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The Wives of Excellence Newsletter?„? |
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Brought to you by... |
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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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04/01/2005 |
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Volume 4, Issue 4 |
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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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Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say |
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What We're Reading This Month |
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10-Minute Time Outs for Busy Women |
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Recipes |
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A Garden Tea Party Menu |
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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 clean the inside of your vehicle? |
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Martha Recommends... |
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KlassKids Foundation |
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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:
It??™s Spring! I absolutely love springtime. Even though it means that my allergies are in high gear I still love the flowers in bloom and the birds chirping as they build their nests. I also love this time of year because is means that I can open up my windows and let the fresh air in. I have planted my tomatoes and herbs. Now I am ready to enjoy the season.
I want to thank everyone who participated in last month??™s web poll. You are all so special to me and I want to make my book as helpful as possible. Your input was so important. Thank you!
My friend Grace Fox has a new book out. It??™s called 10-Minute Time Outs for Busy Women and is featured in our What We're Reading This Month section.
Grace has very generously provided
us with three copies of her book that I am going to be giving away. To be eligible you must be a current subscriber to this newsletter. I will be drawing three names from among our subscribers on April 30th.
Please forward this newsletter to all of your friends and tell them to subscribe to this newsletter. That way they can have a chance to win a copy of this wonderful book of also.
This month my son turns five. He has requested a Spiderman birthday party and a Spiderman cake. I checked the prices of those specialty bakery cakes where they airbrush a picture onto your cake using a computerized system. A half sheet cake runs around $36.00. Ouch!!! So, I have decided to try my hand at making my own. I am planning on doing a frozen buttercream transfer of Spiderman onto a homemade
cake. If it goes well I will let you all know how I did it and have some pictures to share.
Well that??™s all for now. I am off to practice cake decorating. Pray for me!
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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Country Bunny Bath & Body |
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Founded on the principle that family and faith are your first priorities, this Christian-based company offers high quality, family friendly products that are safe and gentle for even your youngest family member. Visit my webstore to view our many products and have them delivered right to your doorstep! Looking for some extra income or a flexible, FUN career? Join this supportive company and own your OWN spa business today! I love what I do, you can to!
http://www.countrybunnyonline.com
Kimberley@cbunnyonline.com |
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Discover Healing - For Your Family or to share in a Rewarding Home Business! |
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Glyconutrients: recently discovered sugars that heal our cells
Found in breastmilk but missing in our modern diets; we all need them
Not table sugar! Special nutrients essential for immune function
Completely nontoxic, safe and healing for young and old
Extensive research and documentation; endorsed by leading experts
Discover healing for your family - or a rewarding home business
Email me at discoverhealing@yahoo.com; put "info" on subject line |
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Devotional |
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Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say
By Martha Matthews
Proverbs 11:13 ???A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.??? (NIV)
???Oh by the way, I??™ve been meaning to ask you to pray for Julie. She just found out that her husband has been cheating on her. Isn??™t that sad? They??™ve been married for ten years you know and??¦???
Have you ever said something like that? You begin with good intentions but in your eagerness to seek advice or prayer for a friend you offer up intimate information that should not have been shared. What was intended to be helpful quickly turned into gossip.
According to The American Heritage Dictionary*, the word gossip means:
1. Rumor or talk of a personal, sensational, or
intimate nature.
2. A person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumors or facts.
Even if our intentions were initially to do something good, when we cross the line of trust by gossiping, we run the risk of damaging relationships or even worse, ruining someone??™s reputation. Do people think of you as someone they can trust or are you known as someone who is quick to betray a confidence?
Worthless Religion
The book of James gives several strong admonishments about keeping our tongues in check. James 1:26 says, ???If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.??? When we neglect to control what we say about others we are deceived about the kind of religion we
practice. God calls it worthless religion (mataios, meaning idle, fruitless, useless). In other words when we don??™t control what we say we send a clear message to others that there is no difference between us and those in the world. Is this the message we want to send?
How to Keep a Tight Rein on Your Tongue
1. Ask First
Proverbs 12:18 ???Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.??? (NIV)
If you want to help someone by asking others to pray for them, make sure that you go about it in the right way. The best way to know for sure if it is all right to share personal information about someone is to ask them. By simply inquiring if it is okay to let other people know that they are struggling in a certain area
and that they need prayer, you can avoid causing an embarrassing situation. By getting permission to share, you can then help facilitate spiritual healing for this person with a guilt-free conscience.
2. Use Wisdom
Proverbs 15:2: ???The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.???
If you can??™t ask the person??™s permission, then do the next best thing. Ask yourself, ???If it were me, would I want others to know this information???? If the answer is no, then keep it to yourself. It??™s a good bet that if you wouldn??™t want the information spread around about you, neither would the person you are discussing. In addition, if there is any chance that you would betray a trust you should not share the information. It is better to act wisely
than to gush folly.
3. Be a Builder
Ephesians 4:29 ???Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.??? (NIV)
Whether you are having a conversation with one person or a group of people, think about how your words will affect others. Are you building up others with your words or are you tearing them down? With every word you speak you have a choice to make. ???Will I wound or will I heal? Will I encourage or will I discourage? Will I build up or will I destroy???? The choice is yours. What will you do?
Heart Challenges
1. Have you ever shared personal information about someone or talked behind someone??™s back under the
guise that you were ???concerned??? about them? What was the effect of your sharing this information? Did it build the person up or tear them down?
2. What type of reputation do you have? Do unsaved people think you are just like them in the gossip department?
3. Seek to fight off the temptation to talk about others by doing the following:
??? Ask God to help you to not gossip about others. Pray about it daily if necessary.
??? Memorize Bible verses such the one??™s listed throughout this devotional. They will become the amour you need to deflect the temptation to gossip.
??? Stay far away from situations that can easily ensnare you in gossip. Cut off or redirect conversations that you feel will involve gossip. Leave the room if you have to.
Scriptures for Further
Meditation
Proverbs 15:2
Proverbs 16:28
Proverbs 18:6-8
Proverbs 21:23
1 Timothy 5:13
* The American Heritage?® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright ?© 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. |
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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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"10-Minute Time Outs for Busy Women"
by Grace Fox
Grace Fox powerfully shares the struggles and triumphs of ordinary woman who find themselves challenged to take their faith to greater heights. In chapter after chapter Fox draws you in and makes you feel as though you are right there with each woman as she struggles to learn the lesson God is teaching her (there is even a short story about yours truly). You will be encouraged, inspired and uplifted in short ten minute devotionals just for busy women.
To pick up your copy of this book visit: 10-Minute Time Outs for Busy Women |
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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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A Garden Tea Party Menu
By Martha Matthews
Giving a garden tea party seems to be the perfect way to welcome the coming of spring. There are many different types of tea that you can serve. The most popular is Earl Grey. Whatever type of tea you choose you??™ll enjoy paring it with these delicious tea sandwiches and desserts.
Honey-Mustard Chicken Tea Sandwich
Shrimp and Egg Salad Tea Sandwich
Cucumber and Nasturtium Sandwiches
Washington??™s Cherry Tea Sandwiches
Blueberry Scones with Lemon and Lime Curd
Devonshire Cream
Cream Cheese Mints
Rose and Herb Tea
Tea Accoutrements
Sugar Frosted Grape Garnish
Honey-Mustard Chicken Tea Sandwiches
Makes 32 Tea Sandwiches.
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons
honey
1 teaspoon water
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 boneless skinless chicken tenders pounded very thin.
8 large croissants
Several thin slices of tomato, seeds removed
Red leaf lettuce washed and dried
Mayonnaise
In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the chicken tenders until juices run clear and chicken is cooked through, about eight to ten minutes. Brush chicken with mustard sauce. Spread mayonnaise on the croissants. Assemble chicken, tomato slice and lettuce on a croissant. Cut sandwiches into fourths and secure with a cocktail toothpick.
Shrimp and Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches
Makes 16 Tea Sandwiches.
2 cups cooked tiny shrimp, rinsed and drained
6
hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbs. finely snipped chives
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Salt to taste
8 slices light rye bread with crusts removed
In a mixing bowl, gently combine all ingredients. Refrigerate 3-4 hours. Spread mixture on one bread slice then top with a second slice of bread. Cut each sandwich into triangles.
Cucumber and Nasturtium Sandwiches
Makes 8 Tea Sandwiches
2 medium sized cucumbers
8 thin sliced brown bread, crust removed
4 nasturtium leaves
Mayonnaise
Onion powder to taste
Peel, seed and finely shred cucumbers. Place in a bowl and add a dash or two of the onion powder and enough mayonnaise to make it spreadable. Butter the slices of bread. Spread enough cucumber mixture on each slice of bread
to lightly cover. Lay a nasturtium leaf on top of each piece of bread and top with another piece of bread. Cut into triangles. When you plate the sandwiches be sure to garnish with nasturtium blooms.
Washington??™s Cherry Tea Sandwiches
Make 10 Tea Sandwiches
1 cup candied cherries, chopped fine
1/2 cup pecans, chopped fine
1/4 cups orange juice
8 ounces of cream cheese at room temperature
5 sliced of white bread, crusts removed
Mix together cherries, pecans and orange juice. Spread one bread slice with softened cream cheese. Top with cherry and pecan mixture. Top with another bread slice. Cut into triangles.
Blueberry Scones
Makes 8
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar, plus more for sprinkling tops
1 tablespoon
baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, cleaned
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/3 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing tops
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1. Adjust rack to center of oven, and heat to 400 degrees. Place a Silpat on a baking sheet, and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until the largest pieces are the size of small peas. Stir in blueberries and zest.
3. Using a fork, whisk together the cream and the eggs in a liquid measuring cup. Make a well in the center of dry ingredients, and pour in cream mixture. Stir lightly with fork just until dough comes together.
Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead a few times to mix well.
4. Pat dough into a 6-inch square about 1 1/4 inches thick. Using a floured knife, cut into four 3-inch squares. Cut squares in half on the diagonal to form eight triangles. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with cream, and sprinkle with sugar. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 22 minutes. Transfer scones from baking sheet to wire racks to cool.
Lemon-Lime Curd
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime peel
3 tablespoons cold butter cut into small pieces
3 eggs, lightly beaten
Combine the sugar, citrus juices and citrus peels in a non-reactive saucepan.
Stir in the butter and eggs and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not boil. Allow to cool and then transfer to a serving container. You may make this up to two days in advance and keep in the refrigerator.
Devonshire Cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Beat all ingredients until stiff. Refrigerate and serve with scones and jam.
Cream Cheese Mints
Makes 8 dozen (16 servings).
These can be made into pretty shapes by rolling in granulated sugar, pressing into candy molds, freezing until firm and then popping them out.
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1
tablespoon butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
2 drops peppermint oil any color food coloring paste (optional)
Directions
1 In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and confectioner's sugar. Mix in peppermint oil. Color as desired with food coloring paste, or leave white.
2 Roll mixture into small balls, and place on waxed paper. Flatten with a fork dipped in confectioners' sugar. Let dry for about 2 hours on waxed paper, then freeze or refrigerate.
Rose and Herb Tea
Ingredients: 1/2 cup dried red rose petals (make sure no sprays were used) 2 tablespoons dried lemon balm 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
Mix well. Use 1 teaspoon for each cup and pour boiling water over the herbs, then strain after 5 minutes or so. Sweeten as
desired.
Tea Accoutrements
Sugar and a bit of milk are the traditional accoutrements for a cup of tea. But it's fun to experiment with a few variations on them. Try these:
Crystallized ginger ??“ the sweetness of sugar with an added flavor
Honey ??“ Clover is fine, but try elderflower, wild flower or cream honey
Lemon - slice it paper thin
Lemon-Mint - crush lemon-mint leaves and brew with the tea
Exotic Sugars - fill your sugar bowls with exotic sugars like Madeira, French raw sugar cubes, pastel crystals, vanilla sugar.
Sugar Frosted Grape Garnish
Four bunches of small, unblemished green wine grapes
1/3 cup egg whites (about 2 eggs)
5 drops (scant 1/8 teaspoon) fresh lemon juice
2 cups granulated sugar
At
least 3 hours and up to 7 days before serving, wash and dry grapes. Place in the freezer. When ready to serve, whisk the egg whites with the lemon juice in a large bowl until frothy. Put the sugar in another bowl.
Dip just the grapes from each bunch into the bowl of egg whites. Place the grape bunches on a paper towel and gently roll them around until most of the excess egg white has been absorbed. Over a plate, sprinkle the sugar on the grapes to coat. Shake off any excess. Place decoratively on your serving platters. Use immediately. Not for consumption. |
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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...
- Come to Tea: An Elegant Garden Gathering
- Decoupage Plant Markers
- Freshen Your Rooms for Spring
- Beyond Paint: Decorating Walls With Stencils
- Plan a Princess Birthday Party-the Frugal Way!
- Create a Wedding Planner
- The Art of Scrapbooking
- Creative Makeovers for Leftovers
- Painting Your House
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Web Poll |
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Last Month??™s Poll Results
Through which medium would you prefer to learn more about managing your home?
By reading e-books or books (85) 40%
By hearing a tape or CD (13) 6%
By reading AND hearing a tape or CD (52) 25%
By watching a demonstration video (26) 12%
Attending a workshop (16) 8%
One-on-one mentoring (20) 10%
212 total votes since 02/28/05
This Month's Web Poll
How often do you clean the inside of your vehicle?
Sound off here: Web Poll |
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Martha Recommends... |
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KlassKids Foundation
A mile a minute... that's how fast your child can dissapear. This is the gut wrenching reality of many children every year. The KlaasKids Foundation was established in 1994 to give meaning to the death of twelve-year-old kidnap and murder victim Polly Hannah Klaas and to create a legacy in her name that would be protective of children for generations to come. Conceived with an initial investment of $2,000 the Foundation??™s mission is to stop crimes against children.
At the KlassKids Foundation you will find many resources to help you protect your children from preditors. The site includes detailed information on child safety, what to do if your child is missing, links to online sex offender
registration sites and a list of state Amber Alert contacts. All parents should have bookmarked. Please share it with everyone you know.
http://www.klaaskids.org/index.htm |
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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 read back issues of this newsletter go to
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Your name and email address will always remain confidential. It will never be used for any purpose other than delivery of this newsletter, web site updates, event information and special communication from our Executive Director, Martha Matthews. |
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?© 2002 - 2005 Christian-Homemaking.com?„? All rights reserved |
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