Tips for Fresh Produce

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2014

When you get home from the grocery store, this preparation will prolong the life of your produce and prevent rot and mold for a longer period of time!

Celery - Wrap in aluminum foil.  You will be amazed at how much longer it will stay fresh.

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, oranges, mangoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc. ~  

Here's how you can wash as well as prevent your berries from going bad in a day or so:

1. Pour at least 1/2 cup white vinegar into a large bowl, basin, or sink. 
2. Soak one kind of produce for at least 5 minutes, covered in vinegar water.  I reuse that same water for other produce.
3. Rinse and drain in colander. 
4. Place one or two paper towels inside a Ziplock bag to absorb moisture from each type of washed fruit.
5. You can reuse the bag for next time.  Just rinse out with water.

Melon - My holistic doctor told me when the listeria outbreak occurred with cantaloupe that it can be prevented.  She said to saturate a dish cloth with hydrogen peroxide, cover the surface of melon with it, and let it set for ten minutes.  That would get rid of the danger of listeria, she said.

Keep Listeria Out of Your Kitchen: http://www.everydayhealth.com/fda/keep-listeria-out-of-your-kitchen.aspx

A Nifty Tip for Corn on the Cob

Remove outer husks, but leave on enough inner layers to cover the corn kernels. I do this in the grocery store.

Cook the corn in boiling water or in a microwave with the remaining husk intact.

Using a large knife, cut off the stem end, along with the end of the cob.

Holding the hot cob tightly (with a towel) at the end where the silks are, squeeze the corn cob out of the husks.  There will be barely any silk remaining on the corn kernels!

Kids and Telling Lies

Posted on June 26, 2014  - by Lori Wildenberg 
Used by permission

We had a young woman living with us for about 9 months. She worked as a care giver for elderly home-bound folks. One evening, after training, she came home visibility upset. “The company wants me to lie to the Alzheimer patients,” she said. It was recommended that when a dementia patient was talking about a certain subject to nod in agreement, listen, not correct, and go along with the conversation. Our house guest was upset by this. She values honesty.

Honesty is an important and godly virtue. But there is wisdom in the recommendation. Why tell a person suffering from memory loss that his or her spouse has died and there is no way that person is coming to visit? Why put the patient through the fresh and  great grief, over and over again? Sparing him or her that intense emotional pain is a kindness.

Not all lies are created equal.

We have the little white lie, the grey area fib, story embellishment, the kindness lie, the lies of omission and co-mission,  and the tall tale. All are based in an untruth but not all lies are perceived the same way. The lies that are the most problematic are the ones where the liar is trying to make himself look better or keep himself out of trouble. The other types of fabrications don’t seem to cause as big of an uproar.

Because lying is a bit fluid in its interpretation, I think it is a good idea to talk with your kids about how your family defines a lie and a liar.

A little kid may tell fantasy type lies, perhaps coming up with a fabrication about his day. This occurs when the child is around 3- to- 4-years of age. Developmentally he has a pretty good command of the language and a blossoming imagination. No sense in calling the child a liar. Instead help him distinguish between reality and fantasy. “That is a great story, Sammy. Tell it to me again so I can write it down then you can draw a picture to go with it!”  The lies that tend to be the pants on fire liar-liar type of lies are the acceptance, attention, and avoidance lies.

Acceptance lies are told so that one may fit in better with a peer group. Love is perceived to be conditional. If your child habitually tells this type of lie, be aware. He is not feeling secure in his relationships and the need to belong is not being satisfied. He may need some assistance in learning how to make friends. This child desperately needs to know he is loved, no matter what, by you and by God.

Attention lies are told for…well… the need for attention, love, or even power. This child needs a little more time from you, the parent. He needs reassurance he doesn’t need to tell stories to get people to listen to him. Give this child some element of control over certain parts of his day so he doesn’t feel the need to gain respect by making something up.

Avoidance lies. The lies of omission and co-mission. “I’m not telling. If I do, I’ll get into trouble.” or “I’ll say I did this instead of telling what really happened.” (The great cover-up.) This is the lie to avoid big trouble; which can only be resolved by admission and confession and then forgiveness and reconciliation can follow. Before any of that can happen the child needs to feel that love is not conditional. There may be (should be) natural consequences to follow while keeping love and affection intact.

Kids are less likely to tell fibs (big or little) and more likely to fess up  if they live in a home where not having to be perfect is a-okay. A home where forgiveness reigns and imperfect people can admit mistakes (without fearing ridicule or experiencing withheld affection ) is a place where truth and honesty can flourish.

BE approachable. BE humble. Let your kiddos know you make mistakes too. So when your five-year-old breaks a cup or your  sixteen-year-old crashes the car, he will come to you, tell you what happened, and together you can resolve the situation while maintaining your relationship.

Of course lying needs to be addressed but  it isn’t the end of the world if your child lies to you. Discovering a lie is the beginning of training your child in the virtue of honesty which results in trust and trust is the thing that builds a strong relationship.

So…what lies did you tell as a kid? Why do you think you told them? How can this help you parent your child?
Keep falsehood and lies far from me.
Proverbs 30:8a

Lori Wildenberg - Wife to Tom - Mom of 4 - Co-founder of 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting
Co-author of Raising Little Kids with Big Love and Raising Big Kids with Supernatural Love (soon to be released)
Licensed parent and family educator
Available for parent consulting, and workshops, retreats, and other speaking engagements.
See more at: http://www.1corinthians13parenting.com/kids-telling-lies/#sthash.rR3r6OYm.dpuf

Outdoor Film Canister Rocket

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - August, 2014

There's nothing like a little rocket science to add some excitement to the day!  My three and six year old grandsons and I had fun launching quite a few of rockets recently!  We set off between two and six rockets on at least three different days, and it brought such joy and laughter from these two precious little guys!  I did the launching myself for safety's sake. 

This is what actually happens!  The water starts to dissolve the Alka-seltzer tablet inside a film canister, creating a gas called carbon dioxide.  As the gas is released inside the tightly closed canister, it creates pressure until it blasts off the cap and the rocket is blasted into the air with a loud pop!  This system of thrust is what makes a real rocket blast off, although they use rocket fuel, of course.  Here's how to have fun blasting off rockets, but be sure to do it safely!

Supplies:
* 1 empty 35mm plastic film canister and lid.  Since digital cameras, these are becoming harder to find, but you might try checking at a store that develops film for some.  A tip: I've found that the white film canisters work better.  The lids are not quite as tight. 
* A permanent marker
* 1 fizzing anti-acid tablet (I bought an off brand similar to Alka-seltzer at a dollar store for a much better price!)  One tablet usually works for 2 rocket blast offs OR you can break the tablet in half for each blast off.
* 1 teaspoon water
* A pair of safety goggles would be a good idea

Directions:
* Paint vertical stripes on the white film canister.
* Put on safety goggles and carry your supplies outdoors.
* Make a launching pad (level place on the ground, driveway, or a spot in the grass).  An upside-down five-gallon bucket is what we used.  That saves a little time and is easier on the back as well.
* Place half or whole tablet in the film canister.  If you use a whole tablet, the remaining part will work to set off another rocket.
* The next three steps must be done quickly!! (**) - It's a good idea for an adult to do this first so you know how much time is needed (usually about 10 seconds).
** Quickly pour a teaspoon of water into the canister (over the tablet).
** Quickly put on the lid, making sure it snaps (listen for the snap) and set the canister on the launching pad, with the lid facing down.
** Quickly stand back at least 10 feet from the launching pad and wait!
*  About 10 seconds later you will hear a pop as the canister flies into the air!
*  If it doesn't launch, patiently wait at least 30 seconds before checking to see if the lid was on tightly enough, and try again.

After you learn how to do the basics of this experiment, you may want to experiment with controlling the rocket's path by adding fins and a nose cone that you can make out of paper.

God's Glory Revealed

by Maria Hartman - Used by permission

As I looked at this beautiful sight, I immediately thought of how the glory of God shines through the clouds.. And then, I thought how true this was in life as well. Were it always sunny and easy and comfortable, would we recognize God's hand? Would we hear His voice? Would we see His grace?.....would we know how much we needed Him or how much He wanted to be real in and through us, pouring out His power and love? I think the answer is no, we wouldn't.

You see, it's the clouds. If they weren't there how would we ever be able to see the glory of the risen Savior? How would he do what only He can do, if it weren't for the backdrop of darkness for Him to shine through?.... that is what God does with clouds.. or obstacles or burdens or pain or hardships.

He makes them into a thing of beauty because His light and His truth penetrates the darkness. The darkest cloud only makes the light more glorious as it passes through. And it is then that all can see and know that the Lord God lives and is at work. And He is beautiful beyond description.

How to Be Sure You WIll Go to Heaven When You Die

http://www.heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Salvation%20-%20Way%20to

Another Sign of the Last Days:

New York Times: Euphrates River is drying up as foretold by Bible
 

Go to http://themissingsteps.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-york-times-euphrates-river-is.html?m=1

to see the Armageddon Battleground and a Map of Euphrates River Valley and Middle East

The Bible says the Euphrates river will be the initial division between the North and the South when the nations of the world begin to align in preparation for the battle of Armageddon. It is in this last battle that the nations of the earth will fight Jesus Christ and His angels coming down from Heaven. Jesus will conquer all the armies against Him and will begin to directly rule the world from His throne in Jerusalem.

The shrinking of the Euphrates, a river so crucial to the birth of civilization that the Book of Revelation prophesied its drying up as a sign of the end times, has decimated farms along its banks, has left fishermen impoverished and has depleted riverside towns as farmers flee to the cities looking for work.

“Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared.”  Revelation 16: 12

Jesus is coming soon…Our King and Savior!

Romantic Gift Ideas

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - August, 2014

This month my husband and I celebrated out forty-sixth wedding anniversary together, which started me thinking on romantic gift ideas.  I'll be glad to share these with you.

1. Photo shoot for the two of you or a photographed portrait of you as a couple.  One year my husband suggested we get our photo taken on Valentine's Day, before going out for dinner, which I thought was romantic.
2. Horseback riding for just the two of you.  Through the woods or on the beach would be especially fun.
3. Written invitation for dinner at a favorite restaurant or an upscale restaurant where you've never gone
4. Handwritten original poem about your love together
5. Hot air balloon ride.  My dear husband planned this for one of our anniversaries years ago. It was delightful, with breakfast served before our launch!  A memorable time on the "Gorgeous Darl'in" hot air balloon, all planned by John!  Sailing is another activity which we both enjoy as often as possible, and I consider it to be romantic as well.  It costs a lot less too, especially with an old sailboat waiting for us in  back of our house.

6. Car ride with a surprise lunch planned.  We made a day of leisurely cruising on Skyline Drive to see and photograph the gorgeous autumn leaves and we hope to do this again.  This was an especially romantic trip, since my parents honeymooned on Skyline Drive in 1939!
7. Handwritten list of the attributes that attracted you to your spouse in the first place.  Entitle it, "How Do I Love Thee?  Let Me Count the Ways!"  I've saved all of these poems, of course.

8. Handwritten letter about all the things you love about your spouse today, and why you want to grow old together.
9. Rent an RV for a get-away together.
10. Silk sheets and chocolates
11. A personalized CD with your favorite love songs or selecting a piece of art together for your home.
12. A get-away at a Bed and Breakfast.  John also planned a trip at a beautiful bed and breakfast in a beautiful, quaint town for the two of us.

I think it would be romantic to just sit together and go through scrapbooks of your years together. Over the years I have tried to keep up with simple scrapbooks including all our family trips ever since we were married, with all the basics as well as pictures and souvenirs.  I have also made a "Bare Bones List" of all our family vacations, including the dates, destinations, activities, and names of those who went.  That list has been helpful when wondering where we went during a particular year. 

These are just a few ideas you may want to consider to do to add romance to your lives, instead of the usual flowers, jewelry, or dinner.

Precious Gems

These will make you smile, shed a tear, laugh out loud, or say, "Ahhhh!"  Please share your Precious Gems!

Thanks, ladies, for giving me permission to include these cute quotes!

 

On day #2 of kindergarten.....
Addison (5): "Mom, how many more days do we have to get up so early?" ~ Michelle in Virginia

 

Our grandson, Andrew (3) was given two mints as a reward.  His 6 year old brother, Daniel, said he'd like one.  Andrew promptly reached in his mouth and took out one of his mints, gladly giving it to his brother!  Now that's brotherly love! ~ Lois in Virginia

 

Our grandson, Andrew (3) was so sad that we were going home after spending nine days with his family.  He looked so sad and told me he'd miss me. Then his eyes lit up and he asked me, "Will you leave PawPaw here?" ~ Lois in Virginia

 

Silas (8) to Jocy (6): I can tell I am getting to be an adult because it is starting to hurt when you jump on my back like that. ~ Beth in Ohio

 

6 year old Twins (M.-Boy and A. - Girl)
Malakai: "I'm going to settle my voice so I don't lose it."
Amiya: "I'm going to settle my voice because I need to chitter chatter a LOT." ~ Danielle in Alabama

I heard what I thought was Cadence (6 mo.) stirring this morning, but as I rounded the hall, I saw it was Heidi (2) wide awake, singing over and over, "Your love never fails it never gives up, it never runs out on me"...while she was making her bed.  Priceless moment. ~ Rebekah in Virginia

 

Daddy: (excitedly): "Guess what!?"

Amiya (6): "Your mom is having another baby and you'll have a new brother or sister?!"
Daddy: "Uh...no.  We're eating Mexican for dinner!"
Amiya: "Oh...Okay, that's good too." ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

We needed to shuffle cars around this morning, and a sweet friend offered to get me and the kids for church. Then this happened with our 4-yr old:
Chloe Beth: Wait! Is my friend (who is a boy) going to be in the car?
Me: Yes.
Chloe Beth: Then I need to get my bracelet and put my makeup on!
Me: Ummm....what???? ~ Amy in Virginia

 

Malakai (6) to me: "Morning, Cupcake!"
Me: "Cupcake!?!?"
Malakai: "Well, I just mean you're sweet as a cupcake." ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Lexi (5): I am goin' to look like mommy when I get older, 'cause I have her toes!!! ~ Vera in Virginia

 

Me: "Malakai (6), how many more times do I need to tell you not to kick your soccer ball in the house?"
Malakai: "Ummm, a lot." ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Malakai (6): "Mommy, you know if you keep driving this slow a cheetah's gonna pass you." ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Today Mia (5) said, "Mommy, should I buy the barn first or my horse first?" ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

 

Benjamin (5) was playing on the floor near the baby when he made a discovery.
"Joshua!!! You don't have any teeth!!!"  ~ Heather in Virginia

 

Brooklyn (4): "Mom, I don't need to do ballet this year. I need to focus on football." ~ Lauren in Virginia

 

Malakai (6): "I tried to keep my cheeks up but they kept going down and when my cheeks go down, that means I'm going to cry." ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Annalise (3) just very excitedly exclaimed, "MOMMY! I found a Jesus Fairy!" So I go to see what is so great about that, and what in the world it means, and she is working her new alphabet puzzle... A is for "angel"... ~ Elaine in Virginia  

 

While talking to a young girl at church about book reports, I asked her if she liked to read. She said, "Well, yes, but not as much as I like chicken."  Best. Answer. Ever. ~ Amy in Virginia

 

Checking out of a hotel I asked Amiya (6) to check all the drawers to make sure we didn't miss anything. She's says, "There's just a couple books in the drawer but I think the hotel left them there so people could learn about Jesus." ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Little Guy: Mommy, I almost died.
Me: Why???
Little Guy: I was starving to death. ~ Darlene in Thailand

 

My daughter-in-law, Rachael, told Andrew (3): "Daddy is going to be home all next week!" 

Andrew said excitedly, "I LOVE that!" ~ Lois in Virginia who says, "I LOVE that precious little boy!"

 

Sitting here listening to my kids play "Revival."  Mia (5) is the preacher and her "sermon" is flipping back and forth between Joseph and Frozen.  At least I know she was listening to the sermon last night. ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

 

Kids getting in car after school:
Amiya (6): "Malakai, do you have lipstick on your forehead!?"
Malakai (6): "Yeah, the principal kissed me, so now I have her glitter." ~ Danielle in Alabama

 

Tonight my heart melted when putting Madison (just turned 2) to bed! We always pray with her and traditionally it is Kyle/myself and then we lay her down. Tonight she said, "Pray again?" And so I let her pray by herself for the first time. She proceeded by folding her sweet hands and saying, "Dear Jesus...thank you for my mommy, and daddy, and Lola and Bear..." And continued on the list of family. She ended with, "And now bed time. Amen."  So thankful for her beyond words. ~ Lauren in Virginia

 

My middle son (10) saw my tired face at dinner. Without saying anything, he cleared the table, washed the leftover dishes and cups, fed the dog, put the leftover in the fridge, wiped the table, and scrubbed the kitchen sinks just like the way I do every night. And did all that with such joy and speed. I love him so and I am so blessed to be his mommy. ~ Darlene in Thailand  #‎husbandmaterial‬ ‪#‎Godsgifttous‬ ‪#‎sonnotfrommywombbutfrommyheart‬

While singing "I'd Rather Have Jesus" as I rocked Liam (2) before bed tonight, he leaned back, looked at me very seriously and said, "But I want you to say you'd rather have ME!'" Thus began a discussion about how even though I love him SO much, I love Jesus more, because Jesus died for me and saved me. To which Liam replied, "Awww, that's sweet."  ~ Kristen in Virginia

 

 

Quote

Three good deterrents to sinning:

1. Make the goal of your life to please the Lord in everything and bring glory to Him!

2. Hate evil, knowing the devil wants to destroy you and those you love! 

3. Don't give the devil an inch.  If you do, he will take a mile! - Lois