet.

Today, that little girl is nearly 10 years old, and although I dressed her in pink and placed the biggest bows I could find on her tiny baby head, she did not turn out to be a prissy girl. She is athletic and strong, and she would rather wear running shorts and t-shirts than dresses and tights.

Her dark brown hair cascades down her back, and a ponytail has become her signature look. But that dark brown ponytail has become the biggest argument-inducer between the two of us. She hates to condition it, hates to dry it, and hates to brush it. If she had her way, her hair would always air dry and be full of tangles and knots. We’ve gone around and around about it, and every night I find myself asking, “Have you brushed your hair yet?” I always know the answer.

After a busy night recently of her gymnastics practice and her brother’s football activities, we rushed to eat dinner, make lunches, take showers, and get everyone ready for bed. It wasn’t until I tucked her in that I noticed her hair. Unbrushed. Wet. Tangled.

I wish I could say I handled it calmly, but I didn’t. I was tired and harried, and I let my frustration over her actions direct my handling of the situation. I fussed. I criticized. And I made her cry.

“I’m sorry,” she tearfully apologized, adding, “I’m so mad at myself.”

And in that moment, I became mad at myself, too.

To continue reading, click here.

I’m honored to be guest posting at faithfulsparrow.com!

Friday, November 18, 2016

The Blemished Rose

by Lois Breneman

As the warm days of summer and autumn draw to a close, I dread seeing the beautiful flowers struck down by frost. But on the positive side, I love taking pictures of roses, even in their blemished state. The reason is because I know the Lord looks at people in the same way, and loves the one with a blemished past, just the same. He is a Redeeming Savior and He restores souls!

Monday, November 14, 2016

Clutter-Free Holiday Gift Ideas

Used by permission from Cara

http://www.healthhomeandhappiness.com/25-clutter-fee-holiday-gift-ideas-sustainable-green-and-sure-to-be-appreciated.html


Green Sustainable and Clutter-Free Gift Ideas for everyone on your list

12 Gift Ideas to Occupy Kids on Road Trips

 A Dozen Gift Ideas for Families Traveling for the Holidays

Used by permission from Cara

http://www.healthhomeandhappiness.com/12-gift-ideas-for-families-who-are-road-tripping-for-the-holidays.html


Activity gift ideas for families who travel for the holidays





Holiday Survival Tips



Used by permission from Cara

http://www.healthhomeandhappiness.com/holiday-survival-tips-for-the-child-with-sensory-issues.html



Holiday Survival Tips to Reduce Meltdowns

12 Holiday Gift Ideas to Promote Healthy Independence in Toddlers

Used by permission from the author, Cara  

http://www.healthhomeandhappiness.com/12-gifts-that-encourage-healthy-independence-for-toddlers.html

I totally agree with Cara's ideas, as they were included i
n previous articles I've written before.  Click on the photo for her excellent gift ideas.

Holiday gift ideas for toddlers that encourage independence

Saturday, November 12, 2016

5 Practical Actions to Help Boys Behave

Posted by | Nov 13, 2015

At my wits’ end.
Yep, that about sums up how I felt.

The temperature outside blazed a few degrees shy of 90 million. And the boy energy inside swelled like a ready-to-pop zit (equally painful and annoying).

You see, summer in Dallas is our winter. Except, unlike those kiddos up north, my Texan boys are out of school for those three long months (imagine 3 months of straight snow days. . .).

Sure, we can get some energy release in a pool. But by August, the novelty has worn off (just like sledding in February).  Even Pinterest can’t offer enough creative indoor activities to keep peace in my home.

Read more

Easy Origami

Compliments of Red Ted Art

Paper Box with Lid

Colorful Toy Spinners 

Easy Origami Paper Fan

Easy Origami Boomerang (Kirigami Paper Toy)

Easy Paper Tulip Origami 
 
Easy Melon Corner Bookmark

 
Easy Butterfly Corner Bookmark


Easy Penguin Corner Bookmark 

Easy Panda Corner Bookmark

Easy Fox Corner Bookmark

Easy Paper Heart Corner Bookmark (Kirigami)

Easy Origami Paper Cups


Paper Origami Hearts

Tip for Bathroom Cups

by Lois Breneman

I enjoy searching for solutions to problems.  I was looking for something different in which to store bathroom cups, because I felt the flimsy dispensers available in stores didn't keep the cups from getting dusty.  After looking around the house a bit, I found a tall covered crystal glass from a yard sale.  The cups fit in perfectly, and the price was right as well!  Only a dollar!



The lid protects the cups from any dirt or dust particles in the air.  It also protects from germs when anyone coughs.


Monday, October 31, 2016

Why ADHD Doesn’t Exist in French Children


http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/why-adhd-doesnt-exist-in-french-children.htm

by PAUL FASSA
 
The French don’t recognize ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) as a chemical imbalance that opens the Pandora’s Box of pharmaceutical drug addiction with harmful side effects. 

They don’t raise their kids on fake hyper sugar and chemical processed foods either. Instead, school kids are treated to chefs in training preparing lunch meals from nearby freshly grown produce and local livestock.
In general, the French are more food health conscious than Americans. They believe in fresh well prepared food for all. They don’t allow chemically bleaching wheat flour for white bread. They let the sun do that, which probably enhances micro-nutrients instead of adding toxins.

The ADHD diagnosis rate in America is 19 percent. In France, it’s .5% – a half of one percent. And the socialization of that half percent is not done chemically. It’s done socially and/or with talk therapy, the old fashioned way.

No doubt a lot of fake kiddie cereals that dominate our food aisles are eschewed in France also. That’s probably aided by much less TV advertising of fake foods loaded with food coloring chemicals and sweetened with added excess sugar and HFCS to hook the kids. All of those items contribute to hyperactivity.

Read more...

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

DIY: Deep Hair Conditioner


Dry, damaged hair? Millions of women can relate. Buying deep
hair conditioning products or getting a conditioning treatment 
at a spa can be expensive, and most treatments contain 
unnecessary chemicals that are not good for you or the 
environment.

So what are you supposed to do about it? Make your own, of 
course! This homemade deep hair conditioner is easy to make
and will leave your hair soft, smooth, and chemical free. So grab
your girlfriends for a fun spa night in!

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 drops doTERRA essential oils
Stand or hand mixer
A few great essential oils for your hair include: Lavender, 
Peppermint, Rosemary, Geranium, and Clary Sage. You can 
use one or all five of the essential oils in your deep conditioner.

Directions:
  1. Put coconut oil, olive oil, and essential oils in mixing bowl.
  2. Mix on medium/high speed for 5 minutes or until
     ingredients are whipped to a thick and creamy consistency.
  3. Once whipped, apply to clean dry hair.
  4. Comb through with wide tooth comb to evenly distribute.
  5. Let sit 15-20 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and style as desired.
  6. Repeat once a week or as often as desired. 
Enjoy your soft, healthy, and chemical-free hair!

Clary Sage Oil Uses and Benefits: Essential Oil Spotlight

Have you heard of Clary Sage?  This oils is known for its
calming properties calming properties and amazing skin
benefits!  Check out this blog article to learn more about
Clary Sage and why you should add this essential oil to your
list.

How do you use Clary Sage? 


Clary Sage Oil Product Description
Enriched with the organic chemical linalyl acetate, Clary Sage
is known as one of the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing
essential oils when used aromatically and internally. This
herbaceous oil can be used for a variety of purposes both
externally and internally. In the Middle Ages, Clary Sage was 
used for its benefits to the skin and has continued to be 
popular for its topical benefits. When applied topically, Clary 
Sage oil calms and soothes the skin. Clary Sage oil can also be 
applied to promote healthy-looking hair and scalp. If used 
aromatically, Clary Sage oil promotes feelings of relaxation in 
preparation for a restful night’s sleep.

Where to Buy Clary Sage Oil
To buy a pure and potent bottle of Clary Sage, visit the Clary 
Sage oil product page. 
At doTERRA, we know that essential oils must be pure and
potent in order to best fulfill the needs of those that use them.
Too often, essential oils available for purchase contain
contaminants and filler substances that weaken the essential
oil’s effectivity. With a sole purpose to provide pure and potent
essential oils, doTERRA ensures that their oils are free of
harmful contaminants and fillers through the 
CPTG Certified
Pure Therapeutic Grade®
 protocol. This protocol includes a
series of rigorous tests that determine the quality of each batch
of essential oils. When an essential oil batch passes through
the protocol and is found potent and pure, the oils are
packaged and sold. The careful testing and care of each
essential oil batch allows
for customers to confidently know
that the doTERRA essential oils they receive are high quality
and can effectively meet their needs.  
Clary Sage Oil Uses and Benefits
  1. Hairdryers, flat irons, crimpers, and curling irons can all
    make your hair look glamourous, but for how long?  With
    frequent use of a heated styling tool, hair strands can begin
    to break and split, making hair look damaged and
    unhealthy. Keep your hair looking radiant with this
    do-it-yourself Heat Protectant Spray infused with Clary
    Sage oil and Geranium oil. Clary Sage is known for its
    ability to promote healthy-looking hair and is a perfect
    essential oil to keep your strands looking stronger, longer!
     
  2. During your menstrual cycle, bring relief to your abdomen
    by using Clary Sage essential oil. Simply apply Clary Sage
    to the needed area of your abdomen and rub for a soothing
    massage. The natural chemical components of Clary Sage
    oil are among the most soothing and calming compounds,
    making Clary Sage an ideal oil for a soothing abdominal
    massage during the menstruating time frame.  
     
  3. After a long day of working, running around with the kids,
    or studying for an exam, treat yourself to a soothing bath
    with Clary Sage and Lavender. This bath with essential oils
    will not only excite your smelling senses, it will also work
    to relieve stress. With both Clary Sage and Lavender
    containing linalyl acetate, these two oils are some of the
    most powerful soothing, relaxing, and calming oils
    available.
     
  4. Do you ever feel like you’re breathing in toxic chemicals
    when you use hairspray? Try this homemade Herbal
    Hairspray 
    with essential oils, and avoid the thick,
    overpowering feeling of store bought hairspray. Using
    Clary Sage, GeraniumLavenderPeppermint, and
    Rosemary essential oils, this effective spray will hold your
    hair in place while reducing unwanted chemicals and
    enhancing your hair’s natural beauty.
     
  5. Why linger in stress mode when you can easily experience
    the relaxing and calming aromatic benefits of Clary Sage
    essential oil. For those off days, apply one to two drops of
    Clary Sage to the bottom of your feet or to your pulse
    points. Because Clary Sage has a powerful soothing aroma,
    applying the oil to these areas will promote feelings of
    balance and relaxation.
     
  6. Want to experience soft and silky hair without buying deep
    hair conditioning products or getting expensive
    conditioning treatments? Try making your own quality
    All-Natural Deep Hair Conditioner with this DIY recipe.
    You can choose a selection of your favorite essential oils to
    add to this recipe; however, we highly recommend using
    specific essential oils for hair use, especially Clary Sage due
    to its natural ability to promote healthy-looking hair. With
    this homemade conditioner, your locks will look, feel, and
    smell radiant.
     
  7. All too often, people get ready for bed, exhausted, ready to
    sleep the moment their head hits their pillow only to find
    that their mind wants to stay awake. Their heads suddenly
    fill with to do lists, activities of the day, or maybe even
    philosophical questions about the universe that cause them
    to stay awake or toss and turn all night. Sound familiar?
    Don’t let your thoughts eat into crucial sleeping time.
    Instead, relax your mind and body by using Clary Sage oil
    aromatically. Apply one to two drops of Clary Sage oil to
    your pillow to create a relaxing environment for a restful
    night’s sleep.
     
  8. Enhance your shampoo and conditioner with the addition
    of Clary Sage. For healthy-looking hair, add three to four
    drops of Clary Sage essential oil to your shampoo or
    conditioner. This herbal addition will leave your hair
    smelling naturally fresh and will help provide benefits that
    will leave your hair looking strong and beautiful.
     
  9. Combine the best of citrus and herbs with this uplifting
    diffuser blend. Add two drops of Clary Sage, two drops of
    Grapefruit, and 4 drops of Lime essential oils to your
    diffuser and experience a bright and sweet aroma. The
    strong citrus scent of Lime will promote feelings of balance
    and energy while helping lift the mood, while Grapefruit
    will provide a clarifying effect to the mind. The subtle hints
    of Clary Sage essential oil will aid in soothing and relaxing.
    Together, these essential oils provide a mood-boosting
    aroma that will relax and balance the mind and body.  
     
  10. Clary Sage oil contains linalyl acetate, which is a powerful
    chemical component that contributes greatly to the oil’s
    relaxing, balancing, and soothing properties when used
    aromatically and internally. Try experimenting with Clary
    Sage to see how this relaxing and balancing oil can best
    meet your individual and family needs. 
Plant Description
Clary Sage is a biennial or perennial herb that is fast growing.
In the first year of growth, the base of the plant produces
medium-green, course leaves. In its second year of growth, the
Clary Sage plant yields flowers from stalks with upright spikes.
These flowers are either violet or white in color. Clary Sage
essential oil is extracted from the flower. The Clary Sage plant
grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.1 

Chemistry of Clary Sage Oil
Main Chemical Components: Linalyl acetate, linalool  
 
The main chemical components of Clary Sage oil are linalool
and linalyl acetate. Linalool is a powerful constituent that can
affect both the mood and the body. As mentioned by the
doTERRA Science blog, a recent study shows that internal use
of linalool affects the monoaminergic system of the brain.*
When Linalool enters this system, it acts on multiple receptors.
Because multiple receptors are targeted, the effects of linalool
are more potent and long lasting than molecules that target
only one receptor. This effect supports the brain chemistry
balance in these receptors, which has the effect of reducing sad
feelings.* Another study suggests that ingesting linalool by
itself may facilitate the normal process of relaxation of the
blood vessels.*3 Linalool used internally is also thought to
promote relaxation in the body.4 In addition to linalool, linalyl
acetate contains relaxing and soothing properties when used
internally because enzymes in the body metabolize linalyl
acetate to linalool.5 Linalyl acetate is also part of the esters
group, making it one of the most relaxing, soothing, and
balancing essential oils. To learn more about the chemical
properties of Clary Sage, visit the doTERRA Science Blog.

Oils that Blend Well with Clary Sage Oil
Clary Sage oil blends well with citrus oils such as LemonLime,
and Wild Orange, as well as other essential oils like
FrankincenseCypressGeranium, and Sandalwood essential
oils for diffusion.

Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you
are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your
physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive
areas.

References
5. http://doterrascienceblog.com/essential-oil-metabolism/


*These statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Mom's Super Laundry Sauce

http://www.budget101.com/content.php/3993-Whipped-Cream-Super-Laundry-Soap

by Lois Breneman

I love this "sauce" version of the homemade laundry soap, which ends up being the consistency of mayonnaise!  Only ONE tablespoon will wash a full load of clothes!  I may have gone overboard making this laundry sauce after my daughter recently showed me how to make it. 

The photo below shows eight batches and it may last me for years, especially since I am now using an *H2O at Home laundry ball in my washer.  The laundry ball is amazing!  It changes the water to the perfect pH balance.  That perfect pH alone cleans the clothes, removes odors, and softens fabrics, but it is suggested that one uses only a quarter of the normal amount of laundry soap per load.  That means less than a teaspoon of this laundry soap will clean an entire load of clothes -- and it does a great job!  I've been very happy with the results, and no fabric softener is necessary.  Sometimes I simply spray garments on a hanger with a mixture of water and essential oil.  I love getting rid of harmful chemicals in my home, and this laundry soap and laundry ball are all natural!  Several drops of essential oils added to the soap make doing laundry a delightful experience!  Really!




Eight bars of Fels Naptha soap were shaved with a chef's knife, then processed in a food processor.  It's much easier and faster than grating it.  Fels Naptha bars were only 99 cents each at Walmart.



 Four cups of water per bar of soap were boiled in a large stock pot before adding the soap shavings.  They need to be stirred until fully dissolved (about 15 minutes).

The recipe in the link above calls for one cup of Arm and Hammer Washing Soda and one cup of Mule Team Borax for each bar of Fels Naptha soap.  After everything was fully dissolved, I scooped the contents into jars, and bowls to set for 4 to 5 hours.


When the time is up, I scooped or poured it into my VitaMix and blended it well.  It looks like mayonnaise or creamy light yellow frosting, so be sure to label each container!

Be sure to read and follow the instructions at the link above!  The instructions and photos are excellent.

* If anyone wants to order an "H2O Laundry Ball," just let me know (jhbreneman@juno.com).  I will get you connected to the right person, and it will be shipped directly to your home.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Heart to Heart Newsletter

                                     
 Just having a little fun with photography and textures!

Friday, September 9, 2016

5 Danger Foods You’re Consuming on a Regular Basis

by Dr. Josh Axe
https://draxe.com/danger-foods/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sep_2_newsletter_a
Used by permission

danger foods - dr. axe
Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine and the food is medicine concept, once said, “All disease begins in the gut.” Today, more than ever, we know this is true as we hear scientists connecting disease after disease to microbiome disruption. This assault on your gut — largely triggered by eating danger foods — often leads to a condition known as leaky gut.
Also known as “intestinal permeability,” leaky gut is characterized by a malfunction in the tight junctions of your intestines. This results in things like toxins, microbes and undigested food particles leaking out of your gut and into your bloodstream. This sets off a cascade of inflammation, leading to all sorts of side effects and diseases like allergies, asthma, eczema and autoimmune disease symptoms.
Clearly, leaky gut doesn’t only impact your gastrointestinal tract. Bloating, food intolerance and gas are common symptoms in people living with leaky gut, but not everyone experiences them. One important way to start healing your gut is to start avoiding danger foods. Let’s take a look.

Danger Foods to Always Avoid

1. The Wrong Fats

The best sources for healthy fats include things like avocados, raw or organic grass-fed butter, omega-3 rich fish like wild-caught salmon or anchovies, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil. Always avoid damaging, processed fats found in things like margarine, other “vegetable oil spreads,” and rancid, inflammatory vegetable oils like canola oil, safflower oil, and cottonseed and soybean oils.
Processed oils are extracted by high heat and pressure and the use of solvents. The fats in these oils are exposed to light and air, which oxidizes the fat, turning them rancid. The high heat and pressure destroy antioxidants and alter the chemical nature of the fat, creating dangerous free radicals. BHA and BHT, dangerous preservatives, are then often added to the oil to extend the shelf life.
Trans fat, listed as hydrogenated oils or sometimes “shortening” on the ingredients label, should be avoided at all costs, too. Harvard researchers estimate that trans fats cause about 50,000 premature heart attack deaths annually. (1) A 2015 review of studies concluded that those who ate the highest levels of trans fat were 34 percent more likely to die from any cause compared to people who ate the least trans fat. (2)

2. Tap Water

OK, not technically a food, but tap water is a diet staple for millions of Americans. (It’s the second most consumed beverage behind carbonated soft drinks.) What’s concerning here is that a growing number of microbiologists believe even low levels of chlorine commonly found in tap water could be damaging the beneficial bacterial community in the digestive tract. (3) That’s the No. 1 reason this lands on the danger foods list.
I’m not suggesting that bottled water, which is about 300 times more expensive than tap water, is the right alternative, either. (4) Numerous studies suggest bottled water also contains contaminants. A recent German study detected nearly 25,000 chemicals in a single bottled water. (5) I suggest looking for a water filter featuring the NSF/ANSI 42 standard label. This means it’s been proven to significantly reduce levels of chlorine from water. Activated charcoal filters often bear this label.

3. Surprising Inflammatory Grains

This may come as a surprise, but I’m not here to tell you that all grains are evil. While I do recommend going exclusively grain-free during the first phase of the leaky gut diet, avoiding ancient grains for the rest of your life may not be necessary. Instead, learn how to soak and sprout grains. This helps break down gut-irritating phytic acid and antinutrients in ancient grains, helping your body absorb more nutrients without all of the unnecessarily inflammation.
Years ago, our ancestors typically soaked, sprouted and fermented ancient grains before consuming them. The shift to eating grains without taking these important steps has left our bodies more inflamed.
In fact, consuming high levels of phytic acid (or phytate, as it’s called in its salt form) in unsprouted grains can actually lead to nutritional deficiencies. These antinutrients impair your body’s ability to absorb things like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. (6) Phytic acid also inhibits our digestive enzymes called amylase, trypsin and pepsin. Amaylase breaks down starch, while both pepsin and trypsin are needed to break down protein. (78)
For those who love bread and don’t want to give it up, Ezekiel bread in moderation is a better choice.

4. The Sneakiest Sugars

To be clear, I’m not suggesting you eliminate all forms of unprocessed fruit from your life. In fact, the health benefits of blueberries make them a great part of your breakfast routine. What you need to start avoiding are the sneakiest forms of sugar, though. This includes avoiding things like yogurt (even organic yogurt) that contains added sugar.
Too much sugar causes yeast overgrowth, triggering the yeast in your gut to start overtaking the beneficial microorganisms in your gut. Sugar feeds yeast overgrowth and candida, causing malabsorption issues over time. This means your body won’t be able to absorb and digest all of the vitamins and minerals you need. If your’e experiencing certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12, iron, zinc and/or magnesium, know that these are chief symptoms of leaky gut.

5. Gluten

Intense breeding practices in agriculture have left us with a modern wheat that’s loaded with gluten, a protein that’s very hard to digest. Today’s hybridized wheat contains about double the amount of gluten compared to grains of the past, too. And let’s not forget that, historically, people prepared wheat in a much different way, routinely sprouting and pre-digesting it so it’s easier for the body to process.
Today, some people in particular are more sensitive to gluten. Some signs of gluten intolerance include frequent headaches, infertility, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, mood disorders, and a higher risk of learning disabilities, among others.
Foods with gluten aren’t always obvious. For instance, ketchup, ground spices, lunch meat and hot dogs are often unexpected sources.

Read Next: The Top 15 Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Josh Axe

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Tips: Watermelon, Strawberries, & Peace Lilies


Solutions in the Kitchen
by Lois Breneman - 2016

1.  What can you do when you have a watermelon with a less-than-desirable flavor?  Not sweet enough?

Chop it up and put it in the blender with a bit of stevia!
Delicious solution!






2.  How can you make quick work of slicing strawberries? 

 Cap the strawberries.  Then slice them quickly and effortlessly using an egg slicer!




3.  What can you do when a houseplant, a peace lily that you love, blossoms and drops powdery white dust all over the green leaves?

Cut off the blossom, shake off the powder, stick the blossom in a vase, and put it on the windowsill, so you can enjoy it every time you wash dishes, and pray for the friend who gave you the plant!  This blossom lasted over a month and is still as lovely as ever.  I love the beautiful shade of green.


And to my sweet friend, Beatriz, thanks again!  The beautiful peace lily you so kindly gave me several years ago is still going strong!

Monday, August 22, 2016

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman
Thanks to the ladies who allow me to include their children's precious quotes and actions!

Olivia (6) was so precious this morning. We had a lighter "school day," so I was letting the girls play while I was trying to get some cleaning done. Some days I tire easily (expecting 4th child) and today was one of those days. I would work a little bit, then sit down. Livy could tell I was tired so she came and offered to mop the floors for me, then she said, "Mama, can I vacuum? I'd love to vacuum!" Then she proceeded to vacuum cheerfully. Also, yesterday we started reading out of her "Bible reader" for her phonics lessons. I had prayed so much about using this curriculum because I didn't want her to get frustrated with reading, and thus, have a bad attitude towards the Bible. However, it has had the opposite effect. She is SO excited about her Bible. She wags it around everywhere, she even sleeps with it. :) She begs to read it to me, and wants to learn new words so she can read the upcoming stories. :) I praise God for this sweet girl, and the obvious ways I see Him at work in her life. To Him be glory!!! ~ Lori in Virginia


So it was back to school night for Jacob (14). I noticed as we went into each class Jacob's seat was in the front of the room...being my child I knew exactly why (talking).
As we walked out of the last class I said, "Jacob, you need to stop talking so much."
He asked, "How do you know I'm talking too much?"
I said, "Because you are in the front of every class and you are my child."
We got home and that boy of mine came to me and gave me a big hug and said, "Mom, thanks for understanding." ~ Jill in Virginia


Malakai (8), flabbergasted: "Mom... Is it REALLY true you get paid for your work!?"
Me: "Yes."
Malakai: "So why don't you come home with LOTS of dollar bills!??" ~ Danielle in Alabama

Parenting Insight You Can Use Now

by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joann Miller, RN, BSN
http://www.biblicalparenting.org/

Used by permission 

In 1 Corinthians 4:4 Paul says, “My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t make me innocent.” The reality is that just because the conscience prompts a person, doesn’t mean that it’s right. Children need to be careful to obey God first in everything they do.

The conscience looks for convictions in order to prompt a person to do what’s right. Most children already have convictions, but many of those convictions are inappropriate or need some adjustment. For example, some children believe that if they're playing with a video game and Mom asks them to do something, they should be able to wait until they get to the next level to obey. Your daughter may believe that she has the right to hit her annoying brother. After all, he deserves it.

You have convictions and part of your God-given responsibility is to pass those convictions on to your child. One of the greatest ways to do that is by analyzing your family rules. Each rule, whether it’s written down or just understood, has a conviction behind it.

Spend some time evaluating the convictions behind your rules and then talking with your kids about them.

Children may be tempted to rebel against rules but sharing them as convictions makes them easier to accept. “Son, we don’t allow that kind of movie in our home. The reason is because we have a conviction that what goes into our minds affects our hearts. We’re Christians. That’s who we are and this movie isn’t consistent with the conviction we have. So, we have to say no. I’m sorry.”

As much as possible, tie your convictions to God’s Word. After all, you can’t let your conscience be your guide. It’s the scriptures that are our authority in life. The determining factor as to whether something is right or wrong rests on the authority of God’s Word.

For more information about training the conscience to develop internal motivation, take a look at the Motivate Your Child book.   Hero Training Camp is the conscience develop program for kids, using Bible stories, games, and crafts to empower kids to be heroes. To listen to the live seminars with this material, or to lead a small group with this teaching, consider the Everyday Parents Can Raise Extraordinary Kids series.

Saturday, August 20, 2016

The Joy of Photography

 "Taking an image, freezing a moment, reveals how rich reality truly is." ~Anonymous