HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com
A categorized storehouse of information for you from past newsletters, plus another blog for recipes
A categorized storehouse of information for you from past newsletters, plus another blog for recipes
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman
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June, 2011 Fathers, Mothers, Miracle Blanket, Special Tips, Aluminum, Sponge-ability
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IN THIS ISSUE:
NOTE TO YOU
THE CHRISTIAN FATHER'S INFLUENCE ON HIS CHILDREN
MIRACLE BLANKET FOR INFANTS
KEY LIME PIE IN A CUP
FATHER'S DAY UNIFORM SHIRT
FUN KIDS' CRAFTS
FUN KIDS' CRAFTS
MOMENTS FOR MOM
MOTHERHOOD IS MESSY.MIRACLE BLANKET FOR INFANTS
KEY LIME PIE IN A CUP
AVOIDING ALUMINUM IN OUR BODIES
USING THE "SPONGE-ABILITY" OF TODDLERS TO TEACH THEM SCRIPTURE VERSES
SUCH A FUN ACTIVITY FOR KIDS - AT SO LITTLE A COST
PRECIOUS GEMS
SUCH A FUN ACTIVITY FOR KIDS - AT SO LITTLE A COST
PRECIOUS GEMS
NOTE TO YOU
Although I try to get the newsletter sent by the first of each month, it was impossible this time. We arrived home from a vacation in Missouri and a brief visit with family just yesterday, in time for me to put the finishing touches on this newsletter today, in between unpacking and laundry.
We thank the Lord for His protection as we arrived for our first day of vacation about one hundred miles away from Joplin on the very evening that deadly tornado hit. How we pray for those families in their devastation!
My husband and I were able to see and hold our grandson, Andrew, once more, and enjoyed being there again so soon after our last visit. Andrew weighs about nine pounds now and is doing great after a very rough start to his life! He and his brother are absolutely adorable! ~ Daniel and Andrew's Grammie
Although I try to get the newsletter sent by the first of each month, it was impossible this time. We arrived home from a vacation in Missouri and a brief visit with family just yesterday, in time for me to put the finishing touches on this newsletter today, in between unpacking and laundry.
We thank the Lord for His protection as we arrived for our first day of vacation about one hundred miles away from Joplin on the very evening that deadly tornado hit. How we pray for those families in their devastation!
My husband and I were able to see and hold our grandson, Andrew, once more, and enjoyed being there again so soon after our last visit. Andrew weighs about nine pounds now and is doing great after a very rough start to his life! He and his brother are absolutely adorable! ~ Daniel and Andrew's Grammie
THE CHRISTIAN FATHER'S INFLUENCE ON HIS CHILDREN
by Lois Breneman - 2011 - Heart to Heart
The relationship a child has with his father greatly impacts his earliest concept of God. Whether the child's concept is positive or negative depends heavily on the father's influence. In the Bible fathers were known to be the supreme authoritative figures in their families. With just a word from the fathers, they could determine the fate of their offspring. We see example of good godly fathers in the Bible, as well as terrible examples.
Jesus must have known the tendency of many fathers to provoke their children, frustrating them, even causing them to lose trust in their daddies. Mostly it begins with playful fun, but can sometimes go too far. Tickling is an example. A child might be tickled to the point of desperation or helplessness. Even toddlers instinctively feel “tricked” when fathers provoke them to the point of anger, whether is may be through tickling or another way.
Just after Paul advises children in the sixth chapter of Ephesians to obey their parents in the Lord because it is right, he advises fathers not to provoke their children to wrath but to bring them up in the training and admonition to the Lord. Children need to be able to trust their fathers in every aspect of life, just as a child jumps into his father’s arms without any fear of being dropped. This trust needs to be carried out in every aspect of the father/child relationship.
Scripture also presents a tender side to fatherhood. Both Jacob and David expressed and displayed deep sorrow in the loss of their sons, Joseph and Absalom in Genesis 37:33-35 and II Samuel 13:35-39.
by Lois Breneman - 2011 - Heart to Heart
The relationship a child has with his father greatly impacts his earliest concept of God. Whether the child's concept is positive or negative depends heavily on the father's influence. In the Bible fathers were known to be the supreme authoritative figures in their families. With just a word from the fathers, they could determine the fate of their offspring. We see example of good godly fathers in the Bible, as well as terrible examples.
Jesus must have known the tendency of many fathers to provoke their children, frustrating them, even causing them to lose trust in their daddies. Mostly it begins with playful fun, but can sometimes go too far. Tickling is an example. A child might be tickled to the point of desperation or helplessness. Even toddlers instinctively feel “tricked” when fathers provoke them to the point of anger, whether is may be through tickling or another way.
Just after Paul advises children in the sixth chapter of Ephesians to obey their parents in the Lord because it is right, he advises fathers not to provoke their children to wrath but to bring them up in the training and admonition to the Lord. Children need to be able to trust their fathers in every aspect of life, just as a child jumps into his father’s arms without any fear of being dropped. This trust needs to be carried out in every aspect of the father/child relationship.
Scripture also presents a tender side to fatherhood. Both Jacob and David expressed and displayed deep sorrow in the loss of their sons, Joseph and Absalom in Genesis 37:33-35 and II Samuel 13:35-39.
Both Noah and Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, cared so much about their children that they followed God’s detailed direction in providing escapes for their children when danger was near (Genesis 7:5 and Matthew 2;13-23).
Even biblical fathers made big mistakes. Not one was perfect. Eli did not discipline his sons and their extremely wayward actions were far from being in accordance to godly sons (I Samuel 2:12 and 3:13). David certainly did not live an exemplary life before his children, sinning greatly, nor did he spend enough time with his children as recorded in II Samuel 12:13-14 and 24:10.
The best earthly father is one who has a close fellowship with the Heavenly Father through the daily reading of God’s Word where he can find His unlimited wisdom and instruction to live the life God wants him to live (Ephesians 5:15-20).
The best earthly father is one who has a close fellowship with the Heavenly Father through the daily reading of God’s Word where he can find His unlimited wisdom and instruction to live the life God wants him to live (Ephesians 5:15-20).
God's Word teaches fathers the importance of making their children feel wanted (Psalm 127:3-5).
They are told to instruct their children (Deut. 6:1-9; Prov. 4:1; and Prov. 6:20).
Fathers are instructed to train their children (Psalm 78:5-7; Prov. 22:6).
Fathers are told to correct their children (Prov. 13:24).
They are told to instruct their children (Deut. 6:1-9; Prov. 4:1; and Prov. 6:20).
Fathers are instructed to train their children (Psalm 78:5-7; Prov. 22:6).
Fathers are told to correct their children (Prov. 13:24).
The shelter and security given by the father should provide freedom for his children to grow and develop. Children need to be allowed to face challenges and tasks that teach responsibility, rather than being so overprotected.
A mother has an important part in fashioning a good father, by showing love, acceptance, and treating him with respect, a vital need of all men. By allowing and encouraging him to be the leader in the home, and not taking that role herself, she shows respect for his authority, rather than undermining it. The wife's encouragement, reflective interaction and supportive interest in her husband's role as the leader of the home make all the difference in the world to him, helping to build him up and make him a wonderful father, as well as a wonderful husband.
FATHER'S DAY UNIFORM SHIRT
by Amanda Formaro - www.familycorner.com - Used by permission
We've all seen the homemade shirt and tie cards that are made for dads who work in the office, but what about the dads that don't wear a tie to work? If your dad works in the blue collar sector, then this adorable uniform card is perfect for him!
What You Need
1 sheet of blue construction paper
1 sheet white construction paper
dark blue marker
scissors
glue stick
3 buttons
white craft glueWhat you do
Roll blue construction paper so that each end touches each other, then crease to fold. This will create the shirt.
Cut a piece of white construction paper to fit inside the blue shirt, just enough to cover the back panel. Glue in place.
Fold down the corners of each blue flap to create the color (see photo).
Draw a rectangular pocket on the right side flap with pencil, then outline with blue marker. Use scissors to cut the top of the pocket open.
From the remaining white construction paper, cut a piece small enough to slide into the pocket and write "#1 DAD" on it.
FUN KIDS' CRAFTS
www.atozkidsstuff.com - Used by permission
www.atozkidsstuff.com - Used by permission
Daily Fun
When I think of Spring I think of butterflies, caterpillars, flowers, pin wheels, rainbows, fresh fruit and veggies coming soon, and pretty much anything with color. Speaking of caterpillars Garrett and Lexi have 4 pet caterpillars that they caught and named. One has even made a small cocoon. They tell me it will be a moth and are a little disappointed. It is SO neat to see God’s hand of creation everywhere we look!!!
Here are some fun things you can do to make your Spring a little more Springy.
Shown on Valerie's blog: Fruit rainbow (This was included in Heart to Heart before, but this picture shows the whole beautiful story), butterfly snack, flowers to display and flowers to eat, pinwheels, Cheerio rainbow, cupcakes and butterfly note cards.
MOMENTS FOR MOM
by Elisabeth K. Corcoran - June 2011 - www.elisabethcorcoran.com - Used by permission
My daughter came home with her freshman course schedule this week. I almost fainted. I am in complete and utter denial that Sara is going into high school. My son likes to point out that she’ll be able to get her driver’s permit this year. He does that to watch me either tear up or freak out, depending on my mood.
I do not have young children anymore. And there are days when I barely even remember what having young children feels like.
So I’ve got one concept for you today. Cherish. Soak in. Remember. Be intentional. And I say all these things knowing that I’m sure someone said them to me. Knowing that I didn’t always succeed in doing them. But my hope is that you listen more carefully than I did.
It is more than a cliché that time flies. I remember enough about the little kid years to remember that I sometimes thought the day I was in would never end. And now I look back and realize that there are hundreds of days and thousands of moments that I can’t even recall, because they all went so fast.
What I would give for one day – in the middle of my life right now – of going back in time and reliving a typical stay-at-home mommy day with my toddlers. Just one day.
And this is maybe what I would do differently if I could, maybe what I would tell my younger, more tired self…
Your children are absolute gifts. Your children adore you. Your children are watching you. Your children are more important than laundry, than vacuuming, than time on the computer. Your children need you to love them well, need you to mean what you say and say what you mean. Your children need you to love Jesus with all your heart. It’s okay to sit on the couch with them and cuddle for five more minutes…in just a few years, they may not want to do this. In just a few more years, everything will feel different. Just sit. Just watch. Just listen. Just take it all in.
And I’m saying this to myself today as I look down the road and realize that in just a few more years, my kids will be gone, on their own. I still need to just sit, just watch, just listen, just take it all in.
Pray for eyes to see your children the way God does, and then…enjoy them.
MOTHERHOOD IS MESSY.
by Lauren Beckner
The Beckner Bulletin: Motherhood is Messy. http://darrenandlauren.blogspot.com - Used by permission
This week, I was supposed to log on to my summer courses and introduce myself, with a brief description of my life. As all of my classmates posted about their awesome jobs in the military, or the Pentagon, or for the FBI... I was trying to figure out how to describe my life. I finally posted up something lame like Hi, my name is Lauren and I stay at home with my two young kids and I enjoy exercising and baking and reading, and I look forward to learning with you all. But then I thought that seemed so... insufficient. Here is what I should have said.
Motherhood is so messy. If you walked in my house today, you would notice...
... that while it is clean...ish... there are hallmarks of children everywhere. Handprints on windows (and walls!), art on the fridge, a smattering of toys in random locations, sippy cups drying in the sink, and mismatched flip flops flung off by the back door...right next to the backpack in the floor...where it shouldn't be.
You would also notice that at 2:53 pm, I'm eating lunch while paying bills in a rare moment of quiet. And I'm about to squeeze in a few phone interviews while there is no background of Elmo and "MOM! Mom! Mommy! Momma! Lauren!" Next to me, on my desk, you would see a bouquet of pink baby roses that my sweet girl picked out for me in Kroger last night and came home shouting "Happy Mothers' Day!" even though that day is long past. You would also see a pair of broken sunglasses, smashed by chubby baby hands. And a few books of a political nature that I've yet to crack open for next week's summer courses.
You wouldn't see an ipod anywhere, because I'm pretty sure it was misplaced by someone pretending it was a cell phone. And there is a colony of ants feeding on toddler crumbs under the dining room table (where do they come from so instantly?!). You would notice that "Going on a Bear Hunt" and "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" are on the couch, because we've only read them 734 times since Saturday, when we checked them out from the library.
You would notice that while I completed the Ironman (26.2 miles running, 112 biking, and 1.2 swimming), I still have the signature baby pooch from carrying two little humans within me. I quit kidding myself that it would go away quite some time ago. You would probably notice a smudge of snot on my shoulder from comforting a baby's boo-boo, and see a small streak of mascara under one eye where I got the sniffles in the car after hearing a song about making memories with your daughter. And there might be a chance that I look tired.
Motherhood is messy.
In spite of all of those things, you would probably also notice the myriad of pictures plastered to the walls, and the preschool progress report on proud display. You would see a sweet homemade candle holder with daisies painted on using fingerprints, and if you stuck around long enough, when naptime was over... you'd see me greeted with huge smiles and bear hugs and "Mommy, what are we doin' next?!" You would probably hear some sort of singing and tons of giggles. Dinner would be served on plasticware. There would be games played, kisses given, and bedtime prayers.
Motherhood is messy, but I wouldn't trade it for any other job in the entire world. Not even the freakin' Pentagon. I'm so thankful for these silly monkeys that let me have the greatest. job. ever.
MIRACLE BLANKET FOR INFANTS
This is a swaddling wrap for infants. It helps them sleep really well, so it's a great gift for tired moms too! Thanks to Meagan DeLong in North Carolina for this wonderful information! Be sure to click on the miracle wrap website to see how to wrap up your sweet baby for a good restful sleep! This reminds me of the phrase, "Snug as a bug in a rug!"
I looked it up online and it seemed like people are making Miracle Blankets with a stretchy material. I think Jersey Knit would work well. I've used it to make a moby-style wrap before it and it works great for that. Other people online mentioned using muslin, a woven knit, or crinkle gauze. We got our moby wrap at Babies R Us and I'll bet you can find it at other baby stores as well.
Hope this is helpful,
Meagan
You will need:
24" of 60" wide stretchy knit fabric
You will cut your 24" of fabric into these pieces:
Main Body: 14” wide x 22” long (stretchy along 22" length)
Pouch: 14” wide x 12” long (stretchy along 12" length)
Arm Wraps: 8” wide x 12” long (stretchy along 8" width)
Longer Side Wrap: 10” wide x 36” long (stretchy along 36" length)
Shorter Side Wrap: 10” wide x 21” long (stretchy along 21" length)
You will cut your 24" of fabric into these pieces:
Main Body: 14” wide x 22” long (stretchy along 22" length)
Pouch: 14” wide x 12” long (stretchy along 12" length)
Arm Wraps: 8” wide x 12” long (stretchy along 8" width)
Longer Side Wrap: 10” wide x 36” long (stretchy along 36" length)
Shorter Side Wrap: 10” wide x 21” long (stretchy along 21" length)
Here is an online tutorial I found; click on the pictures for the directions.
*One seamstress mentioned that she used this tutorial but "changed the direction of the stretch in the tutorial. The stretch now should go across the 8" width instead of down the 12" length. This should help contain those little wigglers better."
Click on the miracle wrap website to see exactly how it works!
Solution for Using Less Sugar in Fruit Pies ~ If you add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a fruit pie, you can cut down on the usual amount of sugar needed and still have the desired sweetness in the finished product. If the recipe calls for one cup of sugar, used just half a cup! This works in fruit crisps as well.
Sweet Peach Tea ~ If you haven't tried Celestial Seasonings Peach Tea, you're missing something so delicious, even if you're a not a Southerner! Add a small amount of stevia for sweetening, and you'll have a wonderful refreshing sweet tea without sugar or harmful artificial sweeteners or calories! Peppermint tea is another favorite of mine! Make a whole pitcher and refrigerate.
Sea Salt will not cause your body to retain fluid as regular salt will. Sea salt can be found in many grocery stores right next to regular table salt, in a similar round box with a spout, or it can be found in health food stores. Since salted butter does not contain sea salt, one could purchase unsalted butter (on sale, of course) and add sea salt and olive oil to it, mixing it in a blender for a much healthier and spreadable butter.
Quart Jar with a Pouring Spout ~ Save your empty round salt boxes for this great tip. Using an empty, round salt box, lay a lid from a canning jar on top and trace around the lid. Cut out the circle from the cardboard top of the salt box, including the spout. Put this cardboard lid on the top of the canning jar and screw on a canning ring. Use pint or quart-sized canning jars with spouts for pouring dry substances, such as bulk sea salt, homemade mixes, as well as herbs and spices.
Oatmeal Bought in Bulk for Good Health and a Good Price ~ We purchase 25 or 50 pound bags of old fashioned rolled oats for much less per pound than the boxes on the grocer's shelf. When our one son picked up some for us at a great store near his home before coming for a visit, the cashier seriously asked if he had a horse! We all know whole grains are so much healthier and much less expensive than boxed cereals. My husband eats oatmeal almost every morning and I love to make granola with it as well. I store the bulk rolled oats in oatmeal boxes that were saved from prior purchases.
Granola Snack Bags to Eat on the Run ~ After making a big batch of granola, I like to package a lot of it in Ziplock snack bags with a plastic spoon inside. That makes a great snack while riding in the car, relaxing on the beach, having fun sailing, hiking, or even shopping or running errands.
Popsicle Molds don't need to be ones you buy! Prescription containers or even containers for breast milk (when no longer needed) provide a perfect mold for homemade popsicles. You may want to ask friends and relatives to save some containers for you. Remove the lids, line up on a tray, and add the popsicle recipe (hopefully a healthy mixture). Then for holding up the popsicle sticks (saved from previously bought popsicles), lay waxed paper over the top of filled containers, with a knife make a slit for the sticks in the center of each mold. Insert the sticks and freeze the popsicles for a delicious treat! Although the waxed paper should hold the sticks in place, you might want to set a timer to check them before they completely freeze, in case any of the sticks are not centered and straight.
Potato Salad Trick ~ Elinor Wright in Virginia told me how she thought of a new way to make potato salad quickly, other than that quick potato peeling trick mentioned in the newsletter earlier (check the categories on the blog to locate it). After the potatoes and eggs were cooked and peeled, but still whole, she used a potato masher with square dividers for dicing by pressing it down once through each potato and egg. She said it worked great.
Egg Carton Lunches ~ Wash Styrofoam egg cartons with hot soapy and water. Fill each of the 12 sections with food, such as nuts, raisins, granola, grapes, almond butter (for dipping grapes into), crackers, small cookies, cheese cubes, bites of a cut-up sandwich, etc. A single food may take up more than one section. Place a napkin roll on top with any plastic utensils needed to eat the foods provided and secure with rubber bands. These are great to take on a picnic, a road trip, or just for a fun and different lunch!
Double Batching with a Friend for a Night Off ~ If you have a good friend who is also a close neighbor, you could help each other out by providing a night off from cooking! Sound good to you? You would each cook a double batch of a main dish or meat on a different night each week - one for your family and one to share with her family. Whatever the number in the largest family, each would cook double that amount, possibly even providing leftovers for hubby's lunch the next day. Each would chose one night a week (or every other week) to cook and share with the other, giving you both an almost free evening of cooking. Before you begin, it would be a good idea to get together and make a list of possible dishes to make, so both families are happy with the food choices.
Heart-Shaped Muffins or Cupcakes ~ In this age of cupcake craze, you can make heart-shaped cupcakes and muffins. Line a muffin tin with baking liners. Place a small marble in each muffin tin, between the baking liner and the muffin tin (not inside the baking liner). Pour in cake or muffin batter, filling half to two-thirds full, and bake as directed.
Quart Jar with a Pouring Spout ~ Save your empty round salt boxes for this great tip. Using an empty, round salt box, lay a lid from a canning jar on top and trace around the lid. Cut out the circle from the cardboard top of the salt box, including the spout. Put this cardboard lid on the top of the canning jar and screw on a canning ring. Use pint or quart-sized canning jars with spouts for pouring dry substances, such as bulk sea salt, homemade mixes, as well as herbs and spices.
Oatmeal Bought in Bulk for Good Health and a Good Price ~ We purchase 25 or 50 pound bags of old fashioned rolled oats for much less per pound than the boxes on the grocer's shelf. When our one son picked up some for us at a great store near his home before coming for a visit, the cashier seriously asked if he had a horse! We all know whole grains are so much healthier and much less expensive than boxed cereals. My husband eats oatmeal almost every morning and I love to make granola with it as well. I store the bulk rolled oats in oatmeal boxes that were saved from prior purchases.
Granola Snack Bags to Eat on the Run ~ After making a big batch of granola, I like to package a lot of it in Ziplock snack bags with a plastic spoon inside. That makes a great snack while riding in the car, relaxing on the beach, having fun sailing, hiking, or even shopping or running errands.
Popsicle Molds don't need to be ones you buy! Prescription containers or even containers for breast milk (when no longer needed) provide a perfect mold for homemade popsicles. You may want to ask friends and relatives to save some containers for you. Remove the lids, line up on a tray, and add the popsicle recipe (hopefully a healthy mixture). Then for holding up the popsicle sticks (saved from previously bought popsicles), lay waxed paper over the top of filled containers, with a knife make a slit for the sticks in the center of each mold. Insert the sticks and freeze the popsicles for a delicious treat! Although the waxed paper should hold the sticks in place, you might want to set a timer to check them before they completely freeze, in case any of the sticks are not centered and straight.
Potato Salad Trick ~ Elinor Wright in Virginia told me how she thought of a new way to make potato salad quickly, other than that quick potato peeling trick mentioned in the newsletter earlier (check the categories on the blog to locate it). After the potatoes and eggs were cooked and peeled, but still whole, she used a potato masher with square dividers for dicing by pressing it down once through each potato and egg. She said it worked great.
Egg Carton Lunches ~ Wash Styrofoam egg cartons with hot soapy and water. Fill each of the 12 sections with food, such as nuts, raisins, granola, grapes, almond butter (for dipping grapes into), crackers, small cookies, cheese cubes, bites of a cut-up sandwich, etc. A single food may take up more than one section. Place a napkin roll on top with any plastic utensils needed to eat the foods provided and secure with rubber bands. These are great to take on a picnic, a road trip, or just for a fun and different lunch!
Double Batching with a Friend for a Night Off ~ If you have a good friend who is also a close neighbor, you could help each other out by providing a night off from cooking! Sound good to you? You would each cook a double batch of a main dish or meat on a different night each week - one for your family and one to share with her family. Whatever the number in the largest family, each would cook double that amount, possibly even providing leftovers for hubby's lunch the next day. Each would chose one night a week (or every other week) to cook and share with the other, giving you both an almost free evening of cooking. Before you begin, it would be a good idea to get together and make a list of possible dishes to make, so both families are happy with the food choices.
Heart-Shaped Muffins or Cupcakes ~ In this age of cupcake craze, you can make heart-shaped cupcakes and muffins. Line a muffin tin with baking liners. Place a small marble in each muffin tin, between the baking liner and the muffin tin (not inside the baking liner). Pour in cake or muffin batter, filling half to two-thirds full, and bake as directed.
Seashell Magnets ~ Either find or purchase shells. Finding them myself is such fun! Purchase a package of small magnets. Using a small amount of hot glue on each shell, glue them to the magnets. Hold it for a few seconds until secure. These are fun to make and fun to give away.
AVOIDING ALUMINUM IN OUR BODIES
by Lois Breneman - 2011 - Heart to Heart
AVOIDING ALUMINUM IN OUR BODIES
by Lois Breneman - 2011 - Heart to Heart
Baking Powder without Aluminum
Most baking powder contains aluminum, which research tells us can cause Alzheimer's Disease. Patients with the disease have been found to have larger amounts of aluminum in their bodies. Rumford Baking Powder has none, but you can quickly make your own to save money by mixing 2 parts cream of tartar with 1 part baking soda and storing it in small amounts.
But the least expensive way of all is this, because you use 25% less of the ingredients with good results:
You can substitute 1/4 tsp. baking soda + 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar for 1 tsp. baking powder for good results!
Baking Soda as an Effective Deodorant
Avoid antiperspirants altogether, if you want to avoid aluminum. For an effective alternative, simply put about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking soda in your hand. Add a few drops of water to make a paste, and rub under each arm. Crystal stones are also available, but sometimes cause a rash and cost quite a bit more. Baking soda can get rid of and prevent underarm odor for several days with just one application.
Avoid Aluminum Cookware and Bakeware
Or if you do have aluminum bread pans, it would be helpful to line them with waxed paper so you do not ingest aluminum. For aluminum cake pans, trace a circle of waxed paper for the bottom each pan to avoid aluminum and to ensure that the cake will come out of the pan very easily.
Avoid antiperspirants altogether, if you want to avoid aluminum. For an effective alternative, simply put about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking soda in your hand. Add a few drops of water to make a paste, and rub under each arm. Crystal stones are also available, but sometimes cause a rash and cost quite a bit more. Baking soda can get rid of and prevent underarm odor for several days with just one application.
Avoid Aluminum Cookware and Bakeware
Or if you do have aluminum bread pans, it would be helpful to line them with waxed paper so you do not ingest aluminum. For aluminum cake pans, trace a circle of waxed paper for the bottom each pan to avoid aluminum and to ensure that the cake will come out of the pan very easily.
USING THE "SPONGE-ABILITY" OF TODDLERS TO TEACH THEM SCRIPTURE VERSES
by Lois Breneman - 2011 - Heart to Heart
We all know how toddlers are like sponges in that they constantly repeat what they hear. That can surely keep the parents and grandparents on their toes. Toddlers memorize sections or entire story books that are read to them, things they hear on television, and even entire commercials. So why not use that "sponge-ability" of theirs for a much more rewarding and even an eternal benefit? Hiding God's Word in their hearts!
When I spent a month with our three year old grandson recently, I was amazed at how quickly he learned these first five scripture verses! Our children were the same way when they were small. So Mothers, take advantage our those young minds that are able to memorize so quickly! Later those scriptures will still be in their heart, ready to pop up when they need them the most.
A convenient way for you to include teaching scripture memorization might be to do it just before story time. Then review at home throughout the day or while driving in the car. If the references are too difficult to begin with, teach your small child just the first part of the verse for now, and as he grows older, add more, then the references. But you might find those little tots will surprise you as they learn long verses as well as the references without any trouble at all.
Writing down the scripture verses and making a little booklet out of the ones he memorizes will be a rich treasure. Including just one picture for each scripture will help your child be able to quote a verse with only a look at a picture. Laminating the pages and hand sewing them together with ribbon sewn in punched holes along the left side will tie it all together and be cherished by both the child and parent for years to come.
The following are just a few scripture verses to begin this exciting journey with your children or grandchildren, but there are so many more that would be appropriate for young children.
A convenient way for you to include teaching scripture memorization might be to do it just before story time. Then review at home throughout the day or while driving in the car. If the references are too difficult to begin with, teach your small child just the first part of the verse for now, and as he grows older, add more, then the references. But you might find those little tots will surprise you as they learn long verses as well as the references without any trouble at all.
Writing down the scripture verses and making a little booklet out of the ones he memorizes will be a rich treasure. Including just one picture for each scripture will help your child be able to quote a verse with only a look at a picture. Laminating the pages and hand sewing them together with ribbon sewn in punched holes along the left side will tie it all together and be cherished by both the child and parent for years to come.
The following are just a few scripture verses to begin this exciting journey with your children or grandchildren, but there are so many more that would be appropriate for young children.
Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. - Ephesians 4:32
Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. - Ephesians 6:1
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right. - Prov. 20:11
When I am afraid, I will trust in Him. - Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I will trust in Him. - Psalm 56:3
We love Him because He first loved us. - I John 4:19
Casting all you care upon Him, for He cares for you. - I Peter:5:7
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. - I Peter 3:10
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life - John 3:16
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God - Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord - Romans 6:23
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God - Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord - Romans 6:23
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. - James 4:8
As a supplement to your own parental teaching of scripture memorization, Steve Green also has several enjoyable CD's with scripture put to music. You may be surprised at home much children will soak in the scriptures and learn many principles from God's Word as they listen while they play with their toys! Mary Rice Hopkins also ministers to children and has many CD's available for little ones (www.maryricehopkins.com). So why not let Mary or Steve fill your children's minds with eternal values, while you catch up on some housework?
As a supplement to your own parental teaching of scripture memorization, Steve Green also has several enjoyable CD's with scripture put to music. You may be surprised at home much children will soak in the scriptures and learn many principles from God's Word as they listen while they play with their toys! Mary Rice Hopkins also ministers to children and has many CD's available for little ones (www.maryricehopkins.com). So why not let Mary or Steve fill your children's minds with eternal values, while you catch up on some housework?
SUCH A FUN ACTIVITY FOR KIDS - AT SO LITTLE A COST
by Lois Breneman - 2011 - Heart to Heart
by Lois Breneman - 2011 - Heart to Heart
"Tricky Worm" (1 worm) at Dollar General for $1
"Squiggly Worms" (1 large worm and one baby worm) at A.C. Moore for $1.50
These worms are furry, soft, colorful, and have googly eyes. You jerk the worm along with an invisible thread. So much fun! You can make one crawl out of a slipper or shoe, out of a hole in an afghan, out from a shirt sleeve or collar, up through the crack under a door (my 3 year old grandson's idea). It's fun just looking around for places to make your worm mysteriously craw out from, and seeing the reaction of others.
Even older children would love this interaction, as they play with their younger brothers and sisters!
"Squiggly Worms" (1 large worm and one baby worm) at A.C. Moore for $1.50
These worms are furry, soft, colorful, and have googly eyes. You jerk the worm along with an invisible thread. So much fun! You can make one crawl out of a slipper or shoe, out of a hole in an afghan, out from a shirt sleeve or collar, up through the crack under a door (my 3 year old grandson's idea). It's fun just looking around for places to make your worm mysteriously craw out from, and seeing the reaction of others.
Even older children would love this interaction, as they play with their younger brothers and sisters!
Set up a puppet show, using a cardboard box, with a hold cut out for performances. If a child holds the fuzzy worm in his hands with about 3-4 inches sticking above his hands, another person can jerk the thread, making it look like the worm is dancing all around in the child's hand. You can also have two worms talking to each other, quoting scripture verses, with the child or you doing the talking, of course. Two or three worms dancing on the floor to music is hilarious.
Tips:
1) The worm looks more realistic if the string is jerked in short, gentle jerks.
2) In case the string breaks, invisible thread can be used to make a quick repair.
3) By making the invisible string much longer, you could have fun by making the worm crawl from across the room, when others in the room have no idea about your prank!
4) Give names to the worms which come in different colors.
1) The worm looks more realistic if the string is jerked in short, gentle jerks.
2) In case the string breaks, invisible thread can be used to make a quick repair.
3) By making the invisible string much longer, you could have fun by making the worm crawl from across the room, when others in the room have no idea about your prank!
4) Give names to the worms which come in different colors.
Good Uses for the Squirmy Worm:
1) A great inexpensive surprise or reward for your children!
2) A great activity for an older child to have fun with younger siblings!
3) A wonderful trick for a babysitter to have up her sleeve!
PRECIOUS GEMS
Ladies, thanks so much for your permission to include these Precious Gems! Kids say the funniest things! Please keep sending them to be included in Heart to Heart and the blog, http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com. I just LOVE them! Children's minds are so imaginative, aren't they? It seems like they continually keep coming up with new lines!
After sleeping very uncomfortably in a too small bed with a snoring dear hubby, I decided to sleep in our guest room to get a couple of nights of peaceful sleep. My very observing (doesn't miss a thing) 6 yr. daughter Jacqueline said, " You know if you keep sleeping here, you are not going to get to kiss daddy and go on dates with him anymore!" I assured her that I was still kissing daddy and enjoying dates even better now as I had got caught up on my sleep. ~ Robyn in Chile
Austin (5): Mommy, open your mouth!
Mommy: Open my mouth? Why?
Austin: Just open your mouth, Mommy.
*Mommy opens mouth.*
Austin: (Talking into my mouth) Hi Baby. Hello, Baby. How are you doing in there? You'll be out soon! ~ Jennie in Ohio
Nap time is over and Anna (3) informs me, "Mamma, I didn't sleep at all! But it's okay ... I'll be on the lookout for tiredness." ~ Lauren in Virginia
As I unfastened my four year old granddaughter's braids and ran my fingers through her wavy hair, I said, "Wow, how pretty your hair is!" She leaned into the mirror. "Yeah, and it looks even prettier with a smile on my face." ~ Eileen in Virginia www.eileenrife.com
The following four gems are by 3 year old Savannah, daughter of Lauren in Virginia:
"Mimi, I asked Jesus into my heart."
"Mimi, I asked Jesus into my heart."
"You did? Were you with your mom?"
"No, I was supposed to be taking a nap."
"What did you say?"
"I said hello, God. I have been very bad. I need you to come into my heart and wash it clean. And then he said yes ma'am. And I said thank you. And God said you are so very welcome."
Hmm.
"Dad, I don't want you to come to my preschool program."
"Why not?"
"Because you are on crutches and when my friends see you, they will all point and laugh."
"Mom, that girl eats a lot. And if she keeps eatin' like that, her gonna get a big ol' belly when she grows up!"
"I don't want to take a bath because I don't want to wash off my tan!"
"Your tan won't wash off."
"Oh good. I love it. On my legs, I'm black. But my bottom is just like a little white girl!"
Daniel's (3) daddy was carrying him downstairs one morning, along with some other items, when Daniel looked at him and said in wonder and amazement, "I didn't know you could hold a trash can, underpants, and a little boy at the same time!" ~ Lois
Daniel's mommie thought she had left her glasses in a certain spot, but later found them on the bookshelf and asked Daniel (3) if he had moved them to the bookshelf. He replied, "No, I don't move expensive glasses." Smart kid! ~ Lois
My grandson, Daniel (3), spied a bug crawling on the floor and was chasing him with a shoe in his hand. After a short while he reported to us, "He stopped!" ~ Lois
My grandson, Daniel (3), spied a bug crawling on the floor and was chasing him with a shoe in his hand. After a short while he reported to us, "He stopped!" ~ Lois
