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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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06/02/2005 |
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Volume 4, Issue 6 |
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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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Perfectly Suited |
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What We're Reading This Month |
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Four Pillars of a Man's Heart : Bringing Strength Into Balance |
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Recipes |
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Blackberry Season |
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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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What do you think is the most important thing you can do to be a great wife to your husband? |
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Martha Recommends... |
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Brothers for Christ |
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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 have to apologize for getting the newsletter out so late this month. I do have a good excuse though :) As I mentioned in last month??™s newsletter, we are having some work done on our house. It was planned to take only two weeks but it has turned into three. The outside of the house was completed in just a few days but the inside has taken much longer. I have not been able to cook or do dishes due to the cabinets being worked on nor have I been able to clean our bathrooms for the same reason. It bothers me but I am handling it well, lol.
What made the newsletter late was that I was not able to do much writing because I had to keep our five year old son out of the contractor??™s way. So I took my son to the park a lot (he was VERY happy) and didn??™t
get much computer time. I am not complaining though, because I am so grateful to get these things taken care of. I hope you??™ll all forgive me for being tardy with this issue.
The Spiderman cake instructions are also postponed to next month. I just did not have time to finish them.
With all the work being done on our house I went looking for information about choosing and working with contractors. I found an article (which I have included on the web site) that is full of useful information. If you ever need to have some work done on your home it is a great resource.
Summer starts on the 21st of this month. In honor of the vacation season, next month I will have several vacation related articles to help you have the best vacation possible.
Have a great June. 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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Get Your Family's Budget Under Control for Good |
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Get your finances under control once and for all with the BudgetMap system.
It is so easy to use. No complicated software. Keep track of any type of transaction. See how your budget is doing at a glance. Finally you can get a handle on your spending!
Compare it with any other budgeting system. You??™ll be impressed!
BudgetMap |
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Devotional |
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Perfectly Suited
By Martha Mattews
Genesis 2:18 ???The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.??? (NIV)
It is not good for man to be alone so the Lord created woman. Her role is to be her husband??™s suitable helper. If you are like most Christian wives you have probably asked the question, ???What does it mean to be a suitable helper????
With so many different opinions being expounded these days, it is important for us to understand what the Bible says about our role so that we may be equipped to fulfill it in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
Your Heavenly Assignment
Our assignment from God is to be our husband??™s suitable helper. Understanding the original
meaning of the phrase will help to shed some light on what this role means for us.
The word ???suitable??? as translated from the original Hebrew text is neged and means corresponding to, suitable for [1]. The word ???helper??? translated from the original Hebrew text is ezer and means ???one who helps, a helper in time of need or distress, a succor??? [2]. In essence, we are to help our husband in a way that corresponds (is suitable) to his needs. In fact the name woman in Hebrew isishshah and means ???corresponds to man??? [3].
So you may be asking yourself ???How does all this apply to me???? How you live out your heavenly assignment will primarily be based on who you are married to. What is suitable for your husband will not be the same as what is suitable for another woman??™s
husband. Every situation will be as different as the people involved in the relationship.
Since your role is specific to your husband??™s needs, you must take the time to find out from him what those needs are. What can you do to support him? In what ways can your strengths be an asset to him? How can you encourage him? What responsibilities does he need you to assume? What tasks does he want you to accomplish?
Helper not a Hinderer
Proverbs 31: 11 ???Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.??? (NIV)
If we are not careful we can be a hindrance to our husband. One way we do this is by doing what we ???think??? is best. If we really want to be a suitable helper we need to make
sure that what we are doing has value. There is only one way to find this out and that is to ask. Ask your husband what things you can do to be his suitable helper.
Another way we can hinder our husband is by not doing the things we know we should do. I have been guilty of this. When my husband and I both worked we each took care of our own ironing. When I quit my job to stay at home with our son and my husband hinted that he??™d like it if I would iron his pants and shirts. I had the time to do it but I hated ironing so I ignored his request. He mentioned a few more times how helpful it would be, now that he was working longer hours, if I would iron his clothes. When I stopped to think about all the late nights and weekends he was putting in at the office so that I could stay home with
our son I realized how selfish I was being by not doing this one little thing for him. I was ashamed of myself. Now I iron all his clothes and I am learning ways to make the experience more pleasurable. I still don??™t ???love??? ironing but I love my husband and I want to be his suitable helper.
As a wife, you have the power to make a difference in your husband??™s life. Will you become the suitable helper your husband needs? God said it is not good for man to be alone. Without you your husband cannot be all that God intends for him to be. Won??™t you accept this heavenly assignment? It is the most important role you will ever have and the one you are perfectly suited to fill.
Heart Challenges:
Ask your husband the following questions:
1. What are the five most
important things I do to be a suitable helper for you?
2. What things you would like me to change?
Ask yourself:
1. What is the one thing that will be the most challenging for me to change? Why?
2. What strengths do I have that can be used to help my husband?
[1] Edward W. Goodrick and John R. Kohlenberger III, ???Zondervan NIV Exhaustive Concordance??? (Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1999).
[2] Zondervan NIV Exhaustive Concordance
[3] Zondervan NIV Exhaustive Concordance |
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Would you 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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"Four Pillars of a Man's Heart : Bringing Strength Into Balance"
by Stu Weber
The perfect book for your husband this father's day...
Building upon the "Four Pillars of Manhood" model set forth in his bestseller Tender Warrior, author Stu Weber leads readers in an expanded, in-depth biblical exploration of what it means to be a king, warrior, mentor, and friend. Addressing key circumstances faced by men of all ages and backgrounds, Four Pillars of a Man's Heart focuses on areas of struggle and opportunity faced by husbands, fathers, and single men of all ages and backgrounds.
Stu Weber is senior pastor of Good Shepherd Community Church near Gresham, Oregon. He is a much-in-demand international speaker and the author of the popular Four Pillars of
a Man's Heart, Tender Warrior, All the King's Men, and Along the Road to Manhood.
To pick up your copy of this book visit: Four Pillars of a Man's Heart : Bringing Strength Into Balance |
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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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Blackberry Season
By Jennifer A. Wickes
Editor's Note: Learn about this delicious berry and try the yummy recipes at the end of the article.
Science
Rubus Villosus
Varieties
There are thousands of varieties located throughout the United States and Europe (Northern Hemisphere). They are the largest of the wild berries. They grow on thorny bushes known as brambles.
Season
May to August
How to Select
Look for plump, dark colored berries that have no hulls. An indication that the berries were picked too early are hulls that are still present. These berries will be tart.
Storage
Store unwashed blackberries in a single layer in an airtight container for 1 -
2 days.
Trivia
In ancient times, blackberries were symbols of healing, protection and money. Blackberry leaves, when moistened, used to be used as a cure for scalds.
Wine Pairings
French Colombard, Grenache Rose, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauternes, Vouvray, Moscato D-Asti, Auslesen
Spices
Allspice, anise, basil, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, ginger, mace, nutmeg, tarragon
Equivalencies
1 pint fresh = 2 cups
10 oz. frozen = 2 cups
Preparation
Wash in cool water before serving or preparing. When baking in cakes or muffins, an acidic environment is required so that the berries do not lose their color. Always use buttermilk or add some lemon juice to the recipe.
Nutrition
Vitamin
A, Vitamin C, calcium, folate, magnesium and iron.
Quote
"O, blackberry tart, with berries as big as your thumb, purple and
black, and thick with juice, and a crust to endear them that will go
to cream in your mouth, and both passing down with such a taste that
will make you close your eyes and wish you might live forever in the
wideness of that rich moment."
Richard Llewellyn, Welsh novelist (1907-1983)
More Information
Oregon's Raspberries & Blackberries
http://www.oregon-berries.com/cx1/cx1a.htm
Recipes
BLACKBERRY CUSTARD PIE
By Jennifer A. Wickes
copyright 2004
1 pie crust (9 inch)
1/2 cup blackberry jam
4 cups whole milk
6
egg yolks
2 tablespoons honey
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 pint blackberries
Bake the pie crust as per instructions.
Allow the pie crust to cook completely.
Spread the blackberry jam onto the bottom of the pie crust.
Heat the milk until scalded.
Beat the egg yolks together until light and smooth. Add the honey and
salt. Mix well.
Gently temper the eggs with the milk (add the scalded milk slowly, in
a steady stream, while stirring constantly). Care must be taken that
the eggs do not curdle (scramble from the heat of the milk).
Once the eggs and milk have been mixed together, return the mixture
to a double boiler and continue to cook until the custard has
thickened,
stirring constantly.
Remove from the heat, and place bowl in a bowl with iced water to
help speed the cooling process. Add the vanilla extract and bourbon.
Thoroughly mix.
Once the custard has cooled completely, pour into the prepared pie
crust.
Place blackberries on top.
Garnish with a mint leaf.
Yields: 10 servings
BERRY EMPANADAS
1 16.5-ounce can blackberries -- drained
1 cup finely chopped pared apple (about 1 medium, tart variety such
as Granny Smith)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
Dash salt
3 single pastry crusts for 9-inch pie -- ready-to-use, mix or homemade
1 tablespoon butter
Cinnamon-sugar for dusting
Preheat
oven to 400 degrees F.
Combine apple, walnuts, sugar, flour, cinnamon, vanilla and salt in
medium bowl and mix well. Gently fold in berries.
Roll out pastry and cut into twelve 4 1/2-inch rounds. Place 2
tablespoons berry filling on half of round, leaving about 1/2 inch
along edges. Fold the other half of pastry over filled half, moisten
edges and seal by pressing with fork. Repeat this procedure until all
rounds are folded and sealed.
Combine 2 tablespoons sugar with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Brush
each empa?±adas with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
Bake on greased cookie sheet 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Yields: 12 servings
RASPBERRY/BLACKBERRY TRIFLE
Recipe By: Oregon Raspberry & Blackberry
Commission
RASPBERRY LAYER
1 1/2 cups frozen whole raspberries
3 tablespoons sugar -- or to taste
1-tablespoon raspberry or other berry liqueur (1 to 2 tablespoons)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen whole raspberries
BLACKBERRY LAYER
1 1/2 cups frozen whole blackberries
3 tablespoons sugar -- or to taste
1-tablespoon raspberry or other berry liqueur (1 to 2 tablespoons)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen whole blackberries
LIGHT CUSTARD
4 1/2 cups skim milk
5 eggs
1-cup sugar
1/3-cup cornstarch
4 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
OR
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 medium angel food cake (about 17 ounces)
2 tablespoons raspberry or other berry liqueur
Berry Layers: Thaw 1 1/2 cups of raspberries and process in blender
or food processor
to make a pur?©e. (NOTE: Measure all berries in
fresh or frozen state.) Strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds.
Stir in sugar and berry liqueur. Refrigerate for later use. May be
made several days ahead. Follow same procedure for blackberry pur?©e.
(HINT: Pint squirt bottles are helpful tools in storing pur?©e as well
as in assembly of finished Trifle.)
Light Custard: Using double boiler, heat 4 cups milk until steam
rises from the surface.
In a separate bowl, combine eggs, remaining 1/2-cup milk and 1-cup
sugar. Sift in cornstarch, and whisk until well blended.
Remove scalded milk from heat, and gradually whisk in egg mixture.
Return pan to top of double boiler and whisk constantly over medium
heat until very thick and smooth, 10-15
minutes. Remove from heat and
stir in vanilla or almond extract. Transfer to bowl, press plastic
wrap onto surface, and allow to cool slightly.
Assembly: Cut cake in 1" to 2" cubes. (This can be done ahead,
placing cubes in sealed plastic bag.) Arrange 1/2 the cake squares on
the bottom of the trifle bowl, including any irregular shapes.
Sprinkle with 1-tablespoon berry liqueur and evenly distribute
raspberry pur?©e mixture over cake layer. Arrange berries evenly in a
layer, especially around sides. Spoon 1/2 the custard over berries.
Repeat with remaining cake, liqueur, blackberry pur?©e, blackberries,
any additional fruit and custard. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or
one day ahead. Garnish with additional berries and fruit in the
center
just before serving.
3/4 cup serving
NOTES: Contrary to its humble and unassuming name, "English Trifle," this very traditional English sweet pudding is anything but a mere trifle. This lusciously layered m?©lange of sherry-soaked sponge cake and cr??me anglaise adorned with jam, fresh fruit and whipped cream, is indeed conventional in its liberal use of fat-laden ingredients.
But hold on to your waistline, this lightened version featuring fresh or frozen raspberries and blackberries and a lightened custard weighs in at just 2 grams of fat per 3/4 cup serving, with a taste and presentation that would compel even Shakespeare to partake. (Shakespeare was well aware of these delicious fruits, as it is from
Shakespeare's King Henry IV that the popular English saying "plentiful
as blackberries" is derived.)
Use 3 quart straight-sided Trifle Bowl.
BLACKBERRY WINE
To 2 quarts of blackberry juice put 1 1/4 pounds of white sugar, 1/2
an ounce of cinnamon, 1/2 an ounce of nutmeg, 1/2 an ounce of cloves,
1 ounce of allspice; let it boil a few minutes, and when cool add 1
pint of brandy.
Jennifer A. Wickes is a freelance food writer, researcher and cookbook reviewer. She has written several eBooks, and has had numerous articles and recipes in printed publications, as well as on-line. She is working on her first cookbook. For more information
about Jennifer or her work, please visit her home page: http://home.comcast.net/~culinaryjen/Home.html |
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Re-discovered a classic, easy gourmet cookbook |
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Just digitally re-published and available for a song! Hundreds of easy, quick gourmet meals, ready in 30 minutes or less.
http://www.Quick-Gourmet-Cooking.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...
- 6 Simple Ways To Save Money On Gas
- Father??™s Day Magnetic Photo Frame
- 10 Effortless Ways to Organize Your Room Accessories!
- 10 Tips for Working With a Contractor
- Are You a Credit Risk? - Know The Score!
- Blackberry Season
- Mix Perennials into Your Garden for Staying Power
- Protect Your Kids from Harmful Sunburns this Summer
- 'Tis the Season - Garage Sale Season, That Is!
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Web Poll |
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Last Month??™s Poll Results
Due to human error (mine) last month's poll was lost in cyberland. Sorry
This Month's Web Poll
What do you think is the most important thing you can do to be a great wife to your husband?
Sound off here: Web Poll |
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Martha Recommends... |
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Brothers for Christ
Brothers For Christ Ministries is a non-profit, Christ-centered, disciple building & transformational men??™s organization. Our purpose is to help men in any way that we can in their walk with Christ, through our five-fold ministry statement.
Worship - We will honor and glorify God in prayer, praise, thanksgiving and study, through the indwelling Holy Spirit and intercession of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Psalms 29:2, 95:6, John 4:24)
Evangelism - We will promote greater involvement in local evangelism by enthusiastically sharing the gospel and living Christ-like lives. We will ask God to open doors of opportunity to witness, knowing that we are only the branches and He is the vine (Isaiah 6:8, John 15:5). Through
God's working our promotion of local evangelism will expand to further promote worldwide evangelism.
Discipleship - We will disciple our brothers through teaching, training and equipping the saints, as led by the Holy Spirit. Realizing that this process starts with ourselves, our families, our churches and our communities (Ephesians 4:12), we will strive to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:18).
Fellowship - We will share a unified common faith (I John 1:3), share a partnership in the ministry of the gospel (Phillipians 1:5), devote ourselves to biblical fellowship by edifying and caring one for another (Acts 2:42), and be given to hospitality and a willingness to share what God has materially blessed us (Romans 12:13).
Ministry
- We will use the resources such as time, finances, gifts, talents and material possessions God has given us to advance His kingdom.
http://www.brothersforchrist.com/home.html |
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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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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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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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