Seventh Anniversary of "Heart to Heart!" To God Be the Glory!

by Lois Breneman, © 2006, Heart to Heart Newsletter

It was February 9, 1999, when the very first Heart to Heart Newsletter was sent to only a small handful of ladies, as an act of obedience to the Lord in following Titus 2 - for the older women to teach the younger women.  As a tribute to all the precious ladies on the e-mail list, I thought I'd take this opportunity to send this anniversary newsletter, plus an extra edition for this month.  In these two editions, I will share excerpts of messages from Heart to Heart ladies with only their states or countries listed, as well as the usual tidbits of information, inspiration and the usual.

These replies from Heart to Heart ladies below will show that it does not take anyone special to make an impact for the Lord in sending a newsletter such as this one.  I am an ordinary person - more of a behind-the-scenes person, rather than one who likes to be in the forefront.  But I know from experience that one doesn't have to have an outgoing personality to be used in the Lord's service, if the willingness to serve is there. 

This has always been the Lord's newsletter from the very beginning - not mine.  He is the One who prompted me to send it as encouragement and inspiration to ladies like you.  It began as a newsletter for young wives and mothers, or those who someday hope to be in that category, but I know the Lord enjoys having grandmas and even great-grandmas joining us, as I do!

For those of you young mothers who wish you had more time to do other things such as this, remember I was once where you are today - with little ones to love, care for, teach and train.  It wasn't until after my last child went off to college that I began sending this newsletter.  So enjoy and cherish the season of life in which God has placed you, without allowing other things to crowd out the most important job the Lord has given you to do for now, whatever that may be.  Bloom where you are planted and enjoy every minute with your children.

As you probably already know, I certainly do not send a newsletter because I have all the answers!  I'm so grateful that I am able to draw upon many others who can contribute to this newsletter, so many aspects of the Christian home and family can be covered.  The long list of contributing editors whose articles have appeared in Heart to Heart, with their permission, continues to grow.  We can all learn, including myself, from those many resources.  The older I grow, the more I find out that I don't know, but I still love to learn new things every single day.

The latest example of my learning something new came just this morning!  I spotted a huge bird in our crabapple tree - a bird I had never seen in our yard before, so I literally ran for the binoculars, then the camera!  I also raced from window to window to find a spot for the best picture, zooming in as closely as possible.  After a few window shots, I slowly went outside and quietly crept up closer to the tree where that amazing specimen was perched, having the camera ready to shoot.  As he took off, I got another picture.  Next I got out my bird books, and as far as I can tell, it was a peregrine falcon, comparing the pictures in the books to my digital photos, after zooming in to the max.  So I added this new species to the list of almost 60 different birds spotted in our backyard over the years.  Of course, if falcons make our backyard their home, we will have a lot less songbirds to enjoy!  Because of our backyard stream, we are able to attract more birds than an ordinary yard would, and we really enjoy the rippling sounds of the water as well.  So who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?  My point though, is that I don't have all the answers, and I am still learning many new things!

The Lord deserves all the glory for any good that has come out of Heart to Heart, and I am just thrilled to be used of Him in this way!  So any glory that seems to go to me in any of these messages below, please direct it to the Lord, Who deserves all the credit!  I am simply enjoying the blessings from it all!  It is my joy and privilege to send the Heart to Heart Newsletter to you, and I can't wait to meet each one of you in Heaven some day, if not here on earth!


HEART TO HEART REPLIES FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
I would really enjoy receiving more ideas and object lessons to use with children.  Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.  May your work for the Lord reach many lives and be a godly encouragement.- UKRAINE

Thank you for your concern by sending your Newsletters to us. We appreciate what you are doing for us. It is a great encouragement.  Thank you very much. - POLAND

Thanks to you for recommending http://www.flylady.com/  (An organizational website). God used her to make our lives a good witness to the Thais. You know what the reward is? The adoption of our baby (Boaz)!  Grateful for friends around the world like you! - THAILAND

Thank you!. Your email has come right at the right time!! I am printing out your cleaning tips right now! - GERMANY

After we lost our hard drive and I had to send a brief Heart to Heart message from the library: I know that I have never responded to any of your newsletters, but I do read them and enjoy what you have compiled together each time.  Thank you and I do hope that you will be able to get up and running soon. - PARAGUAY

Thanks so much for your newsletter. I really love getting it and think that it's one of the most well put together things that I have ever read. - ENGLAND

Thank you so much for adding my e-mail to your mailing list. - SOUTH AFRICA

I received your "start-up kit" of newsletters!  Thank-you so much!  It looks like great information, helps, and tips. I'm sure I'll be enjoying them thoroughly. - NICARAGUA

Thank you for all that you do to be such an encouragement and blessing to other women.  May God bless you greatly. - ISRAEL

Whilst going through the recipes, came upon the fruit salad to my amazement I read about the banana loving mosquitoes.  While I was in Greece recently I was devoured by mosquitoes to the point I have been on two courses of antibiotics and I love bananas and use them every day!  I could hardly believe what I was reading and since my return I am still on medication for these infected bites.  If I only had known this information before traveling there. I enjoy these tidbits for sure. - IRELAND

THERE IS STILL A GREAT NEED FOR OLDER WOMEN MENTORING THE YOUNGER 

A sincere and heartfelt e-mail from a dear Heart to Heart friend:

Lois,  Thank you so much for your dedication to your newsletter.  It is such a blessing to so many ladies.  I especially enjoyed reading your most recent account of "Why Send a Christian Newsletter?"  I was very intrigued by the Bible study opportunity you had as a brand new mother.  Quite honestly I was (am) jealous of the opportunity you had -- not a very Christlike attitude I know, but I hope you will forgive me.

I often wonder what happened between then and now as there doesn't seem to be many willing "to encourage and guide me [younger ladies] with godly practical advice and teaching for wives and mothers from God's word".  At least not to the level you described as: "That Bible study was the highlight of my week for thirteen years ... taught us mothers how to love our husband and children and to be keepers at home as instructed in Titus 2."  What happened to that type of encouragement?  I know I long for it along with many other ladies I know. 

I would like to share with you my idea of who God may have meant when He instructed the "aged women" to teach the "young women" in Titus 2.  As in my own case, having come to know the Lord, much later in life, age 36, (just 5 years ago) not having had any mentorship or discipleship, I consider myself a "young women" in Christ, needing to be taught by the "aged women."  I believe God's idea of our age has very little to do with our physical age [in the context of Titus 2 and many other passages where Christ refers to us as "Little Children."  But in reality, our physical age often gets in the way, and those of us who may be older, physically, are seen as "aged women" and often miss out on the much needed teaching and encouragement.  Just a thought from me, welcoming yours in return.

MORE LETTERS ECHOING THE NEED OF OLDER WOMEN TO REACH OUT
I have just read the first newsletter and have all the others to read yet, but wanted to write to you right away!  I am so glad that you are taking the time to write to us.  It is hard, very hard, for young moms (I'm 34, so getting less young!) to find a mentor or their Titus 2 woman. In fact, that is exactly why I feel that God would have me write to young moms.  I am not very old, but I can help those younger than me. And you, with your experience, can help even more (I'm only guessing you're older than me since you've been married so long! lol!).  Your newsletters are filled with so much great information.  I am so glad you emailed me and invited me to your list.  I'll spread the word about what you're doing!  Thanks for the encouragement tonight!  - ALABAMA

What a wonderful mission God has given you.  Already by reading your introduction letter I feel like you are the sort of person I can't wait to meet in heaven!!  I would like to say thank you and that I look forward to receiving the articles that you put out and to being encouraged. It is great that there are people like you that take the passage in Titus seriously.  We need lots more experienced 'older' woman that have "been there done that" to help us younger ones out there who are still in the process of bringing up a family and especially in today's troubled world.  May the Lord richly bless you and the work that you are doing for His glory. - NEW ZEALAND

I just wanted to drop you a note concerning your newsletters.  I printed all the letters, punched holes in them and placed them in a red notebook.  I have carried them around to various places to read while I wait.  I'm a person who cannot read without a pen in my hand.  I have a highlighter and pen, marking them up like crazy when I find something pertaining to me.  You remind me so much of my Mama.  I can’t place my finger on the specific but something about you….I’m just not sure what.  God called her home when she was 42.  She died of breast cancer.  I was 14.  I believe the 2 of you would have hit it off. - VIRGINIA

I just began receiving your newsletter and can already see what a blessing it will be to me and my family.  I have seven children 15 and down in age with another due in June. We feel so blessed by our family but I have always struggled with organization. I am working to simplify our life and home. I have already begun to implement some things that you have suggested.  I have been seeking a mentor or older woman for a long time . It seems difficult because a lot of the older women I know seem to think I know it all because I have so many children and they only had a few. Little do they know!  I just had to tell you that I am the same age as your daughter. I was born in March. Just thought it was neat. Like my own mom!!!  - WASHINGTON