My Heavenly Home

by Lois Breneman, 1999
Written in memory of my mother, Dorothy Walker, who went to her Heavenly Home in 1985 after a long battle with cancer.

As I entered the gate, I beheld Jesus' face!

He said, "Welcome Home, My child, you have finished the race.

You've had much pain and suffering in your earthly life,

But you've been a faithful friend, mother and wife."

"You were dedicated to Me to the very end,

Loving, serving, praying---on Me you did depend.

You searched and read My Word to see how I would lead.

You daily sought My face in prayer, and in your trials would plead."

"You taught your children, in My steps to go.

You were not perfect, but with My help I saw you grow.

Your goal was to glorify your Savior above,

And to show forth in you, My undying love."

"You have trusted in Me for your payment of sin.

Because you've accepted My gift, I have let you come in

To My Heaven--so glorious--free of death and all sorrow,

Where time is no more--no today or tomorrow."

I looked all around and saw countless happy faces.

Friends gone before were coming from all places

To welcome me Home. We walked all around

The River of Life, so crystal clear, with a rippling sound.

The Lord is our King--so majestic His throne.

The wall is of jasper, adorned with precious stone.

The street is pure gold, like transparent glass,

Surrounded by God's beauty -- perfect flowers and grass.

There's no need of the sun or the moon to shine,

Illuminated by God's glory so divine.

The Lamb is the Light. There's celestial air.

Nothing to compare in this world anywhere!

There's no heartache or pain in this city foursquare.

Not a single disease, tear, worry or care.

The twelve gates of pearl, the city---pure gold,

In this magnificent Land where we'll never grow old.

I'll be waiting here for you at the gate.

Be sure you are ready. Don't wait too late.

Trust in Christ as your Savior and live for Him there,

For I'm longing to see you, so please meet me there.

I know you may miss me, but don't cry for me.

Stand firm in the faith, until Jesus you see.

Then soon, hand in hand, on the street of pure gold,

We'll walk and we'll talk, in communion untold.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain: the first things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

"And then one day I'll cross the river, I'll fight life's final war with pain; and then as death gives way to victory, I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives."  Bill and Gloria Gaither

"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord! Wherefore, comfort one another with these words!" I Thes. 4:16 - 18

God Is Still on the Throne / Scriptures of Strength, Hope and Comfort

by Mrs. W. F. Suffield

Have you started for glory and heaven,

Have you left this old world far behind;

In your heart is the Comforter dwelling,

Can you say, “Praise the Lord, He is mine;”

Have the ones that once walked on the highway

Gone back and you seem all alone?

Keep your eyes on the prize, for the home in the skies,

God is still on the throne.

Burdened soul, is your heart growing weary

With the toil and the heat of the day;

Does it seem that your path is more thorny,

As you journey along life’s way?

Go away and in secret before Him

Tell your grief to the Savior alone;

He will lighten your care, for He still answers prayer,

God is still on the throne.

God is still on the throne,

And He remembers His own;

Though trials may press us and burdens distress us,

He never will leave us alone;

God is still on His throne,

He never forsaketh His own;

His promise is true, He will not forsake you,

God is still on the throne.

A Christian is not worth much until he has been through some hot water!

SCRIPTURES OF STRENGTH, HOPE AND COMFORT

If you haven’t committed these scriptures to memory, now is a good time for the whole family to memorize them together.

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go.  I will guide thee with mine eye.” – Psalm 32:8

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” – Isaiah 26:3,4

“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: in the shadow of thy wings I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.” – Psalm 57:1

“Thou art my hiding place, thou shalt preserve me from trouble, thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” – Psalm 32:7

“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” – Proverbs 14:26

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”  - II Timothy 2:3

“He giveth power to the faint: and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” – Isaiah 40:29

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.” – I Peter 5:7

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Phil. 4:7

“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 124:8

Practical Household Tips to Make Your Life Easier

by Lois Breneman - 2006 - Heart to Heart

  

Lemon Juice without Seeds ~ First microwave a whole lemon for a few seconds for a juicier lemon.  Cut a lemon in half, set the cut part of the lemon on a small piece of cheesecloth, secure with a twisty.  Then squeeze lemon juice onto seafood or other foods without having to fish out the seeds!  The seeds will be kept inside the cheesecloth!   You will find cheesecloth in the canning section of your grocery store.

Quick and Easy Potato Dish in the Microwave ~ Cube about two or three potatoes into a greased casserole dish.  Chop or slice one onion, and add one tablespoon of butter.  Cover and cook in the microwave on high until tender, stirring at least once.  Add salt, pepper, Old Bay Seasoning or dried herbs.  Other options for more variety: add sliced celery and carrots, frozen peas, other vegetables or cheese.

If You Have Greasy Fingers When Using Your Microwave, simply use your knuckles to program the microwave, to prevent smudges and save clean-up time.

Whole Wheat Flour ~ should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.  Unlike refined flour, it contains oil from the wheat germ that can become rancid at room temperature.

Rusty Cans ~ When cleaning out under the sink recently, I found metal cans that had rusted on a Rubbermaid turntable.  To prevent further rusting I covered the bottoms of the cans with plastic wrap.

Contact Paper on Turntables ~ When my Rubbermaid turntables got rust marks from the cans (above tip), covering them with colorful contact paper to match the kitchen made them like new!  Earlier I had mentioned in a newsletter how the bathroom scales, a wedding gift from more than thirty years before, still worked perfectly, though they needed a makeover.  I repainted the white metal part, covered the top with marbled contact paper to match the bathroom and they looked like new!  Before throwing out and replacing an item you already have, see if you can fix it or give it a makeover.

Metal Can for Grease ~ Three things garbage disposals object to are grease, eggshells and onion skins.  Never pour grease down any drain, as it will harden and clog the drain.  For convenience, pour grease from cooking ground beef, etc. into a metal can under your sink and store under the sink with a tight lid.  

Oxi Clean ~ is one of the best stain removers I have ever tried and I’ve heard others say the same thing.  I bought my first container at Walmart, but recently found the same 24 ounce container at Dollar General for just $3.50, a much better buy.  This store has other brand name items for less, including Glad sandwich bags.  You might want to check it out.

Easier Way of Picking Up Toys ~ Mom, if you are the one to pick up toys, because your baby is too young to do the job, purchase a “Grabber” at Walgreens or another store.  You can use it to pick up toys at great speed and drop them into a nearby basket!   Save your energy for better things!  The “grabber” is a tool for elderly people to pick up things without stooping, as well as for reaching items on a high shelf – even taking the angel and other decorations off a Christmas tree!  My thought is that we could all use this kind of assistance.  It helps to make certain jobs easier.  Do you remember how difficult it was to stoop when you were pregnant?  Now if we can just get it to tie shoes!

Gold, Common Sense and Fur

by Linda C. Stafford ~ contributed by a friend

 

        My husband and I had been happily (most of the time) married for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with his Word as my guide.

        God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son.  The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, he blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter.  My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old.
         I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella." 

        I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint him. 

        I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks.  I tried to be understanding when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs. 

        When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess.

        In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children.

        While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close - I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God. 

        I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too.  Something was lost in the translation when I explained  that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife." 

        My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine. 

        My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes."  My four-year-old, "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes."  A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing.

        I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama."  Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived.

         My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."   
        The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation.  "I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," Father Brian laughed, wiping tears from his eyes. "For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur."
         "My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin. 

         My friend who sent this shared the following: I especially liked the "hot dog" part!  Somehow I can picture one of my grandchildren doing that!  This little girl had taken a dozen eggs from the refrigerator and had broken each egg perfectly on separate tile squares of the kitchen floor and was so proud that none of the yolks were broken and all of them were right in the center of the tile squares!  She told her mom to come and look!  My daughter (the mother of this four year old) had just washed and waxed the kitchen floor, and while it dried Mother went to the bathroom.  
      Well, Proverbs does say, "A merry heart doeth good like medicine"!   When she returned to the kitchen, Wa-la! ... "Egg City!"  My daughter called me at that point and said, "M-O-T-H-E-R!  This kid is driving me ca-razy"!  I chuckled to myself.  Hmmm!  I know another little girl who did things like that too!  But I didn't say a word -- just totally relished the moment!

Gift Baskets for Teens

Although this was written pertaining to Christmas gifts, it could also apply to special birthday gifts for teens.  Many of these would be appreciated by adults as well. ~ Lois

by Patti Chadwick ~ www.parentsandteens.com

Imaginative gifts that they will love!

It can be a difficult task finding imaginative gifts that your teenager will be thrilled to receive. Most teens want money! If you don't want to give your kids money and are looking for the perfect gift, check out these ideas for Christmas Gift Baskets.

Gift Basket for Teen Girls ~ face cleanser, perfume, make-up, special shampoo, hand cream, earrings or small jewelry, CDs, phone card, nail polish, key chain

 

Gift  Basket for Teen Boys ~ deodorant, shaving cream, cologne or aftershave, face cleanser, hair gel, sport cards, key chain

College/High School Student Gift Basket ~ Post-It notes, pens, pencils, markers, stamps, index cards, phone cards, calendar or date book,  breakfast bars, certificates for fast good restaurants

Snack Basket ~ homemade cookies, chips, gum, hard candy, popcorn, chocolate

 

Home Movie Night Basket ~  video or gift certificate to a video store, microwave popcorn (movie theater style, of course!), 2 liter bottle or 6 pack of their favorite soda, candy,

 

Golfer's Basket ~ golf tees, golf hat, golf balls, golf shirt, golf towel, ball markers, water bottles, granola or energy bars, pass for green fees

Relaxation Basket ~ line basket with washcloth, soaps, bubbles, bath oil, lotion, fragrant candle

New Years Eve Basket ~ sparkling fruit juice, glasses, party hats & noisemakers, sparklers,  confetti,  balloons, certificate inviting your teens to have a New Years Eve bash at your house.

Beach Lover's Basket ~ beach towel, salt water taffy, stationery with a beach theme, deflated beach ball, suntan lotion, disposable camera

These gift ideas were taken from the new book, HAPPY HOLIDAYS WITH TEENS written by Patti Chadwick, available in both ebook and print formats at www.parentsandteens.com. Stop by Parents & Teens and pick up a copy today

Tips to Make Your Life Easier

by Lois Breneman - Fall of 2004 - Heart to Heart

       Quick Grease Job ~ To grease baking pans and casserole dishes, mix together 1 cup each of shortening, oil and flour.  Store in the fridge and use a pastry or paint brush to apply to pans.

        Store Baking Ingredients Together ~ You will save yourself much time and effort if flour, baking soda and powder, salt, sugar, shortening, oil, vanilla, spices and other baking items are near each other.  If these items are in a pantry or cabinet away from your working station, simply keeping them all on a tray to transport to the mixing area would save you time and steps.

        Large Batches of Cookies ~ Mix large batches of cookie dough and freeze some rolls of raw dough to be baked later or to be used as welcome gifts.   Make memories for your children by having fresh baked cookies for them when they come home from school on occasion!  I remember those times of coming home and Mother would be baking cookies or making doughnuts and we kids could help, and of course, sample them!  Bake and freeze cookies ahead of time to save on being too busy later.

        Let Your Children Help! ~ Take those opportunities to involve your children in baking and cooking meals.  That's how they learn, and it won't be long before they will be capable of making some dishes as well as an entire meal for your family.  Teach your daughters and sons to cook.  Grandchildren too!  You will be glad that you did and they will reap the benefits of having that skill for life!

        Double or Triple Batches ~ When assembling casseroles, making meat loaves, baking cookies or cakes, double or triple the recipes.  This saves time and energy for easy meals later when you are too busy to cook or bake.  Also if a friend needs a meal in a special time of need, you have one in your freezer, ready to go!

        Quick Work of Sticky Refrigerator Gunk ~ Before going grocery shopping or starting in with major cooking such as preparing for holidays, clean out your refrigerator and microwave oven.  Microwave a soaking wet, soapy washcloth for a minute.  Being careful not to burn yourself, lay the hot, wet cloth on the sticky spot for a few minutes while you do other things, including wiping out your microwave with a dry cloth, which now has any stuck-on food loosened.

        Keep Christmas Simple ~ Often a big part of the stress during the holiday season is finding the perfect gifts for people.  I read about a lady who couldn't always find presents that she was sure people would want, need, or even like.  So she decided to tell her friends, coworkers, friends from her child's playgroup, etc. that she would be toning down the gifts that year.  She explained very nicely that we wanted to simplify the holiday season and would be bringing a big basket of cookies/banana bread/donuts for everyone instead of individual gifts.  This worked wonderfully, she said, and stopped cruising the aisles frantically and worrying about the expense.  Some people were visibly relieved to be "off the hook."  Christmas shouldn't feel like we're on the hook anyway!  For the people who were very close to her and to whom she really wanted to give a nice gift, I told them also that her family was keeping it "low-key," which was a broad hint that she wouldn't be spending lots of money on them, and they shouldn't on them either.  No one was offended, she enjoyed Christmas more, and January rolled around without debt.

        If your extended family always gives gifts to everyone, suggest that you each draw one person's name.  That would help every family's budget.  If you are met with opposition, suggest that the spending for each gift be decreased and set an approximate amount.

Kids' Quote from a Tennessee Grandmother

2004:

Last week a dangerous tornado went through Tennessee.  My good friend from high school and college, Reta, who lives there now, told me on the phone how she, her husband and their two grandchildren crowded into their hall closet after the warning.  While being squeezed into that small space, Reta said she explained to her six and three year old grandchildren how serious this was, but that God was with them.  After sitting there for some time, her three year old granddaughter looked up at her in anticipation and asked, "When is the tomato coming?"  At one time she asked when the pear was coming.  I wondered later, if she watches Veggie Tales, with Bob the Tomato!  Reta and I laughed and laughed over that one!  Can't you just see a huge tomato rolling down the road?

Adam and Eve

Author unknown - Thanks to Barb Campbell in Mississippi for sending this!

 

        One day God was walking through the Garden of Eden. After a short while, he came across Adam. Adam was in low spirits this particular day, and God asked him what was wrong. Adam told the Lord that he was lonely.
        God responded that He would create Adam a companion. She would walk by his side for all eternity. She would listen to his problems. She would wash his clothes. She would keep his house clean. She would cook his meals. She would do anything to keep him happy. Most importantly, she would never complain or nag him.
        To this Adam was ecstatic. His spirits lifted immediately. The Lord hated to tell him that this creature would come at a price. God told Adam that the creature would cost him an
arm and a leg.

        Adam responded, "What can I get for a rib?" ... And the rest is history.

When Giving Instructions, Consider the Timing

Copyright 2007- Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller - All rights reserved - Used with permission.
http://effectiveparenting.org/ - For free e-mail parenting tips sign up: www.biblicalparenting.org

An important step in a good instruction routine is to consider timing. Parents who realize that a child needs an instruction must stop and think of the best way to present it. Ask yourself, "How can I communicate this problem to my child in the most effective way?" Pausing for just a moment, or in some cases, waiting a few hours, may prove to be the most productive way to deal with a situation.

For instance, it's tempting to greet Jenny when she arrives home from school, "Jenny, you didn't take out the trash this morning and your bedroom's a mess."  This kind of ambush focuses more on the issue than on the relationship. Instead, a dad might say to his daughter, "Hi Jenny, I'm glad you're home" and then engage Jenny in dialogue about her day for a few minutes. After relationship has been reestablished, he could then say, "After you put your books away and get a snack, would you please come and see me? I have a couple of things to talk to you about." In this way Dad is trying to be sensitive to the timing of his instructions.

Considering the timing is a small way of saying, "I love you" to a child even in the midst of the work of family life. You'll want to make different adjustments in this area depending on the age of your child. Young children need to learn obedience, so we may give less warning and expect a prompt response. Older children, and certainly teenagers, need more time to prepare themselves. Teens will need to adjust their own expectations or agendas. This takes some work for the teen and patience for the parent.

For more on how to build a good Instruction Routine with your children, consider the book, "Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids."

Meaningful Family NIghts

Note from Lois: I highly recommend using these wonderful Family Time Activities books to use with your children to impress upon their hearts many spiritual truths.  These guides for parents will help in leading children of all ages. There are great object lessons to strengthen each message - lessons your children will never forget.  They will look forward to Family Nights with you as you use this "never dull," but exciting resource!  I am very impressed with these creative books. Specific instructions and all you need for meaningful and fun family nights are found in these creative resources.

Kirk Weaver is the founder and director of Family Time Training and has labored long and hard to develop a system that makes parents appear creative and cool in the eyes of their own kids. Kirk has written and published hundreds of Family Time lessons, all of which are designed so that parents can follow the directions and cook up fun activities.

Wiggles, Giggles, & Popcorn; Bubbles, Balloons, & Chocolate - for preschoolers

 

Seeing is Believing; Playing for Keeps; Running the Race - for all ages

Tried and True - for teens

 

Using the Language of Children ~ Children learn through activities. The new Family Time Activities books use that language to teach children spiritual truths. For example, teach about Daniel's three brave friends in the furnace by cutting out the cardboard men, soaking them in the alcohol/water solution and then lighting them on fire. The alcohol burns but the water protects the cardboard men from burning. Or the oatmeal plague reminds kids of the Israelites who complained. Put some cold wet oatmeal on a child's arm and let him wipe it off with the grace wipes. Just think, all week when you hear whining you can say, "Should we get out the oatmeal?" Kids learn tremendous spiritual truths from these ideas for Family Time in your home. Learn more here.  http://www.biblicalparenting.org/FamilyTime.asp

Influential Books that Have Brought Many to the Lord and Other Influential Life-Changing Books

compiled by Lois Breneman - 2007 - Heart to Heart

A great big THANKS to all the subscribers who responded to my request for titles and authors of books that led you or others to the Lord, as well as other influential books that impacted your lives.  The following is the result of all your help!  The purpose for this list is to give a display of suggested books from which to choose that we might want to give unbelieving relatives and friends to read.  We may want to read some as well.

A Man Called Peter by Catherine Marshall

I was saved as an 18 year old young woman through reading A Man Called Peter by Catherine Marshall.  I wrote her a letter ( she has since gone on to be with the Lord in heaven) and told her of my experience and she wrote me back!  I treasure her letter!! ~ Debbie Flack in Virginia

Letter from Catherine Marshall to Debbie Flack, dated Oct. 16, 1974 :

 "What a glorious meeting you had with our Risen Lord there in that little church in North Carolina! His light and His truth shine through the words of your letter and I cannot begin to tell you how deeply I appreciate your being led to share your experience with me and letting me know that A MAN CALLED PETER and BEYOND OURSELVES were a small part of your entering in. It never ceases to amaze me how the Spirit of God can reach directly down through the printed page to one of His beloved children and bestow the particular insight or blessing that is needed at that time. For this I constantly praise and thank Him!"        

(Catherine goes on to say that I can still hear Peter Marshall preach through some recordings that were made ( and she enclosed a sheet about that) and she said that her "new" book SOMETHING MORE, was just beginning to appear in the bookstores.)  

                 "Again, thank you for that wonderful letter, I shall treasure it.
                                   Warmly and sincerely,
                                    Catherine Marshall "       

              

Beyond Ourselves by Catherine Marshall - My grandpa (Papa) died when I was 20 and everyone said that he went to heaven.  That made me want to go to heaven, too, so I could see my Papa again.  I started searching, reading, and asking a lot of questions.  About three months later while reading "Beyond Ourselves" by Catherine Marshall, the Lord showed me very clearly how I could be born again.  I knelt right then and prayed the prayer of salvation just as it was written in the book. I am looking forward to meeting Catherine in heaven someday and personally thanking her for her devotion in spreading the truth of God's love, grace and forgiveness. - Rachael Breneman

Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins (the first book in the series) - Joanna (Joey) Claycomb in Virginia said this book got her to thinking, which led to her salvation.

Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins - I think the "Left Behind" series are the best books for salvation messages -- the way to salvation is written over and over again in these novels and a reader cannot miss the message of salvation. ~ Sharon  in New Jersey

The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey

Bob Saville in Virginia accepted Christ as his Savior through reading this book.

Desiring God by John Piper - I've been a Christian since I was a little girl, but this book brought me to a full repentance and assurance of salvation. ~ Hannah Babiak in Wisconsin, Mom to 8 precious blessings.

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis - Chuck Colson said in his biography that he came to the Lord after Watergate when reading this book.  I just read it and it was a fantastic explanation of the Christian faith using beautiful imagery. - Mary Lou Graham in Florida

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis - A friend of mine who is a psychiatrist became a Christian as a direct result of reading this book.  He recommended it as a book to give a non-believer who is "intellectual."  This man became a Christian close to 20 years ago.  I saw him about a month ago and asked him if he was still following Christ, and he said, "Yes." ~ Debi Ethredge in Mississippi 

Evidence That Demands A Verdict by John McDowell - I've heard many reports of people coming to Christ through reading this book. ~ Lois

More Than A Carpenter by Josh McDowell - In college, I had a couple of friends tell me they became a Christian by reading this book.  ~ Angie Rangel in Tennessee

Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning definitely qualifies as the above. I have given copies of it to unsaved family members, and although none have taken the final step toward Christ yet, I believe the book is instrumental in showing the glorious grace of God. ~ Mary Ann Kelley in Virginia

Salvation Crystal Clear by Curtis Hutson has been greatly used of God to bring literally tens of thousands to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. ~ Sherry Camperson in Georgia

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, an intellectual atheist who set out trying to prove there is no God.  Instead he came to grips with the truth in God's Word, and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Many people have come to Christ through reading this book. ~ Lois

OTHER INFLUENTIAL LIFE-CHANGING BOOKS
            

Me? Obey Him? by Elizabeth Rice Hanford - One of the books that really changed my walk with God is entitled, Me? Obey Him? by Elizabeth Rice Hanford.  I reluctantly took this book as a Bible study under a lady who became my mentor in NC.  I had prayed out to God to "help me" and I believe the teaching in this book is an answer to that prayer.  This book so hit me that I had to talk with the author to see if this was all real.  Mrs. Hanford invited me to her house in SC and a friendship blossomed out of that.  "Me? Obey Him?" changed my life and my marriage. ~ Penny Yonts in Virginia

No Compromise by Keith Green - A powerful story of Keith Green, the Christian singer/songwriter whose ministry during the Jesus Movement and beyond, brought thousands to the Lord.  He died with at least two of his children in a plane crash in 1981.  His story and life inspired me to live more simply and to give as unto the Lord. - A North Carolina subscriber

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is a classic by someone who sees through our clever faces of religiosity and gets to the point of what Jesus is all about.  Should be read once a year. - A North Carolina subscriber

People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck helped me to see that I was in a legalistic cult. - A subscriber

Narnia series - C.S. Lewis helped me to fall in love with the Lord again. - A subscriber

The Calvary Road by Roy Hession - had a great impact on my Christian life, drawing me closer to the Lord. - Lois

Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. Elizabeth Prentiss and The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot both really changed my attitude about being a wife and mother.  Both books taught me that being a wife and a mother is my calling ... God's plan for my life.  There is, to me, no greater task than being a wife and mother. - Barb Campbell in Mississippi

A Mary's Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver taught me a lot about sitting at Jesus' feet and soaking up His Word and His presence ... not  getting caught up in the distractions of this world and ignoring my time with Him each day. - Barb Campbell in Mississippi

Meeting God at Every Turn by Catherine Marshall - This book tracks Catherine's spiritual autobiography from childhood to grandmotherhood.  It helped me in dealing with my mother's long illness with cancer and was a comfort as I grieved for her and missed her so, even though I knew she was in her heavenly home and free from pain and suffering.  It reassured me that God is with me in every circumstance - at every turn in my life. - Lois

Go for the Gold by Sherry H. Camperson  

Order in the Court by Sherry H. Camperson

In His Steps by Charles Monroe Sheldon - Several years ago, I read "In His Steps" by Charles Monroe Sheldon and this really put a different perspective on how I live my life. ~ Nancy Batdorf in Ohio

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn - A fiction book, based on truth, that truly moved me and encouraged me in my faith.   It looks at the persecuted church in China in comparison to the church of the west.  This book convicted me about the comfortable life I live here in the US.  My trials are truly trivial compared to many believers in other countries.  I take for granted my church, the fact that I have a choice of churches, open free worship, have a Bible, being able to speak freely about my faith.  It is very, very good.  I think all Christians should read this one. - Barb Campbell in Mississippi

Snare of the Fowler by Tom Taylor - One lady said her hands became so shaky reading the last chapters of this book that she had to prop the book open with paperweights to finish it.

None Among the Gods by Tom Taylor - Several readers reported staying up all night to finish reading this book.  Others gave testimony of learning things about missions that they never knew.

The Sin Bearer by Tom Taylor - A friend said his mother (a 93 year-old widow of a retired United Methodist minister) saw the book while staying at his house, and read it there.  She said she learned things she hadn't known before, and insisted on taking it home so she could take notes and look up scriptures.  Other members of his family are now passing it around; and he still hasn't had a chance to read it.  The novel is one of the most powerful and persuasive art forms we have, and Christians should certainly make use of it to exalt the name of Jesus and draw people to him.  The three novels above by Tom Taylor are somewhat unique in that men and women both seem to enjoy and benefit from reading them. 


You can read sample passages of Tom Taylor's books at www.iluvgoodnovels.com.  Several of his articles and essays can also be seen there - about evolution, the separation of church and state, the ten commandments, the Da Vinci Code, and others, which will be updated periodically.

Tried and True Toys and Activities for Children

by Lois Breneman - 1999 - Heart to Heart

Although there are so many new toys that you may think your child or grandchild just has to have, don’t forget these basic toys and activities that have been proven over years and years, to be favorites of children – and no batteries are required!  Many of these items can be found at yard sales and cleaned up, and your children won’t care one bit that you didn’t pay the full price.

BLOCKS of all colors, sizes and shapes – lots of them!  Even empty salt boxes can be saved up for a great construction tool.  I recommend that you remove the metal spout as a safety measure and cover at least the top with colorful contact paper.  Then use different blocks together.  Even picking up the blocks is a good lesson in sorting for your children.

LEGOS are for girls too – not just boys.  Just a few of the creative expressions are cars, trucks, houses, cities, castles, rocket ships, trains, people, or frames around clocks.  The ideas are endless!

ERECTOR SETS, LINCOLN LOGS and TINKERTOYS are other tried and true toys that teach creativity.

PUZZLES are great fun for all ages, while at the same time teaching logic and patience. To encourage very young children, take turns putting a piece in the right place, like a game.  They love to do that and are so proud of their accomplishment when they get it all put together.

GAMES, like puzzles, are for all ages, and teach sportsmanship as well as getting along with others.  Time spent playing games is a great way to bring family members of different generations together.

BALLS can be used to kick, throw, shoot through a hoop, roll, bounce and even sit on.   Endless possibilities!

BOXES are always a favorite of small children, much to the dismay of their parents who have bought an expensive gift, only to see their toddler toss it aside and play with the box for hours!   Make use of boxes as toys and let your kids use their imagination!  If you can find a very large box, why not cut out a door and a few windows for a play house?  My dad made us a great playhouse with a floor one summer and that is a special childhood memory for me.  My sister and I still talk about that and and how we remember the smell of peanut butter sandwiches eaten in that special hideout with our dolls!

SMALL BUCKETS or small plastic boxes are great for putting in and taking out, a favorite of toddlers.  Plastic is good because it makes a noise, which they love.  Save those bright colorful lids from liquid laundry detergents – bright orange, yellow, red, blue, turquoise and white.  They can also be used in the bathtub as well as in the sand, and they're free!

A DRESS-UP BOX with dress-up clothes from Goodwill, thrift shops and garage sales.  You might want to keep them in a big old suitcase to be used in pretending to go on trips.  Stair steps can be the seats of an airplane!  You could play Hawaiian or Mexican music, depending on the destination of their pretend trip.

A CRAFT BOX with crayons, colored pencils, paints, markers, scissors, stickers, glue, paper, and other art supplies will go a long way in providing hours of creativity for your children!  Have another box of things that you save for them to use to make any kind of contraption they desire.  Save paper plates, empty salt boxes, egg cartons, string, yarn, cardboard, old cards, plastic wrap tubes, and all kinds of things you have saved for creative play.

CLAYS in the form of playdough, salt ceramics, cornstarch clay, flour and salt dough and many others will provide fun and creativity.  Books in the library will give even more ideas in this area.

DOLLS teach young children how to be caring and loving.  A bed can be made from a shoebox and covered with contact paper or glued on fabric.  Then make a small blanket.  Time spent creating toys with your children is a memory maker too.

PUPPETS and MUPPETS can be handmade or purchased for lots of creative fun!  Find a book in the library on puppets and make a cardboard theater for puppet shows.   This could be a special feature at your children’s birthday parties too. 

A TOY CASH REGISTER, TOY MONEY AND A TOY SHOPPING CART are the beginning of your children’s own store!  Save empty food boxes.  Children could add price stickers and learn math better while they have fun.  Until children are old enough for the math, they can still have fun with a shopping cart, play food and cash register.

A TENT made from a folding table is a favorite of very young children, even if it’s just for hiding from everyone and playing peek-a-boo!  Drape a large blanket or quilt over the table.   Or you could sew a tent from heavy fabric, and include a door and windows to drape over a table! 

A BUG JAR, CRITTER CAGE AND A MAGNIFYING GLASS will provide an outlet for exploration and learning. 

A SAND BOX with scoops, shovels, cars, trucks, buckets, and even a little water to be extra creative will fill many hours with fun!  Save peanut butter buckets and colorful lids from liquid laundry detergents for the sand box.

A TREE HOUSE built with Daddy as a special project and years of fun!

A SPECIAL GARDEN SPOT for each child, if room is available, will teach planning, responsibility, appreciation for God’s vital role in growth, as well as pride and joy as your family eats the fruit of your children’s labor!  I remember as a young child having my own little garden with marigolds, portulacas and other plants.  As a result, gardening has been an enjoyable part of my entire life.

BOOKS, last but certainly not least, are one of the most important items you can purchase for your children!  Read to them each day, beginning with pointing and talking about simple pictures as early as four months! 

Is Anything Too Hard for God?

 God had promised Sarah a child

But her years were passing fast,

And Sarah knew without a doubt

Her childbearing years had passed.

So she devised a special plan,

For no longer would she wait.

Her servant girl bore her a child,

Her life to complicate.

But God’s plan was not yet finished,

For Sarah would bear a son.

Many nations would be blessed through her.

God’s perfect will would be done.

When Sarah overheard the news,

She laughed and thought, “Oh, my!

Can a woman of my age give birth?

Will God’s blessings multiply?

“Is anything too hard for God?

Is there nothing I can’t do?

God said, “When I return again,

A son will be born to you.”

Like Sarah we may question when

God’s hand seems slow to move,

But then regret our choices made

That God did not approve.

Is anything too hard for God?

Is there nothing He can’t do?

The lesson we learn from Sarah

Speaks loudly to us, too.

As we wait and we watch and pray

With confidence, rest assured,

In perfect time He’ll answer us

As promised in His Word.

© 2005 Linda J. Stevenson

A Letter Home from Scout Camp / How to Survive Baby Boot Camp

Author unknown ~ As heard on Insight for Living ~ read by Chuck Swindoll ~ Hilarious!

Dear Mom and Dad,

        Our Scout Master told us to write home to our parents in case you saw the flood on television and are worried.  We are okay.  Only one of our tents and two sleeping bags got washed away.  Luckily none of us got drowned, because we were all up in the mountains looking for Chad when it happened.  Oh, yes!  Please call Chad's mom and tell her that he's okay.  He can't write because of the cast.  I got to ride in one of the Search and Rescue jeeps.  It was neat!  We never would have found him in the dark if it hadn't been for the lightening.  Our Scout Master, Walt, got really mad at Chad for going on a hike alone without telling anyone.  Chad said he did tell him, but it was probably during the fire, so he probably didn't hear him.   Did you know that if you put gas on a fire the gas can will blow up?  The wet wood did not burn, but one of the tents did.  David is going to look weird until his hair grows back!
        Now we'll all be home on Saturday, if Scout Master Walt, gets the car fixed.  It wasn't his fault about the wreck.  The brakes worked okay when we left.  Scout Master Walt said that with a car that old, you have to expect something to break down.  That's probably why he can't get any insurance.  We think it's a neat car!  He doesn't care if we get it dirty and sometimes when it's hot, he lets us ride on the fenders.  We just take turns.  But it gets pretty hot with ten people in a car!  He let us take turns riding in the trailer until the Highway Patrolman stopped and talked to us.  Scout Master Walt is a neat guy!  In fact, he's teaching Terry how to drive on the mountain roads where there isn't any traffic.  Did you know that you don't need guardrails on roads that don't have much traffic?  All we ever see up there are logging trucks.
        This morning all the guys were diving off the rocks and swimming out in the lake.  Scout Master Walt wouldn't let me, cause I can't swim, and Chad was afraid he'd sink because of that big cast, so he let us take the canoe across the lake together.  It was so great!  You can still see some of the trees under the water from the flood.  Scout Master Walt isn't crabby like some scout masters.  He didn't even get mad about our losing the life jackets.  He has to spend a lot of time working on the old car, so we're trying not to cause him any trouble. 
        Guess what?  We have all passed the test for our First Aid merit badges.  When Dave dove into the lake and cut his arm, we got to see how a tourniquet works.  Wade and I threw up, but Scout Master Walt said it was probably food poisoning from the leftovers from the old chicken.  He said they used to get sick that way from the food they ate in prison.   I'm glad he got out, because he became our scout master!  He said he sure figured out how to get things done better while he was doing time.  I have to go now.  We're going to town to mail letters and buy bullets.  Don't worry about anything!  We're all fine!
Love, Cole   

Note from Lois: Regardless of this wild and hilarious letter written home about camp, there are many wonderful camps that treat your children and grandchildren as the treasures that they are, as well as teach biblical principles!  I hope you look up one!


HOW TO SURVIVE BABY BOOT CAMP
When you bring your baby home from the hospital, the rigors of basic training begin.

Read this article by Rebecca Ingram Powell: http://www.family.org/parenting/A000000457.cfm
She is a wife, mother of three, and the author of Baby Boot Camp: Basic Training for the First Six Weeks of Motherhood.  You can visit her website at http://www.rebeccapowell.com

You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Precious Gems

2008:
During a recent visit with our daughter and her family, our son-in-law, Aaron, was saying a heart felt grace. When the prayer went on too long to suit the hunger pangs of our two year old grandson, Austin tried to conclude his daddy's prayer with his own loud, "Amen!"  A few days before the prayer incident, Aaron was explaining something at length to Austin. Finally Austin said tiredly, "Amen, Daddy, Amen." ~ Linda in Pennsylvania

I always enjoy your newsletters!  I thought the article on a happy heart was very interesting, because when our son was about 2 (he's almost 14 now) he had a real problem with anger when told to do something or not do something.  So I told him that his face wasn't happy because his heart wasn't happy.  Everytime this would happen I would tell him to sit on his bed, calm down, think about what he had done or hadn't done, talk to Jesus about it, ask for forgiveness or do what he needed to do and that I was waiting to see a Happy Face which meant a Happy Heart.  He understood this so well that one day when he was only about 3 years old, he had been on his bed for a long time and I called him to come to lunch, and he said, "I'm not ready yet to have a happy face and a happy heart!"   So I let him sit there until he was ready.  This is the best thing that worked with our strong willed boy, because he learned to control himself and let God work in his life. ~ Robyn in Chile, South America

Thought I would pass on a quote that our 3 year old Jacqueline just said.  Remember as you read this that she loves to drink milk and here in Chile, SA, we put chocolate or strawberry flavor in the milk, but I try to have her drink white milk as often as possible.  We were praying just a couple of nights ago and she prayed for everyone in our immediate and extended family when she got to Uncle Alonzo (who is African/American) she asked, "Mommy, is he pink or chocolate?  She then preceded to tell me what color all of the other family members are, most being white (the South American relatives) or pink ( my very pale North American relatives).  ~  Robyn in Chile, South America

I wanted to tell you about a sweet prayer from Daniel, my 5 year old grandson.  "Jesus," he prayed, "thank you for giving us this earth to walk on." ~ Madeline in Virginia

My sister, a huge Ohio State University football fan, has been teaching my two children to say "Go Bucks" since they were born.  The other day, I was making Buckeyes (the candy) and my 4 1/2 year old daughter was watching.   Among other questions, she asked at least 3 times what the name of the candy was that I was making and I told her "Buckeyes."  She then trapsed off to play.  About 5 minutes later, she came back and asked, "Mommy, are you still making Go Bucks?"  I guess my sister's training has started to sink in! ~ Teresa in OH

Our five year old grandson, Justin, is so excited about going to the beach with "His Family" (the whole gang) again this summer, as he refers to us all ,pertaining to our week at the beach.  He calls the house we rent, "The Party House!"  He came up with these titles completely on his own when he was three, and it's stuck with him! ~ Lois

Kids' Crafts / Bathtub Bubble Volcanoes

KIDS CRAFTS

Paper Plate Flower Craft  A simple flower to make with a lot of cutting practice.

Duck Paper Plate Craft  Trace your hand to create a duck.

Recycled Sea Life Creatures  Make an octopus, squid and a sea anemone from recycled cardboard tubes.

BATHTUB BUBBLE VOLCANOES
Forget about buying fancy bath toys!  Use practical things you already have around the house such as a set of different sizes of funnels.  Or find some at the hardware or department store and let the little ones have fun in the bathtub.  

First fill the bathtub full of bubblebath and swish the water to make them multiply!  Turn a funnel upside down and press down into the bubbles.  You will find that bubbles will shoot up through the narrow end of the funnel into the air, coming out the top of the funnel like a volcano! 

This sounds like a fun activity for dads to introduce to the children.  Think of it as a great bonding time!  It just might get a little rowdy in the bathroom, Moms! 

Hummingbirds

Thanks to Laura Moyer in Pennsylvania for sending this great information!

Birth of a Hummingbird
This - Click Here - is truly amazing. Be sure to click on next

page at the bottom of each page of pictures; there are 5 pages

in all. A lady found a hummingbird nest and got pictures all

the way from the egg to leaving the nest. It took 24 days from

birth to flight. Because you’ll probably never in your lifetime

see this again, enjoy; and please share. Click Here

Here are a couple of humming bird feeders that you can make:

One from a pretty hanging bottle   Click Here

and one that’s not as pretty, but seems more practical-from a

soda bottle   Click Here

A recipe for Hummingbird Nectar:

Mix 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Boil the water first, then

measure and add sugar, at the rate of 1/4 cup of sugar to 1

cup of water.  Let cool and store excess in refrigerator until

ready to use.  Do not add food coloring, honey (which

ferments), or artificial sweetener, which has no nutritional

value. You will need to clean your feeder every few days, with

hot water and a mild (10%) bleach solution to inhibit mold.

Rinse thoroughly before refilling with water syrup

(You can also use this same recipe to make Oriole nectar

simply by substituting 1 part water / 6 parts sugar).

More Beautiful Birds ~ Anytime you have a yearning to

look at some awe inspiring photography and learn about the

birds that you see, pay a visit to 10,000 birds. It’s amazing!

God's Yellow Pages / Fragrant Recipes for the Home / Household Tips

Just click here for God's answer to your problems: God's Yellow Pages  http://web2.airmail.net/dpelc/yellow/
 

FRAGRANT RECIPES FOR THE HOME 

Creative Home Arts Club - www.creativehomeartsclub.com/Articles/Article.aspx?id=105116

Here's a fragrant potpourri recipe for every season!  

Spring Citrus: Lemon-scented geranium leaves, lemon verbena leaves, mimosa flowers, myrtle leaves, grated peel of two lemons, orris root powder, citronella oil, rose oil, geranium oil.

Summer Rose: Dried rose petals, dried marjoram, dried lavender, pepper berries, crushed dried orange peel, orris root powder, rose oil, lavender oil.

Spicy Autumn: Dried apple slices, rose hips, star anise, cloves, juniper berries, sweet gum balls and bark, pine needles, red peppers, cinnamon sticks, oak moss, assorted seed balls and pods, allspice oil.

Woody Winter: Cedar twigs, cedar bark shavings, sandalwood shavings, orris root powder, cedarwood oil, sandalwood oil.


HOUSEHOLD TIPS
Fresh Smelling Moth Repellent ~ Make to use in your own home and also give as gifts.  If your grocery store doesn't have all these herbs, try your health food store. 

1 cup cedar shavings (found in the pet department)

1/2 cup each of lavender blossoms, tansy blossoms, and minced lemon peel

1/4 cup each peppermint, pennyroyal, orris root and whole cloves

10 broken bay leaves as well as broken cinnamon and peppercorns

Stir well and add 5 drops cedar oil, 4 drops lavender oil and 3 drops lemon oil.

Cover tightly for two weeks, package in small wool or flannel bags, and tie with ribbon.

Unwrapping Bars of Soap ~ Linda Bahn in Pennsylvania reminded me of this tip worth mentioning again.  Unwrap bars of soap and store them in the linen closet in an open container or in your drawers for a fresh smell.  This dries out the bars of soap, makes them harder and the bars last longer.  A good way to stretch those dollars!


Securing Aluminum Foil and Plastic Wrap ~ Linda Crosby in Virginia shared how to do this.  On both ends of boxes of aluminum foil and plastic wrap, there are tabs to press in to keep the tube from falling to the floor when you pull on the roll.  It might say, "Press here to lock end." Great tip to know!  

Quick Fix for Skin Irritations ~ I keep lavender essential oil handy in a kitchen cabinet in case skin discomfort or irritations.  Just one drop brings instant soothing.

Under-the-Bed Storage ~ Make use of the "free space"
under beds, by storing things in "Under-the Bed" storage containers.  If they won't quite fit under a bed, elevate the bed with four small blocks of wood, maybe 1 3/4 inches.  My husband custom made four blocks for me with a little hole drilled in the top of each block to fit the furniture glide (little round button) into the hole to keep the bed from moving off the blocks.  We might as well make use of that free space!

Keep a Record of Items Stored under the beds and elsewhere.  I simply drew a diagram with rectangles for each storage container and listed the items in each container.  Keep the diagrams in a specific location where you will remember!  It's helpful to have one copy kept near the storage items and another copy filed in an organizational notebook or file.  

Sweet Smelling Sneakers ~ Wad up newspaper pages and stick them inside smelly tennis shoes and leave in overnight to absorb odors.  Teach your children to do this themselves.

Grill Cleaning ~ After using your grill, allow it to cool down a bit.  Wet newspapers thoroughly (a thickness of about 10 pages) and close the lid to the grill.  Leave newspapers inside overnight.  In the morning, the grill will be easy to wipe clean. ~ Ruth Ann Assaid in Virginia