WELCOME!
Here is a new landing place for "Heart to Heart!"Thank you for being such a wonderful part of this journey in creating healthy and happy homes!
I hope you will be encouraged and blessed by this blog, a spin-off of the Heart to Heart Newsletter, a mentoring newsletter sent by e-mail to women from 1999 to 2017.
Here are just a few of the topics covered on this blog as well as the adjoining blog of only recipes:
Family
Parenting
Children
Babies
Concoctions
Grandparenting
Encouragement
Devotionals
Character Qualities
Organization
Education
Spelling Tips
Back-to-school Ideas
Lunch-packing Ideas
School Project Recipes
Object Lessons
Kids' Quotes
Household Tips
Kitchen Tips
Money-saving Tips
Time-saving Tips
Traveling/Vacation Tips
Tips & Tidbits
Homemaking
Gift Ideas
Entertainment & Party Ideas
Crafts
DIY Projects
Sewing
Quilting
Photography
Recipes
Healthy Recipes
Scripture Memory
Single Parents
Sibling Rivalry
Teens
Wayward Children
Women
Stay-at-Home-Moms
Testimonies
Seniors
The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter has always been to encourage women and build biblical values into daily living for the Christian family regarding marriage, children, homemaking, and much more. On this blog, you will find a potpourri of practical tips, inspiration, and lots of information related to the home and family. One of my favorite topics is Kids' Quotes, also referred to as "Precious Gems." Enjoy and be blessed!
Here are just a few of the topics covered on this blog as well as the adjoining blog of only recipes:
Family
Parenting
Children
Babies
Concoctions
Grandparenting
Encouragement
Devotionals
Character Qualities
Organization
Education
Spelling Tips
Back-to-school Ideas
Lunch-packing Ideas
School Project Recipes
Object Lessons
Kids' Quotes
Household Tips
Kitchen Tips
Money-saving Tips
Time-saving Tips
Traveling/Vacation Tips
Tips & Tidbits
Homemaking
Gift Ideas
Entertainment & Party Ideas
Crafts
DIY Projects
Sewing
Quilting
Photography
Recipes
Healthy Recipes
Scripture Memory
Single Parents
Sibling Rivalry
Teens
Wayward Children
Women
Stay-at-Home-Moms
Testimonies
Seniors
The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter has always been to encourage women and build biblical values into daily living for the Christian family regarding marriage, children, homemaking, and much more. On this blog, you will find a potpourri of practical tips, inspiration, and lots of information related to the home and family. One of my favorite topics is Kids' Quotes, also referred to as "Precious Gems." Enjoy and be blessed!
You are invited to share the news about this blog with your family and friends.
I marvel at how the Lord is using this ministry since 1999, and I give Him all the glory.
In Christ's love,
Lois
In Christ's love,
Lois
Reprint Information:
If you forward any content written by me, please include this blog link. Photographs must have my written permission to be copied. Thanks so much!
You can read more of a bio here: About Me.
THE STORY ABOUT
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.
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!
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 a reality)
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!
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.
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.
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 a reality)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your prayers for Heart to Heart are very much appreciated - that I will include in each newsletter exactly what the Lord would have me share with you. Please say a prayer for each of the other Heart to Heart ladies as you read each newsletter. Many are going through very difficult times.
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.
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.
