Archives & History of H2H

Archives
Archives from Heart to Heart Newsletters sent between 2003 and 2015 can be found here.

You will also find segments posted from the archived Heart to Heart Newsletters listed under "Categories" in the sidebar on the right. 

Please follow the main blog as well as the blog for recipes only (check the "Recipes" tab at the top).

History of the Heart to Heart Newsletter

As a result of the Lord's nudging, the "Heart to Heart" e-mail ministry began in February of 1999, and quickly grew -- all because of subscribers referring others. You do not have to be a "young" wife or mother to benefit from the practical information, however. Young women who anticipate being a wife and mother some day, as well as grandmothers, great-grandmothers, pastors' wives, missionaries or any interested ladies are welcome, although many younger wives and mothers are involved.  It is a special privilege for me to pray for many specific needs of ladies who e-mail me. The Prayer Bulletin Board in front of my computer full of pictures of many of you, is a reminder to pray for many others, and my husband and I pray regularly for all of your families and that you will be encouraged and blessed by the newsletters.

In the previous newsletters, I have shared tips, ideas and information on marriage, family, parenting, activities to do with children and the entire family, homemaking, saving money, housecleaning, organization, home decorating, crafts, gifts, romance for husbands and wives, nutrition, gardening and birds, being a stay-at-home mom, jobs that can be done at home, juggling a job and a family, children's birthday parties, along with kids' quotes, other quotes, humor, recipes, stories, testimonies, Bible studies and devotionals. Special editions for some holidays have also been included.  Segments of many back issues have been added to the blog.
 

It is my prayer that the Lord will continue to use Heart to Heart to encourage young wives and mothers who would like to be encouraged in the most valuable job they could ever have -- that of being a godly wife, mother, and grandmother.

Where do all these ladies come from?
All fifty states are represented in the United States.  Sixty-two countries have been or are presently represented by many wonderful ladies who receive "Heart to Heart" by e-mail.

Some of those locations represented, other than the United States are:

Asia and the South Pacific, Australia, Bahama Islands, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Canada (Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia), Chile, China, Columbia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordon, Kenya, Kuwait, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Africa, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Sudan, Switzerland, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

It is a special privilege and joy to be able to encourage missionaries in most of these locations, as well as some in the United States!  If I missed listing your country, please let me know!

What is my hope and prayer for the future of Heart to Heart? It is my hope and prayer that the Lord will continue to use this ministry to encourage young wives and mothers who would like to be encouraged in the most valuable job they could ever have -- that of being a godly wife, mother and grandmother. I also pray that any ladies who don't presently have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus will e-mail me so I can help them personally, to know that joy for themselves.

How can you help? 
Your faithful prayers would be so much appreciated ~ that I would always glorify the Lord in my life, marriage, family and in putting together the contents of the newsletter ~ that I would have good health, strength, and nimble fingers to type. 

To God be the glory, great things He hath done!

Why did I send a Christian newsletter?  (1999 - 2017)
(This was written while the newsletter was still being sent.)
 
A "Heart to Heart" lady once asked me what prompted me to do a Christian newsletter. Since others may have wondered the same thing, I thought I would share my answer with you. I send "Heart to Heart," because the Lord urged me to do it in accordance to Titus 2. When our nest was emptied in 1998 with our last child leaving for college, I began using the computer and e-mailing friends. I ended up sending so much stuff to friends, that one day it occurred to me that maybe I was being a pest, though everyone was too polite to tell me!

Then the Lord impressed upon me and kept reminding me during that time how He had sent me a mentor, as a young mother, other than my own mother, to encourage and guide me with godly practical advice and teaching for wives and mothers from God's Word.

You see, when I was a brand new mother, Phyllis Brokaw, a wonderful godly and wise woman began a Bible study for young mothers. We met every Tuesday in her home for about three hours, as she taught us, and we prayed for each others' special requests and saw God answer prayers in a mighty way! We also had a potluck lunch while a capable mother was caring for our children. That Bible study, prayer time and fellowship was the highlight of my week for thirteen years, as Phyllis taught us mothers how to love our husband and children and to be keepers at home as instructed in Titus 2.

Then in 1998 I was involved in a group where the older women each took a younger woman under her wing and encouraged her in the Lord, listened and shared from her own experiences in life. There was not enough interest from the older women, however, and soon this program was dropped because of a lack of interest, which was so sad, because I believe older women have so much to offer younger women.

Most younger women usually want to be at the receiving end of that wisdom, as well, I learned. Although I know many older women who are truly servants, what I noticed among far too many in our world is that they feel that their time has finally come for themselves, now that their own children are raised. This is their time, and some use this phase of life to concentrate on shopping, trips and cruises. Others are running on overload with far too many irons in the fire, though many also have legitimate reasons.

Realizing that I was no longer a younger woman, but now an older woman, who might be able to encourage others, I prayed about how the Lord wanted me to participate in His work. Each one of us is older than some other woman, right? So none of us is really off the hook to be an encourager to other ladies.

I know the Lord is definitely the One who thought up and created "Heart to Heart" in February, 1999. The Lord has used my interest in every aspect of homemaking, a degree in home economics and education, teaching, trials of life and through daily experiences of life by being a wife, mother and grandmother ("Grandmother Lois," in fact, as in the book of Timothy).

Although this newsletter is for your encouragement, receiving e-mails from "Heart to Heart" ladies has been so encouraging to me, as well. Many ladies have told me how this newsletter has been an answer to prayer in their lives, how they needed an older woman or a mentor in their lives. They have told me how they look forward to each newsletter, how they use specific tips or information in their homes, or how they have been blessed by a particular poem, story or devotional which came at just the right time for them. Some pastor's wives have told me how each newsletter has something special for them.
I have also had the privilege of praying for many prayer concerns as the ladies have shared with me and they have prayed for me as well. It is such a special joy for me to be able to minister to many missionaries in America and other countries, as well as many pastors' wives who tell me that their husbands use some of the contents in their sermons. Those comments not only encourage me, but also reaffirm to me the fact that "Heart to Heart" is the Lord's newsletter, not mine.

MY PRAYER FOR YOU,

A BLESSING OF FRIENDSHIP
Father, I ask you to bless my friend reading this right now! Lord, show her a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to her spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give her Your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubting, release a renewed confidence in Your ability to work through her. Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask You to give her understanding, patience, and strength as she learns submission to Your leading. Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew her by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing her into greater intimacy with You. Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to her Your courage. Where there is a sin blocking her, reveal it, and break its hold over my friend's life. Bless her finances, give her greater vision, and raise up servants, leaders, and friends to support, and encourage her. Give her discernment to recognize the demonic forces around her, and reveal to her the Power she has in You to defeat it. I ask You to do these things in Jesus' precious name, Amen. 

The Heart to Heart Newsletter, created by Lois Breneman in 1999, had been sent around the world for almost eighteen years to ladies in all fifty U.S. states and sixty-one other countries.  Our purpose at Heart to Heart is to encourage women and create biblical values in their day-to-day living. 

After almost sixteen years Lois had passed the baton on to Michelle Gill as the Editor of the Heart to Heart Newsletter, who sent it for two years.

Barbara Lea Campbell took over as Editor for a couple months before Lois sent the last newsletter in January, 2017. It's a new season of life, but the blogs will continue. 



Questions and Answers
(from when Lois was sending the Heart to Heart Newsletter)

Where do all the ladies who subscribe live?

Many wonderful ladies in all 50 U.S. states and 61 other countries make up "Heart to Heart" and I have been thrilled to have each one of you at the receiving end!   I treasure each one of you ladies! 

The locations where "Heart to Heart" is represented:
 All 50 states in the USA, as well as these 61 countries:

Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, *Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Egypt, France, Guatemala, Germany, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordon, Kenya, Kuwait,  Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Africa, Norway, Malta, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Senegal, Serbia, Scotland, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Sudan, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.

*The Candian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan are represented.

It is a special joy and privilege to be able to encourage missionaries in most of these countries!  If I missed your country, please let me know!

Comments from Heart to Heart Subscribers over the Years

Used by permission from each subscriber

I just want you to know how much I have and still am enjoying your ministry to women through this newsletter.  I share it and pieces of it all the time!  This is such a special gift that you share.  My Mother died when I was 14 and this newsletter would have been something she would have loved.  Reading it each time is like spending a moment with her.  Thank you. ~ Leigh Hamilton in Virginia

Thank you so very much for compiling this newsletter. There are so many helpful articles. I always appreciate articles on saving money, new recipes, organizational tips, and advice on raising kids. We younger women/moms/wives need mentors in our lives to encourage us and give us wisdom! ~ Leslie Lobdell in Arkansas

I have really enjoyed your very helpful newsletters!  I have three children... age 4, 3, and 10 months.... Jennifer, Moses, and Elisha.  I enjoy them all, and they bring so much joy to our home! I love your helpful tips for saving money, and esp. encouragement for mothers... it seems like often it's just what I needed for the day!!  THANK-YOU so much for the time you put into these newsletters! ~ Serena Yoder in Pennsylvania

I just finished reading this latest issue of "Heart to Heart" (10/7/09 issue) and wanted to say I think I enjoyed it perhaps the most of all you've ever sent! Love the recipes, like making your own sausage (what a smart idea!) and baby wipes (the baby wipes here are of really poor quality, so hopefully my "homemade" ones will be better!:)), and the idea for the "What's That? Box" - I plan to make one for my newest little nephew, due to arrive in a few weeks, for Christmas, and while I'm at it, I'll make one for our April baby as well. :)  Thank you.  The information is REALLY useful! ~ Lori - Czech Republic (Oct., 2009) 

Thanks for your lovely newsletter.  I love receiving them.  Keep at it! ~ Love from Viv Gregory in Australia  

      I really enjoy Heart to Heart and thank you for all the work you put into it.  In this December letter, as I read about times for Thanksgiving, I thought someone might be interested in something I began a couple years ago. Every Thursday is a Thanksgiving Day for me now.  I chose that day because it is easy to remember since the national holiday is on Thursday but any day will do.

       On those days, I try not to ask for anything in prayer ( unless it is an emergency), and instead I just thank the Lord.  For my Bible reading that morning, I say the 103rd Psalms and really think about what it is saying.  Since I am on my church's prayer chain, if there are requests on my Thursdays, of course, I pray for those.

       There are so many things to thank the Lord for, but I also try to think of something I have never thanked Him for. Have you ever thanked Him for toes?  You could not stand up very well without your big toe.  Have you ever thanked Him for fitted sheets?  If you are my age, you remember what a hassle it used to be to keep flat sheets on a bed. Have you ever thanked Him for a good parking spot, a driver waiting to let you turn into your street off a busy one or in my case, insulin?

      But most of all, I thank Him because of his great salvation and his precious gift to me in his Son.
Helen Setser in Missouri

After receiving the Christmas newsletters:
Thank you so much!  This has been very helpful especially since I ran out of ideas for our next few ladies' meetings in our church. May the Lord continue to use you and this beautiful ministry.  I have sent a copy via e-mail of your newsletter to a sister missionary in one of our churches in the district for her to start using and receiving. ~ Jennie Ramos in Michigan

I originally signed up for this newsletter years ago because of the lack of “older women” to teach us “younger women." Well, a few years have passed and I am now teaching some younger women. 

Just to encourage the missionary folk or those thinking of missionary work:

I am a South African, born and bred for 13 generations on this soil.

And though my skin isn’t black, I am as African as my roots.     
If it wasn’t for God’s grace and for American missionaries that came to my country, I might never have been saved.

Or my husband, or my 3 children, or my parents, or my siblings.  Or the (I don’t know how many) people we have reached out to in 25 years of doing evangelism, children’s work, preaching (my husband), teaching at Bible colleges (dh again), personal discipleship… the list goes on.     
This is because there were ordinary folk that left their families, friends, churches, homes, jobs, and country they love.

They were willing to give many, many years of themselves.

Not always did every disciple turn out strong.

Not always did they see the fruit of their labours.

But just to let you know: “… your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

I, for one, am the fruit of your labour, and my family, and the thousands of people we have reached through the years.

Without being cliched, I can truly pray, God bless you!
  ~ Amanda from South Africa 

     Thank you so much for all you do...I hope to spend time reading your newsletters in 2012. They are packed with so much joyful and useful information shared with "heart" and "love." Thank you, my friend. ~ Joyce Quam in Virginia

     I wanted to take the time to thank you for your wonderful Heart2Heart Newsletters.  I took the time today to go to your blogs (I have 2 yahoo groups for homeschool families: "WherecanIfindit" and "WherecanIfinditweekly."  When I was reading the January 2012 newsletter I saw the link to your recipe blog and your newsletter blog.  I have put those into my newsletter for Monday.
     I also take your newsletters and using my open office program, put the newsletter in a form and font that is easier for me to see and use.  I have macular degeneration and unless I do this I can't read them well.  One of these days I will read them and put them on Disk to have when my eyesight is gone.  Believe me when I say that I will even read the recipes because I love cooking.
     Thank you for your work for Christ.  One of these days I will have every newsletter that you have put out in PDF form and then I will put them into a Notebook so that when or if I am unable to read them someone can read them and put them on disk and I can then listen to them even if I can't read them myself. ~ Jackie Schlageter

     "I probably don't tell you often enough that I love your newsletters! You have, and continue, to make a very positive difference in untold numbers of lives all across the country....and probably the world! Plus, heaven alone will reveal the eternal results of your faithfulness to the Lord in sharing His Word. I really appreciated you publishing my "Lost and Found" article about my grandson, Noah, several months ago.

     As we head into 2012, I am praying with you and for you in every concern of your heart." ~ Mary Lynne Barrett in Virginia


DIALOG WITH A BRAND NEW SUBSCRIBER BEFORE THE BLOG WAS ANNOUNCED
Used by permission from Wendy in North Carolina:

Wendy:  Not sure how I stumbled upon your blog today but it must have been the Lord's work.  I find great encouragement in it and really appreciate it at this time in my life. Please keep me in your prayers that I stay focused on the Lord and have strength to fight off the devil!!   Thanks so much!

After a brief reply from me, Wendy wrote this:

Thank you so much for your reply!  It really made my day better!  You have no idea what an impact you make on people that struggle daily like myself.  I am a wife of 22 years, mother of 2 BEAUTIFUL children (4 and 12 yrs old) and struggle daily with depression and self doubt.  My family and I do attend church and I assist teaching the 4-5 year old class, however,  I have made mistakes in my past and struggle with guilt every day.  You are a ray of sunshine already to me and I appreciate your stories, recipes, and especially craft ideas! I love crafting, scrapbooking, baking, etc.  Thanks again for taking time to respond to my email. ~ Wendy

Lois:  Well, now you are blessing and encouraging me by your reply!  I so appreciate your response as well, being very honest about your daily struggles.  Regarding the guilt you said you struggle with every day, have you memorized I John 1:9?  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness."  So you are forgiven - it's a done deal, as far as Jesus is concerned!  He took your sin and your guilt when He died for you, so you can be free.  "There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!"  Reading the book of I John may encourage you even more. 
       Try checking out www.bbnradio.org, a Christian radio station which is in your state.  But online, they have a Live Chat Line and free Bible courses, which others have found to be so helpful in answering their questions.  That's not to say you should quit writing to me though, but their specialty is focusing on answering questions about life and the Bible for many people all over the world.
       Focus on the Family is also such a huge encouragement to me as I listen to their radio broadcast almost every day.  The link at www.focusonthefamily.com will give you the times and stations in your area.
       I wrote your name on my prayer list by the computer, and will pray that you will know the Lord's peace and His presence!  Listen to the song, "In the Presence of Jehovah" on the Heart to Heart blog - I love it, and it ministered to me so much during a very difficult time - so much so that it felt like the Lord put His loving arms around me when I just thought of the first line of the song.  It made me weep each time the words and tune came to my mind, as I was comforted by His love for me in that desperate situation!  Thankfully in the end, although the waiting was difficult, the Lord worked everything out in that very trying ordeal.

In His love,
Lois