Practicing Gratitude

by Laura George
http://thornsandbelles.blogspot.com/
Used with permission

It was an early summer morning at the hotel where I work. Occasionally while frequenting the industrial sized coffee pots used to prepare coffee for our event guests, I pass by members of the hotel's banquet staff. One such staff member, Jenn, was there preparing glasses for an event this particular day. She greeted me with a cheerful good morning and a compliment about how much she liked the top I was wearing.

Jenn is always smiling and complimenting those she comes in contact with. In fact, just a few days prior, she said my dress was pretty and that she wished she were as tall as me to be able to pull that style off. A week or so before the dress compliment, Jenn said my hair looked good. A month or so before that, she complimented me on my purse as I was walking out for the night.

I had an extra few minutes the morning we met at the coffee pots, so I decided to give her more than the standard "thank you" I always follow her compliments with. Thanking her not only for the compliment she had just given me, but also for the fact that she always compliments me, I then told her it makes me happy to see her at work. “Jenn,” I began, “you are always so nice to me. Your kind words impact my day in a positive way, and I just wanted you to know that.”

Expecting Jenn's reaction to my words to just be, "you're welcome," I was surprised when she began to share her own story with me. While Jenn continuously poured iced tea and water into glasses for the banquet function she was working on, she came right out and said, "a few years ago I almost died. So now I try to compliment everyone I see. I hope it makes them feel good because I am so grateful to even be alive."

She went on to say that while suffering from extreme weight loss and back pain so excruciating she was confined to her couch, she became addicted to prescription pain pills. Jenn was popping so many pills the pharmacy couldn't keep up and had to turn her away. Sadly, the medicine didn't even work! Nothing did. Over time, Jenn wasted away to around eighty pounds. Near death, Jenn was on her couch one night internally battling the horror of her impending death with the peace of dying and being freed from her pain. Her body was so sick, so weak, that her mind was letting go.

Later that night, Jenn's mother found her unconscious on the couch and paramedics brought her to the hospital. Spending three weeks under the care of various doctors, Jenn's weight increased and many tests were performed. Day after day, no one could tell her what was causing the pain she was experiencing. I can't imagine the level of frustration she must have felt knowing that something inside her body was broken and the experts just couldn't figure out what or why.

A neurologist finally came in and was able to determine that her issue was nerve related. He started her on a new medication and the pain instantaneously disappeared. Jenn is still taking this non-narcotic nerve medicine, and has not taken a prescription pain pill in years.

Completing the conversation, Jenn smiled up at me with her adorable grin and the lovely sweetness she displays on her face. She said, "I know people struggle all the time, but often they don't even know they're going through a crisis situation until the situation is over with. If I can say something nice to everyone I see, then maybe it will make a difference and give them the will to keep going."

Jenn makes a point of paying everyone she sees a compliment as often as she can because she is happy to be alive. In my opinion, Jenn has mastered the art of practicing gratitude because her compliments are genuine and come from her own extremely thankful heart.

There is always something in life that can irritate us, cause us anger or angst. Often our feelings are justified because our pain, whether emotional or physical, is real. However, particularly as we approach the season of Thanksgiving, there are three basic concepts we can adopt that will help us with the art of practicing gratitude.

One, we all have something to be grateful for. Some of us, like Jenn, have gone through some very difficult things in life and come out on the other side. Do you have parents, children, a spouse, friends, or other family members that love you, or that you love? Do you have food on your table, a roof over your head, and a Lord who walks with you daily? We all have at least one blessing we can be grateful for. To routinely focus on the bad things happening is a mistake. Focus instead on the good things that have already happened!

Second, turn your own gratitude into an opportunity to help others. As you go through your day, look people in the eye, smile, greet them, notice their needs, and find something to genuinely compliment them on. It can make a big difference in how they view their day.

And third, borrow the gratitude idea my friend at dinner had. Ask others around you what they are most grateful for over the past week, month, or year. Challenge them to be creative. Many of us do that during the Thanksgiving meal, which is an excellent way to focus on gratitude. But take it a step further. Make it something you do regularly. It can turn negativity right around to the positive. As a result, God will be honored and the people around you will be happier!

"Let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service
with reverence and awe." Hebrews 12:28

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

How to Play with your Child

by Decca Knight
Wife, mother, counselor, and parenting educator
www.blueridgeparenting.com

Used with permission (originally printed in Bella magazine October 2014)

This sounds simple, right?  Playing with your child can't be that hard!  I am surprised, though, at many parents' lack of "skill" in this area.  When talking with parents, I often ask how they play with their child.  Answers usually include watching TV, playing video games, and practicing sports.  But this isn't play; this is simply existing "beside" your child.

Do you remember how we used to play?  Yes, I know that I sound like an annoying old lady reminiscing about those nostalgic years (for the record I am only 29).  We used to play clapping games, build forts in the woods, roll down grassy hills, and create villages out of Lincoln Logs and blocks.  We role-played, brainstormed creative fantasylands, and stared into each other's eyes until someone blinked.  Such interactions strengthened not only our creative minds, but also our relationships.  They fostered an authentic connection with those around us. 

Such play, however, is often difficult for parents.  There are various reasons for this.  First off, we have to relinquish control to our children.  We have to allow them to create and lead the play.  This means that if they want to build a precarious block tower - and then knock it down with abandon - we let them.  If they want us to play house with them and the refrigerator is in the bedroom, we don't correct them.  If they want us to stomp through the mud in the river bottom with them, we tamper our anxiety about ruining our clothes.  Think about the joy you would have felt as a child if an adult had played with you in this way, allowing you to reach the bounds of your joy and imagination.  But as adults, we often "get in the way" of our children, because of our own judgment and discomfort.

Also, many parents struggle in playing with their children because adults tend to make everything educational.  Yes, we want our child to be the next Einstein, but they spend enough time at school learning and studying.  When they are not in school, they should be allowed to engage in free play.  If a child is out in the woods collecting acorns, we shouldn't turn it into a game of addition and subtraction.  If a child is lying in the grass, looking at cloud shapes, we shouldn't try to identify the various types of cloud formations.  If a child is engaged in creating a nature journal, we shouldn't scold them for misspellings.  We shouldn't suck the joy out of playing; we just need to let our children "be".

So, when playing with your child, step back.  Allow them to drive the play, create the stories, get dirty, and exist in the bliss that is childhood.  We all know that this time is fleeting, so allow your child to bask in its wonders. 

Commit to Be a Covering

"Reborn Joy" is the meaning of my name, great title for my life, and our website address.  In this section of the newsletter, I share some things about living my life with Jesus.  
Hope you enjoy.  - Michelle Gill  www.rebornjoy.com

Matt. 21:22, I Pet. 3:1,2

At the ending of my first marriage, my only real regret was not committing to pray for my husband daily during our marriage.  Life and immediate needs took priority of the time I had in prayer.  One of the greatest blessings that we have the power to offer our husbands is a daily covering of prayer.

I remember being so convicted of this after Russell's death when I looked back on our five year marriage.  I believe another reason that I did not pray fervently for him was that my life would have had to change too much.  What an underlying root of selfishness that rested in me!  It takes effort to concentrate in prayer unless there is a pervasive need.  It takes time and no one has extra time.

Yet there is no other greater gift I could give someone.  During my single years in the in-between, I felt a need to stand in at times in prayer for those I knew who had no one to intercede for them.  I also prayed for my husband before I knew who he was, as if I were already his wife, because God had told me that I would marry again.  Now, once again, life tends to get in the way and concentrated prayer for Mark does not even cross my mind at times.  I have seen the difference in him when I am praying regularly for him and when I am not, as I am sure he can see the same in me. 

Anything worth doing takes effort and life takes discipline.  I now commit to cover my man daily in the wonderful incense of sincere prayer.  I offer it to him without his knowing as a sacrifice because focus and discipline do not come naturally to me.  There is nothing greater I can offer him of myself.

"For the Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him."  Lam. 3:25

I know the power of His Holy Spirit is able to fill my husband, protect him, and meet every need that he has and then some.  I commit to stand in for him and cannot wait to see all that God has in store for us.  I can use the excuse that Mark is a godly man who prays about every area already, but God calls us to pray for one another and He blesses that agreement with Him.  Agreeing with Him and coming boldly to His throne to talk with Him, knowing He gives to those who ask.

Whether you are married or not, who can you offer the covering of prayer to?  Is there a lack of follow through in your life to something God has called you to in prayer?  I challenge you to commit and open your eyes to all God can do.

Next month.. Taking a Full Stride into the Life God is Calling You To....

More on prayer from past Heart to Heart Newsletters:

http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/2011/01/celebrating-fathers-how-to-pray-for.html

http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-pray-for-your-children-and.html
http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/2011/01/strength-and-power-through-husbands-and.html

Decoupaged Leaves

Used with Permission from Crafts for All Seasons www.crafts-for-all-seasons.com

If you decoupage leaves after they have been dried, they will keep their color and vibrancy! 

So on your next walk collect some beautiful autumn leaves. Bring them in and dry them between sheets of newspapers for about two weeks or more.  After that, they can be decoupaged onto a recycled glass jar (I used a pasta jar).

When you place a votive candle inside, the light shines through the leaves, creating a beautiful effect.  The leaves are not as thin as paper or napkins (which are commonly used decoupage items) but the leaves still work well. If you use large leaves that can be a bit thicker, you must be patient and hold the leaves down until the mod podge adheres.  I found that this project works easier with small leaves as opposed to large ones. This project would be difficult for small children, and is better suited for adults.

Things Needed to Decoupage Leaves:
•    Collection of fall leaves, freshly fallen (do not pick up ones that are already crisp and dried out)
•    Newspaper
•    Heavy books
•    Decoupage medium, such as Mod Podge
•    Paintbrush
•    Recycled jar
•    Jute, thin rope, raffia, or ribbon
•    Heat resistant glue
•    Votive candle in a votive candle holder

1. Place the leaves between two pieces of newspaper. Do not overlap or stack the leaves on top of one another. Place a heavy book on top of the leaves and allow the leaves to dry and flatten for a minimum of two weeks, or longer.

2. Remove any labels from the jar and wash with warm soapy water. Allow the jar to dry well.

3. Paint decoupage medium in a nice thick layer on one area of the jar.

4. Choose a dried, pressed leaf and apply it to the decoupage. If the leaf is large, you may have a problem with the edges are not adhering. If this happens, hold down the edges until the decoupage medium adheres. This is the part that takes some patience, and there usually is no problem if you use small leaves.

5. Choose another leaf and place it near the first one, perhaps overlapping it slightly. You choose the pattern here. The more the leaves overlap, the less light will show through when the candle inside is lit.

6. Once all the leaves are on, go over the entire jar, and all the leaves, with a coat of decoupage medium and allow to dry. There may be some edges of the leaves that aren't adhering flush to the jar. That's OK! That's what makes this craft look great; these are real decoupage leaves!

7. Reapply at least three coats of decoupage medium to the entire jar, allowing it to dry in between. Mod Podge protects the jar, so these extra coats are important. I used the gloss version of Mod Podge and I really liked how it made the leaves look glossy.

8. Using a strong heat resistant glue, wrap and secure jute, thin rope, raffia, or a ribbon around the mouth of the jar if you want to cover up the threads near the mouth of the jar.

9. Place a votive candle inside. I recommend placing the votive candle or tea light within its own small votive glass holder, and then lower this into the jar. That way, when the candle wax melts, it isn't all inside your decoupage leaf jar and only inside the votive candle cup.

The Duggar's Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap

Front or top load machine- best value

4  Cups - hot tap water
1  Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over
 medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing
 soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top
 with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and
 then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once
 soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be 
purchased online here (at Meijer.com). Baking Soda will not work, nor
will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!

•Works well in traditional or HE machines.

•Low sudsing. It is the ingredients in the soap, not the suds, that does the
 cleaning.

•Clumping and geling of the detergent is normal. Stir before putting in 
dispenser, and shake before each use.


•For stains, consider using an inexpensive spray-on stain remover before 
washing. (Zout, Spray 'n' Wash, Oxyclean)

NOTE: ™ = Trademark. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Results may vary. All 

recipes are valid for non-commercial use, otherwise written permission must be obtained from the 

The Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar Family. © Copyright 2011

It Happened Here: Mom Takes a Nap

by Sheila J. Petre - Used by permission

Happened last week: I was dead-tired, first thing in the morning. I decided there was no help for it; I had to take a nap. I settled in on the couch, in the family room, near the children, pulling a sheet up over my head against the flies. It was not a good nap; I kept waking to settle things, and to change a diaper, and so on. Usually kind, occasionally snappy, always sleepy. Once Allegra was tucked up by me; once Isaiah was.

When I finally woke, still tired, perhaps an hour later, it was time to prepare lunch. While I was doing that, the boys called me to the bathroom. Isaiah, at the potty chair, needed some personal care; Joshua perched on the taller throne watching me. What? Were they sick? Such a soup beneath both.

Their daddy came home another hour later. About that time I realized that the pan of cookie dough I had just filled was missing some cookies.

Michael asked the boys where the cookie dough had gone. “Did you put it in your treasure drawers?”

We all tire of finding decayed treasure in those drawers after several days of stashing.

I was beside him when he opened the drawers. No cookie dough. Candy. Gumdrop candy, in little containers. Huh? We don’t have any gumdrop candy.

However…Laurel does have some gummy pills--fiber pills--she takes, one a day. Sure enough, the bottle was far emptier than it should have been.

Such a soup--for two more days. Oh, boys. But I think they learned their lesson. Joshua was sick on his stomach and missed a meal or two.

Not that they weren’t generous--Allegra nearly got diaper rash.
I haven’t taken a nap since.

--a very tired Sheila

Trash It or Eat It? The Truth About Expiration Dates

Clearing up label confusion

by Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD 

http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/05/trash-it-or-eat-it-the-truth-about-expiration-dates/

You stand in front of the refrigerator staring at a “sell by” date on food and have the internal debate: Do I throw it in the trash or take my chances?

You’re not the only one. Upwards of 91 percent of consumers have thrown food out based on the dates on packaging. But the dating system isn’t as clear as it seems.

Nobody wants food poisoning — no fun — but few people want to waste food, either.

Let’s get some clarity.

What the dates mean

“Let common sense — and your senses —be your guide. If something smells rotten, curdles or turns a suspicious color, toss it in the trash.”

Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD

Wellness Institute

Federal law does not require food dating in most cases, but 20 states do have laws about dates. In many cases, manufacturers add dates voluntarily.

In general, perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy get dates. But those dates aren’t always about spoilage. Some dates simply inform retailers when products are at their best for freshness, taste and texture.

The label types vary:

• The “Sell by” date indicates how long a store should display a product on its shelves. But foods are still flavorful and safe to eat several days after this date if you store them properly.
• The “Best if used by” date comes straight from manufacturers. The product will be freshest and have the best taste and texture if you eat it by this date. But this date does not refer to food safety.
• The “Use by” date also comes from manufacturers. It’s the last date for peak quality. After this date, taste, texture and quality may go downhill, even if food safety does not.
• The “Expiration” date is the only packaging date related to food safety. If this date has passed, throw the food out.

How long will it last?

Still confused or concerned? Use the following rules of thumb for foods in your fridge or pantry.

• Milk is typically safe for two to three days after the “use by” date. Keep it in the back of the fridge, where temperatures are typically coldest.
• Butter will keep for two to three weeks after purchase.
• Margarine will last for four to six months after purchase.
• Eggs are safe for three to five weeks after purchase. Keep them in the back of the fridge, where temperatures are typically coldest, rather than in the door.
• Chicken, ground meat and ground poultry will last for one to two days after purchase.
• Pre-cooked poultry should keep for three to four days
• Fish will last one to two days in the refrigerator after purchase.
• Luncheon meat is safe for two to three weeks when it remains unopened. Use within three to four days after opening.
• Dry pasta will last for one to two years after purchase.
• Canned fruits and vegetables will last indefinitely. However, that rule goes out the window if they’re exposed to freezing temperatures or temperatures above 90°F. And be wary of damaged, dented or rusty packaging.

Also, remember that if you freeze something, it will last indefinitely, even if not at peak freshness, taste or texture.

Above all else, let common sense — and your senses —be your guide. If something smells rotten, curdles or turns a suspicious color, toss it in the trash.

 

That food label might not mean what you think it means. Get the facts on #expiration dates.

Precious Gems

Thank so much, ladies, for your permission to include these cute quotes from your children and grandchildren! ~ Lois

Me: "Hey Gabe, your sisters aren't here so we can hang out and talk."

Gabe (16): "Talk about what?"

Me: "I don't know.... Nothing in particular."

Gabe: (walking downstairs to his room) "Okay, well text me some subjects when you think of some." ~ Sarah in Georgia

Annalise (3): "That funder scared me half of death!" ~ Elaine in Virginia

So my mystery of what's behind the yellow spot-stains on a load of clothing that came out of the wash...2 year old, Madison's broken yellow crayon that she threw in the "trash"- also known as the laundry hamper. ~ Lauren in Virginia

Amiya (6): "Mommy, how long is Fa-gust Day?"

Me: "I've never heard of that day."

Amiya: "You know, it's like August, September...when all the trees change colors and the leaves fall down." ~ Danielle in Alabama

Brooklyn (4): "Mommy, Harper (1) try to bite you! I'll punch her in the face."

Me: "You'll do what?!?"

Brooklyn: "What? It's okay to punch people in the face if they try to bite your mommy. That's the only good reason. And in football." ~ Lauren in Virginia

Amiya (6): Can you believe this Bible has a page, ''How to use this Bible?'' But I already know how to use it, you just open it up and start reading! ~ Danielle in Alabama

My favorite conversation today with one of my boys (while teaching) --

8 yr old: "Mrs. Williams, guess what? I'm going to play football! There are so many risks...I could even die!"

Me: "Wow. Are you sure it will be worth the risks?"

8 yr old: "I'm sure. Girls always like football players."

...Glad to see you've got your priorities straight, kid. ~ MarySusan in Virginia

I must admit it's slightly embarrassing when my three-year-old calls me grandma in public!! ~ Sarah in Virginia

Coming out of a heavily air conditioned church Amiya (6) says: "Brrrr we must be getting closer to Antarctica!"

Dad to the son: What did you do to my iPad?

Son: I updated to the new software.

Dad: What made you do that?

Son: I thought it would be a cool update.

Dad: Don't do that!  Now I have to relearn everything. What are these tips for?

Son: They help.

Dad: These don't help me! They hurt me! ~ Darlene in Thailand

Malakai (6) watching noodles boil on the stovetop: "It looks like little monster meat popping up, or a lot of octopus legs!" ~ Danielle in Alabama

One special memory (for my birthday) was my almost 2 year old granddaughter on Skype, clapping and singing "Happy birthday to you, E-I-E-I-O." ~ Sue in Georgia

Season of Grief

by Jalisa Wenger Used by permission   When cherished dreams, like autumn leaves, Are scattered in the wind, You feel the chill of winter's gloom And loneliness creep in.   When springtime's just a memory, Now etched with parting's pain ... When winter looms ahead of you And tears flow with the rain ...  God understands the rending grief Of dreams that had to die. But from those seeds new life can grow Beneath the future's sky.  The bitter tears that freely flow Are tears He stores away. He'll turn them to refreshing showers To bless your life some day.  The raging winds that stress your soul And cause your faith to sway Will strengthen you for years to come In God's own time and way.   Behind you, summer colors fade. Ahead, the gray unknown. But by your side, a faithful Guide— You'll never be alone.

A Quote about the Greatest Career!

Thinking of his mother, Billy Sunday, the famous preacher said:

"Being a king, emperor, or president is mighty small potatoes compared to being a mother.  Commanding an army is a little more than sweeping a street compared with training a boy or a girl.  The mother of Moses did more for the world than all the kings that Egypt ever had.  Oh, you wait until you reach the mountains of eternity, then read the mothers' names in God's Hall of Fame.  I tell you women: Fooling away your time, hugging and kissing a poodle dog, drinking a cocktail, and playing cards is mighty small business compared to molding the life of a child."

A Little Story

Author unknown

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.  There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.  Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.  Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job.  Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done!

Autumn Crafts

http://www.favecrafts.com

Thanksgiving Crafts to Make with Paper

Fall Glitter Wreath

Rustic Coffee Filter Wreath