springtime - mother to mother...book. read a page or two in a tiny slot of time and you're...

Springtime

Sweet Spring has come! The quick’ning pulse of life stirs everywhere,

As with soft lips she stoops to kiss the chill from out the air;

Her gentle warmth unlocks the snow from winter’s icy grip

And sets the rivers dancing with each sparkling, running drip.

Earth’s spicy smells rush out to greet her with unanimous accord,

As soon as lights her beaming eye upon its treasures stored.

Her airy skirts, with silken swish, sweep rustling through the trees

With whispers sweet that urge them burst in misty gauze of leaves.

Oh, God! We thank Thee for the life that glows in time of Spring –

New life on earth! New life within! New life in ev’rything! - Lori (Mast) Leinbach

May 2017

Please direct all correspondence to:

Glenn & Mary Beth Martin

595 Skyline Trail, Chester, MA 01011

Phone: (413) 354-7860

Fax: (413) 667-5227

Email: [email protected]

Hello, friends… I recently came across this thought-provoking paragraph in a

book I was reading: “I have come to learn that being annoyed at

others rarely has anything to do with them. It almost always has

everything to do with me. I was frustrated by the general lack of

understanding for my wants and desires, which, by the way, I never

clearly expressed, nor could I, given that I didn’t really know what they

were. I simply expected everyone to recognize and navigate my

moods” (The Color of Rain, page 205 – by Michael and Gina Spehn).

No doubt there are exceptions, but I realize there is definitely some

truth in it!

Are you finding plenty to occupy yourself these beautiful

spring days? We are having a cooler-than-normal spring here in the

Northeast. The weatherman says it’s about 20 cooler than normal,

and I can easily believe it. Today (May 8), there were even snow flurries

off and on throughout the morning! Thankfully there is no

accumulation. We got a few things planted in the garden last week

and I’m hoping to put out a few more things when it’s dry enough to

do so. For along with the cool weather is coming lots of rainy days…

The beginning of April my Grandpa Eberly joined my Grandma

in eternity, one day short of six months after her passing. It is another

reminder of the passing of time, a chapter closed. I’m reminded of the

song that says, “Oh may all who come behind us, find us faithful!”

We enjoyed a visit from my brother and his family the other

weekend. Our time together at Old Sturbridge Village was the highlight

of their visit! It is an 1800’s-era working village, with houses, churches, a

school, sawmill, and many shops you may step into and watch the

workers at their trade. To live in that time era would be our children’s

dream come true, and they are still talking about it. Heather was

pleased that her little cousin Victor preferred her above all others,

insisting on holding her hand as we toured the village!

The children have almost exactly two weeks left of school in

this term. They are eagerly anticipating the last day and Kent has

compiled a list of things he wants to accomplish this summer. Heather

will probably miss school a few days after it is over, as she is quite the

scholar, but it will be nice to have them both home for the summer.

“Help me to see Thy good hand in each today even when it

restrains my ambitions and aspirations.” God bless your day!

mailto:[email protected]

You Ask, You Answer…

I am eager to hear what others have to say on this. We have some

children that leave a trail behind them as well and it is hard to know

how to get a hold of it. My husband tells me I need to stay focused

myself, and make sure they put one thing away before starting on

the next thing. That’s a challenge! As far as “treasures,” a friend of

mine gave each of her children a shoe box for their treasures. It had

to fit in there. If it got full and they wanted to put more in, then they

had to take something else out. Perhaps we just have too much

stuff! Maybe that’s why they don’t value things? God give you

much wisdom in this! -Texas

I'm looking forward to reading other answers to your question since

I'm raising packrats too.... by default! Someone told me children like

this are better equipped to “make-do” in life and they develop a

creativity beyond the average. So perhaps it’s not all bad! -Illinois

Having “collector” children reminds me that I was one and still must

work to reduce clutter. Collections are good for people – just not

too many. They need to be things of value, though. Imagine

throwing away my daughter’s cardboard tube collection (52!) only

to find out two weeks later that an art project was forthcoming that

would need them. So we resumed collecting…

The biggest need for keeping “stuff” is a place to keep it. If it

has no place to stay, but is all over the yard, bedroom and den, it

must be contained or go.

Children who bring in junk must take it to the garbage can.

Yes, I have outlawed trash can digging, too, for several reasons. And

when tools are gotten from the shed, they must be returned. Line

upon line, line upon line. It takes time and repetition to build good

character. -New York

Question : How do you manage packrat syndrome in your children?

Our children treasure everything and value nothing. I find boots,

scissors, cups, metal junk, wood scraps, anything, in the yard where

they dropped that to grab the next treasure. I outlawed waste can

digging and garden shed raiding, but the packrats continue!

EDITOR’S NOTE: We can neither endorse nor discourage

the books mentioned below. Read with discretion.

My mother's word on books: "Read your Bible first every day. Never

make time for any other author before you've met with God."

Good books are great companions. May God give us

discernment and discipline, to know what to apply in our life and

how. Here are four books I prize: Encouraging Words for

Mothers collected by Kenneth & Virginia Kreider; A Joyful Mother of

Children by Linda J. Eyre; A Woman After God's Own Heart by

Elizabeth George; and What Is A Family? by Edith Schaeffer.

The first one is in Mennonite bookstores, the others in thrift

stores or online. Encouraging Words is the perfect rocking chair

book. Read a page or two in a tiny slot of time and you're refreshed.

A Joyful Mother is like a talk with a good friend. It is packed with

stories, examples, and creative solutions. Linda's joyful love for her

family is all over every page. A Woman After God's Own Heart is

more modern but has its gems. It has a special focus on attitudes

and how they shape our homes. What Is A Family? has a unique

style that takes time to grow on you. Written in the 70’s when

divorce swept over the U.S., she's unflinching in her Biblical view of

marriage for life. She brings out the beauty of committed love and

generational continuity. Each of these books calls me higher and

reassures me that my quiet place at home is needed and beautiful.

I thank God for older ladies willing to teach us younger ones.

Your busiest days may be memories now, but please speak out and

let us learn from you. Your ideals have been sifted, mellowed, and

reinforced by daily life. The world has many messages for women

but not many true ones. We need you to remind us that nothing

compares to contentment in God's plan. We need your

encouragement to keep our families first, to make the most of

precious times with our little ones. Tell us that children grow fast and

time for other things comes eventually. Tell us that nothing else can

make up for missing our opportunities at home. And pray for us!

Thank you.

-Illinois

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised”

Proverbs 31:30.

Question : What books would you recommend that made a

difference in your life as a mother and homemaker, particularly about

child training and household management?

A few books I’ve enjoyed: Marital Bliss (with a kiss of reality) by

Michelle Beachy; Created to be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl; Sink

Reflections by Martha Cilley (on household management); The

Treasure of Careful Planning by Donna Kaufman; and If the

Foundations be Destroyed… What Can the Righteous Do? by Joy

Hart (focusing more on adoption but I found it very interesting in

understanding how a child thinks and develops, and what their

needs are). -Texas

I like Prayers and Peanut Butter, by Barbara Classen. I read it again

and again and always find something new to spruce up on. I also

read some of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar’s books – A Love That

Multiplies and The Duggars: 20 and Counting! They influenced the

way I relate to my children when I get impatient or frustrated with

them and also have child training and household management tips.

Mops, Muffins, and Motherhood by Nancy Martin is another book I

enjoy. Keepers at Home magazines are great, as well as their

Keeper’sBook series.

Seasoned mothers whom you admire and see are successful

make good resources for advice too. - Colorado

A book I found very useful when my children were small was I Am a

Mother by Ella May Miller, printed by Spire Books in 1976. As a young

mother, we lived in Belize, far from my friends who were having

babies and discussing homemaking, and this book came alongside

me. Mrs. Miller is a down-to-earth, common sense woman with

much helpful advice. She also published The Joy of Housekeeping

and Happiness is Homemaking. All of these are worthwhile reading

and have good advice. These books are available online.

Another book that is old but well worth a mother's reading is

An Introduction to Child Study by Clarence H. Benson. This book,

though written primarily for Sunday school teachers, helps you value

the different ages and stages of childhood and gives valuable

insight into the things that are important to each age. -Belize

No Greater Joy Ministries has a set of books called “Train Up A

Child.” I have appreciated that their view isn't the old fashioned

"iron hand" or the new-fangled "love is all it takes.” -Illinois

I enjoyed reading Seven Things Children Need, by John M. Drescher,

available from Pathway Bookstore. Also, The Five Love Languages of

Children, by Gary Chapman. -Pennsylvania

I suppose you are asking for books with advice, but the book I

depend on the most for household management is my household

planner book. There are different styles available, but The Time

Keeper by Starla Kreider is my favorite. It has saved me many frantic

moments of looking for misplaced store lists, phone numbers,

addresses, and important notes – everything is right there in the

same book. Every morning I sketch out my work list for the day. It

helps me think straight in the pressure of the mid-day. And it helps to

keep those little things that really ought to be done from falling

through the cracks.

Here is an address to order from Starla Kreider: 8642 SR 183,

Bethel, PA 19507. Many conservative bookstores also carry them. -Pennsylvania

I think it depends what stage of life you’re in, as to what books will

make a difference! Most of the books that made a difference to me

major on mothering, but there are nuggets of truth that jump out

sometimes in children’s stories too. Such as this one from The Secret

Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett: “Mother says as th’ two worst

things as can happen to a child is never to have his own way – or

always to have it. She doesn’t know which is th’ worst.”

Books I have enjoyed include A Virtuous Woman by Ruth Mast,

The Basket of Flowers by Christoph von Schmid, Shepherd of the

Highlands by Lily A. Bear, Hidden Rainbow by Christmas Carol

Kauffman, Happiness for our Hearts and Homes by Marjorie Hiebert,

Encouraging Words for Mothers compiled by Virginia Kreider, A Child

to Call My Own by Marilyn Wiens, Kaylene Hartzler and Yalonda

Horst, Christian Family Living by John Coblentz, Life is a Gift by Jenny

Miller, Helping Children With Special Needs, and Turning the Hearts

of the Children.

Phrases from songs are encouraging, too. “Let no anxious

thought perplex thee, or temptation still dismay – think whene’er the

clouds surround thee, soon shall dawn a brighter day!” “This day

God was my sun and shield, my keeper and my guide; His care was

on my frailty shown, His mercies multiplied.” -Ohio

Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman is a book I’d recommend.

A dear friend gave it to me several years ago, and its wisdom is

timeless. It is an amazing manual that advises wise women how to

manage their homes, guide their children, and so much more!

Organization for efficiency, goals, self-discipline, attitudes, and

teaching work ethics are just a few of the topics covered. A book

that brings hope to chaos!

-New York

Every child is unique, so my suggestions may not fit your situation, but

I feel for you.

You are probably thinking your 5-year-old will soon start school

and you want to help her be dry by then. It may help to have a set

schedule for a potty break. Some mothers have said their children

did much better at school on a schedule to get drinks and use the

bathroom, whereas at home schedules aren’t usually so exact.

That didn’t help for our one son. He wore pullups to school and

sometimes needed to change those also. We were thankful for an

understanding teacher, who helped him discreetly. She told me that

he is not her first pupil to deal with staying dry. So you are not alone!

We used Joan Martin’s exercises with some results. Make it a

fun time for you and your child. Diet and exercises are suggested to

go together for best results. For us, there still seemed to be

something else needed.

We finally discovered that it’s sensitivity to milk/dairy products.

My husband discovered he feels much better if he doesn’t drink

milk, so we started the boys on a dairy-free diet also. We are

amazed how they can stay dry without reminders as long as they

don’t have dairy foods.

We are still learning. Many people label milk intolerance as

lactose intolerant, but it is not always the lactose. The protein in the

milk can be the culprit. So we may sometime be able to try A2A2

milk but for now we are dairy free.

We tried chiropractic care. Some people have success with

that. One chiropractor told us that if a child craves a certain food

“like a drug craving,” it is that food they are allergic to. Our one son

craved corn. But then he wanted to eat a lot of it, and he was

irritable and very wet. We did not eat corn for several years, but it

seems to work in moderation now.

Take time to ease into eliminating a food, and be alert. For

me, doing without dairy was a major task, so I kept telling myself

we’ll do it for two days, then worked at it for a week, and so on. How

long does it take to see a difference? Two weeks should give you an

idea, six weeks might tell you for sure. It can be a challenge. There

are food allergy tests available, if you choose.

I’ve also seen some bedwetting remedies in Be Your Child’s

Pediatrician by Rachel Weaver. There are as many ideas how to

cure bedwetting as there are people, it seems! May you be led to

the right route for your daughter as you seek God’s guidance. -Wisconsin

Question : Any helpful tips for a 5-year-old girl who wets herself

during the day? Spankings and small incentives haven’t been very

effective.

Have you given chiropractic treatment a try? It was the answer for

several of ours. One time when it did not help my toddler like I

expected, it turned out to be a low grade kidney infection instead. I

was thankful to have cranberry soft gels in the cupboard and it

became a novelty to take one every hour. By the next day the

dribbles had stopped. -Illinois

My 5-year-old daughter and I can very well identify with your

problem. After our oldest, a boy who trained with no difficulty, I was

unprepared for the ongoing toilet-training issues with our second. So

much for girls being easier than boys! The daytime wetting

continued to be a struggle, which I attributed to carelessness, as

spankings and incentives did work for short time periods. But always

she would regress again.

I knew that the stresses of moving, a new baby, and a death

in the family did not help the issues any, but was growing desperate

for more answers. In mentioning it to Joan Martin and also to my

chiropractor, they both felt that daytime wetting in a 5-year-old is

generally a sign of something more than just carelessness. Joan

agreed that a good chiropractor would be the place to start, and

so I took her in for an adjustment several times. What a relief for

mother and daughter when the wetting issues resolved themselves!

We have occasional accidents still, but not the ongoing issues

of the past years. There may be varying causes, but I feel that

chiropractic is a simple place to start, and certainly worth a try. -Pennsylvania

Our girl had trouble at the same age as yours. I thought for a little

that she was being careless, but she hated it as bad as – or worse –

than I did. Spanking a child for something they truly abhor but

cannot help is not a good idea! I was thankful when someone

shared that there is a certain place in the lower back that can be

out of place, which causes the nerve impulses for bladder control to

not get to the brain like they should. I took her for a treatment

whenever the wet days began to happen again. After a couple

months of occasional treatments (less than one a month), the

problem is gone. -Missouri

We’ve had success with Kids Sleep Dry from Nature’s Warehouse. It

helps strengthen the bladder. -Pennsylvania

One effective laundry soap is to grate Fels Naptha bars and mix

equal parts of borax and soda (I get 50 lb. bags at the feed store).

For a five gallon bucket, I usually add three or four bars. If I have

powdered OxyClean on hand, I like to add some to the mix or else

to every load of wash. Even better is if you can get the orange soap

bars from Guatemala to grate in. That gets the clothes cleaner and

fresher than Fels Naptha.

This is supposed to work in hard water, but I am not sure how

well it would. We have softened water, and I notice that after a

while the whites get a bit dingy. So every now and then I get a

bottle of more expensive laundry soap (OxyClean or Persil) and use

that for a few washes. And sometimes I add "White Brite" along with

those washes.

The idea for this toothpaste recipe came from buying

expensive Redmond "Earthpaste,” reading the ingredients, and

thinking "I could do this, too." What's more, it can easily be tailored

to individual tastes and is safe for children to swallow.

1 cup water

A few drops peppermint oil

¼ tsp. Real Salt (or other

mineral salt)

2 drops tea tree oil

Stevia to sweeten

Powdered clay

Mix the first five ingredients (you can use another oil instead

of peppermint, if desired. Other good-for-dental-health oils are

oregano and cinnamon – but don’t get it too strong!)

Add about ½ cup powdered clay and whisk vigorously (I

use Redmond clay, but there are other good clays available). Add

more clay if needed. You want the mixture to be about the

consistency of thick gravy when you quit adding clay; it thickens as

it sets a few hours. Be sure to whisk well to remove all the lumps.

Put into tiny dishes; one per person. It is very important to

have tight lids so it does not dry out. Just so you know, the clay will

rust metal items (like jar lids). If you know where to get tubes or have

a better dispensing option, I am eager to hear it! -Missouri

“Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

Question : I am interested in homemade laundry soap recipes. My

previous attempts weren’t effective; I want soap that leaves clothes

clean and fresh-smelling. And how about homemade toothpaste

other than plain baking soda?

Old-fashioned lye soaps are great for cleaning but they can be time

consuming to make and they do carry an authentic smell with them

that can cling to clothes and become stronger in storage. Also an

appliance service man said that the new style machines are not

made to handle fat based soaps and do not function well with the

build-up unless you use very, very hot water. So here is a simple

granular recipe I have switched to:

One box of borax

One box of super washing soda (if you can’t find it, try a

couple boxes of baking soda).

A grated bar of Fels-Naptha soap (the original recipe called

for this). To simplify, I instead buy a small bucket of the Dollar

General brand of Oxi-Clean and add it to a double batch of the

other ingredients. -Illinois

New Questions… 1. What is the difference between youthful dreaming and a

fantasy world? Our 3 and 5-year-old daughters share their

pretend worlds; is this contributing to future unwholesome

fantasies?

2. We are anticipating a move to a small farm with a home

business where Daddy can work with his family. He has

worked away from home all our married life. Any tips for a

wife/mother to make the transition (moving, job change,

being home more) easier for all involved?

3. When opening jars of canned applesauce and blueberry

pie filling, I’m finding a circle of mold on top. Not every jar

is this way, but many are, even though the jar is still

sealed. When canning, I have my jars completely

covered with water and bring it to a good boil. Any ideas

of what I could be doing wrong?

4. How do you go about making a chore chart for your

children? At what age do you start a chart for a child?

What jobs do you give to a 2-year-old, 4-year-old, or 7-

year-old, for instance? How do you motivate your child to

stick to that schedule?

Please send answers by June 15, 2017.

Fox Tales from the Northwoods…

Sweeter Than Coffee Cake by Florence Fox

The first Thursday of the month should not be hard to

remember, but I usually forget what takes place early on that day.

Most times I am jolted into reality when Marlin calls me Wednesday

afternoon, which is how it happened again this month.

At 4:30, Marlin mentioned the shop meeting in the morning,

and did I have any suggestions what he should make for breakfast?

The difficulty is not in preparing food for a cavernous crew,

because Marlin loves to cook. The problem is that I love to cook, too,

and cannot bear to see Marlin serve a meal I have not adequately

prepared for. While Marlin told me that last time he made pancakes

and sausage and the time before that he served biscuits and sausage

gravy, I mentally searched my pantry. I couldn’t think of any suitable

dish that my shelves were stocked for.

“Can you have breakfast potluck?” I asked.

“I mentioned it to one of the men, and he said it’s not enough

notice. I’ll make everything this time.”

“Then could you stop for groceries on the way home?” I

grabbed a note pad from the drawer. “Any particular menu?”

“What haven’t I made yet? Should I just serve an egg

casserole?” Marlin’s voice faded for a second. “I need to take a call.

I’ll call you back.”

By the time Marlin called again, I had an idea and a list.

“What about breakfast burritos? You could take all the ingredients and

everyone could assemble their own.”

“I like that idea. Hash browns, too. What stuff do you need?”

“I’ll text you the shopping list in a few minutes.”

I had another idea of what I could add to the menu. Recently

I’d found a new coffee cake recipe, and this would be the perfect

opportunity to try it. Since one probably wouldn’t be enough, I’d bake

an old familiar recipe, a cherry cream cheese coffee cake, to go

along with the new one.

Forty minutes later Marlin walked into the kitchen with bulging

grocery bags. I sorted the food and checked it off my list. Four dozen

eggs. Two containers of sour cream. A large jar of salsa. Three

packages of tortillas. Several bags of shredded cheese. Hash browns.

Sausage. Peppers and onions.

We sat down for a late, hurried supper. Afterwards Marlin left

with the older children to drop off some papers at the neighbors. I

cleaned up the kitchen and baked the cherry cream cheese coffee

continued

cake. When Marlin returned he cut up all the peppers and onions

while I fried several pounds of sausage. Morning preparations should

be a cinch.

It was very early the next morning when we crawled out of

bed. Marlin hoped to leave at 6:30, so I hurried to start my new recipe.

The cinnamon roll coffee cake was easy to mix up, and before long I

slid the pan into the oven, anticipating the pillowy sweetness of fresh

cinnamon rolls.

Next I dumped the sausage in a kettle to reheat, and ran to

the basement for the crock pot to serve the sausage. Marlin cracked

the eggs and stirred the egg mixture in his large skillet. One frying pan

on the stove held hash browns, and another one peppers and onions. I

mixed the glaze for my coffee cake while Marlin made his first trip to

the pickup with orange juice and all the refrigerated items.

Time flew in the kitchen as Marlin and I bumped into each

other between stirring eggs and sautéing vegetables and reaching for

large serving dishes on high shelves. If the men knew all the work

involved, they would surely be grateful for breakfast, I thought.

I forgot about the sausage reheating on the back of the stove,

and by the time a certain smell reminded me, the kettle was a crispy

mess. The oven timer beeped, and I pulled the cinnamon roll coffee

cake from the oven. It looked perfect, and as I drizzled glaze over the

cinnamon-dotted surface, I hoped there would be some cake left for

me to taste.

Kenzie and Colton woke up early, remembering it was the

morning for shop breakfast and their turn to go along. I combed

Kenzie and dressed Colton while Marlin carried another load of food to

the pickup. The coffee cakes I carried out myself, handing one to

Kenzie to hold, and settling the other in a safe place on the front seat.

The time was 6:35.

Marlin carried out the last of the towel-wrapped dishes and

thanked me for my help as we hugged goodbye. I walked into the

kitchen and dishwashing duty. All my largest skillets and frying pans

and mixing bowls bore traces of eggs or sausage or hash browns, and

in the sink, a sausage-charred kettle was soaking.

In almost an hour I needed to leave with Laramie for his ride to

school. I stacked the dirty dishes and loaded the dishwasher with all it

would hold. The rest could wait until I got back from the shop.

Marlin left some food behind for us, so I assembled burritos for Laramie

and Jacia and myself. Delicious. I thought of the new coffee cake and

wondered if the men were enjoying breakfast.

After dropping off Laramie, I drove down to the shop to pick

up Kenzie and Colton and breakfast leftovers. I waited in the lobby

until Marlin closed the meeting. Minutes later, Marlin walked into the

lobby, smiling as soon as he saw me. “Hey, Flo, I didn’t know you were

here already. Can I show you something?” I followed Marlin to the

food line as the men started to disperse.

Nate pushed back his chair. “Thank you for the cinnamon roll

coffee cake. It was the best ever.”

Jim collected the unused utensils from the serving line and

returned them to the cupboard. “That coffee cake was amazing.

Thank you so much.”

“Thanks, Flo.” Jay said. “The breakfast was delicious.”

“Thank you for the coffee cake,” Scott said, picking up his

meeting agenda. “That cinnamon roll coffee cake was tops.”

“I’m glad you liked it,” I said. “It was fun to make.” The break

room was silent for a moment as the men disappeared.

“Look at these serving dishes,” Marlin said. “The sausage is

cleaned up, and only two tortillas are left. And there are enough eggs

to fill one more burrito.”

“They ate all that? I thought I figured plenty.”

Marlin reached for the empty cake pan. “Your cinnamon roll

coffee cake was a hit.”

I picked at the glaze stuck to the side. “I was hoping there

would be some left for me to taste. That was a new recipe.”

“I’m sorry there isn’t any left for you – it was just too good. You

can have some of the other one,” Marlin said, nodding toward the

cherry cream cheese coffee cake. “But if you leave it here, it will

disappear at break time.”

“I’ll take it,” I said. “I’d like to enjoy a little bit.”

Marlin helped me stack up all the serving bowls and leftover

food and carry them out to the van. “Flo, I know it’s a sacrifice, but I

sure appreciate your help.”

His words were sweeter than coffee cake (though less

fattening) and I savored every morsel. “I didn’t do any more work than

you did,” I said, “But I wanted to help, and I’m privileged to do it for

you.”

Florence lives in Michigan’s Northwoods

with her husband and four children.

Whether or not her obsession with

coffee cakes continues, she hopes to

always recognize the gift it is to work

beside her husband.

Want to try Flo’s cinnamon roll coffee

cake for yourself?

Turn to page 26 for her recipe.

Food for Thought…

Navigating the Jungle – Part 3 by Regina Rosenberry

Ready for some easy-to-follow tips while navigating through

the food aisles? Keep reading.

Make reading ingredient lists a habit.

Do I buy a butter spread with a list of many funny-sounding

ingredients, margarine that is made up of hydrogenated vegetable oil,

or butter which is cream and salt, two natural God-created

ingredients? Easy choice.

For my daughter's birthday party, I could buy a bucket of ice

cream with an ingredient list of milkfat and nonfat milk, sweet cream

buttermilk, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, whey, maltodextrin,

mono and diglycerides, tapioca starch, guar gum, locust bean gum,

carrageenan, natural and artificial flavors, sucralose, and annatto

(color). Or I could buy Turkey Hill's All Natural ice cream with an

ingredient list of: cream, nonfat milk, sugar, and vanilla flavoring.

Another easy decision even my school children could make.

After reading lists often enough, I soon

know which products use certain ingredients. I

then can shop quickly since I know what

products I trust. But since manufacturers do

change ingredients, I recheck labels at times.

Compare the off brands.

I always thought buying the cheaper

off brands was being a smart shopper. But

then I began to read ingredient lists and discovered cheaper products

tend to be made with cheaper ingredients, more food additives, fillers,

and colorings.

Cheap bread is made with enriched flour instead of whole

grains and is colored with caramel coloring. Off brands often use high

fructose corn syrup instead of sugar (between the two, sugar is better),

BHT instead of vitamin E to preserve freshness, fillers such as

maltodextrin instead of the real food, artificial flavorings instead of real

fruit or veggies, and synthetic colorings instead of naturally derived

food coloring.

Keep in mind this does not hold true for all off brands. Now

and then I will find an off brand with a better ingredient list than the

name brand. Just compare the ingredients between brands, and the

tale is soon told.

With this all said, I realize it is an unattainable dream for my

family to always eat food additive free. At times when no other

“Buying whole foods in their God-created form is the best and easiest way to keep

from consuming added chemicals and fillers.”

options are available, I knowingly purchase items with these food-

additives in them. I understand a balance is needed; I cannot live in

fear of the additives we will eat.

David Meintz, a registered dietician, stated that moderation is

the foundation upon which nutrition and good health are built. “If I

eat this type of food now and then, it won't have much impact on my

health. But if this is the kind of food I eat three times a week, week in,

week out, it could potentially have a negative impact on my health.”

So I comfort myself with the 80/20 rule. If we avoid food

additives as much as possible 80% of the time, then I will not worry

about the 20% of the time we do consume additives. Or if you feel

that still looks impossible, try a 70/30 ratio to start.

If reading the ingredient list is still confusing, at least remember

these three basic points:

1. As a general rule, products with a short ingredient list are

better for us than those that contain a long list.

2. If your fourth or fifth grader cannot pronounce half the

words on the ingredient list, the product is best left on the shelf.

3. Buying whole foods in their God-created form is the best

and easiest way to keep from consuming added chemicals and fillers.

Use rolled oats instead of cereal, real potatoes instead of packaged

instant, real cream instead of coffee creamer and whipped topping,

and fresh fruit instead of fruit-roll ups – you get the idea.

By arming myself with knowledge, I can shop for groceries

wisely. No, what I buy isn't always perfect. But with the options

presented to me, I make the best choice I can. Thus I can navigate

this food jungle with confidence instead of confusion.

Resources: Center for Science in the Public Interest

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

Natural News

Mayo Clinic ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Regina Rosenberry lives with her true love and six children in southern

Pennsylvania. A country girl, she's happiest when strolling through her flower

beds, getting her feet dirty in the garden, and discovering those hidden scenes

of beauty that leave her wordless. Forever 29 in her heart, she loves adventure

and trying anything new, which has turned her into a “jack of all trades and a

master of none.” But she keeps trying.

Across My

Kitchen

Table… Are you blessed with

an abundance of eggs

but need fresh ideas

on how to use them?

Read on for some delicious options!

For next time… Summer is almost here and with it, grilling

season begins! Send your favorite grilling recipes – for meats and

marinades, veggies, and more – by June 15, 2017.

__________________________________________________

Bacon and Egg Lasagna 1 lb. bacon, diced

1 large onion, chopped

1/3 cup flour

½ - 1 tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

4 cups milk

12 lasagna noodles, cooked &

drained

12 eggs, scrambled

2 cups shredded cheese

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

2 Tbsp. parsley

Cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper

towels. Drain, reserving ½ cup drippings. Sauté onion in drippings; stir in

flour, salt, and pepper. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil and cook 2

minutes. Remove from heat.

Spread ½ cup sauce in a greased 9x13-inch pan. Layer with 4

noodles, 1/3 of bacon and eggs, cheese, and white sauce. Repeat

layers twice. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake uncovered at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly.

Sprinkle with parsley. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

Phyllis Martin, PA

Pancake Pizza 3 cups pancake batter

Pancake syrup, as desired

12-16 eggs, scrambled and

seasoned

3 cups white sauce (recipe

below)

1-2 cups cooked meat:

sausage, bacon, or ham

1 cup shredded cheese

continued

Heat oven to 400. Pour pancake batter into a greased 9x13-

inch pan and bake until set (10-15 minutes). Prick with a fork and pour

pancake syrup over top.

Make a white sauce of ¼ cup butter, ¼ cup flour, ½ tsp. salt

and 3 cups milk.

Layer eggs, white sauce, meat, and cheese on top of crust.

Bake 20 minutes. Serve with ketchup or pancake syrup, if desired.

My husband’s favorite egg dish! This is too time-consuming for

a busy school morning, so I usually save it for a Saturday or Sunday

supper.

Rosanna Martin, PA

Egg Muffins 12 English muffins

18 eggs, beaten

1 cup milk

Salt & pepper, to taste

Bacon, fried and crumbled

Mix eggs, milk, and seasonings. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch

pan. Sprinkle bacon pieces on top. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes, until

set. Cool. Cut into 12 squares and lay one on each English muffin half.

Top with a slice of cheese and the muffin top. Wrap individually in foil.

Bake 30 minutes at 325, or till heated through.

These can be frozen. Thaw before baking.

Rachel Hege, PA

Revolution Rolls (healthy hamburger buns) 6 eggs

6 Tbsp. light cream cheese

1/8 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. Italian seasoning

2 pinches salt

Preheat oven to 350. Separate egg whites from egg yolks,

putting in two different bowls. Add cream of tartar to whites and beat

on high till stiff peaks form. Set aside.

Add cream cheese and seasonings to yolks and beat till well

blended. Gently stir yolk mixture into whites, being careful to not over

mix and make the whites fall. On a greased cookie sheet, make 12

equal sized blobs, not touching. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, until

golden (mine baked in 25 minutes).

They are good warm, but awesome cold and can be toasted

without problem. Freeze the leftovers in plastic wrap or individual

baggies or keep them in the fridge for up to five days. Toast them to

make them crispy again.

Makes 6 servings (put 2 together for a sandwich bun).

Delicious!

Brenda Steiner, WI

Angel Food Cake1¾ cups egg whites

1½ tsp. cream of tartar

¼ tsp. salt

1¼ cups cake flour

2 cups sugar

1 large box jello (optional)

Liquid flavoring – vanilla or

almond (optional)

Beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt until stiff peaks form.

Meanwhile sift flour, sugar, and jello. Fold into egg whites (do not beat;

treat the egg whites very gently). If desired, add flavoring at this point.

You can also reserve the jello and after you have flour folded into the

egg whites, divide batter and fold jello into half of it. Then with a table

knife, swirl the white batter and colored batter in your pan.

Bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until it no longer looks wet.

Now don't throw away those egg yolks! Use them to make a

scrumptious chocolate cream pie (see following recipe).

Carolyn Rudolph, IL

Variation: For mocha angel food cake, add 1-2 Tbsp. instant

coffee. Add 2 Tbsp. cocoa and reduce flour by that amount.

Melissa Mack, MO

Chocolate Cream Pie 5½ cups milk

¾ cup sugar

½ tsp. salt

Put in a saucepan and heat to 180-200.

¾ cup sugar

1/3 cup cocoa

¾ cup cornstarch

½ cup egg yolks

2-3 Tbsp. sugar

½ cup milk

Mix ¾ cup sugar, cocoa, and cornstarch. Mix egg yolks with 2-

3 Tbsp. sugar and ¼ cup milk. Mix until smooth. Slowly add remaining ¼

cup milk and mix well. Combine with dry ingredients.

Add to heated milk slowly while stirring. Cook until thick, stirring

the whole time. Remove from heat and add ¼ cup soft butter and 1

Tbsp. vanilla. Mix well. Pour into a baked pie crust. When cooled top

with Cool Whip and enjoy!

You can also use this recipe to make peanut butter pie; omit

the cocoa and reduce the sugar to ½ cup in the thickening step.

When thick, add peanut butter to taste.

Carolyn Rudolph, IL

Egg Roll 4 oz. cream cheese, softened

¾ cup milk

2 Tbsp. flour

12-16 eggs

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

Blend in blender. Line a 10x15x1-inch pan with parchment

paper. (Note: must be parchment.) Pour egg mixture into pan. Bake at

375 for 30-35 minutes or till set. Spread immediately with:

2-4 Tbsp. mustard

½ - ¾ cup sour cream or

French onion dip

Layer with your choice of toppings: fried bacon or sausage,

diced ham, onion, peppers, mushrooms, or black olives. Top with 2

cups of shredded cheese, then roll up like a cake roll. Top with ¼ cup

cheese and return to the oven for 3-4 minutes or till cheese is melted.

Slice and serve.

Some of my children think this is the best egg casserole.

Yummy!

Angela Burkholder, IL

Honduras Brownies 1 1/3 cups brown sugar

1 1/3 cups sugar (I use less)

1 cup vegetable oil

6 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2/3 cup baking cocoa

2 2/3 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1 cup chocolate chips

2/3 cup nuts (optional)

1½ cups mini marshmallows

Cream together sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add cocoa,

flour, and salt, mixing well. Add chocolate chips, nuts, and

marshmallows to batter.

Pour onto a greased 15x10-inch jellyroll pan. Bake at 350 for

15-20 minutes. Do NOT overbake. So delicious!

Charity Campbell, FL

Favorite Deviled Eggs 6 hard-cooked eggs, finely

chopped

3 bacon strips, fried &

crumbled

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 tsp. minced onion

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

¼ tsp. dry mustard

1 cup shredded cheddar

cheese

Combine all ingredients, except cheese, until creamy. Shape

into 1-inch balls. Roll in cheese. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Yields about 2 dozen.

Delphine Martin, PA

My Handy Husband by Joanne Reiff

My dad was always a good fix-it man. We’d take our non-

functioning irons, sweepers and mowers out to his shop, and before

long he’d have them working again. Sometimes the job looked a little

crude, but the important thing was… it worked! On my mental list of

ideal traits in a husband was one that went like this, “A man that can

fix things like Dad can.”

Amazingly, sometimes reality is even better than your dreams.

We were arranging things in our first little house when I began to

discover that the young man I had promised to marry could fix things

just as handily as Dad ever did. And, lo and behold, the end result

didn’t have a patched-up look like Dad’s had; it looked as good as

before and sometimes better! Talk about a delighted young lady!

The wedding day passed. We started settling in, and I

continued to discover that my husband really shone as a handyman.

He could do electrical, plumbing, carpentry, landscaping, gardening,

mower repair, and just general fix-it jobs. He’d often ask me what I

have that needs to be done in the evenings. It was wonderful! Time went on and we slowly started to wake up from that

blissful honeymoon state. I began to

wake up to a few other things as well.

One was that I was not the first to

discover my husband’s excellence as

a fix-it man. His dairy-farming parents

knew it, his brother knew it, his

grandparents knew it; and as time

moved on, more people discovered it

too. Now my parents also asked him for help on their projects, my

siblings had him help with their remodeling, and single sisters from

church called on him when something broke. Plus he was janitor at

church, so things needed attention there from time to time, too.

Somewhere along the way, I was discovering another strong

point in my new husband. This was a willingness to help others

wherever he could. Sometimes he even offered if he knew there was a

need.

Then we moved to a fixer-upper type of property. Just the

thing a fix-it man should do, right? We were now four years into our

wedded bliss, and fully awake to the realization that life was not only

about the two of us anymore.

And yet to me some of those jobs that needed to be done

around this new place seemed so important! But the phone did not

stop ringing with requests just because we had lots to do at home.

People kept asking and Hubby kept going. We would all go along,

and often it would turn into a happy time of visiting and spending time

with others while he fixed and repaired.

“When I don’t… demand that our things come

first, he faithfully does get them done, sooner

or later!”

But still it just felt like too much when others would call and we

had urgent and important things waiting on the Handy Man at home! I

would struggle (and unfortunately complain) when he’d go off to fix

someone else’s bathroom when ours needed help, too. It was like a

pebble in my shoe when this would happen again and again.

More years rolled by. I think I have learned that by willingly

allowing my husband to serve others, it brings us both the joy and

satisfaction that unselfish service always brings. And so I have come to

enjoy, but not selfishly hang on to, my handy man. This is how it came

about.

I was on my way home from shopping one morning. It was

getting close to lunch time. Our morning had gone unusually well. The

youngest had gotten a good nap even if we were away, the oldest

two hadn’t made any scenes in the store, and we would be home for

lunch. We had just gotten on the four-lane highway to head home.

Suddenly we noticed smoke starting to pour out from under the hood.

We pulled off to the side, and guess who we called?

Hubby said, “I’ll come right away!” We sat and waited for the

one who would know just what to do, while cars and trucks rushed

past on the busy highway. He was there in a shorter time than I would

have thought possible. He was grinning at us all, and didn’t make me

feel one bit guilty or silly for asking him to leave work to come to our

aid. Sure enough, he did know just what to do! What a relief for an

expectant mom with three youngsters who were soon going to be

hungry and grouchy!

As I thought back over that incident, a thought suddenly

came to me. “This is why people ask him to help! He’s willing, he usually

knows what to do, and he doesn’t make you feel stupid for asking.”

That was a new growth point for me. Now when three calls

come in one week, I do my best to make it possible for him to help

wherever he wishes. Because you see, I have discovered a third strong

point in my husband. When I don’t hang on and demand that our

things come first, he faithfully does get them done, sooner or later!

“The supreme test of our marriages and

homes is what is produced in the next

generation.”

Of Anniversaries and Altars by Marlene R. Brubacher

Today marks one year.

Give yourself a few days, they said. It might take a week or

two, they said.

(Digging up old memories is tacky, macabre, and, like

exhuming other composted items, best done alone in the dark of the

moon. Indulge me anyhow…or consider yourself warned and go read

the Budget.)

One year ago today I was on the top level of that blue KLM

airbus, crying as the last roofs of Europe disappeared below me.

Serving in Bulgaria had been a dream come true, and much

as I love my family and the Canadian Shield, it felt like my heart was

being ripped out and left behind as we soared off on the wings of

dawn.

So I gave myself weeks, a few months, and then more and still

more.

I got over it, of course.

Kinda.

But in random, ordinary moments as I email with miscellaneous

deacons over the producing of new church directories, or mop the

floor behind the miners, or band Living Waters, or scrub a client’s

toilets, or design job sheets and work orders for local mechanics, or

bathe Grandma Anna, a sudden memory shard will zing into my

consciousness, and I catch my breath, remembering.

I miss Rosie and Kierra and Janelle and Carrie and Jaecia and

Jeran and Mary Ann and Nancy. I miss serene cobblestone streets. I

miss the cathedral bells. I miss bread, and banitsa, and sausage, and

decent bananas. I miss elegance. I miss the markets and maga’zins. I

miss palm trees and fig trees, and grapes vining up the concrete

apartment walls. I miss even the exhilarating frustration of the

language barrier (yes, this is sure proof I was only a short-termer). The

other day, I was suddenly salivating for those fantastic cheese pies we

had in Greece, of all things.

And now it’s one year later, and I see that I haven’t gotten

over it at all, and I see that maybe I never will, and maybe that’s even

okay. Because it was so hard, and it was so good, and both shaped

me and made me who I am.

(I know that if I wouldn’t care, wouldn’t let my heart go,

wouldn’t put tentative rootlets down, I shouldn’t have to yank them

out. But that’s the fastest exit to becoming a crusty, cranky, prune-ish

spinster…and I’m not going there, so help me God. My life shall be

spent living.)

When the Israelites crossed the Jordan, God told them to go

back and dig up twelve stones for a memorial altar. They were never

to forget the miracle, never forget the guiding.

But years later, when the disciples spent awe-filled hours on a

mountain with Jesus, and the glory came down and so did the

patriarchs, and they heard God’s thunder, Peter desperately wanted

to save the splendour. “Let’s build shelters and stay here forever!” Do

you blame him? When you experience the eternal, when you see

God, your soul never regains its original dimensions. Which is all as it

should be.

Let’s capture this; never let it go; revel in the wonder forever!

It didn’t happen on the Mount of Transfiguration and it doesn’t

happen today. Rather, God says, “You saw me, heard me, and have

a clearer understanding of My Vision. Now go down and get to work.”

You’ve had those soul-journeys too, you know. It might not

have involved foreign service. (Though maybe it did. Maybe your call

is long-term, and you have to pick up the pieces and deal with the

aftermath when we short-termers waltz back to North America and Tim

Hortons, arrogantly pretending we Learned Something in those few

weeks, and deluding ourselves that we actually Contributed

Somewhat. God bless you for your amazing patience!)

Or maybe, for you, the road led to surrendering your career

dreams of the next ten years and accepting that boyfriend.

Maybe it means deliberately walking back into a tense

situation filled with potential wounds, because He called.

Maybe it means helping your children colour when you

wanted to nap.

Maybe it means sacrificing for your misunderstood special-

needs child, or loving children at VBS, or inviting your neighbours for

supper.

Maybe it means saying Yes to that out-of-the-comfort-zone

opportunity, or saying No to that fabric sale and then selling the cow

besides, so that you have extra money for brotherhood assistance.

Maybe it means cheerfully showing up in class every morning,

investing in your student’s lives for 35 years straight like my illustrious

aunt Marie.

Maybe you have buried babies, or repeatedly bury your

dreams of babies.

Maybe it means surrendering your will, over and over, when

your husband is ordained.

Maybe it means letting go of your rights to The One Thing You

Were Never Going To Do, and helping old ladies with personal care.

He calls, so we respond, even when the path is covered with

fog. We stumble up the mountain like Shasta, feeling cold and

forsaken, and finally in the morning sun we see Aslan Himself was

quietly guarding, beside us all night.

continued

And we keep driving down the road, and the lesson finally

emerges in the rear-view mirror. Oh, we say. So that’s what it looked

like; that’s what I learned?

Today marks one year.

This is not, I hope, a monument.

(I still have a heart for the nations and more dreams than I can

chase. I’m excited to see what God can do with loaves and fishes –

both yours and mine – in 2017. And some of us, who were shaped by

aunts in Guatemala and speakers from Russia, childhood friends in the

Philippines and schoolteachers from India, will always suffer from itchy

feet and hear the drum beat of fehrnweh* rather than heimweh**.)

But it’s a pause: to honour the past with gratitude, and then to

receive the present with joy. Maybe what’s behind us gives us more to

go forward with. Maybe my experiences give me more to offer my

world than I would have had, otherwise.

Maybe they are a life-pile of rough-hewn stones, baptized by

tears, where I meet God.

Kind of like an altar.

_____________________________________

*Fehrnweh: literally, far-sickness. A desire — whether met or unmet

— to travel to distant countries, to visit new places, and to

have new experiences. Its nearest English equivalent

might be the idea of “wanderlust.”

** Heimweh: homesickness

_____________________________________

Minute Meditations…

“And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The

way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for

those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein” (Isa. 35:8)

This world has many highways and byways; dead ends and

detours. We are dismayed by the maze, until we look to God, our

Guide. We are amazed by His means.

Way of Holiness, Defined A highway: route of holy,

Raised standards for the lowly; Blazed trail that perseveres across the land;

Steep way that leads a minor And mother to the finer

Dominion, there to enter hand in hand. -Lydia Hess

Tête-à-Tête…

___________________________________________________________________

A while ago, someone had asked a question about how to

crochet rag rugs and received no answers. I recently came across the

following instructions in the Hearth and Home magazine and thought

I’d share them here:

“A use for old sheets is to crochet rag rugs. I like to tear my

strips. It takes some effort to get the loose strings off the sides of the

strips after tearing, but once the strips are crocheted into a rug, they

are durable and do not fray. My school age children help a lot with

marking, tearing, and removing strings from the strips. I like to use 1½-

inch strips, so I will use that size as an example.

Square up an old sheet by tearing off all four edges. Tear in

thirds or fourths lengthwise, depending on how wide the sheet is.

Taking one section, bring the bottom edge up to the top

edge, right sides together. Move the bottom edge to the right 1½

inches. (There’ll be a slight ripple in the fold.) Pin the edges together.

Using a ¼ inch seam allowance and tight stitches, sew the

seam you just pinned.

Starting at the beginning of the seam, make a pencil mark

every 1½ inches in the seam allowance.

Make a little cut on the marks, barely cutting through the

stitching.

Now for the fun! Find someone to help you. One person takes

the tail and the other person takes the sheet. Both start pulling. If all

goes well, the sheet will be torn in one long strip in just a minute or two!

Pull the long strings off and roll the strips into a ball or stuff them

into a plastic grocery bag and tie one end to the handle. You’re ready

to crochet!”

The proofreader for this magazine adds a note: ‘I said to

myself, “This can’t possibly work! You can’t tear a sheet diagonally

across the grain.” So I tried it. And it works like a charm. You’re tearing

straight along the grain after all. If you measured 1½ inches precisely,

the tear will line up with the cuts on the seam. And if the cuts are off,

you just cut the seam where the tear comes to and continue tearing. It

is fun.’

Beulah VanPelt, OH

“Tête-à-tête” (tāt ə ‘tāt) is a French word

which conveys the idea of a cozy, friendly

chat between two people. I like the

connotation! Please allow us to include your

name unless it truly is a sensitive issue.

I wanted to add a few ideas to the question about hostess

meals, from a few issues back.

My mother-in-law often serves haystacks. Have extra lettuce

and toppings on hand. Fry plenty of hamburger and put extra in the

fridge, unseasoned. Bake plenty of potatoes or rice – leftovers are

handy for other casseroles. Then if there are unannounced guests, add

the meat to your crock-pot and season it.

I like to put a roast in the crock pot before bed Saturday night.

Put it in frozen, on low, overnight. Add ½ - 1 tsp. salt per pound, plenty

of sliced onion and minced garlic, if you like. Sunday morning, slice the

roast. Whisk ¼ cup flour with ¾ cup water, then whisk into the broth.

Heat until thick; I do it on high in the crock pot while I slice my roast.

Add salt if the roast is bland and more flour if the gravy is thin. Stir roast,

sliced or shredded, back into gravy, with mushrooms. Leave in crock

pot on low or warm. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice. If there are

guests, stretch the gravy with beef bouillon water and flour. I make

plenty of roast (venison or beef) and the leftovers make a good

casserole of gravy, meat, and cooked noodles. Add Velveeta cheese,

sour cream or mushroom soup if desired, and bake 30 minutes or till

heated through.

Bethany Martin, PA

_____________________________________________________

Flo’s Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake 3 cups flour

½ tsp. salt

1 cup sugar

4 tsp. baking powder

1½ cups milk

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

½ cup butter, melted

Topping:

¾ cup butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp. flour

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar

5 Tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs and vanilla

together. Slowly stir in melted butter. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch

pan.

Mix topping ingredients. Drop over cake batter evenly. Swirl

the topping and cake batter with a knife, going up and down the

length of the pan (but only inserting it in the cake batter a little – not all

the way). Bake at 350˚ for 28-32 minutes.

Stir together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over cake while

still warm.

I’m a fan of the Fox Tales. Mrs. Fox has a delightful,

unpretentious way with words. The Truck Mechanic’s Wife was

especially dear to me because that is also my title. I cannot identify

with the lingo the dairyman’s wife knows, but yes, I too recognize a

T800 and tune my ears to enjoy that 2-cycle Detroit. But we’re not so

far along in our journey – my husband is only this year taking active

steps to opening his own heavy-duty diesel repair shop. Such a simple

statement that involves a few missed heartbeats – for one reason or

another. Thanks for the encouragement to be my husband’s loudest

cheerleader, Florence. And keep writing!

Marilyn Detweiler, OH

We are concerned about the trend we see of mothers putting

their babies on feeding schedules and making them sleep all night in

their own cribs. We do not think it is fair for mothers to feel pressured

into doing this and not be informed of how God created us – that

nursing is meant to be a natural child spacer.

Perhaps you say, “But it doesn’t work for me.” Well, if you give

him a pacifier, nurse him only every few hours during the day, make

him sleep in his own bed all night, and make him sit a whole church

service with his dad – of course it won’t work.

We need to work with how God made us. Infertility during

nursing is a precious gift from God to mothers, but we need to do our

part to receive it. Two important things to remember are mother/baby

togetherness and frequent nursing.

So how does this work in real life? Do not use an artificial

pacifier. Be your baby’s pacifier. Sleep with your baby. Taking your

baby to bed with you accommodates unrestricted nursing. Do not

introduce other foods or liquids before six months. Do not do anything

that restricts nursing or separates you from your baby. Remember, be

with your baby as much as you can, and nurse as often as you can,

day and night.

Give this an honest try. For some of us who nurse this way well

over a year, our baby can be 18 months old before our monthly cycle

returns.

Young mothers, we do well to listen to the concern of an older

mother. I quote, “The sooner a baby is put on an all-night sleeping

schedule and is quieted with an artificial pacifier, the sooner the next

child will be coming along needing to be cared for. Perhaps if we are

not careful, we will have a cycle of burnt-out young mothers and little

children who have to grow up too fast, feeling like they have to get

the attention they crave from somewhere else.”

For much helpful information on nursing, read Mother to

Mother on Breastfeeding, available from GVS. Their phone number is

800-398-2494. This book gives practical guidelines on how to help

unrestricted nursing and a mother’s busy daily schedule work together

peacefully. -Concerned parents

Behold Thy Mother

She is a woman with the responsibility of an Eve, the

submissiveness of a Sarah, the willingness of a Rebekah, and

the beauty of a Rachel.

Her lifestyle requires the faith of a Jochabed, the

watchfulness of a Miriam and the endurance of a Zipporah.

At times she must exercise the boldness of a Rahab,

the determination of a Ruth and the courage of an Esther.

Her judgments involve the foresight of a Deborah, the

peacemaking qualities of an Abigail and the sincerity of a

Hannah.

She is as practical as Martha, as devoted as

Mary, and as unpretentious as Priscilla.

She preserves her spiritual heritage like a Lois,

imparts to her children the unfeigned faith of a

Eunice, and maintains the piety of an Elizabeth.

She is known in the community

for having the mending skills of a

Dorcas and in the church for having

the dedication of a Phoebe.

And before she is gone, pause and

reflect upon the contributions this woman

has made:

Behold, thy Christian mother! -Alma Barkman

springtime - mother to mother...book. read a page or two in a tiny slot of time and you're...

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