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He Cannot Read His Epitaph

If with pleasure you are viewing any work a man is doing, If you like him or you love him tell him now;

Don’t withhold your approbation till the pastor makes oration, And he lies with snowy lilies o’er his brow.

For no matter how you shout it he won’t really care about it, He won’t know how many teardrops you have shed,

If you think some praise is due him, now’s the time to give it to him, For he cannot read his tombstone when he’s dead.

More than fame and more than money is the comment kind and sunny,

And the hearty, warm approval of a friend. For it gives to life a savor, and it makes you stronger, braver,

And it gives you heart and spirit to the end. If he earns your praise – bestow it; if you like him, let him know it,

Let the words of true encouragement be said. Do not wait till life is over and he’s underneath the clover,

For he cannot read his tombstone when he’s dead. - Berton Braley

Mother to

Mother March 2017

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Please direct all correspondence to:

Glenn & Mary Beth Martin

595 Skyline Trail, Chester, MA 01011

Phone: (413) 354-7860

Fax: (413) 667-5227

Email: mother-to-mother@live.com

Hello, friends… If I had to pick a favorite song, I’m not sure what it would be.

However, one I have enjoyed for many years is “This Is My Father’s

World.” What stands out to me every time we sing the song, as we did

last evening, is the last verse:

“This is my Father’s world, O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world, the battle is not done,

Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heav’n be one.”

“O let me ne’er forget that though the wrong seems oft so

strong, God is the Ruler yet…” That is especially comforting when I am

tempted to frustration over the craziness of world events or things

closer home: relationship dynamics, grief and questions about those

taken “too soon,” – the young mother who died of cancer, my dad’s

cousin who died in a tree trimming accident – things over which we

have no control. In all this, God is the Ruler yet! What a blessing to

have that assurance.

We are still in winter’s grip (it’s 0 this morning), but with March

comes spring! The seed catalogs trickling into my mailbox are one

evidence. I’m looking forward to soon receiving my order from my

favorite seed company, Berlin Seeds in Ohio, and getting a few plants

started indoors. I used to start lots more, but the last year or so have

scaled that back to where it’s more manageable. The children are

looking forward to gardening, too. Heather wants her own small space

in the garden and Kent wants lots of space – as much as I’ll give him –

to raise root crops like potatoes, onions, carrots and more. Let’s hope

that all of our ambition lasts in the blazing heat of summer!

Welcome to our new subscribers! January is a popular time to

begin a subscription and this year was more than ever before. We’re

glad to have you! But not to forget those who have been with us

longer; we are glad you’ve stuck with us! The success of this little

magazine depends in a large part on your contribution – thank you!

As a reminder, when we print your original story or article, you

will receive a free year’s subscription for yourself or a friend. So send

them in; I always enjoy reading new ones! I presently have a

comfortable supply on hand – thank you for that. God bless you and

yours today!

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You Ask, You Answer…

I find myself in your shoes often! Isn't humility essential to respond

graciously in these situations?

A few thoughts to ponder on your first question. Am I asked for

advice? Or should I just listen quietly to the discussion? Must I always

air my views, even the well-meant ones? Whisper a prayer for

guidance when to talk and when to listen. When someone asks

advice, be honest yet kind. If you are thinking “My way is best and

any other is inferior/stupid,” it will leak into your talk. And remember,

you may give advice but it is their decision to make. Don't take it

personally if they don't do as you think they should. Pray about it

instead.

And to your second question. A smile and “thanks for your

advice” is a way to start in responding to the avalanche of “help”

we can receive at times! Exercise discernment. Is the advice coming

from someone high on ideals and low on experience? Is this person

on their third health craze in about as many years? Are the child

rearing tips they share producing good things in their own children?

Pray for guidance. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of

God… and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). Walk with your

husband in this and find rest in the guidance he provides. A calm

“this is what we have decided to do at this time” can be given to

answer high pressure folks. And be okay with making a few mistakes

along the way.

God bless you on your journey! -Pennsylvania

One thing that softens advice to others is starting out by saying,

“Something that works well for me…” or “I’ve gotten good results by

doing…” This leaves it open; if the other person wants to try it, they

at least know it worked for someone else. And when others give you

advice that leaves you stressed and pressured, often a good talk

with a more even-tempered, less-sensitive husband can do a wife

worlds of good. -Pennsylvania

Question : How can we graciously give well-meant advice on baby

care, healthcare, child-rearing and so on without coming across as

overbearing and opinionated? When we’re on the receiving end, how

can we keep from feeling frustrated and stressed with the wide-

ranging abundance of advice?

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First of all, when sharing advice, were you asked for advice? Advice

is more likely to be well received if it was requested, whereas

unsolicited advice may be harder to handle. If my advice was not

requested, then keep it minimal.

When sharing advice or your opinion, bear in mind this

thought: Never speak so strongly that you cannot be challenged.

You could include statements like, “I feel that...” indicating this is my

viewpoint and not the sole way of looking at something. Or, saying,

“So what do you think about it?” or “This is only one idea...” This may

open the door to hearing the other side of a story.

When receiving advice, remember that most advice does not

come with ill intent. Think, “I'm sure she had my best interest in

mind,” or “Likely she feels like she's doing me a favor.” Maybe this

would cut down on my frustration level. When sorting through the

child training or healthcare advice, usually your own intuitions as the

child's mother will serve you most. We all need advice, but in the

end, our own hearts usually know which applies to our own child the

best. -Pennsylvania

Jesus says, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also

to them likewise.” It fits many situations in life.

My thoughts went to my mother-in-law. She is a gracious

woman to whom I went for advice during my mothering years. We

live very close to my husband’s parents, so there is much they

observed in our family. However, they almost never came to us with

concerns and good advice. They were always there for us if we had

a problem and went to them with questions. Big difference. The few

times they did mention something of concern we felt open to hear

it. Most advice came in the form of a story of how it was years ago –

comparing yesteryears with how different it is today. Woven into

those tales is good advice if we want to hear it!

Expressing opinions may not be as necessary as quietly living a

faithful example. Sharing well-meant advice may not be as

necessary as reaching out with kindness and a helping hand.

If someone really needs advice, be assured there are likely the

right people in their life to do so – if they seek it.

Could the Golden Rule fit when receiving advice as well?

Could we thank the one who shared with us and let them know we

will consider what they shared? Sometimes the voice of our

heavenly Father kindly speaks to us in such human voices that we

find it hard to hear. -Pennsylvania

“You may not be able to control every situation and its outcome, but you can control your attitude and how you deal with it.”

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We have been on the receiving end of well-meant advice that

certainly felt over-bearing and opinionated, and I suppose I have

done it too. I have a hunch it happens without us realizing it at times.

If your advice was not asked for, it likely is not wanted. Biting

our tongue when we badly want to give advice is often best. Of

course, if a child's life or spiritual well-being is at stake, we must

speak up. But can't we simply accept that each mother will mother

in her own individual way, and that my way is not best for

everyone? Does the new mother with a screaming baby have to be

told that if she would calm down, her baby would calm down, too?

Why do we feel compelled to share our knowledge and

ways? It may be we are concerned, but let us be careful lest we are

proud of our “superior” knowledge and ways. Our pride can be

sensed, and then even our efforts to appear gracious, concerned,

and caring in giving advice will be useless.

Simply sharing something you have learned along lines of

health and baby care may be alright, if you know the other is open

to learning, or facing a need in that particular area. If you had a

colicky baby and learned some tips, share them with that new

mother. But maybe you could wait till Monday morning instead of

needing to add your two bits to her load after that stressful church

service!

On sharing health advice: be careful how much advice we

give to those struggling with health issues. The illness is enough of a

burden without the rest of us telling them everything we “know”

about what they should try. Don't become a compulsive health nut

who shares something for everyone's problem. Go ahead and learn,

but be careful about shoving your learning/experiences onto others.

On child training: if you have never walked a mile in the

moccasins of the parents of a “problem child”, don’t think you have

answers and advice. Just because you don't have trouble with

challenging children does not mean your training is superior to theirs.

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and

shame unto him” (Proverbs 18:13). Pray much for those parents; you

have no idea of the depth of despair and frustration they may be

feeling. They would appreciate knowing you are praying, as well.

There are good times and ways to share tips on what has

worked for you. If a mother shares with you her frustration with a

method that is not working, it may be well to give a suggestion.

(“Suggestion” has a different connotation than “advice.”) If

someone asks directly, feel free to share. Learn to say “May I think

about that for a little?” rather than spin off an answer you’ll later

regret after discussing it with hubby.

If you’re on the receiving end of one who has no clue of the

real situation, smile and be glad they care about you, and let their

advice roll off. There may be times you could say “We are doing the

best we can. Would you please pray for us?” -Missouri

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Cover new books with contact paper. Keep bookmarks in a handy

place for any child that can read; use bookmarks rather than

turning the book upside down to keep its place.

I’ve often opened my eyes wide in mock horror when I see our

children being careless with books. Then I repeat this rhyme about

Jon from The Little Church House books:

“And when the song comes to an end

Jon treats his songbook like a friend.

With gentle hand he holds its back

And softly tucks it in the rack.

Jon does not plop –

He does not drop

His book.

He treats it like a friend.” -Pennsylvania

One mother takes her children’s books apart and laminates them

when they are new. Another mother puts clear contact paper on

one side of each page, making it more durable. This mother has a

book-mending box containing book glue, clear duct tape, and

wide charcoal-colored tape to repair broken books. -Pennsylvania

One year when I was teaching, the children wanted to take our

lunchboxes home to pack the next day’s lunch. It didn’t need to be

anything extraordinary, but it was special. During the winter, some

parents anonymously placed a fresh flower bouquet on our desks

one evening. After-school snacks (fresh cookies!) were special, too.

Stamps, envelopes, gift cards, plants, books, towel sets, and

food are thoughtful gifts. I appreciated the useful gifts because my

bedroom didn’t need more than “so many” pretties. Large gift items

from the school could be a clock, rocking chair, luggage set,

footstool, magazine rack, office chair, lamp, sheet set or blanket. - Ohio

Question : How do you teach children to take good care of books?

Quite a few of our books have been “loved to death” by our children.

It is too easy for them to let their book laying on the floor and then the

next child steps on it.

Question : What are some practical ways you let your children’s

school teachers know that you are appreciative and thinking of

them? Any ideas for birthday or end-of-year gifts for teachers?

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Here are some ideas for day-brighteners that I enjoyed when I was

teaching: I always appreciated finding a note on my desk. You

could write a short note of encouragement with your signature on

your child’s report card. Send a cookie or something else special in

your child’s lunch to share with the teacher. Put an envelope with a

gas card in the teacher’s car. Invite the teacher to help you with

quilting or take the teachers with your family on a Saturday outing.

Share a plate of candy or cookies along with a mug of hot

chocolate before a planned vacation. Go through the alphabet

and give a small gift each week. Include a Bible verse that begins

with that letter.

Some ideas for gifts include: dress material or money

designated for material, sheet set, devotional books, mottos, gift

certificate, groceries, bath towel and washcloth, dishes, stationery

and stamps, candles, rugs, bookends, pillows or throws, supplies for

car washing, apron, or greeting cards. -Ohio

One thing I’m trying to do this term to brighten the teachers’ day is

to drop off an after-school snack to go with their coffee. I try to do it

about every two weeks.

Gas cards are a useful birthday gift that teachers appreciate.

For a teacher who has taught many years or has her own home, I

like to think toward fruit or snack baskets. Individually frozen

casseroles or containers of soup are very handy for quick meals.

When the teacher is at your house for supper, offer some

leftovers to her or tell her you’ll pack lunch for her tomorrow.

Be a friend to your children’s teachers, especially if they aren’t

living at home. Welcome them to join you for a family project some

evening or Saturday. Invite them to stay for family devotions or go

shopping together.

As for end of year gifts, I’ve heard of giving the teacher a

choice of several gifts in a similar price range. Or if they enjoy

reading, let them choose book(s) from a catalog. This could be

done with mottos or puzzles, too. -Kentucky

If your teacher is doing a good job, tell her so! Thank her for her

efforts. You know how it warms your heart to hear you did a good

job. Pass it on!

If you have a problem child in school, be sure to often

verbalize your appreciation of her efforts with the child. Let them

know you are praying for them.

Visit school. It’s more time-consuming than handing them a

cookie, but it may be better for both the teacher and your child. -Missouri

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Do you appreciate your child’s teacher? Show it first by the child

you send, second by gifts and favors. Teach your child to obey –

prompt, cheerful, unconditional obedience. Teach him to respect

authority – not judge it. Teach him to love books and learning – a

rainbow of subjects. A child like this verifies most clearly that his

parents truly appreciate school and teachers. If parents oppose the

teacher, excuse their child, and gripe about homework, their gifts

can feel to the teacher like bittersweet peace offerings.

When you are thinking of the teacher, get involved in school;

that’s where her heart is. Gladly give flashcard practice if she says

your child needs it at home. Send interesting objects from home that

relate to the lessons you hear about. Visit school. Share meat when

you butcher. Arrange to give a dozen eggs each week from the

flock your child tends. Are you making a meal for another family?

Give a portion to the teacher, especially if she cooks for herself. Sign

your name; anonymous gifts are nice, but teachers appreciate

when they aren’t all nameless. Offer to babysit for the married

teacher in the pressure of setting up school or getting ready for the

last day. Invite the teacher for a meal in your home. (But not

everybody in the last two months, please. School-closing season for

the teacher is like haying season for a farmer.)

Be a friend! I know a teacher can seem intimidating. But

sometimes they feel a bit lonely and misunderstood. No, they aren’t

iron-fisted and armor-clad. No, they don’t know everything. They are

quiet when everyone else is discussing cattle diseases and

motherhood struggles because they don’t know anything about it.

Maybe they are longing to discuss publishing and literature, art

ideas and personality challenges. Go out of your comfort zone and

learn about their world. Send a personal note to school in the

morning, just because you’re a friend. On impulse, share with the

teacher a short story or article you enjoyed reading; it’s like a

bouquet to her from you.

Gifts can be as practical as pens, paper, and postage stamps,

or as pretty as a planter brimming with petunias. The teachers at our

school often have a “wish list” families may ask for. You might never

imagine that the teacher needed an ironing board! Occasionally

consider buying one large-value gift with a group of students

contributing money towards it. Be observant – give jumper cables

after the teacher borrows yours. Gift certificates – greenhouse, local

store, school supply store, or even a homemade one for several

gallons of milk from the dairy farmer family. Grocery box, with a few

specialty items among the staples. Plastic organizer boxes… Think of

the teacher’s job, his hobby, and his family. Think handmade or

store-bought. Think consumable or durable. Thinking is behind

thoughtful gifts! -Pennsylvania

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I remember as an upper-grader, being somewhat embarrassed

when my parents sent me to school with a 15-pound roll of bologna

and a big gray butcher tub for a year-end gift for the teacher. And

then finding out later that it was something Teacher and his family

really appreciated!

When I taught school, I really enjoyed how most of my

students gave year-end gifts with their own personal touch. Two 4th

graders giggled when they realized they had both embroidered

pillowcases for the teacher. The 5th grade craftsman made

bookends one year, complete with duck figurines painted by his

artistic brother. The next year the artist made a wooden apple-

shaped cutting board, carefully colored and varnished. His next

brother presented a homemade recipe holder – one of those duck-

shaped ones with a clothespin beak. Another young wood-lover

made a lovely wooden patio planter with a two-tier birdhouse, and

his younger sister contributed her part by planting it with flowers from

their greenhouse. Two other brothers put together a puzzle and

mounted it on a piece of plywood to make a motto. One girl’s

mother helped her make simple cloth doilies, which she

embroidered.

Here are some other gifts I really enjoyed – a blank photo

album, birdfeeder, songbook, rosebush, rhododendron, cookbook,

and stamps. And the little homemade cards that came with them

were so special!

Other ways to let the teacher know you appreciate her work?

I loved finding notes from the mom in returned report cards. Just a

“hello and thanks for your work” or a comment about some issues or

attitudes reflected in the report card, or asking if there was some drill

they should be doing at home.

My co-teacher and I enjoyed the occasional after-school

invitations to tour the greenhouse, visit the duck barn, or take a walk

around the pond. Every once in a great while some mother would

send a little after-school snack – peanuts, whoopie pies…even

homemade ice cream!

By all means, ask the teacher occasionally how things are

going with your child. And when you can, mention a word or two

about something your child specifically enjoyed – an art class, a

story time book, or a science experiment.

When Teacher has to call a parent and report, “I gave your

child a spanking today,” (how we dreaded making those calls!) it

was reassuring to hear the parents say, “I think you did the right

thing. Thank you for doing your part!” -Pennsylvania

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name…” (Heb. 6 :10a)

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I bought a gallon of Mean Green and have been having good

success getting marker and pen marks off walls and dolls. I have

thankfully not had permanent marker to contend with (yet!), but I

would certainly give it a try. I put the Mean Green right on the rag,

get the scribbling child scrubbing, and watch marks disappear! One

problem though; my graffiti toddler doesn't understand how bad

scribbling on walls is, if it comes off so easily! -Missouri

My go-to treatment for any kind of marks on hard surfaces is a Mr.

Clean Magic Erase pad. It’s amazing what those can remove! If it’s

a cloth doll, spraying hairspray on the marks and letting it set a while

before washing may help. At least, that removes pen marks; I don’t

know how it would work for markers. Best wishes! -Massachusetts

I have found that Wet Ones work (doesn’t need to be brand-name). -New Mexico

__________________________________________________________

New Questions… 1. 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!

2. What books would you recommend that made a difference in your

life as a mother and homemaker, particularly about child training

and household management?

3. Any helpful tips for a 5-year-old girl who wets herself during the day?

Spankings and small incentives haven’t been very effective.

4. 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?

Please respond with answers by April 15, 2017.

Question : What can you use to get permanent marker drawings off

dolls?

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Fox Tales from the Northwoods…

The Truck Mechanic’s Wife by Florence Fox

When I became Mrs. Marlin Fox in 2005, I knew almost nothing

about trucks. Marlin fixed broken-down trucks and rebuilt wrecked

ones, but the best part of his job – to me – was that his work fit into

conveniently scheduled hours.

I grew up on a farm, learning how to work by feeding chickens

and bedding calves until I graduated to the milking schedule. Back

then, I believed I was tragically underprivileged. Waking at four-thirty in

the morning to milk and then planning my day around the evening

milking felt restricting and inflexible. I was thrilled that Marlin saw his

future in trucks. Especially since fixing trucks wouldn’t require any of my

assistance and would be more accommodating than a farmer’s hours.

In the early years of our marriage, I rode along with Marlin in

the semi when his boss sent him on trucking trips. As we traversed the

south from Mississippi to Florida or crossed Colorado’s mountain passes,

Marlin taught me how to tell the difference between a T600 or a T800

Kenworth, a 379 Peterbilt from a 378, a zack lift from a conventional

tow truck. Trucks didn’t interest me, but the mechanic did, so I

determined to learn all I could about Marlin’s work.

Marlin dreamed of starting his own truck repair shop, and

when the doors opened to move to Michigan, much nearer our home

state of Wisconsin and with easier entry for business startups, Marlin

began looking for a suitable shop.

In December of 2007, Marlin opened for business. The small

shop was big enough for two mechanics and three or four trucks. After

a few weeks of shop work, Marlin shared with me his Newest Great

Idea. “I’ll advertise roadside repair for heavy trucks. When semis blow a

tire or burn up a brake chamber, the drivers can call me to fix them up

along the road. It will save them a towing bill, and give us work

besides.”

I looked at Marlin skeptically. “Who would call you?” “Anyone who drives a big rig.

We could fix buses or trucks or

motorhomes. Did you ever think about it

that Michigan’s main interstates

intersect in our town? We’ll get local

traffic and long distance drivers.”

Marlin advertised twenty-four

hour road service, and just as he hoped,

his phone started ringing. One of the first

after-hours-calls came on a Saturday

afternoon when a pickup driver called

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for a trailer tire for the boat he was pulling. It was no problem for Marlin

to zip up to the interstate to change a tire, and even though he ended

up replacing two trailer tires that time – the second for another driver

with the exact same problem a half a mile beyond the first – he was

back home before I had time to miss him.

Marlin loved the adventure and excitement of service calls.

What would the next call be? And what unusual situation would he

discover? The thrill of being the rescuer gave Marlin unlimited energy

to answer the calls.

I was thankful that Marlin had enough work to support us,

because starting a new business is risky. But when Marlin went out

several nights during a bitter cold week to fix trucks with frozen air lines,

I struggled to be thankful. Why did the all-hours commitment seem

vaguely familiar? Mechanics were supposed to work from seven-thirty

to five, or something like that.

Within a few years, Marlin had the opportunity to buy a heavy-

duty tow truck. New possibilities for roadside recovery excited Marlin,

and I was happy to see him doing the work he loved. Besides, it was

fun to hear the stories Marlin shared after an interesting tow job.

As the customer base grew, so did the team fixing trucks. After

several years Marlin turned over responsibilities for after-hours service

work to capable mechanics. By that time, I had become so

accustomed to Marlin’s phone ringing at all hours that I wasn’t sure

about the change. Would the after-hours service work go on without

Marlin’s energy? And who would tell us the latest service call or towing

story?

Marlin had taught his replacements well, and the service calls

and towing jobs were handled just fine. Marlin and I loved the new

freedom we enjoyed from this delegation. Perhaps my mechanic-

husband’s job would yet fit into convenient business hours.

The team at the shop grew and took on more responsibilities,

and Marlin knew the day was coming when he could step back from

day to day involvement. Wouldn’t it be fun, Marlin liked to say, to have

a little farm where I could stay home more often and work with the

children. The thought scared me, as flashbacks of four-thirty mornings

and unrelenting schedules stirred in dusty memories.

Anything but farming, I thought, with unscheduled hours and

constant work. “If poverty is what you’re looking for,” I told Marlin,

“there are easier methods. I don’t think I would make a good farmer’s

wife.”

Marlin laughed. “I disagree. You’d make a great farmer’s wife,

and I know what I’m talking about – in my mechanic work, you’ve

been my greatest supporter.”

Florence lives in Michigan’s Northwoods with her husband and

four children. Whether Marlin is describing a faulty EGR valve or teaching a

mechanic how to remove kingpins, Florence never tires of hearing about

Marlin’s work.

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Food for Thought…

Navigating the Jungle – Part 2 by Regina Rosenberry

So here we are, ready to go deeper into the jungle. To recap,

in last month’s issue we exposed some of the common terms found on

packaged food items. Now we're going to uncover what a few of

those foreign-sounding items are that we often find listed in ingredient

lists. You may wonder, “Why does it matter?” Often food additives will

be listed as “less than 2% of...” That tiny amount can't possibly be

harmful, can it?

There are literally thousands of food additives and they are

found in most all prepackaged foods. According to research done by

Julie Miller Jones, a professor at a college in St. Paul, Minnesota,

Americans will eat their weight in food additives every year! That tiny

2% grows into pounds for each person in only one year’s time.

Since there are over

thousands of food additives, here are

just a few considered by health

experts as the ones to avoid if

possible.

Disclaimer: It is not my intent

to make already busy moms feel

guilty. I only want to share to whoever

is interested the information I've

learned and found helpful.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol is commonly found in certain food items

such as most types of artificial flavorings (example: vanilla, peppermint,

almond), sodas, salad dressings, and ice creams. This grade of PG

used in food is called the pharmaceutical grade and considered not

as toxic as the industrial grade.

Industrial-grade PG is an active ingredient used in antifreeze,

airplane de-icers, polyurethane, and varnishes.

Both grades are considered harmful by many health experts.

Other experts would claim that large quantities of the pharmaceutical

grade PG would need to be consumed before it is toxic to the body.

But to me, anything even close to antifreeze doesn't sound too

appetizing. So consume at your own risk!

Monosodium Glutamate, commonly known as MSG

MSG is a synthetic (man-made) product manufactured by

fermenting vegetable proteins, starch, sugar beets or molasses.

Because of the meaty, beefy boost it gives to food, MSG is used as a

flavor enhancer and is found in processed foods, seasonings, mixes,

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salad dressings, bouillon, broths, cream soups, and waxes applied to

fresh fruits and veggies, to name a few.

Confusion occurs when labels may read (for example, on cans

of chicken broth) “No MSG added,” but in small script underneath you

will read, “Except what occurs naturally.” How can this be? Some

foods such as mushrooms, tomatoes, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and milk

have a naturally occurring glutamic acid that is similar in taste and

structure as the manufactured MSG. By manipulating these foods

through a process, it can force the glutamic acid to be released,

creating a concentrated and isolated form of MSG.

Another form of MSG is made by hydrolyzing proteins found in

certain foods by using chemicals, acid, or enzymes. Companies then

label these forms of MSG as “naturally occurring” even though these

forms have been manipulated and are no longer in their natural state.

To hide these types of MSG, labels may use these words such

as hydrolyzed protein, yeast extract, autolyzed yeast, natural flavoring,

or anything with the word enzyme modified or protein fortified.

Manufactured (the MSG most of us are familiar with) and

manipulated MSG have been known to cause severe side effects in

people sensitive to MSG. According to the Mayo Clinic, migraine

headaches, irritable bowel, heart palpitations, flushing, sweating, and

more has been reported to the FDA. MSG also causes the pancreas to

release insulin affecting our blood sugar. Most health experts

recommend not consuming any form of MSG for the myriad of health

problems it has been known to cause. But then in Japan where MSG

was first discovered in 1907, MSG is set on the tables and used like salt.

Research for yourself, and be the judge.

Hydrogenated Oils

Oils are hydrogenated when their naturally fatty acids are

chemically converted to a different form to give it a longer shelf life.

Animal and vegetable fats (such as palm, soybean, and corn oil) are

hydrogenated by heating the oils under extremely high pressure. A

metal is then injected into the oil which changes the molecule

structure creating a semi-solid (partially) hydrogenated oil. Sounds

scrumptious.

During the hydrogenation process, the healthy fats found in

these oils are converted into what is known as trans fats. The body

does not know how to use these foreign trans fats since it's not a food,

so the trans fats collect in the body causing obesity, heart disease and

diabetes.

All medical professionals agree our exposure and intake of

hydrogenated oils should be limited to avoid these trans fats. In fact,

New York City has banned all trans fats from its restaurants, and in

recent news reports, the FDA is considering banning hydrogenated oils

from all food products.

Hydrogenated oils are hiding everywhere, including Ritz

crackers, coffee creamer, instant cocoa mixes, whipped toppings,

Page 15

commercially made baked goods, microwave popcorn, instant

potatoes, and more. Most margarine and vegetable shortenings such

as Crisco are made of hydrogenated oils.

Don't be fooled by claims on the front of the packaging. For

example, some whipped toppings will claim “No trans fats” on the

front. But when you read the ingredient list, partially-hydrogenated oil

will be listed. To deceive us, companies keep the recommended

serving size so small that the trans fats are minimal in that serving size;

therefore it is not required by law to be listed. This enables the product

to be considered trans fats free. But if I eat more than the listed serving

size of two tablespoons, then the grams add up and I have consumed

a measurable amount of trans fats.

BHT and BHA

BHT (butylated hydroxyoluene) and BHA (butylated

hydroxyanisole) are derived from chemicals and are used as a

preservative in prepackaged food to keep the taste and colors fresh

and the food edible a year from now.

A yummy-sounding fact: BHT is used to make some plastics,

rubber tires, and embalming fluid. An article in BusinessWeek

mentioned that BHA and BHT increase the risk of cancer and may

retard cell development according to repeated studies. In spite of BHT

being banned by most countries, the

FDA approved BHT as a food additive

and for food packaging material, such as

wax paper, and bags for cereals,

crackers, and more. It is interesting to

note that vitamin E has been found to do

the same job as BHT but is not often used.

You will find BHT listed in most cereals and many packaged

foods. If you desire to keep this additive out of your diet, check the

ingredient list. Mom's Best cereal brand deserves a gold medal; their

cereals do not contain BHT. Another brave food company who dares

to package some cereal without this additive is General Mills. Their

Cheerios do not contain BHT. Moms, rejoice! (Other General Mills'

cereals do contain BHT. Read the ingredients).

Aspartame

NutraSweet and Equal are brand names for aspartame. Even

though it has been FDA approved since the early 1980’s, this product

has seen extreme controversy in the safety of its consumption.

Numerous health experts argue against its use in over 6,000 food

products. Many adverse reactions to aspartame have been reported

to the FDA. Some of the symptoms included migraines and

headaches, dizziness, nausea, depression, memory loss, and more.

Health experts feel it is better to consume actual sugar, than

this artificial sweetener. If you wish to avoid it, read the food labels.

Remember, if a product advertises it is reduced sugar or sugar free, this

is usually a flag that aspartame could be used in the product. It will be

“Americans will eat their weight in

food additives every year...”

Page 16

listed in the ingredient list or in very small words underneath the claim.

Examples of products containing aspartame include most all diet or

low-calorie drinks and snacks, gum, low-sugar yogurts, and juice.

Food Coloring and Dyes

In our Great-Grandmother's day, food coloring came from

nature itself: black walnut hulls, berries, spices and more. But as the

food world evolved, manufacturers wished to make food look fresh

and vibrant, so changed the sources and ways of making food dyes.

Around the turn of the century, synthetic colors and dyes

became cheaper to produce by burning coal tar or using petroleum.

This is done to create a base for a wide range of colors such as, Blue

No. 1, Red No. 3, Yellow No. 5 and all the other color numbers, and is

the type of food coloring now usually used.

Asthma, heart troubles, and behavior problems in children are

only a few of the health concerns from consuming these colorings.

The FDA feels limited amounts will not be a serious threat although

there is much that has remained unstudied. Other health experts

vehemently disagree.

Throughout Europe, measures have been taken to end the use

of these chemically derived dyes. Any products containing them must

be clearly labeled with health warnings.

Until the United States adopts this standard, I can know what

I'm truly buying by checking the ingredient list. Cereal, ice cream, fruit

fillings in granola bars and fig bars, drinks, juices, candy, gum, Kool-Aid,

Jello, and yogurts barely touches the list of the many items containing

food colorings.

Manufacturers use food dyes for trickery, so don't be fooled

into buying products that look “healthy and natural.” Tortilla wraps

that claim to be made with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes don't

always get their lovely green or red color from the veggies, but from

food coloring. Garden spiral macaroni, yogurt, snacks, and other

items claiming to be made with real fruit or veggies likely get the

healthy look from food coloring. Some products made with whole

wheat get their warm brown shade from caramel coloring to make

them look darker. Even some cheddar cheese, cheese spreads, and

boxed macaroni and cheese get their pretty yellow color from

synthetic food dyes. You know where to go to bust the manufacturer's

secret.

On a cheerful note, some manufacturers have begun to use

natural colorings that come from spices or plants in their products.

When my children begged for a package of rainbow-colored

Pepperidge Farm fish, I figured it was nothing but food coloring. But

when I flipped the package over to read the ingredient list, I was

astonished to find the colorings came from turmeric, beets, and other

plant sources. Rejoice again!

Page 17

Here are a few other ingredient’s we often see in an

ingredient list and may wonder what their purpose is. These are

generally considered “mostly safe” by health experts.

Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Cellulose Gum,

Locust Bean Gum

These food additives are stabilizers and used to thicken, keep

liquids from separating such as in salad dressings, add volume, and

help prevent crystallization in ice cream.

Vitamins and Minerals

Words like niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, and folic acid are

vitamins or minerals added to products. This is often done because

during the refining process of grains and the cooking process, these

essential vitamins are lost.

Keep in mind, your body can best absorb vitamins and

minerals when they are kept naturally in the food product. Inferior

manufactured forms of these vitamins are often used when added

back into food products.

Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin comes primarily from corn or rice starch. Since

it’s cheap to produce, maltodextrin is used to increase shelf life of

food, as a filler or ingredient in products to add bulk, and may be used

as a sugar sweetener since it doesn't have to be labeled as sugar on

the product.

Maltodextrin is considered nontoxic, but since it has a higher

glycemic index than sugar, it can cause blood sugar levels to spike.

Understand also that maltodextrin adds calories to food so it may

cause weight gain if consumed on a regular basis.

Such discouraging information often made me despair. Was I

being a paranoid mom to worry about what my family was consuming

in prepackaged foods? How could I know what was in them?

But when I learned the secret, my many questions were

answered. I no longer had to be a puppet blindly buying whatever

food companies created; by reading what was in their products, I

could pick and choose between brands to find the one with the

healthiest ingredients. It became a thrilling challenge – to see if I could

outsmart these food foxes and not fall prey to their sales gimmicks and

hidden additives.

In the next and last installment, we'll learn the secret to making

everything practical and until then, don't get lost in the jungle!

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.

Page 18

Across My

Kitchen

Table… Ever wish you could

make your own bagels

or English muffins? Here

are some tips for success

and a few recipes to try,

compete with variations. Try some – it’s not as hard as it may appear!

For next time… what do you make when you have an “eggs-

stra” abundance of eggs – and your chickens keep producing more?

Send your recipes that major in eggs – not just breakfast, but other

dishes too – by April 15, 2017.

__________________________________________________

Three Tips for Homemade Bagels by Gina Martin

I've heard that you can't find a truly good bagel outside of

New York City. That may be true, but with these three tips I made

bagels that delight my family (and is a whole lot cheaper than a visit

to NYC). If you know how to make a basic yeast bread, you can make

bagels. They are not difficult, but just require a few different steps than

regular bread.

1. High gluten flour

One of the distinctive features of bagels is their chewy texture. This

is partly due to the high gluten flour used in bagel making. For the

home baker, you have several options. The first is to purchase a flour

with a high gluten content. If using white flour, buy flour labeled

“bread flour.” This will have a higher gluten content than all-purpose

flour. If using whole wheat flour, look for a hard winter wheat. I use

Prairie Gold wheat which has a higher gluten and protein level than

some other varieties of wheat.

In addition, you can add a small amount of vital gluten. Most bulk

food stores carry this grayish/white flour. Vital gluten will help gain that

bagel texture, especially if you are using an all-purpose flour.

2. Long and cool rise

Often we are in a hurry when we bake bread. We like instant

yeast, no-knead methods, and fast-rises. But for bagels it pays to take

your time. The flavor of bagels increases significantly with a slow rise.

Page 19

The easiest method I have found is to allow your bagels to rise

overnight in the fridge. This means planning ahead, but really doesn't

make bagel making any more difficult. I also use only a small amount

of yeast so it rises slowly. If using sourdough, you can still use an

overnight rise, but the sourdough will add enough flavor that I don't

find it absolutely necessary.

3. Boiling the dough

The most unique aspect of bagel making is boiling the bagels

before baking. The purpose in this boiling is to halt much of the yeast

activity. This is a major factor in the chewy texture of bagels.

Give bagel making a try. When I was experimenting with bagel

recipes, I baked bagels every Saturday morning for a few weeks. My

family wishes my bagel-making urge would have continued.

Bagels 2¼ cup warm water

2 Tbsp. honey

2 tsp. yeast

5 cups flour (white or whole

wheat or a mix)

1 Tbsp. vital gluten (optional)

2 tsp. salt

Desired toppings or variations

Combine all ingredients. Mix well. Allow dough to rest for ten

minutes. Mix dough, adding more flour if needed. The dough should

be easy to handle and not too sticky. Knead for five minutes.

Place dough in a greased bowl and allow to raise until double

(about an hour). An alternate method is to place the dough in a

loosely covered bowl in the refrigerator overnight.

After the dough is risen (or when you take it from the

refrigerator) divide into 12 balls. You may also add any additional

ingredients at this time such as raisins and cinnamon (more information

below).

Form bagels by rolling the dough in a smooth ball then push

your fingers through the center and stretch. The center hole will need

to be rather large since when the bagel rises, the hole will decrease in

size.

Cover the bagels with plastic wrap or a damp towel and allow

to rest for about 20 minutes. If the dough is cold, it may take slightly

longer. You don't want them to over-rise. To test if the bagels are

ready, drop a bagel in a bowl of cold water. They are ready to bake

when the bagel floats. There is no need to test them all. When one

bagel floats, they are all ready. If you did not refrigerate your dough

overnight during the first rise, an alternate method is to place the

bagels on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for

several hours or overnight. Allow the bagels to warm up for half an

hour before boiling.

While the bagels rest, prepare your boiling water. In a large

pan, place about 2 quarts water and 1 Tbsp. baking soda. Bring the

Page 20

water to a boil. Drop your bagels in the boiling water. Depending on

the size of pan, you can boil several bagels at a time. They should

immediately float. Boil for half a minute. Turn the bagel over and boil

for another half a minute.

Remove bagels from water and place on a baking sheet.

Bagels are notorious for sticking to the pan. I like to use parchment

paper or a silicone baking mat. If you have neither, drain the bagels

before placing on a well-grease pan. They won't rise much in the oven,

so you can place the bagels close together.

If you wish, brush the bagels with a beaten egg and sprinkle

with sesame or poppy seeds before baking. Bake at 450° for 15-18

minutes.

Variations: For cinnamon raisin bagels add 1 tsp. cinnamon to

dough. Soak 1 cup of raisins in ½ cup hot water for 15 minutes, then

add to dough while kneading. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with

cinnamon sugar before baking. Get creative. You can add cheddar

cheese and rosemary, onion flakes and bacon bits, mashed banana

and walnuts, or whatever you can envision.

Gina Martin, PA

Sourdough Egg Bagels2 cups active starter

1 cup warm water

3 eggs

2 Tbsp. oil

1 Tbsp. honey

¼ cup vital gluten (optional)

3 cups whole wheat flour

2½ cups white flour (or all white

or all whole wheat flour)

3½ tsp. salt

Desired toppings or variations

Mix all ingredients together. Allow to rest for twenty minutes.

Knead dough for five minutes. Add more flour if needed. This will be a

slightly stiff dough. Place in a greased bowl and allow to rise for 4-6

hours until doubled. While rising, stretch and fold the dough at least

twice to help strengthen the gluten.

After rising, divide the dough into 12 pieces and shape into

balls, then punch a hole in the center of each ball and stretch into a

bagel shape. Cover bagels with plastic wrap or a damp towel and

allow to rise for two hours.

In a large pot, boil two quarts of water with 2 Tbsp. baking

soda. Gently drop bagels in the boiling water and cook for thirty

seconds on each side. Place on parchment-covered baking sheet.

Brush with egg wash (egg beaten with 1 Tbsp. water) and sprinkle with

favorite topping. Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes.

Gina Martin, PA

Page 21

English Muffins English muffins are a unique yeast bread. English muffin dough

typically contains a small amount of yeast with additional baking soda.

The dough is rather sticky and shaped or cut like biscuits and “baked”

quickly on a griddle instead of an oven. Sometimes the dough is more

like a batter and is actually poured into rings on the griddle. The goal is

a muffin that has lots of craggy holes inside to hold lots of butter and

jam. My family loves a homemade English muffin made into an egg

sandwich for breakfast. English Muffin Bread has the same distinctive

holes but is in a baked in a loaf pan for simplicity.

Sourdough English Muffins½ cup sourdough starter

1 cup milk

2 cups whole wheat flour (or

white if you prefer)

1 Tbsp. honey

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

In the evening, mix the sourdough starter, milk and flour

together. Stir well. Cover loosely and sit overnight.

In the morning add the honey, salt and baking soda; stir well.

The mixture will be rather thick, like a sticky dough. You will be almost

kneading the mixture. If you wish, you can dump the mixture on the

counter and knead with your hands. I like to stir in a bowl with a

wooden spoon. Mix or knead until the new ingredients are thoroughly

combined.

To shape, pat the dough out on a floured counter and cut

with a biscuit cutter. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky. Or shape

the dough into round flat muffins with your hands. Makes 8-12 muffins

depending on size. Place the muffins onto a cornmeal sprinkled

counter and allow to rest for 30 minutes before baking.

Bake on the stove-top in a pre-heated, ungreased, cornmeal-

sprinkled skillet or on an electric griddle. Place muffins in pan and

cover the pan with a lid and bake at medium low heat. Don't heat too

high or the bottoms will be done before the middle. Flip the muffins to

bake on the other side. Serve.

Gina Martin, PA

“It does not need to be an easy day or a perfect day to be a good day. Any day lived in the will of our

heavenly Father is a good day.” -Author Unknown

Page 22

English Muffins 1 cup milk

2 Tbsp. white sugar

1 pkg. active dry yeast

1 cup warm water

¼ cup melted butter

6 cups flour*

1 tsp. salt

Warm the milk and allow to cool until lukewarm. Dissolve yeast

and sugar in warm water.

Combine milk, yeast mixture, butter, and 3 cups flour in a

mixing bowl. Beat until smooth. Add salt and remaining flour, enough

to make a soft dough. (I used the full amount.) Knead until well mixed,

then cover and let rise till doubled – about 1 hour.

Punch down. Roll out to ½ inch thick. Cut into rounds of

desired size. Sprinkle waxed paper with cornmeal and set the rounds

on this to rise. Dust tops of muffins with cornmeal also. Cover and let

rise half an hour.

Heat a greased griddle to 325. Cook muffins on griddle for 8

minutes on each side. Split and serve with butter and jam. Delicious!

*Use whatever combination of flours that you wish. I used half

Occident and half whole wheat. Sometime I’d like to try all whole

wheat (fresh ground).

Mary Beth Martin, MA

English Muffin Bread 5 cups flour, divided

2 pkgs. yeast

1 Tbsp. sugar

2 tsp. salt

¼ tsp. baking soda

2 cups warm milk

½ cup warm water

Cornmeal

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar, salt and

baking soda. Add warm milk and water; beat on low speed for 30

seconds, scraping the bowl occasionally. Beat on high for 3 minutes.

Stir in remaining flour (batter will be stiff). Do not knead.

Grease two 8x4-inch loaf pans. Sprinkle pans with cornmeal. Spoon

batter into pans and sprinkle cornmeal on top. Cover and let rise until

doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes or until golden

brown.

English muffin bread tastes much the same as English muffins,

but is quicker to make. I got this recipe from Taste of Home.

Mary Beth Martin, MA

“The more a child becomes aware of a mother’s willingness to listen, the more a mother will begin to hear.”

-Author Unknown

Page 23

First Birthday by Sara Bowman

There was to be a first birthday party for a little girl. Her mother

planned carefully, preparing the food, including ice cream and cake.

She invited the family from both sides.

The day arrived. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins

gathered. There were even a few additions; two of her aunts had

begun courtships since she was born. Her daddy opened the door for

each family as they came, their children in tow.

There was the square white cake topped with an

arrangement of daisies and pink roses and buds.

Despite all of this, something was missing. Where was the little

girl, with smiles and giggles, to be cuddled and tickled? Where was the

little girl to play with her cake?

She was the one missing. After three short days here on earth,

she joins her brother awaiting the redemption of the body. The empty

space she leaves behind is the reason for the one white rose in the

center of her cake.

She wasn’t here at her birthday,

so what did we have? We had a

scrapbook of her life, birth, and death,

lovingly made by her mother. There was

another scrapbook crafted by many

friends and family. We had questions, if

only in our hearts. “Would she have been

crawling or nearly walking? Beginning to

say words? What would she have looked

like?” She has two close-in-age girl

cousins. Would she have been slender and lithe, like one? Or, like the

other, chubby with lots of blond hair? Or perhaps her hair would have

been dark, like her mother’s.

We had a day of friendship and fellowship, coupled with tears

and aching hearts. Her parents’ arms, twice filled, twice emptied. And

yet through all of this, they bravely smile on. When we gather to bless

the food, her daddy shares a bit, remembering their baby girl and

thanking all of us for supporting them. And then he says, with tears in

his eyes, “We have much to be thankful for.” And we bow our heads

for prayer.

Much to be thankful for! We have their example. Given much,

yet lost much as well. Much to be thankful for! The testimony, the

acceptance in those words. We thank the Lord that they could come

to this place. They will never fully understand the example they are to

us.

Much to be thankful for! If they can say this, cannot I do

likewise?

Page 24

Every Day is Mother’s Day… by Evelyn Zimmerman

My son was never really into cooking and housekeeping, so I

was rather surprised to receive a dinner invitation from him the other

day. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Was my farmer son changing

behind my back? Was he suddenly grown from a rambunctious all-boy

youngster into an entertaining gentleman?

I eagerly accepted his invitation and presently found myself at

his table. A small purple plate was set before me. A large blue cup,

twice the size of my plate, and a rubber-coated spoon completed my

place setting. My host soberly agreed that I was best off sitting on the

floor lest I break one of his tiny pink folding chairs.

He soberly seated himself and we bowed our heads for grace.

I silently thanked God for three-year-olds and the privilege of

interacting with mine. And then I waited for the “Amen.” I waited and

waited, my amusement growing until I could hardly contain it. Was he

paying back for his Daddy’s grace, which he usually thinks is too long?

Finally I whispered, “I’m waiting on you. Aren’t

you the daddy?”

A startled look passed over his face

and he admitted that I was right. It was

plain to see that it hadn’t crossed his mind

that even the length of the grace was in

his power.

He didn’t get flustered. One

moment to quietly digest the fact, and then

he calmly proceeded with the serving of the

meal. Soup out of an empty bubbles can. A

piece of bread, and salt from his empty onion

powder shaker.

He politely asked me if I wanted more water, solemnly refilling

my towering blue cup out of a sparkly pink teapot. I daintily nibbled

my bread, enjoyed refreshing draughts of water, and scraped my

plate clean.

My handsome host forgot to eat his soup. He sat there proudly

surveying his little domain, his eyes always coming back to rest upon

his guest. He watched my enjoyment with placid satisfaction.

“Here’s our zerp,” he said, fondly handling an empty vitamin

can.

“Oh, I want some, please!” I begged.

But here he definitely felt his power. “No, you have to wait,” he

said smugly. He leaned back in his little pink folding chair, and

complacently folded his hands on his lap. “You’ll just have to wait until

we are ready.”

Page 25

“I want zerp now!” I whined. “When can we have zerp? I can’t

wait.”

Was that a sheepish look? Only for a second. He controlled

the twinkle in his eye and made me wait a full thirty seconds before

condescending to serve me some jam.

I noisily slurped it up. He didn’t notice my bad manners. I licked

my plate clean. He didn’t care. Aah, my boy is still my boy. He hasn’t

been changing much behind my back, but I better beware! I hope he

invites me some more. I don’t want to miss a single moment.

Born in 1987, Evelyn is a busy mom of four precious children – Teresa (7), Leslie

(5), Collin (3), and Vincent (7 months). She and her husband Harvey have been

farming the home farm for four years and recently became certified organic.

Evelyn says, “That’s our passion, working and learning side by side.”

__________________________________________________

Tête-à-Tête…

___________________________________________________________________

Recently when I sat down to feed my baby, I picked up the

July 2016 Mother to Mother. On the front cover it had this statement,

“A mother needs love to wake up six times in a night to comfort a

teething baby.” And that is just what I was facing – my 11-month-old

waking many times a night because of teething. Not many nights later

it was the stomach bug we were dealing with. I could reword that

statement to say, “A mother needs love to wake up many times in a

night when she has four children who are throwing up.” I marvel how

God brings the perfect encouragement to us at the perfect time!

Ruth Miller, 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.

Page 26

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) by Lisa Eberly

The winter has been long and cold and the children are ready for warm weather so they can be outside again. In their boredom they squabble with each other and complain about what Mom asks of them. They doubt whether Mom really knows what is best for them and get impatient waiting for their turn to have her attention. The baby is turning from an innocent infant into one that has some ideas about what she wants from life. She wants to eat now. Or she doesn’t know what she wants and stiffens and throws herself in my arms. She is so busy crying that she doesn’t realize I am trying to help her, offering the love and nourishment she needs. Mom feels busy and stressed with the daily round of laundry, dishes, meals, diapers, and discipline – you know the list – and forgets to take the time to really enjoy the small things in a life full of little people. Then one morning in my personal devotions I read the above verse. It jumped out at me, and as I pondered it that day and the next several, I wondered at its depth. Be still – I need to slow down and listen to what the Lord is trying to tell me. Stop being like the baby crying and resisting help and love. Look for what the Lord is trying to give me instead of looking around at what I wish I could have. And know – Like the preschoolers needing to learn that Mom did know what was best and had a reason for what she asks of them, I also need to learn. Learn to know that God has a purpose for the things He brings into my life. Know that He is always present, ready to lift my load. Know that He “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20). That I – God is the only One worthy of our trust and worship. Am – Now and every minute of the day. God – the Creator, the Ruler of the universe, the One who requires and is worthy of our worship, the One who is all-knowing, ever-present, and never-failing. Let us be still and know that He is God.

Page 27

Be still – This means that I must stop and wait; Be quiet, patient, calm, Nor fret from early morn till late; Be still and wait His balm. And know – Don’t ever doubt that He is near; Just know He loves me so. And rest that He will make it clear Which way I am to go. That I am God – It is not I who dost deserve The worship of my heart. So every day my God I’ll serve, Give Him the fullest part.

Minute Meditations…. “Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house

full of sacrifices with strife” (Proverbs 17:1).

Any roast and gravy meal can be soured by strife and

sarcasm. Wouldn’t we rather have hotdogs and macaroni with

congenial condiments?

Better Menu Did you bicker over beef?

Did you mope and mutter?

Was your cheery chatter brief?

Hail the peanut butter,

Jelly, minus all the grief

Of contesting clutter. -Lydia Hess

Page 28

Beautiful Things

Beautiful faces are those that wear – It matters little if dark or fair –

Whole-souled honesty printed there.

Beautiful eyes are those that show, Like crystal panes where hearth-fires glow,

Beautiful thoughts that burn below.

Beautiful lips are those whose words Leap from the heart like songs of birds,

Yet whose utterance prudence girds.

Beautiful hands are those that do Work that is earnest and brave and true,

Moment by moment the long day through.

Beautiful feet are those that go On kindly ministries to and fro –

Down lowliest ways if God wills it so.

Beautiful shoulders are those that bear Ceaseless burdens of homely care

With patient grace and daily prayer.

Beautiful lives are those that bless – Silent rivers of happiness,

Whose hidden fountain but few may guess.

Beautiful twilight at set of sun, Beautiful goal, with race well won, Beautiful rest, with work well done.

-Ellen P. Allerton