Parenting Insight You Can Use Now

by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN - http://www.biblicalparenting.info/ - Used by permission

Patience is a virtue but few children understand its benefits. Children tend to live for the present and typically want their desires satisfied fast.

One of the ways we help children learn patience is to teach them how to wait. They may not be able to wait long at first but the idea of waiting doesn't have to be like a foreign language. "Mom, could I have a snack?" "Well, it's 2:30 now. Let's have a snack at 3:00."

Sometimes a child will try to interrupt your conversation on the phone, or your interaction with another child or adult. One mom said, "I've told my son that if I'm on the phone and he wants to talk with me, that he can come over and gently put his hand on my arm to communicate that he wants to talk to me. I will either pause from my conversation to talk to him briefly or sometimes I'll just put my hand on his, communicating that I know he's waiting."

Talk to child about the maturity involved in waiting. You might define the character quality in practical ways that your child can understand. Patience is waiting with a happy heart. Or, patience knows that good things come to those who can wait.

Realize that the resistance your children exhibit to your "patience training" exercises is just the confirmation that they need to learn this valuable quality. They don't need harshness, but firm limits are good for children. Your work in this area will help them be more successful as they grow. Demanding children are unhappy children and indulging them rarely brings about peace. What they really need to learn is patience.

For more information about developing character qualities like patience in your children read the book, Good and Angry, Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

More Than Mended

by Lyle Berry, wife and mother of four children - 2012 - Used by permission

A lot of things around here have been breaking—plates, vacuums, major appliances. Jason and I have been asking each other, "Do we repair it or get rid of it? Is it even worth fixing?"  We shake our heads when the coffeemaker takes forever to crank out eight cups of coffee.  We are frustrated when our insurance company wants to fix the wrecked car with salvaged parts.

We are a disposable society. We do not value the broken, the old, the damaged. I am so thankful that God does not look at me the way I look at our broken freezer. Instead, through the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, my brokenness can be more than mended. On my own, I am not worth fixing. My sin, in the eyes of a holy God, breaks my fellowship with Him. Through Jesus, my relationship with God is not just patched back together with some salvaged parts. It is just as if I had never sinned! I am clothed in Jesus' righteousness. The sorrow and ugliness of past sins--all of my ashes--He turns into beauty.

I am so thankful for brokenness and for restoration. I am so thankful for forgiveness and new life. "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10).

How to Find Locally Grown Organic Foods

http://www.westonaprice.org/local-chapters/find-local-chapter
 
Local chapters help you find locally-grown organic and biodynamic vegetables, fruits and grains; milk products, butter, eggs, chicken and meat from pasture-fed animals.  They also represent the Weston A Price Foundation at local fairs and conference and may host cooking classes, potluck dinners and other activities to help you learn to integrate properly prepared whole foods into your lifestyle.  Local chapters may also be able to put you in touch with health practitioners who share the same philosophy and goals.

Precious Gems

Ladies, as always, thanks so much for your permission to include your kids' quotes in Heart to Heart!  I love them!

 

I was helping my 14 year old son, Josh, study for his health test. I asked him to tell me what types of diseases are work related. He replied, " Staph infections!". Although "occupational diseases" was the correct answer, I thought his response was pretty clever. ~Lisa in Virginia

 

During homeschool one day we were talking about weather. I 

had seen a really neat experiment online that you can make 

rain in a glass jar, so I told the kids, "Now we're going to go 

and make it rain in the kitchen."  Joshua (3) seemed a little 

unsure about what was about to happen and asked me about 

the idea of it raining in the kitchen, but I didn't fully 

understand his concern until his older brother, Caleb (5), 

came into the kitchen with his umbrella over his head! They 

thought that rain was really going to fall from the kitchen 

ceiling! ~ Alyssa in Asia Minor

Joshua (3) loves music and loves playing the guitar he was 

given for his birthday this year. When we recently celebrated 

my husband's birthday, we told him to play "Happy Birthday" 

while we sing. We sang, but he didn't play. When we asked 

him why he didn't play he said, "My big guitar no sing Happy 

Birthday. My big guitar sing Hallelujah."  Apparently his 

guitar only knows how to play songs with the word Hallelujah 

in them! ~ Alyssa in Asia Minor

Overheard at my house as we're packing for our week at Marmie's house:
Michaela (8): "What are we gonna do about Allie (Marmie's dog) while we're there?"
Mom: "What do you mean?"
Michaela: "Allie barks all the time, and barking dog means crying baby. Crying baby means miserable mother. Miserable mother means miserable children. Miserable children mean miserable grandmother. Miserable grandmother means no cooking. No cooking means no food. No food means we starve to death. Starve to death means we die!"
So basically, we're going to die this week, all because of a dog. Oh, the drama! ~ Jennifer in Virginia

 

A four year old overheard at my house: "Mom, on the bus today Charlie said, 'I love you, Savannah.' I did not say it back. I just love God and my Daddy."  Lauren in Virginia

 

One of our spelling words today was "kisses" (learning about making a word plural with s or es). So as I was calling out the words we got to kisses and as soon as I said it, Jadyn (1) toddled over and gave me a big smooch! Who says a one year old can't spell :)  ~ Sarah in Virginia

 

The kids, Malakai and Amiya (4 year old twins) told me they learned about the Mayflower & penguins (pilgrims). In other news, apparently we have a dinosaur that's sneaking in to do all the things the kids "didn't do" (making a mess etc.) ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Tonight I asked Livy (2), "What does 'family' mean?  I really wasn't expecting a logical answer, but her response was priceless.  She thought for a minute, then said carefully, pausing after each name, "Sophie. Mama. Livy. Tata!"  Love our little family! :) ~ Lori in Virginia

When voting yesterday, Anna (5) looked up and asked in a very concerned voice, "You mean daddy won't be our leader anymore?!" ~ Lauren in Virginia

 

Overheard at my house:
Savannah (5): "I'm sorry I had to be a car rider after you worked all night.  This is all Mom's fault."
Daddy: "Mom didn't mean to.  She just overslept.  Everybody does that sometimes."
Savannah: "Not me.  I never oversleep."
Daddy: "You should try it sometime." ~ Lauren in Virginia

Today I am thankful for my sweet 2-year old.  This morning Ondra (husband) let me sleep in after several rough nights with a teething baby.  Very concerned that I wasn't up as usual, Livy climbed into bed with me and said, "Did you sleep good, Mama?  Are you sick?  Poor Mama.  I give you squeezes!"  She proceeded to hug me tight, then said, "Thank you!" and scampered off.  Oh how I do love this child! ~ Lori in Virginia

Sometimes the things my kids (both 4 - twins) say make me so nervous.  They just told me to drive slower (it's rush hour) or I would hit two trucks, a tree, then go into the water and that would make Jesus soooo sad! ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Funny story as mama is about to deliver soon:  Wyatt (7) asked Morgan (9), "Where's Levi (6)?  And Naomi (10) answered, "Mama ate him!  Look at her belly!!"  Everyone's a comedian. ~ Rachael in Virginia

 

A few weeks ago, on a Sunday morning, I walked into the living after getting ready for church and Ben (4) says, “Mommy, why do you have those legs.” I replied, “Uhm, they are just my legs.” Ben: “But they are brown!!”

"Oh you mean why am I wearing nylons (panty hose, stockings, tights……whatever you want to call these things)……..because it’s winter and cold!!"  Guess it’s been a while since I’ve covered up my (apparently very white) legs!!  And just for the record they actually were black nylons!! And super funny, both Ben and Jadyn (1) randomly rubbed my legs all day long!! ~ Sarah in Virginia 

 

Overheard at my house:
Savannah (5): Does grandad want to help decorate the tree?
Mimi: He doesn't really enjoy decorating the tree.
Savannah: Oh dear. Why did God make him that way?! ~ Lauren in Virginia

 

 It's "Show and Tell" day at school.  Austin's (4) take is that, "If they're a girl, they will bring princesses...I'm serious.  And I do not like princesses.  So I will bring turkey feet.  The girls will not like that."  And that's what he did.  Can't wait to hear about how well that goes over. ~ Emily in Virginia

Amazing wisdom from five year old Savannah: "Mom, that man that shot those kids...I think maybe he was confused.  You know, Satan is a liar and maybe he believed him...and that made him make some bad choices." ~ Lauren in Virginia

 

Daniel (4) called me on the phone to say, "Thanks, Grammie, for sending me the Bandaids for my stuffed animals."  I did remember that he didn't play with stuffed animals very much, but he loved them and right away put the felt Bandaids on his sock monkey who has several holes.  They stick with Velcro.  He also told his mom, "I think I need to make friends with some more stuffed animals!"  He said to be sure I bring my sewing machine when I visit, so I can fix his sock monkey. :) ~ Lois

 

Last night our son, Jeff, took his two boys, Daniel (4) and Andrew (19 mo.), out to the back yard to eat their dinner by the campfire. The boys both so enjoy sitting by the campfire with their daddy.  Out of the blue Andrew raised both of his hands to the sky and said with a huge smile, "Haaappppy!!!" ~ Lois

 

Fact Checker: Divorce Rate Among Christians

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/09/25/factchecker-divorce-rate-among-christians/ 


Note: FactChecker is a monthly series in which Glenn T. Stanton examines claims, myths, and misunderstandings frequently heard in evangelical circles.

We've all heard the statistics saying, "Christians divorce at roughly the same rate as the world!"  However, according to this article, divorce is much lower among conservative Christians, and significantly lower among conservative Christians wholive out their faith.

The following statements are excerpts from the article which you will hopefully take the time to read and view the chart given:

The factor making the most difference is religious commitment and practice.

What appears intuitive is true. Couples who regularly practice any combination of serious religious behaviors and attitudes---attend church nearly every week, read their Bibles and spiritual materials regularly; pray privately and together; generally take their faith seriously, living not as perfect disciples, but serious disciples---enjoy significantly lower divorce rates than mere church members, the general public, and unbelievers.

Professor Bradley Wright, a sociologist at the University of Connecticut, explains from his analysis of people who identify as Christians but rarely attend church, that 60 percent of these have been divorced. Of those who attend church regularly, 38 percent have been divorced.

W. Bradford Wilcox, a leading sociologist at the University of Virginia and director of the National Marriage Project, finds from his own analysis that "active conservative Protestants" who regularly attend church are 35 percent less likely to divorce compared to those who have no affiliation. Nominally attending conservative Protestants are 20 percent more likely to divorce, compared to secular Americans.

Scripture Memory Verses for Toddlers

The following are just a few scripture verses to begin this exciting journey of scripture memorization with your children or grandchildren, but there are so many more that would be easy enough and appropriate to add to this list.  Remember, scriptures learned as children will stick with them as they grow older, so I hope you will take advantage of filling their minds with truth from God's Word.

I found that simply going over each verse over and over with my children or grandchildren, and leaving out a word or two as they learned the scriptures worked well.  Making a booklet of each of the scriptures along with pictures, either drawn or glued in, is another way of reinforcing scripture memory in young children.

Steve Green and other Christian artists also have CD's of music with scripture set to music, another wonderful way of memorization of God's Word.  You can also download his music at no cost to your computer on Spotify.

Here is a short list to begin scripture memory with your little ones:

Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. - Ephesians 4:32

 

Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. - Ephesians 6:1

 

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right. - Prov. 20:11

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift. - II Corinthians 9:16

 

When I am afraid, I will trust in Him. - Psalm 56:3

 

We love Him because He first loved us. - I John 4:19

 

Casting all you care upon Him, for He cares for you. - I Peter:5:7

 

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. - I Peter 3:10

 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life - John 3:16  (For a very young child of two or under, you may want to have him master the first phrase before going on to the entire verse).

 

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God - Romans 3:23

 

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord - Romans 6:23

 

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. - James 4:8

The Names of God

A great comment from Lisa Weddle in Virginia about an article I wrote for Heart to Heart in September:
http://www.heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Names%20of%20God

Thanks for your article on the names of God. About a year ago I started writing down the names of God as I read them in the Bible. I finally  bought a small notebook and put one letter of the alphabet on each page. Now as I find names of God while I read, I put them in my little notebook. So far I have found over 300. It has been an excellent study on God's character and attributes. It is also great way to remember His attributes as I give God praise while I pray.

 

Fun and Frugal Scavenger Hunts

www.stretcher.com - Used by permission from the Editor, Gary Foreman

Great ideas for youth groups, adult Sunday school classes, friends, and families.

Updated Scavenger Hunt Ideas
We did this as kids in the neighborhood too, asking for old calendars of a certain year, or a penny of a certain date. We all had the same list to work from.

But now the teens are using technology. They get a camcorder for each group and have a list of things to do at various locations. They put the list of each group in a different order so the groups don't all go to the same place at once. Then they film it for proof.

Like go to a certain gas station and help someone get gas and wash his or her windows. Go to another business and sing a song, etc. Not only is it different by going to all these various locations, but then they each watch the other's film to verify what was done and have some refreshments and laughs. You can change this any way you like to fit your group and/or location. ~ Thomas

A Hunt for Information
A couple of years ago, I organized a fun car rally/scavenger hunt for the staff at work. I concentrated on the hunters gathering information rather than things, so as not to disrupt the activities in stores and other businesses. Scavengers were asked to get dates from a building cornerstone and a gravestone, an inscription from a building lintel and a gravestone, to count the number of seats in a restaurant and the number of overhead light standards on a bridge, to identify historic community landmarks, etc.

The route was carefully mapped out to take participants around the community, with rather cryptic directions such as "turn right where Eveline meets royalty" ("royalty" was Queen Street). Setting up such an event can be just as much fun as participating in it! ~ Barbara

Bringing Back the Proof
Our church youth group did a photo scavenger hunt once. You make a list of different settings - for example, get a photo of your group doing a human pyramid, a photo of your group in front of a house with the numbers 123, a picture of a member of your group getting frisked by a police officer, etc. You set a time limit - say 2 hours - and each group get in a car and takes off. Some pictures are worth more points than others, depending on difficulty of acquiring the picture. After the time is up, you add up the points. The activity is great fun and the photos afterwards are great souvenirs. ~ Tasha

Community Service Scavenger Hunt
Here's a twist on the old scavenger hunt. For a neighborhood block party we had a Service Scavenger Hunt. We gave groups of people a list of nice things to do for someone: sweep a kitchen floor, read a story to a child, unload a dishwasher, sweep a front sidewalk, take out the garbage, etc.

The first group to meet back at Base with all the items done got a prize. We had a ball, and it was a good way to meet some of the shyer ones who weren't planning to come to the party at all. ~ Joey

Riddles that Kids Love to Use to Stump Adults

My nine year old grandson, Justin, loves to ask riddles like these.  In fact, the first riddle was asked by him.  I hope you and your children or grandchildren enjoy these.  Parents, if you pack lunches for your children, why not write a riddle on a sticky note and surprise him as he gets out his lunch.  That will be sure to bring a smile to his face!  Grandparents, why not call your grandchildren and try out these riddles on them!

Q:  Why did the football coach go to the bank?
A: To get his quarterback!

Q: What do you call a lazy baby kangaroo?
A: A Pouch potato!

Q: What starts with "T," ends with "T," and is full of "T?"
A: A teapot!

Q: How do you stop an elephant from going through the eye of a needle?
A: You tie a knot in his tail!

Q: What is the best thing to put in a pie?

A: Your teeth!

Q: What is a caterpillar scared of?
A: A dogerpillar!

Q: Why did the banana go to the doctor?
A: Because it wasn't peeling very well!

Q: Why should you not take your computer where there will be a large crowd?
A: It might get a virus.

Q: What do you get when you cross a caterpillar with a parrot?
A: A walkie talkie

 

Cold and Flu Buster Tonic

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2012
Revised 2016

This stuff really does work!
Put equal amounts of the following immune-supporting ingredients into a blender and give it a whirl:

onion
garlic
horseradish
ginger
jalapeno peppers

Blend with plenty of apple cider or apple cider vinegar.  The apple juice will give it a better flavor.  Blend well and pour into a glass jar.  Fill the jar with apple cider.  Let set on the counter for 2 to 4 weeks, shaking every day.  Open the lid every day as well, because pressure builds up inside.  Next bottle it, and refrigerate.  It keeps for a very long time.  No mold dares enter that concoction!  I froze some as well for later.

But what we did-----was to use it right away, and that worked great.  Some say to strain it, but I just put it all in the blender to use as is.

If you feel the cold or flu coming on, take a teaspoon or tablespoon of the tonic in a small glass of orange juice, apple cider, or water.  You can take it as often as every hour.  It works, especially if you begin when the symptoms appear!

When I first made this tonic, we didn't have time to let it set for two weeks.  My husband felt like he was getting a cold, so he took it several times a day for two days and his cold disappeared like magic, saving him lots of misery!  I haven't needed to take it yet, but will if the need arises.

Someone I know also eats ground horseradish at the first sign of a cold of flu, and that works as well!  Whatever works!

Additional notes:
More recently (2015) I made a tonic of only equal parts of raw onion, garlic, ginger root, and Bragg organic apple cider vinegar in the blender.  I used 1 tablespoon of this tonic in a glass of orange juice or apple cider (not vinegar).  This was done 3-4 times a day to knock out a scratchy throat that was just beginning.  It was completely gone the next day!  

I know that eating too much sugar the week before resulted in the scratchy throat!  I rarely eat sugar, but gave in to my sweet tooth.  

Sugar definitely breaks down the immune system!  I've been off sugar now for almost a year again and haven't been sick, even while being around others who had been.

Stay well, everyone!

Build Your Faith and Trust in God: Study the Names of God!

by Lois Breneman - 2012 - Heart to Heart

As believers, we are in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  It's pretty amazing that Someone like God would want us to draw near to Him, isn't it?  But He does!  When I find myself worrying about circumstances that I can't control, studying the Names of God and His attributes encourages and builds up my faith helping me trust my all powerful and caring Lord so much more.
 

The NAME OF THE LORD is a strong tower;  the righteous run into it and is safe. ~ Jeremiah 17:14

El Shaddai: All-Sufficient One
El Roi:  The God Who Sees
El Elyon: The Most High God
Elohim: Creator; The Lord is One
Adonai: Your Lord; Your Master

Jehovah: The Self-Existent One

Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord will provide

Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord our Banner (He will fight for us)

Jehovah-Shalom: The Lord is Peace

Jehovah-Rapha: The Lord that heals

Jehovah-Tsidkenu: The Lord our Righteousness
Jehovah-Mekoddishkem:  The Lord Sanctifies

Jehovah-Shammah: The Lord is Ever Present

Jehovah-Raah: The Lord my Shepherd
Jehovah-Sabaoth: The Lord of Hosts

Kay Arthur has written a wonderful devotional study on the Names of God entitled, Lord, I Want to Know You.  A good exercise would be to take just one Name of God a day and write in a notebook how the truth of that attribute would manifest itself in our everyday life if and when we allow that truth to take effect.

A Great Idea
Thanks to Lisa Weddle in Virginia for this!  I'm going to do this!  I know there are so many Names of God throughout the Bible!

Thanks for your article on the names of God. About a year ago I started writing down the names of God as I read them in the Bible. I finally  bought a small notebook and put one letter of the alphabet on each page. Now as I find names of God while I read, I put them in my little notebook. So far I have found over 300. It has been an excellent study on God's character and attributes. It is also great way to remember His attributes as I give God praise while I pray.


Here's a Start to Our Notebooks, ladies!

 The Vine ~ I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without me you can do nothing. ~ John 15:5

This is a photo taken on a mountain ten minutes from our home in September, 2012.  You will find more vineyard photos at the bottom of this blog that I took that same week.

Precious Gems

Thanks so much for your permission to include your children and grandchildren's quotes in Heart to Heart!

Trevor (5):  What are we having for dinner?
Me:  Pork chops.

Trevor:  Aww, I hate those!
Me:  No, you don't.  You love them.

Trevor: Wait, are those green? ~ Jennifer in Virginia

Our little granddaughter was in the car with her mummy.  Asyrah (2) was asking her mummy whose fly it was buzzing around the car being a pain and would not accept that it wasn't someone's pet.  So she was told, "It's God's fly," to which she replied, "Did you take it off Him?" ~ Wendy in New Zealand

Natalie's "Funny" from soccer tonight: "I knew her from a long time ago mommy." How does a 5 year-old know someone from a long time ago? Even funnier, the long time ago was the beginning of this summer :) ~ Sarah in Virginia

While looking at her scraped leg, Melody (3) said, "I got lots of spots.  What's that mean?  I'm getting old?" ~ Rosie in Central Asia

Troy (Daddy) to Lexi (3): Tell mommy, ''Happy anniversary!"
Lexi to me: Mommy, Daddy says, Have a nursery! ~ Vera in Virginia

The love of chocolate is strong in this house! John (Daddy) told Melody (3) that if she ate an entire raw garlic clove that he would give her a piece of chocolate...and she did!  As he was giving her the chocolate, she asked, "Daddy, why are you giving me a piece of chocolate? (pause) Because I'm special?" "Yes, you are a pretty special kid to eat a clove of raw garlic!" ~ Rosie in Central Asia

Often when our granddaughter, Ryan (5) is being disciplined by one parent, she will ask for the other parent.  My daughter told me that the other day when she corrected Ryan, she said ,"I want Paw Paw!"  When I told him, of course, he grinned from ear to ear! ~ Lois

Ryan (5) loves being in kindergarten.  Depending on each student's behavior for the day, he/she is given a certain color.  Red means "bad behavior," yellow means they did something wrong, green stands for "good," and purple stands for "super good."  Ryan has been getting green every day so far.  But one day recently she told her mom how she had a yellow before the day was over, and quickly added, "But then I made better choices, and got a green!" ~ Lois

In kindergarten all the students need to learn their address, phone number, country, county, etc.  When asked what county she lives in, rather than Cobb County, Ryan (5) always says, "Corn on the Cobb County," knowing she will get a laugh. ~ Lois

As our grandson, Daniel (4) was leaving the house with his mommy and little brother after a rain shower one morning, he pointed and said, "Look!   There's a puddle shaped like a heart!  I think God made that to show us that we are loved!" ~ Lois

Resource for Parenting Teens

A free newsletter is also available.

http://specials.about.com/service/newsletters/parentingteens/1347613350.htm

My Story: 15 Ways to Use Prescription Bottles

by Diva - "My Story" is a regular feature of The Dollar Stretcher. If you have a story that could help save time or money, please send it to MyStory@stretcher.com.  Used by permission from the editor, Gary Foreman

My husband takes several prescription medications, and all those empty prescription bottles can be re-purposed in some pretty useful ways. After removing the labels and washing and drying them thoroughly, try some of these ideas:

1. They can be used to hold various sizes of coins. This is a great way to take quarters to the laundromat.
2. Put a small object inside like a paper clip or marble for an entertaining, rattling pet toy.
3. Keep small game pieces like dice, etc. all together when not in use and store in the game box.
4. Use as disposable watercolor brush water cups.
5. Transport small amounts of condiments like salt, pepper, sugar, creamer, etc. on picnics. Label with a permanent marker.
6. Keep a few of your favorite teabags in a bottle to stash in your purse or desk at work.
7. Make a small portable sewing or first aid kit by adding a few basic small necessities.
8. When traveling, take a few cotton balls, put a drop or two of your favorite perfume on each one, and stuff into a bottle. Take one out each day and dab on pulse points. You can also tuck the cotton ball inside your bra.
9. Use as a travel container for earrings and other jewelry.
10. Organize small office supplies like paper clips, push pins and staples.
11. Use as popsicle molds.
12. Store a girl's small Barbie accessories like shoes (a non-childproof cap would work best for this) in them.
13. Use as a Valentine or just-because romantic gift for your sweetie. Fill an empty bottle with conversation hearts and make a cute label instructing them to take one as needed for "love sickness" or a similarly mushy message.
14. Keep a few coins and some rolled-up bills for emergencies in a bottle in the glove compartment.
15. Let the kids make a tiny "time capsule" of a family vacation or other fun adventure. Collect sand and shells from a beach trip or small rocks, dried leaves and twigs from a camping trip or nature hike.
    
    Notes from Lois: Covering the containers with pretty contact paper and adding labels would be a good idea.  I saved old film canisters from years ago and store them in a shoebox.  They can be repurposed in these ways as well.
    
    How you get rid of unused prescriptions: Please never flush unused drugs down the toilet or dump them anywhere.  Scientist are telling us that our water supply is being effected because of the improper disposal of drugs.  Call your pharmacist and ask how to handle leftover prescriptions.

Top Foods for Your Immune System: 11 Foods to Boost Your Immunity

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/02/06/immune-system-foods_n_1257903.html

Grandma was right -- nothing beats chicken soup for fending off sniffles. Not only does it provide the fluids needed to help fight off viruses, it's a powerful mucus stimulant so it helps clear nasal congestion as well as thin mucus. It's also thought to have a mild anti-inflammatory effect than can help ease cold symptoms. Keep some organic chicken stock on hand, because studies have found that even commercial soup is as effective as homemade.

                    

Chicken Noodle Soup:
Grandma was right -- nothing beats chicken soup for fending off sniffles. Not only does it provide the fluids needed to help fight off viruses, it's a powerful mucus stimulant so it helps clear nasal congestion as well as thin mucus. It's also thought to have a mild anti-inflammatory effect than can help ease cold symptoms. Keep some organic chicken stock on hand, because studies have found that even commercial soup is as effective as homemade.

Onion And Garlic:
If you want to punch up the healing power of your chicken soup -- or any other dish -- add plenty of garlic and onions. When combined, these flavorful healers contain numerous antiseptic and immunity boosting compounds. As an added plus, garlic helps to open clogged sinuses.

Mushrooms:
No herbal medicine cabinet should be without mushrooms. They increase the production of cytokines, which are cells that help fight off infection. They also contain polysaccharides, which are compounds that support the immune system. The most potent cold- and flu-fighting shrooms are shitake, maitake and reishi.

Citrus Fruits:
Citrus fruits contain hefty doses of powerhouse vitamin C. Studies have found that this antioxidant can reduce cold symptoms by 23 per cent, and all that's needed is just one to eight grams (1,000 to 8,000 milligrams) to do the trick. Besides citrus fruits, other foods that have high amounts of vitamin C include papaya, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, tomatoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts and red bell peppers.

Yogurt:
Studies have shown that eating a cup of low-fat yogurt each day can reduce your susceptibility to colds by 25 percent. The beneficial bacteria is Lactobacillus reuteri which has been found to block the replication of viruses that invade the body when we get sick. Not all brands have that particular bacteria, so check labels and be sure to go organic.

Immune-Boosting Supplements:
While yogurt is a great source of probiotics, some have more than others and we can really benefit by taking an additional supplement. Other immune-booster "musts" are vitamin D and Omega 3 fatty acid.

Hot Tea:
Hot tea is soothing and a great home remedy, helping to thin mucus and ensure proper hydration. For added health benefit, sip green or black tea -- both are filled with flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants.

Ginger:
Ginger comes to the aid when we're sick in some powerful ways. Besides soothing a scratchy throat, it has chemicals called sesquiterpenes that target rhinoviruses -- which are the most common family of cold viruses -- as well as substances that help suppress coughing. Ginger is also a natural pain and fever reducer and a mild sedative so you -- ll feel more comfortable and be able to rest easier. Add a couple of tablespoons of shredded gingerroot to your tea, or make ginger tea (it comes in tea bags, but you can also simmer fresh sliced ginger to make a potent brew).

Honey:
Honey has numerous medicinal properties and because it coats your throat it is a natural way to soothe sore throats. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to help fight infections from viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Skip the common clover honey that you'll find in the supermarket as it has the lowest antioxidant level. Look for buckwheat honey, which has the highest. (A note of caution: never give honey to children under one years of age because their immune systems are not developed enough to ward off infantile botulism, which is carried in honey spores.)

Black Pepper
It's ironic that black pepper -- the spice best known for making you sneeze -- can ward off the sniffles. Black peppercorns are high in piperine, a compound known for its anti-fever and pain-relieving qualities.

Spices
Make recipes more flavorful with garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage and oregano -- while spicing things up, you'll also get an added kick of immune-busters, too.

Weekly Bathtub Detox for Better Health

Soak once a week for 20 minutes in a hot tub of water in which 1 cup of Epsom Salts, 1/2 cup baking soda and 10 drops of lavendar essential oil have been added.  Not only will this help to detox your body, it will relax you as well!  Ahhhh!

3 Healing Soups

by Mao Shing Ni, L.Ac., D.O.M., PhD - http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/mao-shing-ni-lac-dom-phd/3-healing-soups

The healing power of soup: something that both scientists and grandmothers can agree on. From helping you lose weight to warming you up from the inside out to boosting your immunity, soup is a winter staple that you shouldn’t be without.

 

An ancient Chinese proverb states that a good doctor uses food first, then resorts to medicine. A healing soup can be your first step in maintaining your health and preventing illness. When you slowly simmer foods over low heat, you gently leach out the energetic and therapeutic properties of the foods, preserving the nutritional value of the food and making it easier for your body to assimilate the nutrients.Here are soup suggestions that will keep you in tip-top shape all winter long.

 

1. Immune-Boosting Soup

Your immune system needs a lot of minerals to function properly and the typical Western diet does not always hit the mark. Keep in mind that boiling can destroy half of the vitamins found in vegetables, so cook soup over a low heat.

 

Simmer these ingredients for 30 minutes to 1 hour: cabbage, carrots, fresh ginger, onion, oregano, shiitake mushrooms (if dried, they must be soaked first), the seaweed of your choice, and any type of squash in chicken or vegetable stock. Cabbage can increase your body’s ability to fight infection, ginger supports healthy digestion, and seaweed cleanses the body. Shiitake mushrooms contain coumarin, polysaccharides and sterols, as well as vitamins and minerals that increase your immune function; the remaining ingredients promote general health and wellbeing. Eat this soup every other day to build a strong and healthy immune system.

 

2. Winter-Warmer Hearty Soup

You always want to eat for the season, and warm soup provides what the body craves in cold weather. When you simmer foods into a soup, you are adding a lot of what Chinese nutrition would call “warming energy” into the food. Warming foods to feature in your soups include: leeks, onions, turnips, spinach, kale, broccoli, quinoa, yams, squash, garlic, scallions, and parsley. As a spice, turmeric aids with circulation, a great boost against the cold weather.

 

3. Detoxifying Broth

As a liquid, soup is already helping you flush waste from your body. When you choose detoxifying ingredients, such as the ones featured in the recipe below, you are really treating your body to an internal cleanse. This broth supports the liver in detoxification, increases circulation, reduces inflammation, and replenishes your body with essential minerals.

 

Simmer the following detoxifying foods for 1 to 2 hours over a low flame: anise, brussels sprouts, cabbage, Swiss chard, cilantro, collards, dandelion, fennel, garlic, fresh ginger, kale, leeks, shiitake mushrooms, mustard greens, daikon radish, seaweed, turmeric, and watercress. Strain to drink as a broth, or if you prefer, leave the cut vegetables in tact and enjoy a bowl.

 

You can be very creative when making soup, and the above recipes are just guidelines. The sky is the limit, so feel free to play with the ingredients and methods. Note: It is always best to serve soups fresh – for each day it spends in the fridge, the therapeutic value decreases.

Super Immune-Building and Healing Spice Mix

Source unknown

Mix the following and store in an air-tight container:
3 tsp. ground Indian turmeric
3 tsp. ground cumin
3 tsp. ground Indian coriander
1 tsp. ground fennel
1 tsp. powdered ginger
1 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom

Billie Bakhaski, a Heart to Heart subscriber adds this informative note:

This super immune building and healing spice mix is great starter for making "dal" (Indian lentils). 

It works in 2 steps: you boil your lentils in one pot till soft. You would put a little olive oil in the bottom of a second pot, to make the "tarka" (spice/flavor).  Add the spices and cook them till there's a little bit of sizzle.  Add a finely chopped onion and tomato (also chopped fine) and continue to cook until they cook down into paste. Add a clove or 2 of smashed garlic and a tablespoon of fresh grated ginger.  Cook just a little while longer; then add this entire mixture to the simmering lentils (once they're soft) and add salt to taste. Sprinkle with some fresh chopped cilantro

Typically this is eaten with rice or flat bread (a warmed pita is perfect).

Take care when handling turmeric...it is really difficult to get out of clothes.

Kitchen Tips

How to Keep Potatoes from Sprouting for Weeks ~ Remove the potatoes from the original package and store them in doubled paper grocery bags.  Fold down the top tightly and secure with a couple clothespins.  

 

How to Use Coconut Oil in Recipes for Better Health ~ http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/how-to-use-coconut-oil.htm  Coconut oil also works very well as body moisturizer.  Just rub it in!

Ripening Green Tomatoes Faster ~ Throw them in a brown paper bag with an apple and they will ripen more quickly.  Pears also ripen more quickly when put into a brown paper bag.

Soften Brown Sugar by placing about a quarter of an apple in the bag or canister.

Soup or Stew Too Salty?  Add either potato or apple wedges to absorb the extra salt; then toss out.

Moist Poultry ~ When roasting a whole turkey, turkey breast, or whole chicken, pierce a lemon and stick into the cavity for more moistness.  An apple will also work. 

Keep Celery Fresh Longer ~ Remove celery from bag or wrapper and wrap in aluminum foil.  It will keep about three weeks this way.

Character Education Curriculum

by Meagan DeLong in North Carolina

 

I’ve been wanting to do a character study with my girls for some time now, but just never found the time to get one together. I recently stumbled upon We Choose Virtues (http://www.wechoosevirtues.com/) and decided it was worth the money to save me the time and energy of creating my own study. The materials are bright and colorful and the phrases are catchy and I knew my girls would love them. And I was right! 

 

We bought the parenting faith-based cards and my girls can’t wait to learn a new one each week. They portray a funny child with a silly name and a story describing the character trait, a “catch-phrase” for the children to memorize, a virtue “antonym” to help the child know how NOT to act, a helpful scripture, ideas for teaching the children, and how to apologize when you do not display the virtue. 

 

My girls really enjoy saying the catch phrase and it makes it easy for me to remind them when they forget to act rightly. I simply say the first word or two in the phrase and they sheepishly grin and finish the phrase for me and realize that they need to apologize. We also bought the 100 days of virtue chart and stickers because my girls love sticker charts and it has also been very helpful. 

 

The materials are a little more pricey than I would prefer, but it was worth it to us to find something that my girls absolutely love to study to teach them godly virtues.

We Choose Virtues | Character Education Curriculum - Simply Inspiring Character That Lasts

 

 

The Wealthy Stay-At-Home Mom

by Tyanne Perry - www.LampOnAStand.com - Used by permission

I cannot afford to WASTE my time making money! -- Jean Louis Rodolphe Agassiz

 “It’s nice to meet you, what do you do?” She asks.

“I am a stay-at-home-mom” I reply, wondering if I should throw in information about my college degree and prior work experience, just to portray myself with a little more value in the eyes of my acquaintance.  I don’t have the chance to go on, however, as she responds quickly.

 

“Oh, wow, you are so lucky to get to stay at home,” she replies, “We could just never afford it.”

 

“Money only stretches so far,” I politely relate, though slightly cringing at her assumptions, “We are certainly blessed with the ability to make this work for us.”

 

Does she assume we’re wealthy, I wonder.  Surely she understands we’re not, right?  Surely she understands it is a trade-off?  Does she really think it’s “luck” that made this decision for us?

 

She’s right, though, in a way.  I can afford to be a stay-at-home-mom and I am wealthy enough to afford a great deal of valuable things.  Things that are so precious, in fact, that the things we can’t afford pale in comparison.

 

For example:

I can’t afford a second car, but I can afford long walks with little ones on beautiful weekday afternoons. 

 

I can’t afford to own my dream home, but I can afford to fill our rental with the sounds of laughter, comforted tears, and the pitter patter of little feet all day long. 

 

I can’t afford cable television, but I can afford to read to my children for more than the recommended 20 minutes a day. 

 

I can’t afford new clothes each season, but I can afford to teach my children to value what they have and take care of all they have been given as I care for and mend the clothing we are blessed to already own. 

 

I can’t afford to take my family to a nice restaurant, but I can afford to prepare meals that fill our home with the scents that will one day make my adult children long for home.

 

I can’t afford regular lunch or coffee dates with friends, but I can afford to invite friends into my home and demonstrate Christian hospitality to my children as well as my guests.  

 

I can’t afford a professional hair style or color; but I can afford to embrace natural beauty as my children watch me twist my hair into a fast bun and hurry out of the bathroom to join their fun.

 

I can’t afford a manicure or pedicure, but I can afford to play “This Little Piggy” on repeat to the content of fascinated little minds, looking into their eyes as we play and smiling with them as they learn. 

 

I can’t afford a gym membership, but I can afford to live a healthy and active life in front of my children and teach them to do the same.

 

I can’t afford to enroll my child in private lessons of various kinds, but I can afford to invest time in knowing their dreams and abilities better than anyone else and coaching them to use those abilities to honor and glorify God.

 

I can’t afford to get a babysitter and go on long dates with my husband, but I can afford to serve him diligently at home as his helper and love him in ways that help him honor God at his best.

 

I can’t afford to travel the world on family vacations, but I can afford to be the person who is always there and ready to answer their questions when they are curious or confused about the world around them. 

 

I can’t afford a mountain of gifts on Christmas morning, but I can afford a mountain of love and truth all year long. 

 

I can’t afford to host giant birthday parties at popular venues, but I can afford to spend every single day reminding my children that they are valuable and worth celebrating.        

 

I can’t afford the latest and greatest toys and electronics, but 

 

I can afford to diligently train creative minds to explore, imagine, experiment, and create. 

 

I can’t afford to pad a savings account with the recommended 6 months of necessary income, but I can afford to pad a future of unknowns with faith and trust in God’s provision and teach my children not to worry in times of trial.  

 

I can’t afford to provide my children with the things they want, but I can afford to teach them that they have everything they need. 

 

I can’t afford to spend my time making money, but I can afford to make my time worth more money than I could ever spend. 

 

I can’t afford a lot of things, but none of them will ever exceed the value of those things that I can afford. 

I am not lucky, but I am blessed.

I am not rich with money, but I am wealthy.

About the Author, Tyanne Perry: I am a young Pastor's wife and mother in Cleveland, Ohio.  Prior to becoming a mother, I worked as a substance abuse counselor and crisis interventionist (and I enjoyed it very much!).  Now, I find great joy in being a mother and homemaking, and I consider my most important "job" to be serving my husband as his helper.  My husband and I have a passion for the Word of God and helping others learn and grow in their knowledge of the Lord through Scripture.  We also love to make music together, enjoy the outdoors, and being active.