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The Wives of Excellence Newsletter?„? |
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We're taking Homemaking to a "Higher" level! |
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Published on the first of every month
ISSN # 1550-1698 |
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02/01/2005 |
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Volume 4, Issue 2 |
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Visit us on the web Christian-Homemaking.com |
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Inside This Issue |
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From Martha's Home to Your's |
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A Note From Martha... |
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Devotional |
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Recapture the Romance |
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What We're Reading This Month |
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Mothers and Daughters at Home: 35 Projects to Make Together |
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Recipes |
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The $7 Gourmet Valentine??™s Dinner for Two |
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What's New at Christian-Homemaking.com |
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Read the latest articles on our web site... |
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Web Poll |
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How often do you grocery shop? |
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Martha Recommends... |
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FutureChristianHomemakers.com |
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Want to sign up for the Wives of Excellence Newsletter?
Go to our
Newsletter Management
page.
NOTE: To stop your subscription or to read the archives,
please see the subsciption management box at the end of this newsletter. |
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From Martha's Home to Your's |
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Greetings in Christ:
I would like to give a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers. It is great to have you with us!
This month we are focusing on love and romance. You??™ll find lot??™s of ideas for doing something special for your Valentine. Want to do it on a budget? There are articles on that also. Oh, and don't forget to send a e-card to your Valentine by going to our web site at http://www.christian-homemaking.com/ecards.html
I know you are still praying for the people affected by the tsunami in Indonesia. It will take years for this region to recover. In an effort to bring long-term aid to this area, the Christian humanitarian organization HOPE Worldwide has teamed up with IMGE Emergency
Relief Fund to bring redevelopment aid to families through the Save a Family Program. If you are interested being involved with this long-term relief program please visit HOPE Worldwide at: http://www.hopeww.org/home/2005/01/stf1.htm
Have a Happy Valentine's Day! Until next time...
Love and Blessings,
Martha Matthews, Executive Director
Christian Homemaking |
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"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." |
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Write to Martha here. |
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Pass it on...
Please share this newsletter with a friend or family member by forwarding it to them. They'll appreciate the thought. |
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Stayin Home and Lovin It! |
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Stayin Home and Lovin It! is an amazing team that is dedicated to helping people find the quality of life that they are looking for. We believe in working from the comfort of our homes and enjoying the important things in our lives. No large investment. No selling, stocking or delivering products. No pressuring people. No complicated paperwork. No collecting money or placing orders for people. NO RISK!!
http://www.northerndreamcatcher.com email address: stayinhomejen@hotmail.com |
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Work at Home, Involve your Kids, Keep your Priorities Right! |
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Are you like me, a stay-at-home mom who desires a fun and simple business opportunity, while still maintaining your family values and priorities?
I discovered Mia Bella Soy Candles and a company that embraces family values & involvement. Now I have a successful business I love, and my children and I are having fun building a "family enterprise" together!
Retailing, Wholesale, Fundraisers. Visit my website, Win a *Free* Candle!
http://www.soyhomescents.com |
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Devotional |
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Recapture the Romance
By Martha Matthews
Song of Songs 8:7 ???Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.??? (NIV)
Once upon a time, long, long ago, a young princess met and married her prince charming.
The prince and princess were deeply in love. They thought about each other all the time. They called each other at lunchtime and exchanged love letters, cards and emails regularly. They had many quiet dinners together talking about their future together. Only their relationship with the Lord was more important than the love they had for each other.
Then one day the princess found out she was going to have a baby. The royal couple was
so excited. They spent months getting the baby??™s room ready and picking out the perfect name.
After the baby was born, the prince and princess did what all new parents do, they doted on the needs their beautiful baby. In fact they focused so much time and attention on the baby that they had little time for each other. Then when the price received a promotion to the position of King, he found himself working longer hours and having even less time to spend with his princess. This left the royal couple wondering if they would ever recapture the romance they had once enjoyed.
Whether you have been married for a short while or for many years there can be times when the romance in your marriage suffers. With children, careers, activities, school and more, the romance in your marriage
can get pushed off to the side. It may even get pushed right out the door! If the fire of your romance has fizzled, take a look at these four ways you can rekindle the passion in your marriage.
What??™s on Your Heart?
Song of Solomon 3:3 ??¦"Have you seen the one my heart loves?" (NIV)
Are you in love with your husband? Now before you answer too quickly, understand that there is a big difference between loving someone and being ???in love??? with someone. You may love your husband because you have been married for many years and he is the father of your children, but being ???in love??? with him is quite another thing.
A woman who is in love with her husband is a woman whose heart is passionate about her man. Even though there are many things going on in her life
that require her attention, she is committed to romancing her husband as much today as she did when she first met him. She wants her husband to know he is the love of her life and she makes an effort to show him by actively keeping the romance in their marriage alive.
When you first met your husband what where some of the things you did to win his heart? Are you still doing those things? Do you take the time to write love notes or send him a card? Does he know how much you want to be with him? Does he know how much you admire him? Do you make sure that your appearance is attractive to him?
If your marriage has become so stale that it is hard for you to even start thinking this way, pray for the Lord to help you have a romantic ???in love??? kind of love for your husband. It is pleasing
to the Lord when we desire to love our husbands whole-heartedly. The Lord wants you to have a passionate, fulfilling marriage. He will answer your prayer.
What??™s on Your Mind?
Philippians 4:8 ???Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable??“if anything is excellent or praiseworthy??“think about such things.??? (NIV)
What were the attractive qualities you loved about your husband when you first met him? Doesn??™t he still have those qualities? Maybe the dirty dishes, laundry, children and a crazy schedule have distracted you from noticing? What things are on your mind these days? Make a commitment to rekindle the romance in your marriage by focusing your thoughts on your husband??™s
good qualities.
What??™s on Your Tongue?
Proverbs 25:11 ???A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:10-12 (in Context) Proverbs 25 (Whole Chapter)??? (NIV)
What you say to your husband can make or break the romance in your marriage. What you say speaks volumes about how much you love your husband. Ask yourself the following questions to see if your words have been aptly spoken to him
- What kind of send-off does your husband get when he leaves the house for work? Does he receive an encouraging word or is he lucky if you acknowledge his departure? What kind of reception does your husband receive when he gets home? Do you communicate your delight at his arrival or do you give him an abrupt ???hi honey??? as you busily take care of the children and fix dinner?
- When was the last time you told him you appreciate him for all the things he does for you and the family?
- When was the last time you told him ???I love you????
Romance will thrive in a relationship where love and appreciation are frequently communicated. As a wife you can encourage this behavior by taking the initiative to verbally acknowlede the things you appreciate about your husband. Let him know that you love him for who he is and what he does.
What??™s on Your Agenda Tonight?
Song of Songs 1:2-4 ???Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth- for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens love you! Take me away with you-let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers.??? (NIV)
Do you look forward to being with your husband like the bride
in the above scripture? Usually after a few years of marriage the sparks that used to fly in the bedroom become few and far between. The everyday busyness of life can deceive us into thinking that having sex with our husband doesn??™t matter. Quite the contrary is true. In fact studies show that couples who place sex as a low priority in their marriage are most likely to become divorced. Conversely, couples who place sex as a top priority in their marriage are most likely to stay married for life.
The Bible teaches us that meeting the sexual needs of our spouse is our responsibility. Our body does not belong to us alone (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). If we neglect this part of our relationship, it can have dire consequences. If you want your husband to know that you are as excited to be intimate
with him today as your were the day you were married, sex should definitely be on your agenda tonight.
Heart Challenges
1. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being RED HOT, how would you rate the romance in your marriage?
2. Resolve to do three things this week to encourage romance in your marriage.
3. If the romance has fizzled in your marriage, what are some of the reasons this has happened? What can you do to change these things? |
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Would you would like to help support the Christian Homemaking ministry? |
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If you would like to help support this ministry please visit the link below to find out more information.
Support Christian Homemaking |
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What We're Reading This Month |
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"Mothers and Daughters at Home: 35 Projects to Make Together"
by Charlotte Lyons
Talented writer and designer Charlotte Lyons examines and embraces the intimate personal style a mother shares with her daughter. Featuring 35 wonderful and easy-to-do projects -- from doll making, quilting, decoupage, and embroidery to papier-m??ch?©, jewelry making, and cooking -- this inspiring volume introduces mothers and daughters to the delights of shared creative endeavor. The projects are fun and simple, and produce excellent results. But the most valuable element is the shared experience of making something together.
Organized according to the length of time each project requires -- from an hour to a weekend, or longer -- this lushly illustrated book shows us that
anyone can make beautiful and exciting accessories for the home with the simple guidance and inspiration Lyons so wonderfully provides.
To pick up your own copy of this delightful book visit: Mothers and Daughters at Home |
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Get inspired and motivated. Share what you know and get the answers you need
Christian Homemaking Discussion Group
Christian Homemaking Forums |
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Recipes |
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The $7 Gourmet Valentine??™s Dinner for Two
By Tawra Kellam and Jill Cooper
Even when you don??™t have much cash on hand, you can have a special dinner for Valentine??™s Day. You can create a special Valentine's Dinner for 2 people for under $7.00. The secret to a frugal romantic dinner is the setting so lets start with that. If you were thinking ahead purchase 75% off on clearance after Christmas 10-15 red and white taper candles. You can also purchase red napkins, lace tablecloths, and red ribbon after Christmas for .50 - $1.00.
Look at thrift stores and garage sales for one or two place settings of china for 50 cents each. If it's to late this year remember for next year after Christmas to purchase you Valentines' items. You can also purchase things on sale
50% after Valentine's Day and keep for next year. Of course if you??™re with the one you love, who needs food for Valentine??™s Day!
For the menu ($6.91 for 2 people)
??? French Onion Soup
??? Tomato Basil Salad
??? Maple-Glazed Chicken
??? Glazed Carrots
??? Lemon Potatoes
??? Red Velvet Cake
??? Water with lemon slices
??? tea or coffee with desert
French Onion Soup ($1.15)
2 onions, thinly sliced (yellow works best) (.25)
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine (.10)
2 cups beef stock (made with bullion cubes or beef bones) (.10)
1 bay leaf
2 slices day-old French bread (.20)
1/2 cup mozzarella or Swiss cheese, grated (.50)
Melt butter in a skillet. Saut?© onions until slightly brown. Add onions to beef broth in saucepan. Simmer slowly
for 10 minutes. Pour into bowls. Place bread on top of each bowl of soup, and sprinkle the cheese on top. Then set under broiler and cook until cheese is melted and brown.
This soup will simmer in the crock-pot on low overnight.
Tomato Basil Salad ($1.44)
4 large peeled tomatoes (.79)
salt and pepper (to taste)
1 Tbsp. wine vinegar (.10)
2 Tbsp. oil (.05)
a cup fresh basil leaves, chopped into small pieces (.50)
Dice tomatoes and combine with salt, pepper, vinegar, oil and basil. Serve. You could also add cubes of mozzarella cheese.
Maple-Glazed Chicken ($1.43 )
1/4 cup maple syrup (.05)
4 tsp. lemon juice (.05)
1 Tbsp. butter or margarine (.05)
salt and pepper (to taste)
4 pieces chicken ($2.50)
Preheat
oven to 450 degrees. Mix maple syrup, lemon juice and butter together in small saucepan.
Simmer for 5 minutes. Spray a baking dish and place chicken in it. Salt and pepper the chicken. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and pour on glaze. Bake for 15 minutes more or until juices run clear.
Glazed Carrots (.37)
1/2 lb. fresh carrots or baby carrots (.12)
1/2 stick margarine (.05)
6 Tbsp. brown sugar (.10)
1 tsp. cinnamon (.05)
1 tsp. ginger (optional) (.05)
Clean carrots and cut into bite-size pieces. Steam 10 minutes in a small amount of boiling water just until tender. Melt margarine in a large skillet over low heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon and ginger. Cook 1-2 minutes. Add hot carrots, stirring well to coat. Remove when shiny and well
glazed.
Lemon Potatoes (.75)
6 new potatoes or 2 medium potatoes, cut in halves or quarters (.50)
2 Tbsp. margarine (.05)
1/2 tsp. lemon peel, grated
1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice (.05)
1 tsp. chives, chopped (.10)
1/4 tsp. salt
dash pepper
dash of nutmeg (all spices)
Clean and steam potatoes 20 minutes (until tender). Heat remaining ingredients just to boiling. Pour lemon butter over potatoes and serve.
Red Velvet Cake (.50 for 2 servings)*
3/4 cup butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cocoa
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
2 tsp. vinegar
2 tsp. vanilla
1-2 oz. red food coloring
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup buttermilk
Cream together butter, eggs and sugar in a bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients
except the flour and buttermilk. Mix well. Add flour and buttermilk alternately. Beat until all the lumps are out. Pour into a greased and floured 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted in the center comes clean. Frost with Red Velvet Frosting.
Red Velvet Frosting
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Cook milk and flour until thick, stirring constantly. Cool thoroughly. Beat milk and flour for 1 minute until fluffy. Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add to milk and flour and add vanilla. Mix well. Frosts 1 Red Velvet Cake.
*Or purchase a box mix on sale .79 and canned frosting on sale .69. plus .50 for eggs etc. to make the cake $1.48
About the author
Tawra
Kellam and Jill Cooper are the editors of LivivgOnADime.com For more free tips and recipes visit our web site http://www.LivingOnADime.com |
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What's New at Christian-Homemaking.com |
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These articles and many others are accessible from our web site at
Christian-Homemaking.com
See what's new on the web site...
- 7 Ways to Romance Your Husband (Encore Presentation)
- Valentine Chocolate Kiss Bouquet (Encore Presentation)
- How to Make Valentine Red Carnations (Encore Presentation)
- 14 Romantic "Time-Outs" for Parents
- Saying 'I Love You' for Less
- True Romance for Couples with Kids: 10 Inexpensive Ideas
- Fun Valentines Day Sweet Treats
- The $7 Gourmet Valentine??™s Dinner for Two
- Romantic Bedroom on a Budget
- Setting Boundaries with Teens
- 4 Ways to Pay Off Holiday Debts
- Commemorate Your Baby's Birth and Milestones
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Web Poll |
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Last Month??™s Poll Results
Do you plan to make any New Year's resolutions?
Yes (48) 62%
Not this year (12) 15%
I never make resolutions (18) 23%
78 total votes
This Month's Web Poll
How often do you grocery shop?
Sound off here: Web Poll |
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Martha Recommends... |
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Future Christian Homemakers
Future Christian Homemakers provides materials and resources that encourage older women to teach younger women to love their husbands, love their children, and to be ???keepers at home??? (Titus 2:3-5) through sharing their knowledge and skills with the next generation.
As a teacher of Future Christian Homemakers, you have an opportunity to become a "Titus 2" woman by teaching younger women to be godly homemakers.
An FCH group could include your daughter and a few of her friends, a group of girls from your church, a homeschool group, girls in your neighborhood, or a group of young moms. More than ever, children and young women need mentors who will take a sincere interest in them and teach them life skills and Biblical values.
Anyone
interested in starting a group should visit their web site for more information. They also have a handbook available called ???The Future Christian Homemakers' Handbook???.
Their web site also includes an online newsletter, devotionals and many other free resources.
http://www.FutureChristianHomemakers.com |
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Reprint Information
Copies of this newsletter may be forwarded to non-subscribers, without alteration. Subscribers may keep copies of the information in this newsletter for their own personal use but under no circumstances is it to be used commercially. If you would like to use one of our articles please contact us
This newsletter may not be reproduced in part or as a whole without prior permission from
Christian-Homemaking.com?„?. |
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Find out how
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Paid Advertising Disclaimer
Martha Matthews, The Wives of Excellence newsletter and Christian-Homemaking.com do not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the advertisements above or the quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an offer in connection with any ad. We encourage you to do your own due diligence before purchasing any product. |
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To start or stop your subscription to Wives of Excellence, go to
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To read back issues of this newsletter go to
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Your privacy is important to us. We will never rent, sell or trade your address. You can expect to receive this newsletter, occassional web site updates and special communication from our editor, Martha Matthews. |
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