Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Solutions to Problems

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2013
 
Sunburn ~ Wet a clean washcloth with cold water, wring it out, and saturate the cloth with raw apple cider vinegar.  Lay the cloth on stinging sunburn for instant relief.  Allow the vinegar to soak into the skin before removing cloth.  Allow vinegar to dry on skin, and apply coconut oil to the sunburn.  It should be much better by the next day.
 
Mosquito Bites ~ My best new way to remove the furious itch of mosquito bites is to rub the inside of a banana peel on the bite.  It worked for me!  Lavender essential oil or tea tree oil also help to relieve the sting.  If that doesn't work for you, try applying apple cider vinegar, a slice of lemon, or a thick paste of baking soda and water to the bite.  Rubbing a bar of soap on the bite or running hot water on the area may help the itch as well. And then there's the remedy of putting a slice of onion on the bite, so take your pick, but I'd start with the banana peel.  That one worked best for me, along with lavender essential oil.  Here's a very interesting article about who mosquitoes prefer when it comes to their next meal.  Some factors that draw mosquitoes the most are people with blood type O, a full moon, and smelly feet!  Read it for yourself:  http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/why-are-some-people-mosquito-magnets

Sugar Cravings ~ Try this sugar buster!  Mix equal parts of coconut oil and a nut butter together, and add a small amount of raw honey (or stevia).  Eat a small amount when you crave sugar.  http://www.pvnutritionaltherapy.com/how-to-stop-sugar-cravings-with-the-sugar-buster/
 
Acne ~ Here's information about a cure without chemicals ~ http://empoweredsustenance.com/7-secrets-to-cure-acne-without-chemicals/

Silverfish Infestation ~ Get rid of silverfish naturally with lavender essential oil.  Dilute with water in a glass spray bottle.  Here's the link with more info: http://retromellie.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-get-rid-of-Silverfish-using-Lavender-Oil
 
Cobwebs and Spiders ~ To get rid of cobwebs and spiders, spray peppermint essential oil (diluted with water in a glass spray bottle) in the corners of every room as well as other places they seem to congregate.  You can also saturate cotton balls with peppermint oil and place them behind framed pictures and other places where they won't be noticed.

Never Enough Bathroom Towel Racks ~ When I was pregnant with our third child, I wondered where we could hang another towel in the bathroom.  We had two towel racks about five feet from the floor, next to each other, with a space of six inches between them.  After studying the situation one day, I came up with the solution of  installing another matching rack a foot below the two original racks, and centering it between them.  They overlapped just enough for a washcloth to be hung on the inside of the top two racks without interfering with the lower rack, where the third child's towels were to hang.  This  worked perfectly and looked nice - like it belonged.  Now that the three children are all married and trying to figure out where to hang all of their own towels, we still put all three racks to use with bath towels on the two upper racks and a hand towel on the lower one.  I also found a sweet metal decoration of birds with three more hooks for extra towels to use when family or friends visit.

If that's not enough space to hand towels, here's another way to extend space for hanging towels.  Install a spring-loaded shower curtain rod behind the existing shower curtain rod, and you've got more space for a few more.  They will be safe (dry) if using the tub for baths, but when showering the towels need to be slid away from the shower head. 

Unsolicited Phone Calls ~ Add your phone number to the "Do Not Call" registry by calling 1-888-382-1222.  You must be calling from the phone number you want removed from the list.  It will take about 30 days before this takes effect.  Even if you were on the list earlier, but are once again getting lots of sales calls, it's time to call again.  This is not a permanent thing.  www.donotcall.gov

A Peaceful Home

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2013

Years ago a friend of mine who had been going through a lot of turmoil in her life, came to my home for lunch and a visit.  The moment she walked in the door, she breathed a sigh and said, "Ahhh, your home is so peaceful!"  I'm sure it was because of the music she heard from the Bible Broadcasting Network, where I most often had my radio set all day long.  I know it makes my own heart peaceful as I listen to the music.  It's helps with my moment by moment communion with the Lord, as I work around my home.
The Bible Broadcasting Network
A wonderful source of great Christian music and Christian programming can be found at www.bbnradio.org.  Even if you don't have this station in your city, you can tune in on your computer anytime!
Moody Radio
http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_AudioMin.aspx?id=13144
At this link you can listen to:
Local Stations
Programs
Specials
     (Example:
Front Row Live!—Keith & Kristyn Getty,
       Remembering George Beverly Shea)
Podcasts
Internet Stations:
Moody Radio Network live feed
Programs and Music in Spanish
Proclaim: a roundup of profound preaching and teaching
Urban Praise
Praise and Worship
Majesty Radio: a blend of traditional hymns and sacred music

A Game for Car Trips: Whoops and Ahhh Moments

Parenting Insight You Can Use Now

by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN -www.biblicalparenting.org - Used by permission

Here’s an interesting and enjoyable game that can be played to demonstrate for kids what honoring speech is all about. You may choose to play this game on a car trip or when spending time together at home on an afternoon. The game is the "Whoops" and "Ahhh" Game. Playing it can be a lot of fun and it helps you recognize common forms of speech that aren’t very honoring. Choose a few hours when you'll all be together interacting.

Announce the beginning of the game and explain how it's played. "We will look for five types of dishonoring speech: arguing, boasting, whining/complaining, talking too much, and being bossy. Anyone who hears dishonoring speech from children or adults says "Whoops!" Everyone then tries to identify which type of dishonoring speech they heard. The family then works together to offer honoring suggestions.

When Bill says, "Aren't we there yet," in that whiny voice, his sister, Karen might say "Whoops!" You can identify that as whining and suggest that Bill ask his question in a more honoring way.

At the same time everyone is on the lookout for honoring speech that includes praise, gratefulness, compliments, and affirmation. If Karen says, "Thanks Dad, for taking us on this trip." Dad can say, "Ahhh."

To keep it fun, you might occasionally say something dishonoring on purpose to earn a "Whoops!" You might say, "I sure am a good driver." This will earn you a "Whoops!" for boasting followed by an interesting discussion of your alternatives.

Be sure to set an end time to the game. Although the evaluation can be helpful for a time, too much analysis can get irritating and loses its fun.

By the way, if you try this game, let us know how it went. We enjoy the responses from these tips and like to hear what things work best.


This parenting tip comes from the Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes curriculum. Whether it's a road trip to your favorite vacation spot, or just runs back and forth to the town pool or ball field, summer time often means more time in the van. Turn your car-time into honor-time with the Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes Audio Series. Click here to learn more.

How to Pray for Your Children and Grandchildren

Author unknown - Thanks to Beth Cummings in Virginia for giving this list to me which she has used for years!

Mothers and Grandmothers, YOU can make a huge difference in the lives of your children and grandchildren by praying daily for each one!

1.   Pray that they will know Christ as Savior early in life.  (Psm. 63:1, II Tim. 3:15)
2.   Pray that they will have a hatred for sin. (Psm. 97:10)
3.   Pray that they will be caught when guilty.  (Psm. 119:71)
4.   Pray that they will be protected from the evil one in each area of their lives: spiritual, emotional, and physical. (John 17:15)
5.   Pray that they will have a responsible attitude in all their interpersonal relationships.  (Dan. 6:3)
6.   Pray that they will respect those in authority over them.  (Rom. 13:11)
7.   Pray that they will desire the right kind of friends and be protected from the wrong friends. (Prov. 1:10-11)
8.   Pray that they will be kept from the wrong mate and saved for the right one.  (II Cor. 6:14-17)
9.   Pray that they, as well as those they marry, will be kept pure until marriage.  (I Cor. 6:18-20)
10.  Pray that they will learn to totally submit to God and actively resist Satan in all circumstances.  (James 4:7)
11.  Pray that they will be singlehearted, willing to be sold out to Jesus Christ.  (Rom. 12:1-2)
12.  Pray that they will be hedged in so they cannot find their way to wrong people or wrong places and that the wrong people cannot find their way to them.  (Hosea 2:6)

5 Questions that Can Change Your Schedule...and Your Life

Tricia Goyer - TriciaGoyer.com - Used by permission

I used to be the worst at saying no.
If someone needed help at church, or a babysitter, or a work-project to get done, I was the person whom they could count on. I prided myself for being able to accomplish more than anyone I knew, but the cost was great. I was stressed. I was overwhelmed. I was tired all the time. And my shoulders grew weary from the high level of expectations. Especially mine.
My husband, John, was the one who taught me to say no. After one ultra-busy season he sat me down and forced me to go over my schedule. Together we asked these questions in order to pare down our calendar:

1. What things are vital?
2. What things are important?
3. What things are optional and can be cut for a season?
4. What things are we doing because we felt guilty for saying no?
5. What great things are we missing out on because we're saying yes to too many good things?
Take a few minutes and answer these questions. You might want to start with the last one first. What do you miss out on when you forget to say no? One of the most important things is inner renewal.

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched www.NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

A Dozen Ways to Reach Your Son's Heart

by Lisa Jacobson - http://club31women.com/2013/07/a-dozen-ways-to-reach-your-sons-heart/
 
He was nearly sixteen.
A young man with much on his mind and much to do. His days were full with school, friends, sports, dreams and goals.
And his goal on that day was to get to the bicycle shop. So I’d offered to take him there since I had to run into town anyway.
But I was pressed for time, so the plans changed and his father said he could take him in rather than me. Problem solved. Then imagine my surprise when I watched our son’s face fall. He was going to be able to get his bike fixed – didn’t he understand that?
He explained rather quietly, “But I was looking forward to the time with you, Mom.”
Me?? His mom? His answer caught me so off-guard, I couldn’t speak for a moment or two. But when I finally found my voice, I immediately changed plans. One more time.
I’ll take you, Son. Let’s go. Right now. I’ve got all the time you need.
 
I realized now that this wasn’t as much about a mountain bike, as it was about a young man’s heart. A young man who was looking for some time together. And a mom who’d been too busy and distracted to see it.
 
How does a mom reach her son’s heart?
1. Communicate confidence. Boys grow strong when they have someone who is confident in their abilities. They step out and take off when they sense your faith in them.
2. Give him space. A mom can’t hover over her boy. He needs a little room – room to grow and to try things out on his own.
3. Show some respect. It’s important to never belittle him or make him feel small in any way. Even little men need to have some basic respect.
4. Cheer him on. Until that guy marries, I hope to be his biggest fan (then she can take over from there). I’ll cheer loudly and enthusiastically whenever and wherever I can.
5. Be available. At times just being there means the most. You’re standing by – in case he ever needs something. Time, advice, sympathy, or encouragement: it’s waiting there for when he’s looking for it.
6. Take an interest. In his interests. What are his hobbies? What does he like learning about? Spend time doing? Whether lizards, space travel, or Airsoft (all of which I know way more about than I’d ever wanted to :) ) – make it your area of interest too.
7. Listen quietly. More than anything. He doesn’t need you to talk nearly as much as he needs you to listen (more on that here).
8. Give him grace. I don’t know quite how to say this, but sometimes sons do stupid things. And we can become discouraged, or disappointed in them. But they need to feel our full forgiveness and have the chance to try again.
9. Believe the best. Let’s have great expectations for our sons. Let’s believe they’re going to go far and have high hopes for them.
10. Take him out. Our little boys keep very careful track on whose turn it is next to have a “date” with mom. I’ll grab one when I’m going out on an errand, then pick up an ice-cream cone or swing by the library. Our eldest likes the ribs at Baldy’s Barbecue.
11. Lighten up. Laugh at his antics and smile at his sweetness. Enjoy the boy he is and the man he’s becoming. Make sure he knows you delight in him. Just the way he is.
12. Pray for him. He needs his mother’s prayers. Pray for protection, for purity, for God’s purpose to be carried out. There’s probably no more important ministry a mom can have in her son’s life.
 
That sixteen-year-old is now 19 and living and working across the country – a sophomore at college – and we only get to see him once or twice a year. But we always welcome his emails, Skype and phone calls. It’s so good to hear all about his world and what’s on his heart.
Certainly, good for this mama’s heart.
Missing you, Son.
In His grace,
Lisa Jacobson

Splinter Removal without a Needle or Pain

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2013 http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com
 
I never would have made a good nurse, because I even hate removing splinters!   Just the thought of digging a needle into someone's finger makes me cringe.  Thankfully there is another way to handle this problem.  Whether the splinter is a sliver of wood, metal, glass, plastic, a spine of an animal, or a thorn, this solution should work to draw out the foreign material.  By the way, this remedy would work for humans or for your pets.

One of these three options should draw out the splinter without ever having to use a needle and possibly causing an infection, not to mention the needless pain.  A pair of tweezers is the only tool needed.

1.  Soak the finger (or splintered area) in a cup of warm water and epsom salt (crystals) several times a day. 

2.  Another option would be to make a poultice with epsom salt.  To make a poultice, place a pinch of epsom salt crystals on the bandage part of a large Band-aid, and wrap the Band-aid around the finger.  Change the Ban-aid once a day or whenever it gets wet. It may take a couple days to draw out the splinter.

3.  Yet another option would be to put a small amount of magnesium sulfate paste on the splinter and cover with a Band-aid.  Magnesium sulfate paste is used to draw objects out of the skin - even boils.  You should be able to find this product for less than $2 at your drug store, health food store, or online through Amazon.  You could make your own DYI paste by putting a scoop in a bowl and adding a small amount of pure water, then stirring to form a smooth paste. 
 
You can be sure I will be keeping a bag of epsom salt as well as a jar of magnesium sulfate paste in our medicine cabinet, so I will never again need to remove splinters using a needle!  As Martha would say, "It's a good thing!"

Note to Newsletter Subscribers of All Ages

Although the Heart to Heart Newsletter often has ideas pertaining to young children, it is not a newsletter you will ever "outgrow," just because your children leave you with an empty nest.  When you see ideas for young children or teens in the newsletter, they can most likely be transferred as ideas to use with your grandchildren or to save in preparation for your own precious grandchildren.  Ladies, isn't it wonderful that we are blessed to have a second chance to have an impact on sweet little lives two generations younger than we are?

Quite a few young ladies who are unmarried or married but don't have children receive the newsletter, but tell me they enjoy saving ideas they will someday use.  And until then they are being blessed and finding lots of household tips they can use right now.

The many grandmothers and great-grandmothers who receive this newsletter just thrill my heart!  We are never too old to learn new things, are we? 


Speaking of never being too old to learn something new, just today a very dear friend who taught a Bible study to us young moms years ago for 13 or 14 years asked me if I'd teach her how to make handmade cards like I've been sending her!   She is NINETY years old!  What a privilege that will be for me!  Two other ladies from that study asked me the same thing, so we are planning a fun day around the dining room table of my friend's where we had such sweet fellowship many years ago as young moms!

Precious Gems

Again, thanks so much, ladies, for giving me your permission to include your cute kids' quotes in Heart to Heart and on the blog!  http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com

Proud Parenting Moment - While riding in the car the other evening something came up about dinner and this is the conversation that followed:
Maverick (2): I need some lunch.
Tony: How about a snack? What snack would you like?
Maverick: Fruit Snacks
Tony: What else?
Maverick: French fries and chicken nuggets
Tony: How much do French fries and chicken nuggets cost?
Maverick: $400
Tony: I'm not gonna pay that much for French fries and chicken nuggets.
Maverick: Use a coupon.
Hahahahaha!! That's my boy! :) ~ Leigh Ann in Virginia who by the way is a Coupon Queen in this area! (Lois' words)
 
Amiya's (5) quote of the day: "Mommy, this peanut looks like a camel with one hunk." ~ Danielle in Alabama

This morning the littles were snuggling in my bed, and Natalie was kissing on Jaydn's cheeks to the point of driving Jaydn a bit crazy, so I asked her to stop.  Natalie said, "Mommy, I just love kissing on Jaydn's cheeks - they are so fluffy." ~ Sarah in Virginia
I love that Lucy (1) calls watermelon, "water Madeline".  (Madeline(5) is Lucy's big sister.) ~ Naomi in Maryland

Malakai (5): "Mommy, this tooth back here bout to fall out."
Me: "Is it loose?"
Malakai: "No, Ma-am, but I can hear him say, 'Get me outa here!' " ~ Danielle in Alabama

Amiya (5): "Mommy, I had so much fun today.  We take a nap, I close my eyes, I wake up, we have a snack..." ~ Danielle in Alabama


Amiya (5): "Malakai, maybe if you wore a helmet you wouldn't bump your head so much!"
Malakai (5): "Then I would just crack up the helmet so much." ~ Danielle in Alabama
 
While washing hands this morning, Malakai (5) walks up to the automatic towel dispenser and says, "I 'bout to rip your tongue off!" ~ Danielle in Alabama

Just overheard something that made me smile:
Savannah (6): I don't know what we are going to do this afternoon since it's raining, but knowing Mom, it will be fun!"
Good to know I am a fun mom.  For today anyway. ~ Lauren in Virginia

Savannah (6): "Mom, when are we going school supply shopping?"

Me: "I don't know. Later."
Savannah: "Mom, we have a list.  And the stuff is out at Walmart.  And I need to order a backpack.  We don't have all summer, you know.  The baby is coming.  I need to be prepared for first grade." ~ Lauren in Virginia

Savannah (6)  "I know this is rather surprising since I'm usually full of misbehavior, but I got 'Camper of the Day' today!" ~ Lauren in Virginia

I love the funny things kids say.  Luke (8) thinks he is good at riding his bike because he is Dutch, and Logan (4) wants his own book of the Bible (like his brother Luke). ~ Catie in Pennsylvania 

Me: "Alright, guys ... who wants eggs for dinner?"  Little people unite to shout, "Meeeeee!"  Then Gabe (3) adds, "But I want some different eggs .. like dinosaur eggs!"   Hmmm... ~ Lauren in Virginia

Anna says she wants to go to Wendy's for lunch.  Gabriel (3) immediately says, "No! Wanna go to Peter Pan's!" ~ Haha!! Love my babies. ~Lauren in Virginia
 
Growing up in "a chicken-raising county" from the eyes of a child...
Annabelle (7): "Look Charlotte (2)!  There's the chicken truck...Ahhh!  It's empty!  Oh no!  All the chickens have been terminator-ed by the evil chicken killers...who make our chicken nuggets...well, I guess they aren't too evil." ~ Promise in Virginia

Gabe (3): "Mommy, I just can't nap because I want to lay my head on your belly!  It's like a BIIIIIG pillow!" ~ Lauren in Virginia (who is expecting her 4th child soon)

Casi (6): "Mama, some stuff gets stuck in my belly button and I have to pull it out."
Me: "I know, you should wash it in the tub.  It is what they call lint."
Casi: "Mine's usually peanut butter cracker." ~ Michelle in Virginia 

 

Quote

Thanks to Leslie Lobdell in Arkansas for providing this great quote!

"Your children have a front-row seat for watching how you treat others, invest your time, and handle hardship. They won't listen to you preach something you don't practice. Living a genuine faith in front of your children is key to their spiritual attitude toward God." ~ Elizabeth George

Friday, July 12, 2013

Church and School Initiative

Biblical Parenting University
Church and Christian School Initiative

Churches and Christian schools can now get easy access to training classes. A site license for your church or school is only $100 for a whole year and teachers get access to four 30-minute classroom management classes for free. In addition, your parents get 75% off the tuition per class so they pay just $25. Click here to learn more.



Please help us spread the word to the appropriate leaders in your church. This is a great resource to equip teachers with classroom management skills and help parents learn to parent the heart of their children.


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Top 10 Plants You Can't Kill

http://www.birdsandblooms.com/Gardening/Top-10/Challenges-of-Gardens/Top-10-Plants-You-Can-t-Kill?pmcode=INGKA07V&_mid=2432408&_rid=2432408.1021541.95681


These 10 plants are not only tough as nails, but they're pretty, too. Turn your black thumb into a green thumb with these top picks.

 

 

As gardeners, we're constantly faced with challenges: plants that won't bloom, flowers that die from a late frost, droughts that wipe out entire beds.
Gardening definitely has its fair share of difficulties, so every once in a while it's nice to have plants that require little maintenance. Even better-grow plants you can't kill!
Sure, spraying these all-stars with weed killer would probably lead to their demise. But for the most part, these are hardy, maintenance-free picks that work well in any North American backyard.
So are you ready to turn your black thumb into a green thumb? Get planting with these top picks.
coneflower

Coneflower

(Echinacea, Zones 3 to 9)
Coneflowers have become a garden staple for their easygoing nature. Growing 2 to 5 feet high and 2 feet wide, they are the perfect companion plant in just about any garden. They require well-drained soil but will thrive in full sun as well as partial shade. Known for attracting birds, bees and butterflies, coneflowers also make lovely cut blooms.
Why we love it: The coneflower is the low-maintenance star of nature-friendly gardens. It comes in many colors, and it's easy to find one you-and the birds-will love.
Colors: purple, pink, crimson, white, yellow, orange and even green. It's easy to find a variety that you-and the birds-will love.
cosmos

Cosmos

(Cosmos bipinnatus)
If big, beautiful flowers are one of your top requirements, cosmos is perfect for you. Though it's an annual, it often reseeds on its own. Blooming summer to frost and growing up to 6 feet high, this backyard favorite deserves a regular spot in your sunny garden.
Why we love it: It's easy to grow from seed. So for a couple of bucks, you'll have a gorgeous show in a single season.
daylily

Daylily

(Hemerocallis, Zones 3 to 10)
An excellent choice for a classic garden, daylilies can tolerate flooding, drought and salt and are often used for erosion control on steep hillsides. The pretty blooms come in every shade except blue and pure white; their distinctive trumpets may be triangular, circular, double, spidery or star-shaped. Daylilies grow 10 inches to 4 feet high and 1-1/2 to 4 feet wide and do best in full sun to partial shade.
Why we love it: Some cultivars attract hummingbirds and butterflies. A plant that is best divided every three to five years, the daylily is perfect to share with friends.
hen and chicks

Hens and Chicks

(Sempervivum tectorum, Zones 3 to 8)
The only way to kill this succulent is by being too kind with overwatering. This perennial is perfect for rock gardens. It grows 3 to 6 inches tall and up to 20 inches wide and blooms in summer. For best results, plant in well-drained soil that gets full sun to light shade.
Why we love it: This low grower also works wonders in containers. Since it doesn't have a deep root system, you can plant it somewhere fun. Try growing it in an old birdbath or shoe.
yarrow

Yarrow

(Achillea, Zones 3 to 9)
These easy-care, long-lasting flowers come into their own once summer is on its way. _They grow 6 inches to 4 feet tall and 18 to 24 inches wide, in yellow, white, red and pink. Well-suited to most growing conditions, yarrows provide a long season of bloom. They're a good cutting flower, too. Avoid seedy varieties that may require a bit of weeding to keep contained.
Why we love it: This plant is heat- and drought-tolerant and can survive on benign neglect.
hosta

Hosta

(Hosta, Zones 3 to 8)
Easy-to-grow hosta is a must for shade gardens. The beautiful foliage comes in a wealth of colors, textures, sizes and shapes, growing 4 inches to 3 feet high and 6 inches to 6 feet wide. In summer, hosta blooms in purple, white or lavender. Divide in spring or late summer to early fall. Hostas like moist ground, but be careful not to overwater.
Why we love it: The ultimate low-care shade plant, hosta comes in endless varieties and colors. It also can be easily divided-perfect for the budget-minded.
sedum

Sedum

(Sedum species, Zones 3 to 10)
Take a close look and you'll see this plant's star-shaped blooms, similar to a pentas. With yellow, orange, red, pink or white flowers, it grows from 2 inches up to 2 feet high and wide. You can grow some species as ground cover, while others make good border plants.
Why we love it: Hello, butterflies! If you want flying flowers in your yard, this plant is a slam dunk.
zinnia

Zinnia

(Zinnia)
With new heat-, drought- and disease-resistant plants on the market, there's never been a better time to grow zinnias. This annual grows up to 3 feet high, with blooms that last until the first frost. For the newest varieties from seed, check your local nursery or favorite garden catalog. If you don't find what you're looking for, order online.
Why we love it: You'll save tons of money growing these from seed. Start seeds indoors, or sow outdoors about 1/4 inch deep after the threat of frost has passed.
petunia

Petunia

(Petunia x hybrida)
Petunias have been around for decades, but the newer varieties have advanced in leaps and bounds. Days of deadheading and disease-prone plants are long gone. Nowadays, these beauties flourish in both full sun and partial shade without a lot of extra work. And you can find them in almost every color imaginable.
Why we love it: Even if you forget to water for a few days-it happens to everyone-these plants keep going.
yucca

Yucca

(Yucca filamentosa, Zones 4 to 11)
There's a good reason so many Southern gardeners use this as a backyard centerpiece. It's about as drought-tolerant as they come-and on top of that, it boasts beautiful white flowers amid its spiky leaves.
Why we love it: Both flowers and foliage come with this beauty. For a unique variety, look for the variegata cultivar. Its blue-green leaves with white edges are stunning.

Listen to Moody Radio & BBN Radio Online

Moody Radio
http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_AudioMin.aspx?id=13144
At this link you can listen to:
Local Stations
Programs
Specials (Example:

     Front Row Live!—
Keith & Kristyn Getty)
Podcasts
Internet Stations:
Moody Radio Network live feed
Programs and Music in Spanish
Proclaim: a roundup of profound preaching and teaching
Urban Praise
Praise and Worship
Majesty Radio: a blend of traditional hymns and sacred music

The Bible Broadcasting Network
Another wonderful source of great Christian music can be found at www.bbnradio.org.