Treasures

Changing to Website

2006-05-08T20:19:00.000-05:00

Hello ladies,

Actually, I've decided a blog isn't what I was really looking for. The website works best for me so I've chosen to open one at www.treasuresbooks.bravehost.com. I'll discontinue this in time so please visit my website and favorite it for your next visit.

Bless you with an encouraging day.

Your friend

Donna Kauffman
Luke 4:18
Author: Treasures From a Waiting Heart,
The Treasure of Careful Planning
Editor: Treasures From My Heart to Yours newsletter
For more information rdkauffman@alltel.net

Website

2006-05-03T08:19:00.000-05:00

Hello ladies,

I've decided the blog is not doing for me what I was looking for. So I've started a website instead. You can go there to view newsletters and/or other things. www.treasuresbooks.bravehost.com.

Bless you all with an encouraging day.

Donna

Student of the Word -- Devotional

2006-04-05T11:49:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures

Offering encouragement to mothers, grandmothers

and great grandmothers

Editor: Donna Kauffman
Author: Treasures From a Mother's Heart,

The Treasure of Careful Planning--Enjoy the Gift of Organization,

Treasures From a Waiting Heart--Experiencing His Healing Presence

rdkauffman@alltel.net

http://treasuresbooks.blogspot.com/

4139 Kinsman RoadN.

Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

Student of the Word

"Give Me thy heart," says the Father above,
No gift so precious to Him as our love;
Softly He whispers, wherever thou art,
"Gratefully trust Me, and give Me thy heart."
~ Eliza E. Hewitt, 1851 - 1920 ~

Three-year-old Carla was forever busy with studies. Some days she’d be propped on a step poring over a magazine much beyond her mental abilities. Often, with pen and paper she wrote long detailed notes. Each line was completely full of scribbles that meant something, some item she had gleaned from her vigorous searching. Many times she could be found in her little rocking chair with her feet resting on an upside down laundry basket. Her shoulders humped forward and her face down, buried in a book. Sometimes she jotted notes while other times she “read” her most intelligent make-believe story out loud.

How often I asked the Lord to guide Carla as she grew older to be this kind of student of the Word. My longings for this tiny girl when grown up would be that she search the mind of Christ, call on His name and jot notations of His messages in devotional journals. In my heart I knew not one of my prayers would be wasted.

I want to know Christ.
~ Philippians 3:10 ~

Treasures From My Heart to Yours Vol. 4 # 4

2006-04-05T11:11:00.000-05:00

Treasures From My Heart to Yours
Free email newsletter reaching over 700 women.

Offering encouragement to mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers
Editor: Donna Kauffman

Author: Treasures From a Mother’s Heart,
The Treasure of Careful Planning--Enjoy the Gift of Organization,
Treasures From a Waiting Heart--Experiencing His Healing Presence
rdkauffman@alltel.net
http://treasuresbooks.blogspot.com/
4139 Kinsman Road
N. Bloomfield, OH 44450
440-693-4070
Volume 4 #4 April 2006

____________________________________________
*NOTICE: my new email address rdkauffman@alltel.net and mailing address 4139 Kinsman Rd.
*NOTICE: Sometimes it appears that my group list deletes addresses. If you find you don’t receive the newsletter by the 5th of each month, please send a note with your address and I’ll add it back onto the list.

Paper Clutter

Do you know what I'm talking about when I say Paper Clutter. Whew, I weary of paper. I've found a few tips that have helped keep it sorted out and the piles eliminated. I hope they can be helpful for you as well.

A. Stacks
If you have among your stacks, articles, recipes, old letters or children’s school papers.

1. Sort : Sort into categories.

2. Purchase: Inexpensive plastic storage boxes.

3. Label:
a. One for each child with a number.
Save just a handful of papers from each year of school. Store them in the child’s box.
Also Label:
b. Storage boxes for other paper items with a title-name and a number --
One box for old letters, cards. (Only for the old letters that you HAVE to save.)
One for articles you’re sure you MUST keep, etc.
As you go through your stacks, don’t get bogged down reading each one. Glance quickly, decide quickly and if in doubt, throw it out. Otherwise put it in the proper box.

4. Cover and Store: Put the lids on the boxes. Store them in the storage room. Keep a list of the number of the box with it's title in the miscellaneous section of your notebook. You can then easily find the box to put the next item in it's home on a regular basis.

B. Recipes
If you have recipe books you likely have all the recipes in the house that you need. Throw away the stash.
If you make a phone call for a certain recipe that you really want, write it out on a file card immediately upon receiving it and file it right away under the right section in your recipe file box.

C. Mail Tips

1. A work place: You need a desk or a designated paper-work place, with a file drawer or file box. You’ll also need file folders labeled appropriately.

2. Tickler File: A tickler file has a folder for each week of the year. I store these in the file drawer right next to my computer and paper-work place.
Place any papers you need to save into the proper folder. You'll find that paper when you get to that week of the year.

Tickler File Example: October Week 1, October Week 2, etc. I like to go through my folder for the week three times that week, working at the items that have been stored in it. Usually I do it on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

If I have something I need to remember for the month of December, or even next March, I stick a note or the paper in the appropriate file and it’s there when I get to that month. Even birthday cards can be purchased once or twice a year, addressed and stuck into the right folder for the week they need mailed.

All paper clutter can be filed into an appropriate tickler folder. You will find it on it’s date and there will be no stacks of paper laying around the house.

3. Opening Mail: Open your mail at the desk or designated paper-work place daily. If you can't get to it when you receive it, plan a time when you can.

Proverbs 32:1 Don’t let the sun go down without the mail put away. :-)

A. Sort it into Categories.

The categories

1~ Throw away:
Deposit the trash immediately and decisively into the waste basket.
Advertisements, junk mail is a time waster. Toss it.

2~ Family Member Mail
Everyone that lives in your house needs a place where their personal mail is delivered to.

3~Mail that needs read:
but not at the moment gets filed appropriately.
Bob’s reading mail goes into a drawer in his desk.
Magazines go into the magazine rack in the living room. The rack gets gone through monthly. Only the issues from the past 2 - 3 months are kept in the rack.
A file folder works good for magazines also. Take the folder with you when you might be waiting or traveling somewhere.

4~Mail that needs filed
Such as bills, insurance papers and receipts.
File them in the appropriate tickler folder, the one dated with the date that you will need to work on the paper, or file it in a file folder that has been labeled for it.

5~Mail that needs responded to
Respond to response cards immediately and get them to the mail box.
Note address changes immediately in your address book.

If a letter needs answered, stick it in the tickler file to get to when you get to that week.
If you can’t, for some reason get some piece of mail done at the moment, stick it in the tickler file of the week you think you can get to it.

I believe it’s Emilie Barnes that says, "Don't put it down; put it away."

And don’t scoot it from one work area to another or from one room to the next.
I trust these few points can help you to unclutter your paper clutter and not waste valuable time.

Your Friend,
Donna
Proverbs 31:26
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the scriptures
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 37:5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Poem
Please send your poetry to rdkauffman@alltel.net.

I'd be interested in hearing an update on your new little grandsons.I've shared their adoption stories with different friends .. we all stand in awe of God's confirming rainbows. =) From a reader

I didn't have a poem for this month so I’m adding a little update on the boys:

Rachel and her four children just spent a week here. Oh it was wonderful. The boys are doing great. Jayden is now 10 months and Jackson is 9 months. They're crawling and where there is one, there is the other. It's oh so cute.

While Rachel was here we did a fund raiser garage sale to help with the expenses of the adoption. March doesn’t usually lend itself to weather in the 50's and 60's but we began to pray several weeks before for good weather. We asked the Lord for 50's and 60's for Thursday and Friday. We checked the weather, breathlessly for 3 weeks… at last Thursday and Friday came into view and it was to be in the 50's and 60'’s. We stuck our stashes in the garage. And exclaimed over the two most beautiful Spring days of the month.

And to top it off, Rachel had a secret goal she was praying for. She quietly voiced it to me and oh dear, I wondered. We had never had a garage sale bring in that amount before. But she continued to pray and we kept the garage doors open. By Saturday evening she had $850.00 and another gift of $150.00. The Lord had met the maximum of her prayed over goal.

Rachel has started a blog to keep those interested informed with regular updates on the boys. You can find it at adoptedtreasures.blogspot.com/. Thank you for your interest. Donna

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the Recipe Box

Out of This World Coffee Cake
Topping:
1/3 c. brown sugar
? c. sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1 c. chopped pecans (opt.)
Cake:
? c. margarine 1 t. baking powder
1 c. sugar 1 t. soda
2 eggs ? t. salt
1 ? t. vanilla 1 c. sour cream
2 c. flour
Mix the topping ingredients together. Set aside. Beat together with mixer the margarine, 1 c. sugar, eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients alternately with the sour cream. Spread half of the batter in a 9x13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle with half of the topping. Pour on rest of batter and sprinkle with rest of topping. Bake at 325* for 40 - 45 minutes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question for the Month

Please send your questions and responses to rdkauffman@alltel.net.

The question for this month is:

How much control should we have in planning the size of our families? We always hear emphasized about the importance of having faith and trust in God but when it comes to family size we like to take matters into our own hands. Are we really trusting God if we use every kind of birth control out there to make sure we don't have surprises? Something I've been thinking about and would like to know how some of you feel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The question for last month was:

I don't remember if this was covered before, but I am a mother of two, ages 3 & 1, and am looking for ideas for play time. The oldest often comes asking what to do next and sometimes I am at a loss as to know how to direct them. Any suggestions would be welcome. Grace

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are the answers:

My mother has suggested to us girls to make a list like she did when we were young. Mom had a list hung on the fridge. It had all the different items listed that we enjoyed doing during free time. If we were edgy or wondered what to do she would read the list to us and we needed to decide on something. If we couldn’t make a decision, mom made it for us. Before long we were very involved in cheerful play. Anyway, that’s what she tells me.

And mom didn't let us use the word "bored." She believed what we said is what we became.
I also really like to have an art box available. It has crayons, coloring books, scissors, paper, pen, cards or whatever. The girls love to dig into that box when they’re wondering what to do. Rachel, mother of 4

~~~~~~~

Response to bored tot —
I am a grandmother who had six children quite close in age — five boys and one girl. Yes, I remember the "boredom" times. However, I found some of mine were more easily bored than others. I think there are various ways that children express boredom. Teasing, pestering, arguing are also symptoms of boredom. There are also factors why some children are more easily bored than others. The hands-on child can more easily find something to do, and is usually the least bored child. The relational child is the one that can stretch your creativity. Many times what he is asking for is "relational time."

We need to remember that playtime is a time for children to explore, experience, and internalize concepts that will be used in later learning experiences. When a child is bored, he is saying "I need a new experience." That is different than "I need a new toy" Because every child is unique, the way of providing a new experience will be different for each child.

As young as age three, little chores are new experiences that will help boredom. Yes, they will complain about doing it repeatedly, but that too is a learning experience of responsibility. Chores usually help to make playtime more special. Also, at age three, I started them on preschool activity books which you can buy in the book section at Wal Mart, or at an educational store.

Our oldest son had a drive for making money. He was eight when our sixth one was born, and he pretty much quit playing and only wanted to read and learn from books. When he came to me because he was bored, I hired him to work for me, intentionally giving him a variety of jobs. Sometimes it was rocking the baby to sleep. It was only a quarter here and there, and that motivated him to ask for more work to do. He loved doing new things and it was a great help to me! I hardly needed a hired girl.

When my "hands-on" sons with mechanical bents were bored, I gave them any worn-out household gadgets or appliances to take apart. The basement was their "shop" for taking things apart. Do remember to cut off all electrical cords before giving gadgets or appliances to children to take apart. Allowing them to take things apart later became my advantage, because they loved to try to fix my broken stuff. Now they are an advantage to my husband's business.

Guess what I did for my relational children? Most times the best thing I could do for them was "Do you want to help Mommie?" They wanted a relationship. Sometimes I'd make a trade with them in that they helped me with a job, then I'd play with them for a designated time. Oh, how they loved to make the meal, and I set the table!

I also had one who was always on the move for something new. As young as age three, he had chores to do, but that was not enough. Around age four he was so bored, I was at my wits end! He was ready for school mentally, but not emotionally. Again, a variety of jobs, was his delight. He cleaned and organized my drawers or cabinets. That was so much fun to explore and experience! ! ! Each item in the spice cabinet had to be either tasted or smelled. Took him almost all morning to get it done. Organizing drawers held a major intrigue for him. He polished shoes, sewed straight lines on an old Singer sewing machine, ironed hankies, etc. Sometimes I had enough and he had to sit on a chair until he could think of what he wanted to do.

Please don't try to be me and think you need to do as I did. I only shared my story as a springboard for you to come up with your own ideas. Happy mothering, Ellen Kauffman

~~~~~~~

Preschool activities - we've had a lot of experience with preschoolers in this house so here's what's ~in my cupboard!!~wooden blocks ~wooden shape pieces that can be arranged into patterns ~puzzles ~play dough~cookie sheet with rice and some small cars or digging tools (get the vacuum out later) ~the bathtub with some fun toys (plastic bowls, large mega blocks, etc.) ~a fleece or flannel board - take two pieces of sturdy cardboard and duct tape them together to form a hinge. Duct tape a piece of plain fleece or flannel or felt to the whole thing. Duct tape a loop of string on the inside so that it can stand up like a tent. Cut out letters, numbers, shapes, etc. out of felt and you have a two person felt/flannel/fleece board. ~soft blocks - take six squares of fabric (all the same size), sew together in a cube, stuff it and you've got some safe cubes they can build or throw with ~2 litre milk cartons make good building blocks too. Wash them out well and then push one inside the other. Cover with sticky shelf paper in bright colors. ~If you have the internet there are some fun on-line game sights for toddlers where they can just press keys to make things happen. Search for KNEEBOUNCERS, it's one my two year old enjoys. My three year old loves the Thomas the Tank site.~Painting - got to supervise this one, but some old shirts a big plastic sheet, washable paints and an old box are a lot of fun.
Lani Wiens is mom to 5, wife to 1. A lover of Jesus and free-lance writer from Saskatchewan, Canada. You can see more of her writing at http://freshflowers01.blogspot.com.

~~~~~~

For my daughter’s 3rd birthday, my husband and I gave her an art box. We got a little tote and stocked it full with glue, tape, stickers, paper, wooden sticks, pom poms, wiggly eyes, and lots of little things to glue onto other things, beads to string, water color paints, colored pencils etc. Over the past few years we have kept that stocked and when my children (my daughter is now 5 and I have a 2 year old too) are looking for something to do, that is the first place they go. It gets pulled out nearly every day! They may make a mess with it, but it's well worth it!

The other thing that has really kept them occupied lately is a wooden train set we gave our 2 year old for Christmas. It's got wooden tracks that can be put together any which way and then little trains to drive all over it. My kids put a train together almost every single day - it has proven to give hours of entertainment every day. Plus, it is something you can always add to, getting a few more pieces here and there. They are quite expensive if you go with the Brio brand, but we found that the Maxim brand is totally compatible with the Brio and every bit as nice.

And keeping them busy besides play is great entertainment for them. Both my children help in the kitchen anytime they see me heading there. They love to help sweep the floor, dust and clean with wet rags. I'm amazed how much help they actually are! Shari, mother of 2

~~~~~~

I really can understand your dilemma! However, here are a few things that work well with my children (almost 5, 3, and almost 2): Especially on days that they seem bored with other things, I make a quick "tent" by draping a throw/blanket or two between chairs (use your imagination--couch cushions work for walls, other small cushions or sides of furniture can form entranceways, etc). They love this and play for awhile--it can be a house, and they'll "eat" inside, or it's a tent and they're going camping, or it can be a garage to park trucks. Spark their imagination with suggestions. It doesn't take long to set up or put away, and it provides much opportunity for fun play time!
Something else I do is keep on a shelf (a small cupboard works too) that they can reach some play supplies in a basket--coloring books & crayons (in a small container with a lid they can open), paper & small scissors, and board puzzles. I also have a basket on the floor with books they can look at. When they come asking what to do I can suggest a puzzle or book or coloring and they can go get it, then put it away when they're done.

They also love when I occasionally give them something from the kitchen that they usually can't play with--a mixing bowl & big spoon, or a rinse pan, dishcloth and towel (they love to pretend they're washing their hair, washing dishes, or giving a doll or stuffed animal a bath).

I remember my Mom doing the same--my brother loved driving his big couch "bus" with the middle of a tube pan as his steering wheel, and a big spoon (wedged down in the cushion) for his gear shift! Use your imagination--they will too! Sharon

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Answers to an earlier question:

I too have battled weight most of my married life. I have tried many different plans etc. When I was expecting our second child...I met with a nutritionist that really helped me stay on track and record my eating. In order for our metabolism to work properly we need to eat small meals throughout the day and not skip. Or when we really eat it will slow the digestive system down.

I tried also the program eating anything you want and only eating when hungry...it really doesn't work long term. You need to make a lifestyle change and start eating healthy foods, drink 8 glasses of water a day, and do some kind of exercise and if you are already exercising add something extra to it.

Watch portion sizes closely.....it does matter because the types of food we consume are not always in balance to the kinds of foods our body needs.

I was able to keep from gaining so much weight during my pregnancy when I did this and I know it works. Now I am again writing down what I eat. This really makes you stop and think before you put something in your mouth.

Also, you may think you aren't eating much but it depends also on what you’re eating. There has to be a balance of all the food categories.

Its a struggle but, know that you aren't alone. When you mess up, start over on the next meal.

Blessings to you, RS

Question: I have a lady that is interested in the cabbage soup diet recipe. If you have it could you email it to me. Donna rdkauffman@alltel.net

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Treats From Tots

Please send delightful lines from your children to rdkauffman@alltel.net

I walked into the kitchen and observed my 5 year old son sitting at the table with a glass of water. He was staring intently into it, so I peered over his shoulder. He had a Red-Hot candy ball in the cup of water. I asked him why he had that in there. He told me patiently, "It's too hot so I'm putting it into this cold water to cool it off." I explained to him that this was a different kind of hot and I didn't think it would work to do this.He said emphatically, "oh yes it will. It always does. I leave it in the cold water until the ball turns white. Then I know its not hot anymore." ( All the hot cinnamon dissolved in the water) He didn't understand why, he just knew it worked! Sharon, mother of 6

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Missionary Wives Prayer Line

This month’s missionary wife is
Rose Zimmerman who serves with her husband Steve in Honduras.

1.Pray that I could always abide in Christ, even when many interruptions interfere with my day’s plans.

2. That I could display the spirit & love of Christ to the ladies that come visit me. That they could see that the Christian life is more than going to church & doing good things.

3. That I could enjoy my children & take time for them , even tho' I am often busy or am entertaining visitors.

4. That I could be a true help meet to my husband by encouraging & supporting him in the work he has to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Birth Announcements
Congratulations to our new mothers.

Jayce Elliot Martin

February 1

8 lb. 6 oz.

21.5"

Parents: Jay and Marilyn Martin

Siblings: Dylan 5, Durrell 5, Lauren 2

~~~~~~~

Raine Chandler
Macch 5
10 lb. 2 oz

Parents: Chris and Renee Sensenig
Siblings: Chandel, Dylan

~~~~~~~

Amy MarieFebruary 1
6 lb. 3 oz.

19.5"

March 6

Logan, OH

David and Suzanna Weaver

Sister: Erika Kay 1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From You
Send your hints, tips, comments to rdkauffman@alltel.net

Here is a hint that I find rather helpful. I bought each of my children a clothes basket and wrote their name on it. As I fold clothes I put their clothes in their basket and when I am ready they take it to their room and put their clothes in their drawer!

I hang up anything that needs hanging up! The children are ages 6, 3, & 2, and they love being Momma's helpers. I love it too as it frees me up to do something else!

They will sometimes even help fold and put in their basket! They have come to recognize their names too!

The older 2 help the younger one. I sometimes need to straighten up the drawers! No problem! The baskets nicely store inside each other until the next laundry day! Momma of 3 precious souls.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Comments from Newsletter Readers

Greetings! What happened to the newsletter? It is already the 7th of March and I haven't seen it yet! I hope my server didn't classify it as Spam/Junk Mail! I look forward to it every month and reread it several times! Hope to see it soon! Blessings, Lydia

~~~~

While I was reading through Judi Marten's article I kept thinking, "This sounds so much like what I learned from Teri Maxwell at the homeschooling convention I was just at." Then she mentioned the book 'Managers of Their Homes' which is Teri's book. I want to thow my own endorsement behind it. While I have just begun to read it and learn how the system will work for our family I know that it will have very positive rewards. The Maxwell's have an excellent website at www.Titus2.com.
Lani Wiens is mom to 5, wife to 1. A lover of Jesus and free-lance writer from Saskatchewan, Canada. You can see more of her writing at http://freshflowers01.blogspot.com.

~~~

I have a question I would love to have in your next newsletter and by the way, I just love getting them!! I almost "eat them up" when they show up on the screen!! :) Thanks for doing this for us!! Bonnie, mother of 3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Books

Introducing my new book.

Treasured Meditations
For Mamas and Grandmas
--Quiet Moments for Busy Homemakers

Our greatest place of healing is in the warm embrace of our Father’s presence. Just spending a few moments with Him will renew your heart. Allow Him to refresh you as you ponder the verse from His Word. As you read the meditation, open your heart to reflect on your own daily experiences with your children. You'll marvel at the spiritual lesson in each one. Enjoy practicing the message in the meditation by doing the exercise suggested. And be sure to add your own reflections at the close of each reading.

It’s due off the press in early September.

~~~~~~~

*The Treasure of Careful Planning: $7.99, four or more $7.00 each.
*Treasures From a Waiting Heart: $9.50, four or more $8.50 each.

Treasures From a Waiting Heart
--Experiencing His Healing Presence

As you follow Donna's candid story of struggle, failure and self effort, you will identify. As you witness the redemption, healing and freedom that the loving Father abundantly poured out on her repentant heart, you will long. Donna shares the priceless treasures she has gathered at the feet of her loving Father, waiting for His healing and the heart transformation she longed for. Read with your heart, read with a hunger. The Father’s arms are open wide. Hope Byler

~~~~~~~

The Treasure of Careful Planning

This book tells the story of how the Lord met me during a very low time in my early mothering years. The message He unfolded has changed my life from that day until today. You'll learn to determine your purpose for being on this earth, and numerous ideas on organizing your life in a way that you'll have more time to accomplish your purpose than you imagined.

~~~~~~
You can order my books at rdkauffman@alltel.net I'll send an invoice with your order. You may mail a check or money order when you receive the invoice.
Shipping for one book is $1.50 each. In Canada, $1.75. If you purchase more than one book the shipping cost is less per book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Until next time. God Bless
Donna Kauffman
4123 Kinsman Road
N. Bloomfield, OH 44450
440-693-4070
rdkauffman@alltel.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If at any time you would like to unsubscribe send an email rdkauffman@alltel.net, and type unsubscribe in the subject line.
If you know of anyone who would like to receive the newsletter type TFMHY in the subject line. They'll be added to the list.
This is a monthly publication. You may feel free to forward it on to or print it if you do so in its entirety for anyone that you think would be interested.
Email newsletters are free. For postal mail newsletters: .75 each or $9.00 per yearly subscription to cover the cost of copying and postage.

Mud Mountains - Devotional

2006-03-20T11:42:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Treasures

Email Donna at rdkauffman@alltel.net

Announcing a New Book:

Treasured Meditations for Mama's and Grandma's

Quiet Moments for Busy Homemakers

is in it's final editing stages. The book should be back from the press in early September. Following is an exerpt from the book.

Keep posted for more info and do have an encouraging day.

Your friend, Donna

Mud Mountains

But there is forgiveness with Thee
Psalms 130:4

It was December and three of my grandchildren were enjoying a day at Grandma’s. My husband and I were building a house next door to the one we were living in. All around the new house were piles of dirt. A few days earlier they were covered with ice and snow making for excellent sliding hills. However in the past day or two the weather warmed and the snow melted.
On this particular day at Grandma’s house, Kyle (5), Sierra (5), and Kassie (4) decided to pull on snow pants and jackets to head out for play. About thirty minutes later they stumbled in the back door. All talking at once they were telling me about sliding on the mud mountains.

The word “mud” caught my attention as I turned to greet the lively trio. And “mud” met my eyes. Ohhhhhhhh, my heart sank. Mud covered these little ones from their tiny chins to the bottoms of their feet.

It had been a busy day and my worn out feelings surfaced. I looked at my precious grands and declared, “Oh, I am so mad.” Their bright smiles faded in seconds.

I knew I had confused them. So often, no matter how they enter my doors I am full of laughter and fun. I tell them things like, “We can clean up this mud. I am so thankful when you get dirty. It tells me you are having so much fun.”

I was sorry I had disheartened Kyle, Sierra and Kassie so we began to yank off gooey, muddy, messy clothes with good hearted fun.

We learned in a better way than mad terms that on muddy days we should find dry places for play. And we learned about Jesus loving forgiveness when we speak words that are unkind.

Prayer: Thank You Father God for Your loving forgiveness. Amen

To do: If you fail your children in unkind words today. Don’t despair. Ask their forgiveness and the Father’s too.

Additonal Ponderings:

Treasures From My Heart to Yours VOL 4, # 3

2006-03-15T08:42:00.000-06:00

Treasures From My Heart to Yours

Free email newsletter reaching over 500 women.

Offering encouragement to mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers

Editor: Donna Kauffman

Author: Treasures From a Mother's Heart,

The Treasure of Careful Planning--Enjoy the Gift of Organization,

Treasures From a Waiting Heart--Experiencing His Healing Presence

rdkauffman@alltel.net

http://treasuresbooks.blogspot.com/

4139 Kinsman Road

N. Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

Volume 4 #3 March 2006

____________________________________________________________

* Notice my email address has changed to rdkauffman@alltel.net

Hello ladies. My daughter shared the following article with me, passed on to her from another source. Mrs. Judi Martin, writer of the piece has given permission for me to share the writing with you. Judi and her husband, Levi, served in Guatemala for a number of years. Six of their seven children were born there. The children's ages range from 2 - 14 years old. I trust this will encourage you as it did me. Donna

Employing Our Children

One of the areas I've found very helpful as a busy mother is to employ my children in the running of the house. I believe if I had only one or two children at home this plan would still be very vital for their own well-being and training.
At the beginning of each summer I try to list the new jobs I want to assign to each child for the next school year. During the summer we train each person for their new responsibilities.
For example last summer it was time to transfer the task of baking. Wendy (14) had made our bread for about four years. Regina (12) was responsible for cakes and cookies as they were needed. I was feeling a bit hesitant to pass along the torch since this routine worked so smoothly. It felt like a lot of work to make the changes. However, I felt for the sake of the younger ones this needed to be done.
Summer came and Wendy trained Regina in to bake the bread. Within a short time Regina learned to do the bread every bit as good as Wendy. Regina, in turn, taught the twins, Jolynn and Josiah (7) the basics of cake and cookie baking. I am continuing to work along with them but they are picking it up very quickly.
Bethany (4) has taken over the job of making granola along with Nathan's (2) and my help. I trained Wendy in for making pies and she does a great job. I explained to the girls that might count it a privilege to take over some of my favorite jobs.

Baking time is always Tuesday afternoon and believe me, the kitchen is a BUSY place. While the others are baking, Joshua (10) is making a meat and potato supper. He really enjoys this job along with the responsibility of making Breakfast Casserole Monday evening.
The older girls are each responsible to plan and make one supper a week. Then Joshua does Tuesday supper and the twins and Bethany help me make (or rather, I help them make) Thursday supper. That only leaves me the Wednesday evening meal. They love this arrangement and are learning so much.
It is very special for them when we have guests on Sunday and I am thanked for the meal. I tell the guests that the children made most of it. They also know I sincerely mean it when I tell others that I don't know what I'd do without all the wonderful help from them.

A quick run-down of a normal day at our house looks like the following:
Before breakfast Wendy and Joshua chore. Regina starts the laundry (we try to do two loads a day) and then helps with breakfast or dressing the little ones. Josiah cleans and vacuums the living room. Jolynn sets the table, and Bethany cleans up the school room. Everyone is to have their room clean and be dressed by breakfast time. If we follow this morning routine it helps the rest of the day go much smoother.
After breakfast the twins and Bethany do dishes. Joshua dresses Nathan and sweeps the porch. Wendy sweeps the kitchen and dining room and cleans a bathroom. And Regina hangs out wash and cleans a bathroom.
This means the house is pretty well straightened up and we are ready for school. Many hands definitely makes the work lighter.
After school, dishes are done and everyone has about two more miscellaneous jobs (most of them differ from one day of the week to the next).

For example: Jolynn waters the house plants Monday and Thursday.

(I found that putting a sliver of popsicle stick in the dirt of each plant and writing a number on it reminds her how much water to give each plant. She takes a pitcher and measuring cup and is learning fractions along with her job!) Regina, Jolynn, and Bethany always fold and put away laundry.

The boys always haul firewood.

Usually, there are at least 2-3 hours of the afternoon when the children can pursue their own activities if they?ve done their chores promptly. They often read, listen to me read to them, play outside etc.

For each job that is assigned to the children, I made an index card with a careful description of how I want it done. It is not realistic to expect that our children will automatically know how the jobs ought to be done. These cards are kept in our "job box" and given out when jobs are assigned.

This is what a card in our "job box" looks like:
Wash Dishes
All dishes washed unless you have permission to leave some soaking.

Kitchen sink wiped clean (around the faucet, too).

Wipe off the counter and bar well.
White dishpans wiped out and stacked neatly under the sink.

Wipe off counter with squeezed out rag and put everything away except hand soap.

Rinse dishrags and fold neatly across center of sink. (Only 2 dishrags should be
there.)

Put your stool away.

Wendy and Regina are responsible each day for one bathroom. I had asked them to each make up a weekly schedule of what would be done on which days. This is taped to the inside of the bathroom cabinet door. At a glance, they know just what to do for that day.

A book that has helped me so much to get everything organized, is "Managers of Their Homes."
I read once in a Keepers at Home magazine that we never need to apologize for involving our children with household responsibility. The mother has many positions to fill that the children cannot do. Mom is needed to work with, read to, and see to the discipline of the little ones. This should not be left for the older children while Mom scurries around doing all the housework.
There are sacrifices to employing your children. It takes time, focus, and self-discipline. I find that if I get lax, everyone else does too and things quickly get out of order and off schedule. I find a very important part of keeping on track is to have chore checks throughout the day. This is where I check over the jobs that have been done.
I've found that my house might not be exactly as clean as if I were doing it myself. Our meals might not turn out as well as if I would have done them. I remind myself that it's okay. The benefits I reap are bountiful.

Some of those benefits are:

Everyone feels truly needed.

No one has much time to get bored.

We all learn the value of working together to do a big job.

Everyone better understands the value of putting things away immediately, and not coming into the house with dirty shoes.

I trust this can be an encouragement to you. It is something we've grown into over the years. It didn't happen overnight.
May God bless each of you as you seek to be first, His child; then your husband's help- meet; a loving mother, and a keeper at home. What a privileged place to be in life.

Judi Martin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spring Sale
My Books

*The Treasure of Careful Planning: Regular price $7.99, Sale price $7.00, four or more $6.75 each.

*Treasures From a Waiting Heart: Regular price $9.50, Sale price $8.50, four or more $8.25 each.

Purchase a package of both books for $15.25.

Treasures From a Waiting Heart
--Experiencing His Healing Presence

As you follow Donna?s candid story of struggle, failure and self effort, you will identify. As you witness the redemption, healing and freedom that the loving Father abundantly poured out on her repentant heart, you will long. Donna shares the priceless treasures she has gathered at the feet of her loving Father, waiting for His healing and the heart transformation she longed for. Read with your heart, read with a hunger. The Father?s arms are open wide. Hope Byler

~~~~~

The Treasure of Careful Planning

This book tells the story of how the Lord met me during a very low time in my early mothering years. The message He unfolded has changed my life from that day until today. You?ll learn to determine your purpose for being on this earth, and numerous ideas on organizing your life in a way that you?ll have more time to accomplish your purpose than you imagined.

~~~~~~

You can order my books at rdkauffman@alltel.net I'll send an invoice with your order. You may mail a check or money order when you receive the invoice.

Shipping for one book is $1.50 each. In Canada, $1.75. If you purchase more than one book the shipping cost is less per book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question for the Month

Please send your questions and responses to rdkauffman@alltel.net

The question for this month is:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The question for last month was:

I've put on at least 30 pounds since I got married and have tried diets, but failed... not that the diets wouldn't have worked, but I lacked the will power to stay on them. I always want results NOW, so I try something drastic. But that obviously isn't working. It bothers me that I'm no longer the slim attractive girl my husband married years ago, although he doesn't let on if it bothers him. Anyway, I'm asking for success stories on what you ladies have done for fighting "the battle of the bulge". It's summer, and I can't hide behind my sweaters anymore.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Answers to last month?s question:

I usually have more questions than answers, so I've never replied to any of the questions in your e-mails. But when I saw the last one, I thought I just had to write and tell what's worked for me. Unfortunately, it's not a quick-fix. I have 3 children - ages 6, 3, and 1 - and it's never been easy for me to get all the weight back off after having a baby.

One of the first things I had to realize is that I can't just diet, it has to become a way of life. I know that if I struggle to keep the weight off while I'm busy running after my children, it's not going to get any easier as they grow older and more independent.

January a year ago, my baby was 2 months old and I still had 15 pounds to lose, plus an extra 10 to get to my "pre-marriage" weight. A friend who had had a baby in Sept. 2004 was also wanting to lose weight and she and her husband got a weight loss group together. It's one of the best things that's ever happened to me! The size of the group is approximately 10-12 people - there've been people drop out, but also others have joined since then.

Basically it's an accountability group for weight loss, and I think that is a key in most successful weight loss programs. It's not a diet - we each get to set our own rules. At our first meeting we each weighed ourselves, then set our long-term goal - how much weight we wanted to lose that year.

I set a goal to lose 25 pounds. Then we set short-term goals. We meet every 2 weeks to weigh in, so we decided what we wanted to work on for the next 2 weeks. For example, the first time I set a goal to lose at least 1 lb. and to limit my servings of sweets/desserts to only once a day. We also specified what and how much exercise we would commit to for the next two weeks.

Other times, I've limited my snacking to fruits and vegetables. Or maybe I?ve substituted my regular lunch or supper with salad for a week. If we cheat on any of our rules, or if we gain over a pound by the next weigh-in, we owe $1 per offense.

My husband, who also wanted to lose about 20 pounds, joined the group, and that helped me tremendously. It took about 9-10 months, but I did lose my goal weight of 25 pounds! If I had been more disciplined, it probably wouldn't have taken that long. I still go to the meetings, just to see if I'm staying on track. I gained a couple of pounds after I quit nursing my baby (who is now hardly a baby anymore!), but I'm working on losing those again. I must say, the last 5 pounds are the hardest to get off! I hope this will be helpful, but I know it doesn't work for everyone. May God bless you. Anita Miller

~~~~~~

I also have the problem of the will power. Here is what I feel helped me get going. I started out on the diet called TJ's Miracle Soup, also known as the Cabbage Soup Diet. I did not go the whole week as I started to get lightheaded. But I feel it helped me to scale back on my eating. I have eaten in very small portions since. I haven't lost as many pounds as I have lost inches! I?m also drinking more water. That?s been difficult for me. Adding a lemon to it can be helpful.

When I dish up my plate I am trying to take only a spoonful of each thing. I try to drink at least 2 cups of water. Then I let it settle a bit and ask myself if I need any more food. If I am honest with myself, I don?t take another helping. If I feel I need more I try to take only one more spoonful of something.

I also find asking the Lord to curb my appetite is helpful.

I am not there yet, but I am working on it. My husband has noticed that I?m looking nicer. That makes me feel like keeping on.

Smile and give it all your best effort. Lydia Momma of 3

~~~~~

Bless you for being open about this sensitive subject for women. During highschool (13 years ago) I did a crash diet called 3-D and lost 22 lbs., but I gained it back (and more) within a year. Thus began my struggle with maintaining a healthy weight.

Now I try to simply live a healthy lifestyle which really helps to keep my weight down and I feel so much better. This includes doing consistent exercises such as brisk walking and/or jogging (even while pushing a stroller) for twenty minutes or more, a few good tummy exercises such as crunches, using an inexpensive abs wheel, etc. at least four times per week.

It's tough to get into the routine of exercise, but it does get easier. And with more little ones I'm sure it is challenging. I've found that exercise helps my energy level and also fights colds during the winter.

My husband found a very nice treadmill for free that he put in our basement which has been a plus this winter.

Not eating between meals (with the exception of fresh fruit), limiting desserts, and using whole grains is also helpful. Although losing weight this way takes longer than a crash diet, it sure has helped me fight that "battle of the bulge" and has had longer lasting effects than the 3-D diet. - Renita mother of 1

~~~~~

I'm still amazed and thrilled with the weight loss I've experienced. I would love to share the tips that have helped me out.

I recommend the book The 5 Day Miracle Diet by Adele Puhn. Don't be put off by the "miracle" part of the title. She stresses stabilizing blood sugar levels and keeping in "good blood sugar." The first 5 days can be tough to get through, but after 5 days energy levels will increase (drastically in my case) by eating "hard chews" as in carrots, apples, etc. every 2 hours in the a.m. and "soft chews" (oranges, peach, strawberries) every 3 hours in the afternoon, blood sugar levels are stabilized. I no longer get that shaky feeling where "I've got to eat something" or that totally exhausted-crawl-into-bed urge in the afternoon. I have felt worlds better, and when I stick to eating well, I do not experience food cravings.

A daily meal plan could look like this:

7:30 a.m. Whole grain bread and an egg

9:30 a.m. 10 baby carrots

11:30 a.m. an apple

12:30 lunch--a large salad with some kind of protein; a slice of whole grain bread if desired. Often I have a salad and a serving of blackbeans with rice.

3:30 an orange

6:00 protein and plenty of veggies. try for one starch veggie every other day; try for 2/3 of your plate filled with veggies (salad counts)

For full details, check your local library for this book--Ms. Puhn gives very easy to understood details as to why your body reacts to the foods you eat. Kathy

~~~~~

To the question for the woman 30 lbs. overweight, I can sympathize with you greatly. Something I have found works for me is to listen to your body. God has built in us, a hunger sensation and after we eat, a full sensation. Have you ever ate a meal and half way through realized you weren't even hungry to begin with?

It will not hurt to skip a meal if you're not hungry enough. Plan to eat light or you will be too hungry by the next meal. Learn to avoid snacks in between meals. I try to tell myself that my body is working off fat.

I?m working to learn to stop when I?m full. It sounds simple, but it?s hard to do. The first and second bite of something is best anyway. If you have children watching, just take a half portion rather than not cleaning your plate, if you are teaching them to clean theirs.

Also don't make a big 'to do' about losing weight. Our children are watching and listening to us. Just do it quietly. I have a son who started thinking he needed to lose weight after listening to me talk about it for several years.

It?s important to just never give up. If you don?t do well one day, start over the next day and keep going. I still struggle with my weight and probably always will. Sandy

~~~~~

While I was getting ready for our wedding I wanted to lose quite a bit of weight. A friend of mine suggested that I try TruLean. I don?t care about taking pills but decided to give it a try since she gave me a half bottle. It won't be overnight results but it definitely helps.

Almost a year later I have gained a good amount of the weight back due to having our first child. So now I want to lose again.

My husband decided to try it also. He said he could tell a difference within two days.

We've had a hard time finding it so if your interested here is the information. TruLean...helps you while you manage your weight. Boosts Energy and Metabolism. Promotes Overall Well-Being. Nutritional Supplement. Multi-Action Formula with Mira Tea. Call toll free 1-888-TruLean or www.TruLean.com.

Best wishes...Rhoda

~~~~~

I recommend the Books The Weigh Down Diet and Rise Above by Gwen Shamblin. She deals with the real issue of an overeater and it is the only diet that has ever worked for me. She is a Christian and pulls her information directly from the Bible. Overeating is a sin and the key is a heart change, turning our focus to God and away from food! Believe me it works wonderful when it's really and truly applied. The first two weeks I lost about 12# and I was eating anything I wanted. Pizza, Cheesecake, Chips, veggies and fruits.

~~~~~

For the lady who is wondering about weight loss, I would like to recommend the blog of a dear personal friend of mine. She is openly sharing her weight loss journey and very present reality that it is a change that must come from the inside not the outside. The address is http://carebearsunshine.blogspot.com Lani

~~~~~

The battle of the bulge for many of us is a life long battle. I have tried many methods. One that I like to try once each year is a call to discipline. It always amazes me how many other things ?fall? into place when I call myself to discipline. It also shows me how much I consume without realizing it. In my call to discipline I fast for one week.

When I had toddlers I would get extremely irritable when I would do the fast. I think so much of my irritability was caused by the frustration that it takes so much work to maintain my weight, and then I was around people who needed food all day. Those years I didn?t know how to invite Jesus into ?the battle of the bulge?.

The biggest change I have enjoyed when I try dieting is the realization that my body is a gift from my Heavenly Father. I am called to take care of my body. When that is my focus, I am not as consumed about how my body looks and what my husband or others might be thinking of me. I don?t shame myself. I rise up with renewed energy to take care of the body God has given me. I think differently about food. I endeavor to remember it?s not just about eating less food that will make me thin. It?s more about learning to eat healthy as a lifestyle. And eating healthy provides me with better energy to bless my family and community. Marie, mother of 4 boys!

~~~~~

Answer to earlier question

The question from a mother whose 10 year old is always worried about someone else getting the better end of a deal reminded me of an article called "Love is like God" in the July-August, 2005 edition of No Greater Joy Magazine. Although the problem addressed by that article is not completely similar to hers, it might give some insight. If she would like to contact them their web address is: www.nogreaterjoy.org

--A Reader

I wanted to give some encouragement to the mother with the ten year old who has jealousy troubles.

We like to pray with our children for their particular needs. Not just pray for them but with them. We have seen good results with this. Our five year old started to pick her fingernails and I wanted her to quit right away. I tried to talk her out of it and that didn't work. I knew what a bad habit it could become. After a few months of praying with her about it she began requesting prayer for herself about it in family devotions. Before long I noticed she had quit picking her fingernails.

I think praying with the child protects them from moving to condemnation and causes them to realize Jesus can help. Beth mother of 4

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special Request

I have an unusual request. We are a homeschooling family and have been trying to finish up a state notebook project. We are collecting state postcards from each of the 50 states. And we are down to the last 4 but they have been elusive. We still need Arkansas, Louisiana, Nevada, and Delaware. I was wondering if any of your readers live in those states and would like to take the time to send a postcard our way. If so, mail to: The Martin family, 270 East Main St., Leola, Pa 17540

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Treats From Tots

Please send delightful lines from your children to rdkauffman@alltel.net .

We had just finished decorating valentine cookies with sprinkles when we sat down for lunch and my three year old daughter led in prayer saying, "God is great and God is good, and we thank Him for our cookies, by His hands we have sprinkles, give us Lord our daily bread, Amen!

~~~~

A quote from our three-year-old granddaughter: Taylor spent the day with me and that evening told her Mommie she had gone to 'sewing circus' with Grandma. Jane

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Birth Announcements

Congratulations to our new mothers.

Braden Cole

9 lbs. 20 in.

Born Feb. 2, 2006

Charlie & Cretora Kline

Cali

Charles

Bryce

~~~~~

Matthew Joel

December 10,2005,Kenyan time.

Randy and Wilma Lapp---Kenya,East Africa

2 brothers -Ryan and Tyler and a big sister Krystal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From You

Send your hints, tips, comments to rdkauffman@alltel.net.

A hint for Grandmas (or Mamas): if it's too cold to take the child out to play in the snow, scoop some up in basins, bring it in to the table and get the bathtub toys out. I did this yesterday and it was great - wish I had thought of it when our children were little. Jane

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Comments from Newsletter Readers

As I was reading about your "smiles" I realized this is an area I definitely need to work on. I try to be pleasant and cheerful but am aware now of what is missing! I plan to change that today. Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention. God Bless, Grace

~~~~~~

I printed your thoughts about smiling for my husband and am giving that to Merle at breakfast on this Valentine's Day. Thank you for putting such encouraging thoughts into words.
Jane

~~~~~~

I want to say that I am so blessed by your ministry! I praise the Lord how you have used your gifts for His glory! In sharing you life's journey, you have given each of us the courage to take steps toward knowing God better and becoming a better person/wife/mother. WE CAN IMPACT THE COMMUNITY FOR HIM!!! Thank you for your faithfulness to that which HE has called you. Blessings, Marie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Until next time. God Bless
Donna Kauffman
Notice house number change

4139 Kinsman Road

N. Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

rdkauffman@alltel.net

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If at any time you would like to unsubscribe send an email rdkauffman@alltel.net, and type unsubscribe in the subject line.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive the newsletter type TFMHY in the subject line. They?ll be added to the list.

This is a monthly publication. You may feel free to forward it on to or print it if you do so in its entirety for anyone that you think would be interested.

Email newsletters are free. For postal mail newsletters: .75 each or $9.00 per yearly subscription to cover the cost of copying and postage.

Treasures From My Heart to Yours Vol.4 # 2

2006-01-31T19:10:00.000-06:00

Treasures From My Heart to Yours

Free email newsletter reaching over 500 women.

Offering encouragement to mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers

Editor: Donna Kauffman

Author: Treasures From a Mother?s Heart,

The Treasure of Careful Planning--Enjoy the Gift of Organization,

Treasures From a Waiting Heart--Experiencing His Healing Presence

rdkauffman@alltel.net

http://treasuresbooks.blogspot.com/

4123 Kinsman Road

N. Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

Volume 4 #2 February 2006

_______________________________________________________

* I have discontinued my website and started a little blog. You can view the present and a few past newsletters on the blogspot at http://treasuresbooks.blogspot.com/ as well as family pictures and other posts. I?m also uploading short devotionals periodically.

Smile Awhile

A merry heart does good like medicine.

But a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

Bob and I have enjoyed closeness over the years, but I have a longing for even more. Just a few days ago we were discussing what we would like to accomplish yet in our possibly thirty plus years left of earthly life. One thing I shared is my deep desire to know even stronger intimacy in our marriage relationship. In my heart I know there is so much available to us in this area. I long to grasp more of it. The older I get, though, the more I sense we'll never gain all the closeness obtainable to us, no matter how long we?re married. Love is infinite and intimacy goes on and on. So, we continue to grow, deepening our love and respect for each other.

As a woman, the Father's calls us to come along side our husband as his helper. I n today's world of individuality and self-ism women tend to react to this beautiful plan of God. I'd like to call us away from the world's view back to the Word of God. In obeying this call our hearts are filled with joy. Our lives feel complete and satisfied.

I've found over the years one simple act that enables me greater enjoyment in this role of my husband's helper--a pleasing smile. If you?re not in the habit of smiling at your husband you will likely find it awkward the first time you do it. I want to bless you with the desire to do it anyway, to practice it daily and several times each day until it feels awkward if you don?t smile.

When you wake up in the morning give your husband that warm gift of your beautiful smile. As you sit down for breakfast share another smile from across the table. As he leaves for work pass another bright smile with a few blessing words. "I love you, Honey. I'll pray for you today." Or take a minute to hold his hands in yours and offer a ten word prayer for Him. Close it with a smile as you look into his eyes. As your husband returns from his long day at work you have another opportunity to grace him with strength from yet another beaming smile. If your hands are busy or too full to get to the door to greet him, call to him with a smile in your voice. "Honey, I'll be coming, HOW was your day?"

Consider the friends you're attracted to. Is it those whose faces are twisted and turned with sorrow and complaints? I believe you'll agree that you delight in friends who are bright with smiles, laughter and love.

Our husbands are much like us in this area. They are attracted to a brightly lit face. He will come alive under a gentle, smiling face.

My spirit rubs off on Bob's. When I'm grumbling and critical to or about him, he responds that way to me. Well, it's rare for him to criticize me, but I sense a coldness from him when I?m cold, and possibly a fear as he wonders what my actions and reactions might be. So he relates to me as I relate to him. When I instead respond with warmth, acceptance and loving smiles, Bob responds back in the same way. He speaks tenderly. He smiles and delights in me.

The Word of God calls women to honor, submit and reverence their husband. It says nothing about honoring him only if he deserves it. In fact, I think you?ll find if you begin to love your husband with a smiling face, heart and voice he?ll desire to work at deserving it. It?s February, lover?s month, how about enjoying the gift of smiling awhile?

Your Friend,
Donna

Proverbs 31:26

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the scriptures

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.

Song of Solomon 8:7

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Valentine's Day Specials on
My Books

*The Treasure of Careful Planning: Regular price $7.99, Sale price $7.25, four or more $7.00 each.

*Treasures From a Waiting Heart: Regular price $9.50, Sale price $8.75, four or more $8.50 each.

Purchase a package of both books for $15.00.

Treasures From a Waiting Heart
--Experiencing His Healing Presence

Comments

Your waiting book has so touched my heart. I keep it right with my Bible and on my low days I flip to some of the verses you have outlined in it. The Father meets me and fills me.

~~~~~

I want to tell you how much your book Treasures From a Waiting Heart has ministered to me. I can see myself in so much of your experience. I read and reread parts of it. Thank you for sharing your heart so openly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Treasure of Careful Planning

~~~~~~

You can order my books at rdkauffman@alltel.net. I?ll send an invoice with your order. You may mail a check or money order when you receive the invoice.

Shipping for one book is $1.50 each. In Canada, $1.75. If you purchase more than one book the shipping cost is less per book.

Comments

I read your book on Planning in one night. I am a fairly organized person. I am not sure it is in my nature, but after being at home for a while with my children and especially once we started home schooling, I learned that planning and organization were necessities!

I gleaned a great deal from the book! I have a daily planner notebook that I sort of use.. but not well! I worked outside the home for many years (before our 2nd child was born) until I listened to the Lord's call for me to be home. In the workplace I lived by my Day Runner, but I have never been able to translate it for the home. Your book helped me do just that! Mine is not like yours in all ways. I definitely geared it to my life. There is a section for book lists, books to look for at the library and books to buy. I am an avid reader and friends are always giving me book suggestions! There is also a section for quilting projects, to keep pieces of fabric I am using and need coordinating fabrics to go with? things like that.

I have a prayer notebook that I use already, so I have chosen to keep that separate. But I did adapt some of your ideas for "scheduling" when to pray for certain "categories". I have done this before and really needed to get back to this. My prayer list is so very long and I would gladly spend all day in intercession if the Lord called me to do so, but right now I need time to care for my family also.

I did include a place in my planner for prayer needs that need "more" prayer. Like a friend who is battling cancer, a friend caring for 2 elderly parents in failing health who is feeling tired and worn down. This list is for me to use while I wait. I hate to wait! This will make good use of my time at the orthodontist and such. Thank you for your books and newsletter. They are blessings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Poem

Please send your poetry to rdkauffman@alltel.net.

Love
Danette, mother of 3

I Cor. 13 (paraphrased)

If I

Always have a spotless, organized,

Beautifully decorated house and

If I

Make yummy meals on time and

If I

Have the cleanest baby in the world and

If my children?s faces are always clean

And their hair combed and

If I

Have no Love -

I AM NOTHING.

And If I

Am always scrubbing and doing profitable projects and

If I

Do a lot of nice things for others and

If I

Have no Love ?

I GAIN NOTHING

Of eternal value.

Love Is-

Patient and kind.

It is not easily angered,

It keeps no record of wrong.

It does not envy,

It is not rude,

It is not self seeking,

It is not proud,

It does not boast.

Always protects,

Always trusts,

Always hopes,

Always perseveres.

Love Never Fails.

Faith, Hope, Love-

The greatest of these is

Love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the Recipe Box

Chicken and Mushrooms Dijon

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

1 ? c. broccoi flowerets

1 ? c. slices mushrooms

1 c. cream of chicken soup

1 can broccoli cheese soup

2 T. Dijon style mustard

? c. milk

In skillet, in 1 T. hot margarine, cook chicken 10 minutes or unti browned. Remove. Add an additional 1 T. margarine, cook broccoli and mushrooms until tender and liquid is evaporated; stir often. Add soup, milk and mustard. Heat to boiling. Return chicken to skillet. Cover; and cook over low heat 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink; stir often. Serve with noodles or rice. You can also take the same recipe and bake in oven at 350* for 40 minutes. Serves 4.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question for the Month

Please send your questions and responses to rdkauffman@alltel.net.

The questions for this month are:

I've put on at least 30 pounds since I got married and have tried diets, but failed... not that the diets wouldn't have worked, I lacked the will power to stay on them. I always want results NOW, so I try something drastic. But that obviously isn't working. It bothers me that I'm no longer the slim attractive girl my husband married years ago, although he doesn't let on if it bothers him. Anyway, I'm asking for success stories on what you ladies have done for fighting "the battle of the bulge". It's summer, and I can't hide behind my sweaters anymore.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The questions for last month are:

My 10 yr. old is very concerned about someone else getting the better end of a deal. It bothers him terribly if his older brother gets to do something and he doesn't because he's not old enough, or if someone else gets a privilege that he doesn't get at the same time. I've explained that the older brother has more work to do because of age also. This is an ongoing problem. Any solutions?? Donna mother of 4

Would anyone have suggestions for this mother?

I?m about out of questions, actually. Please send any that you might like answered. Donna

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Treats From Tots

Please send delightful lines from your children to rdkauffman@alltel.net.

When my son, Chadwinn, showed an unusual interest in birds for a 20 month old, I started naming them to him. At 23 months he can now name most of the birds that come to our feeders. Except the titmouse which he classes with the chickadee. I have been working on this ~ explaining the difference, etc.
Then the other day we saw a titmouse and I asked, "Now ,what is that?" He thought a little then announced proudly, " A mousey chickadee" !! Hannah ~ Mommy of one

~~~~~

The realization that technology has reached our children was shown to me several years ago as I overheard our children at play...

Jewel said, "Ring..ring...Lynnae, I'm calling you."

To which Lynnae replied, "I'm not at home!"

The answer was swift in coming, "Well, answer on your cell phone!"

~~~~~

I was baby-sitting for the five year old neighbor girl the other day. While I was ironing, she wanted me to help her sing the songs she sings in Sunday school. I wasn't sure if I would be familiar with all the songs, but I needn't have worried as we sang "Jesus Loves Me" and "The Wiseman Built His House Upon the Rock", but when we got to "Deep and Wide" I couldn't help but smile when she sang these words: "There's a mountain floating deep and wide ... "

Blessings to you for all the time and effort you spend in encouraging women like me!

Janet (mom of 4)

~~~~~

Last night, I was making biscuits for supper and my 3-yr-old daughter was 'helping'. We measured the flour and dumped it in, then next was the baking soda. I went to the drawer to get a measuring spoon. While I had my back turned, she was brightly saying, "We could just do it like this!" I looked to see what her good idea was and she had the baking soda box upside-down, shaking it into the flour! We started over with the biscuits! Kay, mom of 1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Missionary Wives Prayer Line

Rachel Hershberger
is serving with her husband Ryan Hershberger
in La Palmerita, Nicaruga.
She has two little boys.

1. That I would continue to cultivate a deeper and richer relationship w/ the Lord.

2. That I would faithfully and cheerfully apply myself to my duties as missionary wife, mother, teacher, etc.

3. That I would help to maintain good relationships with the staff here.

4. Pray for continued spiritual growth in the new converts and the people we work with in Nicaragua.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Birth Announcements

Congratulations to our new mothers.

Christian Thane Kauffman

December 15, 2005

8 lbs. 6 oz. ~ 21"

Sheldon & Joann Kauffman

Siblings: Annie (4) Sara (2)

~~~~~

Name: Ravi Stewart

Weight: 9 lbs

Length: 20 inches

Birth date: January 14, 2006

Delighted Parents: Jason & Gloria Croutch

Excited Siblings: Cody, Jessenia & Jace

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Comments from Newsletter Readers

I got your newsletter right in the middle of cooking up some chicken bones so I thought I'd try the Cheesy Chicken Chowder since I was already half way there. It was great (had to make it quite a bit bigger to feed us but wanted to tell you that everyone loved it! must be the cheese. Lani

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Until next time. God Bless
Donna Kauffman

4123 Kinsman Road

N. Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

rdkauffman@alltel.net.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If at any time you would like to unsubscribe send an email rdkauffman@alltel.net., and type unsubscribe in the subject line.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive the newsletter type TFMHY in the subject line. They?ll be added to the list.

This is a monthly publication. You may feel free to forward it on to or print it if you do so in its entirety for anyone that you think would be interested.

Email newsletters are free. For postal mail newsletters: .75 each or $9.00 per yearly subscription to cover the cost of copying and postage.

Make Believe Mothering

2006-01-29T20:34:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Treasures
Email me at rdkauffman@alltel.net
Make Believe Mothering
Instead of feeling overwrought with demands to the point of being
overwhelmed, feel the overflowing joy that comes from daily
life in the midst of a hustling, bustling family. The two halves
make one marvelous whole of God?s balance.

Each fall when school began, Carla and Rachel waved their goodbyes and headed to the other side of the lake to the Christian school. As I sent them off on their first day I turned my attention to Christa. We packed the table, chairs and dishes along with dollies, a high chair and baby bed together. With arms loaded down, we moved her items from their usual home in her bedroom to a corner in the living room. This way my toddler?s playtime homemaking hours could be close by her mother?s real homemaking work.

The end table by the couch turned into a kitchen cupboard with tiny plates, cups and doll bottles neatly lining the shelf. Christa?s tiny blender whirred up real chocolate milk. With one baby in the high chair, one who was old enough to sit on a real chair and Christa perched on the other, the trio would have one party after another. At times she lined all the dolls up on the couch and collected a variety of books. For an hour this pretend mommy had story time with her young ones.

Day after day, year after year, Christa enjoyed mothering play. Those were precious times of watching my little one do make-believe grown-up kinds of things. And could it be, I wondered, that one day these training hours would pay off in enjoyable real mothering?

For I have set you an example.

~ John 13:15 ~

My Baby, Alina

2006-01-18T11:55:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Treasures

email me at

rdkauffman@alltel.net

My Baby Alina

Even as it is the nature of a seed to sprout, it

is the nature of love to give itself away.

~ Robert Schuller ~

(Tough Times Never Last but Tough People Do)

We had packed her things the night before and crawled into bed with lumps in our throats. The next morning the little girl who had lived with us for the past eight months would leave; her father and grandmother would pick her up at 11:00 am.

Alina came to our home when she was four-months-old. She moved deep into our hearts with her delightful and contended misdemeanor. She grew to completely love our house full of adults. Alina experienced her many firsts with us. We marveled at each new antic. We praised her for every charming move. We could hardly fathom the joy this tiny one's presence brought to our home. Nor did we have any concept of the thick emptiness we would feel when her daddy would drive her away the next morning, It was Friday, September 27, 1991. Pen and paper can not describe the pain in our souls as my three daughters and I closed the door behind our tiny baby girl. We sank into chairs and sobbed for ... we don't know how long. There was no promise of ever seeing our little girl again.

Alina had been so happy and joyful with us that we wondered what her new world would bring. We wondered if anyone would tell her the stories of Jesus.

I snatched her smiling photos off the wall. The ache was far too great to look at her joy-filled face. Giving her to someone else felt worse than death to me. Surely with Jesus, I knew her life would be complete.

A week later, when our sorrow was still thicker than words can describe, some kind friends invited us to dinner. On our way home from the restaurant, we stopped at a store to collect a few items. It was difficult for me to even go into a building filled with busy people oblivious to my desperate sorrow.

As we wandered around, I caught a glimpse of someone. I said to my friend, "Who is that?" We walked a little further down the aisle and there she was. "Alina!" I shouted, "Alina!" Her daddy and his girlfriend turned around at Alina'?s shrill squeal and my loud outburst. Alina giggled and wiggled. Reaching out to grab my baby, not quite a year old, I remembered she was no longer my baby. I stopped my hands midair and asked her daddy if I could hold his little girl. I picked up the exuberant one. We cuddled, hugged and chuckled our delight.

And then it was time to go. I needed to give her back. I put Alina in the cart and turned to walk away. And then I turned to look back. Alina was looking straight at me. And we did just that, looked into each other's eyes until her daddy rolled the cart around a corner and she was gone. Gone, once again from my presence, but never from my heart.

Treasures From My Heart to Yours Volume 4, Issue 1

2006-01-03T11:35:00.000-06:00

Treasures From My Heart to Yours

Free email newsletter reaching over 500 women.

Offering encouragement to mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers

Editor: Donna Kauffman

Author: Treasures From a Mother?s Heart,

The Treasure of Careful Planning--Enjoy the Gift of Organization,

Treasures From a Waiting Heart--Experiencing His Healing Presence

rdkauffman@alltel.net

http://treasuresbooks.blogspot.com/

4123 Kinsman Road

N. Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

Volume 4 #1 January 2006

http://treasuresbooks.blogspot.com/ as well as our latest family picture taken last week. I'm also uploading short devotionals periodically.

I Want Gumma
"And it shall be at that day," saith the LORD, "that thou shalt call Me
`Ishi' that is, My husband (an endearing name),
and shalt call Me no more `Baali' that is, My Lord (or Master).

Hosea 2:16

I'm always thrilled when my grandchildren learn to say 'Grandma.' Ahh, it is the most blessed music for them to address me by that special, endearing name. Aleya was two and just learning to talk. Her mother, Rachel sent a note telling me that Aleya keeps talking about Gumma. "Aleya fell and bumped her head and held her breath like she does, you know. And when she starting breathing again, in a tiny voice she said, 'I want Gumma come.''

A few days later when I mailed something to Rachel I stuck a couple of coloring books in the package for the little girls. Rachel wrote another note saying, "Aleya carries her little coloring book around. Every few minutes she shows it to me and says 'Gumma, Gumma'. And whenever Aleya gets sad about something she says, 'I want Gumma come.''

I was so thrilled about these little stories that I could hardly wait until the family comes for Christmas and I can hear Aleya call me 'Gumma.' I delightfully told Bob, my other daughters and my close by grandchildren about Aleya talking about 'Gumma'

One evening the phone rang. I picked it up and said, "Hello, this is Donna."

Enthusiastically from the other end I heard "Gumma?"

I shouted into the phone, "Gumma did you call me Gumma, Aleya? Oh how precious to hear you calling to your grandma." I nearly burst with the thrill of little Aleya's calling my name.

The next morning Rachel asked Aleya, "Did you talk to grandma last night?" Proudly she said, "Uh uh and noded her little head with that nod she only does if she is overly excited."

You know, I sensed in my heart this is just what my Heavenly Father feels when I call to Him. He loves for me to call him endearing names. "Jesus, My Father, Loving Savior, Father God, or My Blessed Abba (Daddy)." He tells me in His Word to no longer call Him 'Bali' which means Master, but to call Him 'Ishi' which means an endearing name. I learned from this little Aleya experience that my Father is as delighted when I come to Him calling Him those endearing names, as I am when I hear little Aleya saying "Gumma."

Your Friend,
Donna

Proverbs 31:26

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Valentine's Day Specials on
My Books

*The Treasure of Careful Planning: Regular price $7.99, Sale price $7.25, four or more $7.00 each.

*Treasures From a Waiting Heart: Regular price $9.50, Sale price $8.75, four or more $8.50 each.

Purchase a package of both books for $15.00.

Treasures From a Waiting Heart
--Experiencing His Healing Presence

~~~~~

The Treasure of Careful Planning

This book tells the story of how the Lord met me during a very low time in my early mothering years. The message He unfolded has changed my life from that day until today. You'll learn to determine your purpose for being on this earth, and numerous ideas on organizing your life in a way that you?ll have more time to accomplish your purpose than you imagined.

~~~~~~

You can order my books at rdkauffman@jmz.net. I'll send an invoice with your order. You may mail a check or money order when you receive the invoice.

Shipping for one book is $1.50 each. In Canada, $1.75. If you purchase more than one book the shipping cost is less per book.

Comments

Good morning! My husband and I recently traveled to Nicaragua and visited friends there. While I was there, I read your book about home organization and would like to have one for myself. I'd also like to be on your newsletter mailing list that you e-mail. I am a busy mother of 6 and am always looking for ways to improve and be a better wife and mother! =) Actually, I'd like to order 2 books. Charlene, mom of 6

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the scriptures

Children's children are the crown of old men.

Proverbs 17:6

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Poem

Please send your poetry to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

Rocking Daddy

By Jewel Miller

I climbed into my daddy?s lap

And asked if he would read,

To me my Bible Storybook

And pictures let me see.

He read in voices strong and deep

And gently rocked along,

But then his voice grew rough and gruff

'til I wondered what was wrong.

The rocking chair began to slow

My book began to sink

I looked into my daddy'?s eyes

And saw him slowly blink.

So I laid my head against his chest

And heard him breathing deep.

Then slowly and surely

I rocked Daddy fast asleep.

~~~~~

The Week After Christmas

By Regina, Reinholds

'Twas the week after Christmas
And all through the house,
Not one child was playing,
Not even a mouse.

The toys were all scattered across the floor,
And some of the children were wishing for more!
"It's boring!" they cried, "what else is to do?"
They had no want to imagine, not even a clue.

If Christmas was about money and gifts
This season should have given their spirits a lift!
But the toys and the money and stuff that they got
Is not what is needed-Oh no! it is not!

Contentment and peace and a love for each other
Will last a lot longer and surely go further.
Words of encouragement or friendship that's sure
Are gifts that last longer and mean a lot more!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the Recipe Box
Cheesy Chicken Chowder

3 c. chicken broth

2 c. diced, peeled potatoes

1 c. diced carrots

1 c. diced celery

? c. diced onion

1 t. salt

1 t. pepper

1 c. margarine

1/3 c. flour

2 c. milk

2 c. (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

2 c. diced, cooked chicken

In a four quart saucepan, bring chicken broth to boil. Reduce heat; add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Melt margarine in med. Saucepan; add flour and mix well. Gradually stir in milk; cook over low heat until slightly thickened. Stir in cheese and cook until melted; add to broth along with chicken. Cook and stir over low heat until heated through but not boiling. Yield: 6 - 8 servings. This is very good with or without the cheese.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question for the Month

Please send your questions and responses to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

The question for last month and this month is:

My 10 yr. old is very concerned about someone else getting the better end of a deal. It bothers him terribly if his older brother gets to do something and he doesn't because he's not old enough, or if someone else
gets a privilege that he doesn't get at the same time. I've explained that the older brother has more work to do because of age also. This is an ongoing problem. Any solutions?? Donna mother of 4

I?m thinking with the busyness of the past weeks we didn't get responses for the month?s question. So we'll use it for this month's question as well. Donna

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Answers to an earlier question:

How to help children learn to work.

Once again I enjoyed "Treasures." Every Thursday night our family comes home for supper. Thursday is a day I have off so I spend more time on the meal. I have our three year old grand daughter for the day as well. She loves to 'make' supper. She does not like naps.

I was so tickled one Thursday morning we were out shopping. She looked at me and sighed, "I guess we need to hurry and take a nap so I can get supper ready on time!"
How does she "help" me? She wraps the baking potatoes in foil. She slathers the fish to be baked with sauce. Grating cheese is such fun. Mixing the meatloaf with her bare hands is a favorite. What fun (and a bit of a mess) mixing the flour and egg by hand for rivals.
I try to plan something each Thursday that she can be involved with. It is a time that is precious for us both. It is so rewarding when her parents step through the dining room door for supper and she announces so excitedly, "I helped Grammie make the supper."
I rather doubt that I would have had quite as much patience when my eight children were her age. Somehow as we grow older and become grandparents we can see how short childhood is and a little extra mopping up and sweeping is not all that important.

What precious gifts from God, our little ones are.

Anita King
We have seven living children(Jordan drowned when he was eleven)and one
grand child. I suspect that is why everything is so sweet to me?!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Treats From Tots

Please send delightful lines from your children to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

My 4 year old son has been asking questions lately about how babies come to be in tummies, etc. I try to satisfy him with age-appropriate answers. One morning in church his little mind must have been busy. Out of the clear blue he whispered, "Could I breathe when I was in your tummy?" -Linda, mother of 4 sons

When our daughter Tonya was 3 1/2, I overheard her telling her younger sister the story of Moses confronting Pharoah. She said, "Moses said, 'Let my people go!' and Pharoah said, 'No, not by the hair of my chinny chin chin!' Sharon Carpenter, mother of 6

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Missionary Wives Prayer Line
This month?s missionary wife is
Mirian Stoltzfus serving the Lord with her husband, in Cayo, Belize.
Mirian is mother of ten children.
Her prayer requests are:

*pray that my relationship with God would continue to deepen so that I can be the woman He desires of me.

*in ministering to the needs of my husband,

*in fulfilling the needs of my family,

*relating to the needs and people of Belize in a way that would glorify our Father.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Birth Announcements

Congratulations to our new mothers.

Connor Briant Beachy

November 21, 2005.
7 lbs. 14 oz. - 20 in. long.
Brian and Julie Beachy
Excited sisters: Chloe (3) and Cassidy (17 months)

Thomas Allen Beachy
November 20, 2005
Allen & Anne Beachy
Siblings: Bobbi (4) & Jessi (2)

Aaron Michael

December 7, 2005

7 pounds, 14 ounces.

Clyde and Wanita (Byler)

Siblings: Micah-12, Colson-10, Maria-7, Joseph-6, Amy-3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Comments from Newsletter Readers

When I first subscribed to your newsletter, I mentioned that my youngest daughter was working on an international adoption and was having a lot of difficulties with it.

In Aug. they were contacted by a co-worker if they would consider adopting her grandchild.

In Oct. they received a beautiful baby girl for adoption. We are just in awe of how God worked this all out. It was so different from what we were anticipating, yet so perfectly right.

I have been thinking of how we as parents often have this dream of what we consider a perfect life for our children. But sometimes God has a different plan. And that is okay. We look back and can truthfully say GOD IS GOOD! Pauline, mother of 3 and grandmother of 3.

~~~~

Blessings to you! I enjoy and always look forward to receiving the next newsletter! I would like to order a set of books. All 3 books. please, if still available! I would like to give my pastor's wife a set. She is a younger than me, mother of 4 little ones and this week has been a trying week for her. As she shared I thought about your books! If all 3 books are not available I will take the other 2. Also, I would like to subscribe to a paper newsletter for her! Thank-you! Lydia, mom of 3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Until next time. God Bless
Donna Kauffman

4123 Kinsman Road

N. Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

rdkauffman@jmz.net.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If at any time you would like to unsubscribe send an email rdkauffman@jmz.net., and type unsubscribe in the subject line.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive the newsletter type TFMHY in the subject line. They?ll be added to the list.

This is a monthly publication. You may feel free to forward it on to or print it if you do so in its entirety for anyone that you think would be interested.

Email newsletters are free. For postal mail newsletters: .75 each or $9.00 per yearly subscription to cover the cost of copying and postage.

Family Night

2006-01-02T18:47:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Treasures

Email Donna at

rdkauffman@alltel.net

Family Night

Make a memory with your children;
Spend some time to show you care.
Toys and trinkets can’t replace those
Precious moments that you share.
~ Elaine Hardt ~

Every Tuesday evening we celebrated the family and called it “family night.” Weekly, our daughters took turns of being in charge of this special evening.

The little one in charge had several big responsibilities to take care of. First, she needed to plan the dinner menu. We enjoyed a variety of meals. Hot dogs with macaroni and cheese was a favorite and one time we made the cutest strawberry shortcake sandwiches. When the planned menu consisted of all desserts, mom stepped in with some assistance.

The evening activity came after dinner. These girls were creative as they took their turn making the plans. We played store with Rachel dressed up in her cashier’s jacket and real food boxes lining make believe shelves. The noisily ringing cash register was kept very busy opening and closing as customer’s purchased and repurchased carts full of groceries.

On some of these evenings we had Miss Nurse visit us. With her nurse cap and apron properly in place, Carla would gently give a shot to her daddy for his bronchitis. She bandaged her sisters severely broken arm, took blood pressures and passed out candy pills.

Other evenings we piled into the family car and made the trip to the local library. Each of the girls selected their stack of books and their dad carefully reviewed each one. A stop at the new McDonalds for a 25-cent ice cream treat topped those evenings off splendidly. The rare occasion found us at the 7-eleven store where 50-cent slurpies were our treasure. We had one for each person, since there was no sharing special snacks on family night.

Years later we continue to reminisce those pleasurable special evenings.

Christmas Family Picture

2005-12-27T19:26:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Treasures
Email Donna at
rdkauffman@alltel.net

Christmas family picture 2005

Back: Carla with Jackson, Rachel, Glen with Aleya,
Christa, Rod with Alyssa.

Front: Sierra, Donna with Dylan, Bob with Jayden,
Kassie and Kyle

Treasures From My Heart to Yours Vol. 3 # 12

2005-11-29T16:03:00.000-06:00

Treasures From My Heart to Yours

Free email newsletter reaching over 500 women.

Offering encouragement to mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers

Editor: Donna Kauffman

Author: Treasures From a Mother?s Heart,

The Treasure of Careful Planning--Enjoy the Gift of Organization,

Treasures From a Waiting Heart--Experiencing His Healing Presence

rdkauffman@alltel.net

http://treasuresbooks.blogspot.com/

4123 Kinsman Road

N. Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

Volume 3 #12 December 2005

_________________________________________________________________

Enjoying December
Take from our lives the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess, the beauties of Thy peace.

John Greenleaf Whittier

I plopped a few Christmas gift items along with my groceries on to the checkout counter in Wal-Mart. The cashier was ringing things through when suddenly I heard this aghast voice behind me. I looked around to this beautiful young mother whose eyes were wide in absolute amazement. In an equally startled voice she gasp, ?Are you Christmas shopping??

?Yes,? I told her, ?I?m almost finished. I like to do my shopping early so I can spend the month of December in extra worship and quieter things.?

Mrs. Mom?s eyes grew larger. She stated in shock, ?I can?t believe this. I can?t believe this. You ought to write a book.?

?I did write a book,? I shared with the lady. ?There is one chapter called A Peaceful December.?

?You wrote a book? You wrote a book?? the kind lady nearly shouted. She was saying things like, ?Imagine having my shopping done in December. Where can I get the book? I can?t believe this. I need this book.?

Mrs. Mom phoned me a couple of days later and ordered three books of The Treasure of Careful Planning. I do pray she can find some help in quieting her heart during the month of December.

And yes ladies, I like to encourage moms to consider December plans well before December. I love to have plenty of time during the month of December for meditation with the Lord, and family worship times with lots of singing of carols.

If you like to share a few gifts of love at Christmas, I suggest starting a list in October. Jot down everyone?s names that you would like to give a gift. Then write down an item or two behind each name. Endeavor to jot down gift ideas with a meaning. If you haven?t done this yet, you still have time. It will save you energy when you go shopping. It will also make your gifts more practical than if you just collect something you see as you?re rushing through the store.

It?s also important to be wise when sharing gifts of love with our loved ones. When children receive too many gifts they feel confused. Often they grow unappreciative and want just what they didn?t receive. How about getting an item of clothing for each and a useful toy. Puzzles, books, table games, Lego or craft packages are great for encouraging creativity, good memory, thinking and focusing processes.

My niece has chosen to get her children each three gifts. One that represents frankincense, one myrrh and the other gold. That certainly puts a limit to an over abundance of spending and lavishing our children with way more than what is best for them.

Perishable items are nice for older folks. My parents love a basket of cheese and meats with crackers.

When you start planning back in October there is plenty of time to make gift items. I think homemade gifts can be some of the most special packages to receive--made by the loving hands of mother, grandfather or whomever.

I do like to have my gifts ready by mid November. I do not enjoy shopping the busy stores in December. The rush and frenzy brings anything but quietness to me. Then early in December I pull things out, get them boxed and wrapped. There is a corner in our office where I stack them until Christmas.

I find making a few cookies and candies relaxing. I like to do those early in December when my grandbabies are over for the day. Oh we have lots of fun and plenty of chaos. It makes for special memories and an uncomfortable night. Whew, too much sugar. I have hidden candies under our bed for many years. By now the whole extended household knows where they?re stored. So by Christmas day the box of candies is less that what I had planned. Oh well.

When our girls were young, Bob and I often found a family in need that we could purchase love gifts for. We?d collect our family together and go to town for an evening and select all the items we wanted to share with the needy family. That was an enjoyable part of Christmas over the years. Someone else that I know wrapped their whole family in warm coats each year on an evening close to Christmas. They traveled to a number of shut ins and caroled for them.

Well, since this isn?t getting to you until December maybe you can tuck the ideas away for next year. And maybe you?ll decide to do as much as you can within the next two weeks. Then take the last couple of weeks of December to rest, relax, and worship the amazing gift of our blessed LORD.

Your Friend,
Donna

Proverbs 31:26

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Books by
Donna Kauffman
I?ve put my books on sale for November and December
Actually I have only 7 left of Treasures From A Mother?s Heart
and then it will be out of print.

*Treasures From A Mother?s heart: $11.99, sale price $11.00 each, four or more $10.50.

*The Treasure of Careful Planning: $7.99, sale price $7.00 each, four or more 6.50.

*Treasures From a Waiting Heart: $9.50, sale price $8.50 each, four or more 8.00.

Or buy a package = all three books for $25.00, regular price $29.48

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Treasures From a Waiting Hearts
--Experiencing His Healing Presence

I just wanted to share with you my thanks for letting God give you courage and strength to open yourself up the way you did in writing "Treasures from a Waiting Heart". I have been so blessed by reading and re-reading parts of it. I'm sure that it was not easy to be so painfully honest, but it was a such a blessing to me and I'm sure to many others.

The amazing thing to me is how much your experience parallels what God has been working out in my life in the last 5 years especially. It wasn't quite all as organized in my mind in the way you laid it all out so plainly, but the lessons God has been teaching me patiently over and over have all been in these three areas!

Our God is an AWESOME GOD! I really appreciate your sharing Scripture verses in each area. I copied them down and am going to meditate on them more. Mom of 4, grandmother of 2

~~~~~

I have read your book, Treasures of a Waiting Heart through twice now, and parts more than that and it just makes me cry. I want to order 6 more books. I need to have them on hand to give away. I want to send one right away to a friend in another state who has had some difficulties at her job. Thank you so much for autographing the book you sent me and for the verse; Luke 4:18 - a very powerful verse indeed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Treasures From a Mother?s Heart
--A Celebration of Memories From One Generation to Another

I'm enjoying your new book, as the Lord has put me down again this last week. It has been a blessing and a good reminder to take the time needed with my impressionable children at present. The section "Delightful Dandelions" especially spoke to me with my present situation. The sentence, "The meaning of prayer is that we get hold of God, not of the answer." Is what I needed to hear right now." Mother of 5

~~~~~

Your book is very good. I would recommend it to any young mother. You had neat ideas when your children were young. Betty

~~~~~

Donna, your book is so homey and cozy. It?s just wonderful, I love it. Marcella

~~~~~~~~~~~

The Treasure of Careful Planning
--Enjoy the Gift of Organization

I really like your books, especially the second one. I am working on getting my notebook all set up. I am patterning it after what you shared in the book. That is me all over, just needed a guide to set it up. For a practical book yours tops it. Thanks. Loretta

~~~~

Your book is full of wisdom. I hope to put it into use immediately! Stacee

~~~~

What a practical book! God bless you as you continue to minister to many women. Phyllis

You can order my books at rdkauffman@jmz.net. I?ll send an invoice with your order. You may mail a check or money order when you receive the invoice.

Shipping for one book is $1.50. In Canada, $1.75. If you purchase more than one book the shipping cost is less per book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the scriptures

And the angel said unto them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you

good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10, 11

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Poem

Please send your poetry to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

The Nativity

by Hope Byler

I?d given her permission.

The two timeworn Nativity sets

are now scrambled

into one happy cluster.

My three year old

carries the stable

from room to room,

followed by a second trip -

her skirt full of sheep and angels,

wise men and Marys.

Only one Baby Jesus

seems to have survived the moves.

She arranges

and rearranges.

"They?ve all come

to see the baby,"

she informs me.

She crowds each figure close,

they seem to all gaze quietly down

at the tiny bundle

in the ceramic manger.

Time stands still.

Their gaze

is unwavering.

I ponder her play.

Stillness,

awe,

and harmony

seem to characterize her players

as they stand reverently

in hushed adoration.

The Baby is the unmistakable Center

of her enchanted scene.

I wondered about my Christmas.

Could we reenact this scene?

Will we carve time out

of hectic days

to simply stand still

and quietly gaze?

Will there be harmony,

peace,

and love between us

as we stand side by side --

quietly fixing the adoration

and focus

of our hearts

on the divine Baby

in the manger?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the Recipe Box
Rice Krispie Candy

1 c. peanut butter

1 7 oz. marshmallow cream

1 2/3 c. rice kripsies

Mix together. Form into balls

Melt 1 ? c. milk chocolate chips

4 t. shortening

With a toothpick pick up balls and dip in chocolate. Put on wax paper until cooled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Homeschooling Moments and
Child-Friendly Recipes

And more

By Sharon Schnupp Kuepfer

Sharon Schnupp Kuepfer (www.skuepfer.com) has written two inspirational books, Homeschooling Moments and Child-Friendly Recipes?A Collection of the Unique Adventures of a Mennonite Family and There?s No Place Like Home?Tales and Treats from a Mennonite Family. Price: $6.95 each (American). She is offering FREE shipping as a pre-Christmas special. Order: 1-519-595-4983 or Sharon Kuepfer, Box 62, Newton, Ontario, Canada, N0K 1R0 or skuepfe@skuepfer.com.

Sharon and her husband have just completed their recording called A Legacy of Love: Songs of Commitment Through the Generations (Some songs a cappella, some with gentle classical guitar). Order CDs ($15 US, shipping included)/ Cassettes ($10 US, shipping included) through Joanne at Northern Youth Programs: nymsecy@drytel.net OR NYP, Site 306, Box 1, RR3, Dryden, ON, Canada, P8N 3G2 OR 1-807-937-5188.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Homeschooling for Eternity
By Skeet Savage

Skeet Savage is a veteran home schooling mother of six, the Founder of Wisdom?s Gate, Editor of Home School Digest and An Encouraging Word Magazines. Over the last fifteen years, she has been a guest on various Radio Talk Shows. Skeet and her family have been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles including a feature in TIME magazine.

Chris Klicka, Senior Counsel of the Home School Legal Defense Association, author and father of seven home school children says, ?Homeschooling for Eternity is a must-read for all home school families who are serious about raising their families for God?s glory. In a very practical way, Skeet Savage helps you live and teach what really matters. Knowing Skeet for many years, I can say confidently, she truly walks her talk.?

Ordering info of Skeet?s book: www.wisdomsgate.com; Phone: 800-343-1943; Mailing Address: Wisdom?s Gate, P.O. Box 374, Covert, MI 49043

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fresh Flowers--

An Inspirational Journal

By Lani Weins

31 inspirational thoughts mixed with beautiful black and white photography and light-hearted anecdotes along with lots of room for your own thoughts and drawings. With a custom, hand-made cover and spiral binding it's a gift of encouragement for yourself or someone else.
1 book $20 (CND)- add $4.50 for shipping in Canada
$6.00 to the USA
2 or more books $15/per book (call for shipping cost).
*money orders (to Lani Wiens) are probably the easiest payment method at this time
contact: laniwiens@yahoo.ca - to get an idea of what you can expect or visit her blog at http://freshflowers01.blogspot.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hold Them Near

by Catherine Beachy Yoder

This book tells the true story of the Noah E. Beachy family as they went through incredible loss and trials in their family. It portrays the daily life of an Amish family in the 1940's and shows how faith can grow even when children die, poverty threatens, and health fails. It is available from Catherine Yoder 18646 C.R. 46 New Paris, IN 46553 for $6.99 + $2.00 s/h. Any questions can be directed to bookworm@bnin.net .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question for the Month

Please send your questions and responses to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

The questions for this month are:

My 10 yr. old is very concerned about someone else getting the better end of a deal. It bothers him terribly if his older brother gets to do something and he doesn't because he's not old enough, or if someone else
gets a privilege that he doesn't get at the same time. I've explained that the older brother has more work to do because of age also. This is an ongoing problem. Any solutions?? Donna mother of 4

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The questions for last month are:

About six months following the birth of our second son I experienced a period of extremely dark days. Having experienced that intense depression terrifies me of having a third child. I?m wondering if other mothers have experienced this and if they have more than once? If so, are there ways to prepare myself and my husband (spiritually, physically, mentally or emotionally) in case it should happen again? I feel like I need something, Scripture verses or something that I can KNOW I can trust God to take care of me and my family.

~~~~~

Blessings on you! There are so many options for you to search. I have three children and our fourth one is expected to arrive in a few months. I have experienced depression with the last two. Each time I have a baby things get worse. This time my depression set in only a few weeks into the pregnancy. Those dark days are horrible! But there is hope and help.

I have tried the natural route and found that Blue Vervain from Nature's Sunshine products was helpful. Also getting lots of sunshine and fresh air helped. Exercise daily is beneficial. Avoiding stressful situations is important. For example if 4:00pm is a bad time for you, then prepare your supper in the morning so you don't have that stress at 4:00pm. Don't put yourself on guilt trips during your slump. Learn to work around that slump by having things prepared ahead of time. Some people have this slump in the morning and some in the evening.

Do not be afraid to go on medication for your depression! It is not fair to our families to suffer because we do not get the help we need. You may only need medication for 4-5 months or longer. It is not addictive - unless you want it to be. Do not use medication as a band-aid if you have other emotional issues (eg. sexual abuse, stressful marriage, painful past etc) if you need some counseling in addition to medication, do not hesitate.

There are other things to investigate like checking into thyroid to see if you are having thyroid trouble. Also have your progestrone levels checked. This can bring it on as well. And be careful in your diet to eat raw foods, unprocessed foods, and good whole wheat breads.

There may be even more things to check into than this, but these are the things I have been made aware of, and am trying or have tried.

I am on medication and it helps me so much to be able to cope with life like I normally would.

~~~~~

I would just like to send a word of encouragement to you...I too had major depression after my second child was born about the same time you said you did. I first of all want to tell you that you could be
battling postpartum depression and should definitely make sure you seek your doctor?s advice on this. Secondly, make sure you have some mommy time even if its only 20 minutes soaking in the tub with no interruptions or something you enjoy. Possibly stepping outside for fresh air. Also I tried to play a lot of praise music during the day and I wrote verses on cards. I laid them around where I could see them and read them as I walked by. Talking to another mom going through it is also helpful. A short devotional even if it is 5 minutes while feeding baby or in the bathroom can encourage you.

It is an awful thing to go through and you don't need to go through it alone. There is nothing bad about you that you face this. And please don't be afraid to get help even if you can do something medical to get you through this time.

Please hang in there and talk to someone. Don't have big expectations for yourself. Just take small
steps. I would love to talk to you or email if you have it. R.S. mother of 2

~~~~~

More answers to this question:

I would enjoy is hearing from mothers of young toddlers about how they involve the children in home duties. I know that good help tomorrow doesn't happen overnight. Thanks for the inspirational newsletter! J.L.K. - mom of 2

~~~~

As a response to the above question - I have an 'almost 3 year old. And we've been teaching him to put the toys in the toybox. He also helps fold laundry (washcloths), he helped with the garden by carrying peppers and tomatoes to the bucket, he helped to french green beans, he's helped turn the crank on the Squeezo for applesauce.

On grocery day, we pile all the bags of groceries on kitchen floor, and he helps to get things out of the bags and hands them to me to put away, or he puts it away if it goes in a lower cabinet. He likes to help close the dishwasher. He puts his own clothes in the hamper and his shoes in their proper place. Anything little that he can do, we ask him to do it. He often asks to do things and if he's capable, we let him. It is surprising how many 'little' things there are to be done. - Lisa, mother of soon to be 7

~~~~

I am a mother of only one, who is only one year old, but I, too, desire that she find a delight in helping. I have always admired mothers who allow their children to be involved in "big people" jobs, make messes, and learn from those experiences. I believe that's a real key to producing willing, productive helpers. So even at this point, I have to
remind myself to delight in my little lady's attempts and to allow her to be right there with me as I work around the house, whether it's most convenient and mess-free or not. \

It may mean allowing her pull up a chair and play in the bubbles as I wash dishes, to empty the silverware from the dishwasher (never mind the spoons are mixed with
the forks), to have her own rag while we're washing vehicles or mopping floors, besides working together to pick up toys.

It's not tried and true in our case yet; but I'm hoping that by taking advantage of her natural curiosity and desire to do "big stuff", and praising her for her attempts, I will someday have a "big helper."
Following are some activities that my 3 youngest enjoy, twins 5yrs, and a 4yr :

--A wet rag for cleaning cabinets. This works wonders for me when I'm busy in the kitchen.

--A spray bottle of diluted window cleaner and clean "lint free" rags.

--Folding wash cloths, and pairing socks

--Tearing up lettuce into bite sized pieces for salad. And they love to peel hard-boiled eggs under running water!

--Sorting, and putting silverware in their respective places.

Children love to please, and they thrive on praise. When you pray for wisdom, follow the Spirits' leading, and then trust in the Lord that you made the right decision.

R.S., mother of 5

~~~~

The best answer I have to give JLK is to find & read thru the Michael & Debi Pearl books, beginning with "To Train Up A Child" ~will be the farthest reaching $5.00 she will spend! They are accessible at www.NoGreaterJoy.org

They have a free newsletter and several other solid teaching books, not flashy, just the Word and common sense, very encouraging!

JLK's note brought to mind this story of when our youngest, had just turned 3. She helped me by stirring some orange jello for a salad for company coming that eve. She saw all the ingredients I'd assembled for the days' needs on the table. She must've gotten tired of stirring as she soon reached for the jar of green beans and offered to put them in the jello! NO! I encouraged her to keep stirring as I removed the beans to the counter top. Soon she tired again of just plain ol' jello to stir~ she was about to add more interest to the bowl~ ''eggs go in next, Mama?!" We finished the salad, properly, right then!

A week or so later, she helped stir up coleslaw with me. I put it into the serving dish and turned to wash the mixing bowl. She happily picked up the dish of coleslaw and was bringing it to the oven~ ''Mama, ready to bake it now?!"

There are so many fond memories to be made by working together! They generally try to please you and want to do a 'dood dob!' for you. I find it?s a good environment to visit in, and you can learn much about your little people.

Just yesterday we cleared out the tomato vines in the garden, in anticipation of the impending freeze. We picked all but the tiniest tomatoes, I pulled most of the plants, some piled them up, and some removed the tires we use around the plants, and stacked them next to the side fence, it was a fun time and a lot of work got done!

One 'trick' I employed was to say we'd work at it, but only do half of the job. ~I would reevaluate the energy of everyone at the end of the first row. ( Last year we did it with Daddy's help, and this time we did it ourselves to surprise him.) We took a throw-the-bad-tomatoes-as-far-as-you-can break, then talked of how excited Daddy would be when he saw the job all done! Soon it was easy to get back at it. What a relief today to know it was done when I looked out on a dreary wet day! Yea! The children agreed with my assessment after coming in from their AM chores!

Now I have to get at the buckets of tomatoes we brought in~ some ripe enough to can now, some green ones to put in 'green tomato mincemeat' and the rest to sort and use as they ripen~ what a blessing~ and good memories associated with the final thrust of ending the garden.

I mused over the job getting done as quick as we did, and realized it was because the children were all a year older and that much more capable, in addition to good attitudes about doing it in first place! Helped a lot with the motivation of the 'surprise Daddy' element in it , too. God bless you and yours~ Keep up the good work!

RAK ~Mama of 6 (ages 12~3)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Answers to an earlier question:

We have a nine year old little man at our house who is bright and creative. The trouble is clumsiness, and just forgetting to think carefully. Daily, you will find him, either swinging a spilling milk, using sloppy manners, or some other thing that makes a mom hope that he will reach adulthood- in spite of his actions! He's not a bad child, he just forgets to THINK about the results of what he is doing. No amount of talking- in various tones and approaches- seems to make a difference. This is a habit that I don't think he will outgrow unless we help him undo it. But how? Have you been there, done that? I have a foggy memory of my mother actually using the rod on us when we were very habitually careless, spilling things, etc. What do you think? Mom of Seven

~~~~

I do not have the answer to the one for the 9-year old forgetful one, but as I re-read through it I had some thoughts..

Is he the oldest or only child? How many others are in the home? Is he easily distracted? Or easily startled? As you said he swings his milk, maybe someone startled him and he whirled around..

I also thought too, if there are older children around him maybe one of them can 'help' by gently taking his hand and guiding him. Or I also thought maybe you will need to put your arms around him and gently show him by lovingly 'helping' him do something that he is careless about.

How does he respond to you when you gasp or dash in his direction to prevent an accident? Does he try to correct the problem when reminded?

Maybe he has a muscle disorder? Have you asked a dr. if that might be the case?

I pray that the Lord will give you the answer and directions on how to work with the problem.

Lydia - Momma of 3

~~~~

In response to the mother with the 9 yr. old clumsy child.
I've definitely "been there, done that" except I'm still doing it! I am by nature a clumsy person and at 38, I don't think I'll get over it! We also have a 12 yr. old boy who is by nature clumsy, although his problem is mostly just clumsy, not messy. He is a very good worker. I really think there's not but so much we can do to change, just like we can't change our personality but so much. I've been glad I'm like that so I can totally relate to my son in a way that his careful Dad cannot!

However, there are ways that maybe we can reduce our episodes. I do try to work on our son to get him to improve. Slowing down helps me to do things more careful. Giving your son a reward if he goes neatly through a normally sloppy time may help. Definitely make him clean up the mess he makes to
the best of his ability.

I would really be careful about punishing when it's not a willful disobedience, etc. "Dear Abby" had an article recently about this very thing and the frustrated mother was told to get her son evaluated that he may have a neurological problem. I wasn't real impressed with that and felt sorry for that child, because I know that I'm fine, just clumsy.

I would venture to say that a certain amount of it, he'll outgrow when he begins to care about how others see him. Until then God bless and grant patience as you continue to encourage and encourage and encourage! It's probably sinking in more than what you think! There are blessings with a child like this! You've probably heard the saying "Creative minds are seldom tidy." Think of what wouldn't get done if he was to careful to experiment! ~Donna, mother of 4

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Answers to earlier questions:

Dealing with PMS is a very frustrating feeling. I can sympathize with you in a real way. I found Chamomile tea helps a lot. Don't use the blend. Use the straight tea. Drink 3 cups a day, at least. I've found when I feel like my nerves just can't take one more thing & I drink a cup of this tea, it relaxes me. My husband even likes the tea for himself! Hope you find relief. Mother of 4. ages 8,7,5, & 2

~~~~~~

For the mom scared of post partum depression - I would suggest reading up on it and educating herself on what it is all about. I didn't realize what it was until after I was mostly out of it, but had no understanding of it. There is a wealth of information on the internet to read with many suggestions on how to deal with it. As well as talking to the health nurse and doctors. Having a good support group in place, even just someone calling to see how you are each day can make a big difference. Also, lowering your expectations of yourself and eating, sleeping and getting rid of stressful circumstances as much as possible are very helpful. Lani Wiens is mom to 5, wife to 1. A lover of Jesus and free-lance writer from Saskatchewan, Canada. You can see more of her writing at http://freshflowers01.blogspot.com.

~~~~~~

Getting kids to help with chores - My oldest (of 5) is now 9 years old and is quite capable of sorting laundry and using the washer and dryer. The 7 year old can fold towels, shirts, etc. The 5 year old can unload the dishwasher and the 3 year old is beginning to set the table (which the 2 year old unsets :)). The older ones are capable of cleaning their rooms, the bathroom and working at other assignments. Little bits at a time and not expecting it to look like yours would are essential. Continue correcting to the standard you're after but not so they are discouraged to even try. Even more importantly, be okay with how they do stuff and don't redo it unless it's absolutely necessary!! Lani Wiens is mom to 5, wife to 1. A lover of Jesus and free-lance writer from Saskatchewan, Canada. You can see more of her writing at http://freshflowers01.blogspot.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Treats From Tots

Please send delightful lines from your children to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

My 3 year old daughter, along with my 4, and 6 year old sons memorized Psalm 19. When Elisa came to the part "and the firmament sheweth His handiwork", she would say, "the furniture sheweth His handiwork". Beth, mothering 4

~~~~

This morning in Bible class I asked 3-year-old Monica how many sons Noah had. She didn't know so I started naming them off: "Ham, Shem and J -- . . . " "JAM," she triumphantly finished. Hope, mother of 7

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Missionary Wives Prayer Line
This month?s missionary wife is
Carolyn Roth serving the Lord in New York City, with her husband Allen.
Allen pastors a multi-cultural church, serves as President for the conference mission board, and ministers to unreached people groups in the city.
Carolyn has three grown children and two grandchildren.
Her prayer requests are:

1. That I can cultivate and live in a spirit of Praise, recognizing that God is Sovereign and Loving.

2. I need wisdom and faith in mentoring and encouraging the ladies and girls in our church family. That together we can learn and grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Birth Announcements

Congratulations to our new mothers.

Savannah Blessing Graybill
April 23, 2004
Adopted and Arrived From Africa November 12, 2005
Parents: Leon & Lisa Graybill
Siblings: Kyeron, age 3; Jonah, age 3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Comments From Newsletter Readers

What an exhausting, trying morning. I was being tested and really found myself leaning heavily on God?s love and His promises. It seemed my little boys (2 ? and 2 ? were extra naughty and testing my patience. After they were in bed, I felt some peace and order.

I walked out to get the mail and what should I find but your newsletter! I thought ?God knows just what I need.? I was very much encouraged on the section of getting little ones to help with work. It was encouraging to know that even my 1 ? year old can help. I was also encouraged to realize again that getting the children to help can actually be spending quality time with them.

Last month?s newsletter and the article about ?Chaotic Days? was an encouragement and blessing. Thanks so much for the newsletter. I?m encouraged to keep on mothering. Twila, mother of 3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Until next time. God Bless

Donna Kauffman

4123 Kinsman Road

N. Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

rdkauffman@jmz.net.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If at any time you would like to unsubscribe send an email rdkauffman@jmz.net., and type unsubscribe in the subject line.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive the newsletter type TFMHY in the subject line. They?ll be added to the list.

This is a monthly publication. You may feel free to forward it on to or print it if you do so in its entirety for anyone that you think would be interested.

Email newsletters are free. For postal mail newsletters: .75 each or $9.00 per yearly subscription to cover the cost of copying and postage.

Busy Laundry Day -- Devotional

2005-11-28T12:28:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Treasures

Email Donna at rdkauffman@alltel.net

Busy Laundry Day

Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plan, common work as it comes,
certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.
~ Robert Louise Stevenson ~

Busy laundry days for me meant the same for my girls. The three of them collected all the doll clothes and heaped them into a laundry basket. The red sleeper was actually a gift from my Aunt Fern when four-year-old Carla was a baby. It now fit one of her life-sized dolls. There were also home sewn garments in the basket that another aunt had stitched together. The aqua-colored sleeper was a baby gift for Rachel, who had recently turned three.

Each miniature piece of clothing was tucked into the washing machine. One of the girls measured the amount of soap and poured it into the tub. While the washer ran its cycle my busy daughters hauled the clumsy clothes rack to the back yard.

At last, the assortment of clothing had spun out finishing the washing process in the noisy machine. With a chair pushed tight against it and little girls propped on top, each article was dug from the washer. Together the team tugged the heavy basket outside to the awaiting clothes rack. The ambitious girls shook out each garment and hung them over the rods. The sunshine brightened and dried the day?s worth of work, while the wearied girls rested from their labors.

Surely acting out these household tasks as tiny tots will prepare them in virtues for years to come. Oh, it?s some extra work and mess on my part, but for future blessings I?ll rest in the clutter as my little laundress?s labor and sing:

Shaking mats and scrubbing floors,
In the house and out of doors,
Washing, ironing, mending too,
these are things that girls can do.
I?ll do it all for Jesus,
I?ll do it all for Jesus,
I?ll do it all for Jesus,
He?s done so much for me.

Let the favor of the Lord be upon us and prosper for us

the work of our hands.

~ Psalm 90:17 ~

A Perfect Fall Afternoon -- Devotional

2005-11-21T12:34:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Treasures

email Donna
rdkauffman@jmz.net

A Perfect Fall Afternoon

Blessed and praised be the Lord, from whom comes all
the good that we speak and think and do.
~ Teresa of Avila ~
(The Way of Protection)

It was a quiet fall afternoon. Not a ripple could be seen in the blue lake that spread beyond our back yard. The only sound came from the occasional loon flapping across the water, calling his special cry.

I glanced out the window, sensing the same stillness in my heart that I felt when observing the wonder of God?s creation in northern Ontario. There, at the edge of the yard, Rachel and her favorite friend Hans sat in a wheelbarrow. The two were surrounded by a bouquet of golden sunflowers. One by one, they pulled the seeds from these perfectly formed, yellow, fall treats.

I was awed with the splendor of God?s handiwork in nature, mingled with the glory and innocence of a child created in the image of our loving God.

Be still, and know that I am God.

~ Psalm 46:10 ~

The Tipped Over Plant -- Devotional

2005-11-06T20:15:00.001-06:00

Email Donna at rdkauffman@jmz.net

The Tipped Over Plant

Sometimes we as mothers learn life?s lessons from our little girls.
Often it is in their childlike faith that the greatest lessons are learned.
~ Ginny Hobson ~

Rachel, just twelve months old, wandered into the kitchen one day. Unable to talk yet, she solemnly showed me her dirty hands and motioned for me to follow her. As I walked behind Rachel, she kept glancing back to see that I was following. We paraded through the dining room, into the living room and over by the window. There Rachel stopped, next to a tipped over plant. She gravely pointed to the results of her misdeed and again held out her messy hands for me to see.

Rachel knew the plants were off limits. I marveled at such a tiny one sensing her guilt. She brought her confession to me, well before she was using words. As I cleaned up the unpleasant mess, I observed Rachel?s relieved spirit. Feeling forgiven, free of her burden and clean, she cheerfully toddled off to play.

This scene has replayed in my mind, urging me to go immediately to the Master to confess my wrongs. I tend to carry the burden of my guilt too long. Yet my young daughter came to me right away to correct her error.

The look of relief on Rachel?s face when the consequence of her misdeed was cleaned up will serve as a reminder to me forever; there is freedom in forgiveness.

Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.

~Isaiah 1:18

A Mother's Touch -- Devotional

2005-10-24T12:27:00.000-05:00

Email Donna at rdkauffman@jmz.net

A Mother?s Touch

For they had sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them:
and the LORD gave them rest round about.

2 Chronicles 15:15

"I jumped into the shower before the three older children woke up," Christa explained to me. "Dylan (6 months) was fed and playing quietly with toys."

While Christa was in the shower Dylan began to cry. His crying wakened his three older siblings. By the time Christa arrived to him, Kyle (5), Kassie (4) and Alyssa (2) were by his side. Flung all around Dylan lay the toy doctor kit. The three older children bubbled over each other as they explained to their mother that Dylan was very troubled. Kyle sympathetically proclaimed that he had given the baby a shot on his leg. "It didn't seem to make him feel better."

"So," Kassie reported, "I was checking his temperature up by his face, to see if he had a fever."

Alyssa sat by rubbing the little boy. The gentle care of Dylan's siblings kept him company, however no amount of codling from them fully met his need.

But, when he spied his mother, Dylan wiggled, and jiggled, and stretched for her to come to his aid. Christa scooped up her baby, cuddled him and changed his diaper. Dylan quieted and cooed contentedly.

Now, this little story spun my mind into a whirl of thoughts. I saw the body of Christ in motion.

After a number of deaths of people who were close to me, my heart felt heavy with grief. Warmly, friends shared kind words. Generously, they brought delightful flowers. Passionately, they interceded for me. All of their tenderness ministered to my sorrow-filled heart.

But, I continued to long. I reached for my heavenly Father. I yearned after Him. I hungered for His consideration of my aching soul.

And just as Christa knew Dylan's need and met it, so the Father knew mine. He touched my spirit and quieted me with His presence and peace.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I bless You for creating mommies to administer the right touch to their children and I bless You that You are the Master of all touches. Amen

Pledge:

Spend a little time today ministering your healing mommy touch to each of your children.

That I May Know Him - Devotional

2005-10-10T18:24:00.000-05:00

That I May Know Him

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection
and the fellowship of His sufferings,
being made conformable unto His death.

Philippians 3:10

My granddaughter, Sierra, came to spend a few days with us, and one goal I had was to get to know her heart more deeply. As the two of us sat at tea with dainty cups and saucers we talked about her family. She loves her sister. Her daddy is very special, and I learned that Sierra loves beautiful times together like tea parties, especially when there is plenty of sugar.

After tea time I felt my heart a little more wrapped up in Sierra?s heart. I knew her a tad bit better.

Ahhh, yes, after I sit with my Father and drink deep from His Word--learning His heart--and sharing with Him my heart, I come away sensing my heart and His are meshed more closely into one. There is nothing richer than truly knowing the Father.

Prayer:

My Father God, I love our times of fellowship and sharing. I?m blessed abundantly each time I sense I know a little more of Your heart. Amen.

Begin this morning spending time with the Father. If you?re not accustomed to time in the Word, a good place to start is in John. Then a Psalm each day is inspiring.

Tea Parties Devotional

2005-10-04T10:14:00.000-05:00

Email Donna at rdkauffman@jmz.net

Tea Parties

Somehow, taking tea together encourages an atmosphere of intimacy
when you slip off the time piece in your mind and cast your fate
to a delight of tasty tea, tiny foods, and thoughtful conversation.
~ Gail Greco ~

Growing up my three young daughters loved tea parties. At age two and three, Carla and her best friend Mary often set the play table with a tiny tea set. Together the team chattered, giggled and sipped empty teacups and munched pretend snacks.

Frequently, Carla?s younger sister Rachel wished for tea with real tea biscuits. She carefully set the little table. Christa, the youngest of the three girls, joined Rachel and they enjoyed the actual thing.

Other times, I?d watch my daughters set their dollies up to the table with a chair left for each of them. The dolls made tea most pleasant for my girls.

One day, three-year-old Christa, invited two of her favorite adult friends to tea. She drug her table to the middle of the kitchen, along with chairs and the miniature tea set. Christa sat, ready and waiting for her guests to arrive. At exactly 2:00 pm, Ruby and Erma stepped into the aroma-filled kitchen and perched on the tiny chairs with Christa. The trio sipped genuine tea from tiny china cups. The chit chat and laughter were contagious to me as I observed from the kitchen counter.

At times when the girls? daddy worked around home, all three girls prepared a little tea time for him. On many occasions, when my daughters returned from school, I?d have the table set and ready with china cups and fresh baked rolls. These were happy times of sharing about our day with each other.

Today, with each Bible Study group or individual friend that enters my home, I pull out teacups along with a simple treat. We enjoy the pleasantries that a delicate tea party offers. Hopefully, tea time for my children and friends will always be a time when each can revert to the happy go lucky childhood days, and once more unburden their hearts.

A friend loves at all times.

~ Proverbs 17:17a ~

Treasures From My Heart to Yours 10/05

2005-10-04T08:38:00.000-05:00

Treasures From My Heart to Yours

Free email newsletter reaching over 700 women.

Offering encouragement to mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers

Editor: Donna Kauffman

Author: Treasures From a Mother?s Heart,

The Treasure of Careful Planning--Enjoy the Gift of Organization,

Treasures From a Waiting Heart--Experiencing His Healing Presence

rdkauffman@jmz.net

http://treasuresbooks.blogspot.com/

4123 Kinsman Road

N. Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

Volume 3 #10 October 2005

_____________________________________________________________________________

Busy Days and The Word
We need simply to sit still and open our hearts to the counsel of God.
~Max Lucado~

This past summer I had five weeks full of people. Now that?s different for this grandma. Often I have several days each week, at least partially to myself. It seems the older I get, the better I work alone. I love that many days I can delight in chunks of time with the Father, and the quiet house enables me to keep myself focused.

Well those five weeks filled with people were truly wonderful. Rachel and her girls were here for one week. We busied ourselves with lots of cousin time and sister/mom chats.

And then we received the exciting news from Glen and Rachel?s adoption agency. The next two weeks Rachel and Glen were in Florida waiting for final paperwork on their new sons. I had the joyful privilege of grandmothering their little girls.

But, truly this grandma isn?t used to waking up every morning to the needs of little ones. Before I hardly had my feet on the floor one or the other of the girls either wanted breakfast, needed to be dressed or wanted her hair combed. Soon my morning had vanished and the afternoon too. The story was the same the next day and the next. I endeavored to delight in the little girls everyday, although many days felt much like a whirlwind.

And then came the day, two and one-half weeks later, when Rachel and Glen returned with their new baby boys. We were overjoyed as we met the four of them at the airport. Aleya and Sierra hugged their new brothers for the very first time.

We returned home from the airport late in the night and slept a few hours. The next morning we awoke early. I traveled to VA with the little family. The next three days were spent helping Rachel reestablish life with this glorious unexpected turn of events. I relished watching these beautiful baby boys, my two new grandsons.

Rachel and I cleaned the house, shifted furniture from place to place, sorted through baby clothes and played games with the girls. We settled Aleya into a big bed and gave her crib to one of her brothers. I spent time with the girls talking about Jayden and Jackson, helping them hold the boys, giving hugs and kisses, and taking pictures. I held and coddled the boys in every spare moment.

Before I seemingly had time for a breather or to think the day had arrived for my trip home. I returned home on Sunday evening. My parents, from Michigan, had traveled to my house the day before. For the next ten days I enjoyed the wonderful privilege of enjoying my aging mother and father. About five days into their stay I began to wonder where I had lost touch with my Heavenly Father. Days, then weeks and even a month had blurred by.

As I sat in the quiet confines of my bathroom one morning I picked up a book with passages of Scripture. I began to read. I found myself drinking in the precious Words of Jesus. Oh, the delightful joy of sensing the Father fill my empty heart. Each day after that, even while my parents were with me, I took a few sweet minutes to savor the Word.

The Father also reminded me that He was carrying me through those five weeks. He had never left my side. And as I looked back I recalled many moments of just calling to Him, ?Lord.? He was there. He met me with something, a song, a verse, his reassuring ?I?ll never leave you.?

I learned two very precious truths from those five people-filled weeks.

1. The Father is right beside me even when I don?t remember to take time alone with Him.

2. Keep a Bible in the bathroom. In just seconds my heart can be filled with blessed truth that carries me through another entire day that is busy with people.

A few weeks later Rachel was sharing with me her longing to find time in the Word. I know with new babies in the house it takes a special desire and effort to nestle down with the Lord. I suggested to Rachel to keep a devotional book or Bible in her bathroom. At least once a day there would be time to read even a few words. The Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword. Truly it will minister strength to even the busiest mother and grandmother.

Your Friend,
Donna

Proverbs 31:26

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the scriptures

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalms 46:10

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Poem

Please send your poetry to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

The Least of These
©2005, Lani Wiens

I'm pursuing God, is He here?
Among 10 scraped knees,
A floor full of debris?
Is He here
While I clean up crumbs
And change dirty bums?
Is He here
When I'm scrubbing out the tub
And hosing off the mud?

My mountain tops are far apart
But passion burns within my heart
To see your face
Look in your eyes
Feel your arms
I long to fly
Above the normal things that are each day
The mundane stuff gets in my way
You said you would walk with me

Even here
Even now
Among 10 scraped knees
A floor full of debris
While I clean up crumbs
And change dirty bums
I am shaping history
For the very least of these
May someday be the one
That will bring many to the Son
Thank you for this ministry
There's glory here in my four walls
While I'm on my knees
Pursuing You
I will pick up after the least of these.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the Recipe Box
Pumpkin Cookies

1 c. sugar ? t. cinnamon

1 c. pumpkin ? t/ salt

? c. shortening ? c raisins or 1 c. chocolate chips

2 c. flour ? c. chopped nuts

1 t. baking powder 1 t. soda

Cream together sugar, pumpkin and shortening. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Mix in raisins or chocolate bits and chopped nuts. Drop by teaspoonsful on cookie sheet. Bake 350* for 8-10 minutes

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question for the Month

Please send your questions and responses to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

The questions for this month are:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There were no answers to this mother?s question. I know she would like some direction.

The questions for last month are:
Question 1

~~~~~~~~

Question 2

How do you teach children to be neat and tidy behind themselves? Our boys' room looks like a tornado goes through it every day! Some days I am not able to get in there to pick up and by the next day it really looks awful! They are only 5 and 2! I have tried to coach them and show them! I have tried to explain to them that if they would put dirty clothes in the hamper and trash in the trash they could find their things! And the floor! I am at a loss! I am not willing to be picking up behind them when they are teenagers! So I know it must start NOW! We have 1 daughter and she is 1, so maybe I can start sooner on her! Thank-you!

Lydia, momma of 3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are the answers to question 2:

I know the frustration that comes with your question! I have a 6, 5, 3, and 1year old and I came to the point where I NEEDED them to clean their rooms themselves. Especially since I just didn't have the time! I found that praise works wonders. Probably more so if "Words of Affirmation" is their love language, but it works with the others, too. Don't feel silly about "gushing" too much over some small thing they've done, they need that. Children love to please their parents, but too often we only focus on the negative. If your son picks up only half of what is on the floor, praise him for even that and then ask him to help you with the rest. It takes a lot of patience. God Bless! Amy, mother of 4

~~~~~~

Answers to the question about sending a son to college

A small answer to the question regarding college - As a pastor?s wife and homeschooling mother of 4 ages 2 - 10, I don't have experience with my children going to college but here are some thoughts: two youth from our church are in their fourth year of college. It was important to their parents that they lived at home while attending a secular college. The young man I'm referring to may not be able to do that next year when he goes to med school, but he is older now and I believe more established in the faith. Also, I heard he was going to have someone to be accountable to - I think that's a great idea. The student contemplating college must be well-grounded in the truth of God's word. I have heard these young people say - they are faced with anti-Christian thoughts and beliefs a lot! God Bless you with wisdom. - Julie, mom of 4

~~~~~~

My husband just finished four years as a full time student at a secular college and I asked him what he would say to his son if he were going to college. Here are some of the things he said and some of the things I thought of as well.

First of all, you as Mom will have unique burdens and needs during this time and I hope you have friends to confide in. The war for your son?s spiritual welfare is a shared battle?it is not all up to you?you have an Ally! God wants your son?s heart and desires his faithfulness even more than you do!

What can you do for him? You can listen to your son as he thinks. Interact with him as he wrestles with issues but don?t rob him of his own personal struggle. Be tough. Pray. Keep his questions confidential. Be a comforting and peaceful presence for him. Interest yourself in what he is learning academically. it?s a delightful second-hand college experience - - minus the homework and the commute! J

Some things that my husband found helpful while in school were:

1) Having his loyalty and affection toward God from the very beginning. He observed his younger classmates enter college with no loyalties or beliefs in place and their minds were open, fertile ground for seeds of untruth.

2) Talking with those who walked the road before him.. who had ?been there, done that?.

3) Being honest with his church people about how school was going. Your brothers and sisters will be honored if you tell them the truth; perhaps you are worn down, loosing heart, having moral struggles, whatever.

4) Having relationships with church people and family take priority over relationships at school. You will associate with the college friends for a short season of your life but your family and friends are with you for the long haul. Don?t neglect them because they have so much to offer.

5) Having a support group. My husband had church friends attending the same college and they met once a week for breakfast on campus or at a close-by restaurant. If you aren?t so privileged, there are other ways?Recently we were informed of a website for Anabaptist College Students: www.xanga.com/groups/groups.aspx?id There is also a retreat for Mennonite students held in Franklin, Pa. each summer which my husband really enjoyed.

God be with you, your son, and your whole family as you wend your way through a new experience and I hope you enjoy the adventure together. Jolynn Schmucker, mother of 2

~~~~~~

I have a 20 year old daughter who started college at 18 (Midwifery) here in FL. She wasn't away from home but 2-3 days per week but I still was concerned. I have noticed a few times where she seemed to be slipping a little in her walk with Jesus. During those times I've talked with her (as an adult) and reminded her of her need for Jesus in all areas of her life.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, he is going to be exposed to things you don't agree with. Whether it is a Christian college or secular ( ours is secular-- the only way to do midwifery here legally.) There are going to be things he is exposed to that you disagree with. Talk to him frequently. I've been able to pick up on a lot of things just by our frequent conversations. Pray for him constantly, not only for protection in body but also in spirit and mind. And finally, I've had to let my little girl learn thru some hard knocks she has had (thank you Jesus nothing has been serious). She has had her faith tested, and had to make stands for our Lord in a very ungodly environment. She has done this but not without a few hurts.

I've had to remember constantly that God gave me this little girl and he loves her more than I ever could. My job now is to be a standard of Jesus in her eyes, a prayer warrior for her, a listening ear, and trust that God will lead and guide her all the days of her life.

I know this is hard for you and my tears are flowing right now for you, because I understand your fears. The one verse I have clung to as my children have gotten older (and the one I continually quote to them is this.) Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy paths.

Hope this helps and I'll pray for you and your son. Kelley

~~~~~~

I can't speak from the experience of sending anyone off to college, but my husband went to college, so I'm speaking out of his experience. He found it to be very helpful and encouraging to be accountable to someone. He met once a month at a set time/place with a church brother, who could question him about temptations or struggles he was facing directly relating to college. They would then specifically pray about those things together. This brother could also be alert to any subtle changes in his life and faith which could bring downfall.

I also know from my experience of dating my husband while he was in college, that assuring him of your prayers, and praying with him, was a great encouragement as well! Send him notes with scripture verses that relate to something he my be facing.

Here's hoping that God gives you peace and trust for your uneasy feelings (I'm sure I'd have them, too) and that your son's years of college would be a time of spiritual growth for him. Sharon, Mom of 3

~~~~~~

Our son was older (23) when he went to University since he had spent four years with NYP in V.S. But even as a more mature Christian, he still acknowledged that a university was a worldly and dangerous place to be--yet he feels it's a place that needs a Christian witness too. I think the pressures (social, intellectual, spiritual) might vary some depending on the subject material studied. As an English major our son faced a lot of anti-Christian theories in the classroom. In a talk to our youth about witnessing on campus he began with five points on keeping one's own faith strong.

1. Keep an open relationship with your parents. ( We spent a lot of time connecting via phone and email--that was our motivation for getting email! I had a deep interest in literature too, so didn't find it a hardship to invest a lot of time and thought in his discussions about his studies. We visited his campus and even sat in on a few classes.)

2. Stay in touch with your home church. (The ideal would be to be close enough to attend regularly. Our son came home as often as he could and had a prayer partner here. He advises to stay humble--continue to respect and relate with those who never had university education, instead of thinking the folk at home have nothing to offer anymore.)

3. Keep reading your Bible and praying. (Can't be over-emphasized.)

4. Read scholarly Christian books. (Before he left I encouraged our son to expand his knowledge about spiritual things to the same depth that he would be in other areas. He took my "words of wisdom" :) to heart,(he might have done this anyway), digesting apologetics books and trying to find intelligent books to offer alternatives to wrong ideas taught in class. He knew that he couldn't rely on the home church to address all the issues he faced, so read what other Christians have written on those topics.)

5. If living away from home, find local Christian fellowship. (Our son found a local church to attend--even though there was none of our denomination in the area--and found solid Christian men to encourage him--some who were aware of the challenges of being a Christian on campus. He was involved in the Christian club on campus--a way to remind himself and others that he was a Christian--and a way to help other Christian students to be faithful.)

What mothers do best in these situations is pray, and keep praying with faith and giving a listening ear even when we feel concerned about what they are facing or thinking at the moment. We are thankful for the way God blessed in so many ways over our son's five years in University--he was led to an ideal lodging arrangement with a Christian teacher, found Christian friends, one student came to the Lord, and there were many opportunities to witness for Christ and gain respect as a Christian. The Lord is faithful to those who honor Him! I pray with you that your son will be girded with strength for the battle--the spiritual battleground of university. Elaine, mom of 4, nana of 1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Comment about Progesterone Cream that was mentioned in a former newsletter
Progesterone Cream

A disclaimer about the progesterone cream- I used it for about 7 months and I felt it did help some. But at times I was having these periods of extreme weakness and chest pains. I finally went to the doctor about it and he wasn't able to find much after some tests. I started to realize that the last week of my cycle was the worst and began to question the cream. Then I talked to a friend about it and she told me she can't handle the cream - it makes her all weak and shaky! I quit using it and my problems disappeared soon after! I do believe some people can handle it. Also, a good B vitamin is a MUST for PMS!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Treats From Tots

Please send delightful lines from your children to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

My husband is a busy first-year resident, and often loses sleep on his call nights. My daughter Charlotte (2 1/2) has a perception of all this that keeps us smiling in spite of some stress. "Dad is a Radiant, and he's on call. He wears his blue PJ's to da hospital, so he can sleep dere." (she calls scrubs, PJ's)

Another treat from Charlotte is her singing, often substituting words that she knows for ones she's not sure of, like, "For dine is the Kinga, the Flower, the Glory..." One of her versions that made me stop and think was "..you can have your money, you can have your gold, but I want Jesus to have my gold..."

Sharon, Mom of 3

~~~~~~

Here is a treat from Leighton that made me chuckle. :-)

I was looking at some Birds N' Blooms magazines with my five-year-old son, Leighton, one day. I saw him stop at a page with a full-page picture of a beautiful butterfly. He studied each detail of the butterfly intently and as he noticed the butterfly's antennae, he asked in a perplexed voice, "Mom, why does that butterfly have whiskers?!" Rachel, mother of 2

~~~~~~

Our grand daughter who was born in Haiti speaks both Kreyol and English. At three years old that makes for some interesting conversation. In Kreyol cars are called 'machines'. She had never seen horse and buggies
before so imagine my amusement when traveling with her one day. She shouted to me "Grammi,
Grammi! Look! Horse Machine!" Anita King

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Missionary Ladies Prayer Line
Please pray for Melanie Slabach as she begins her term
In Bangledesh, serving with Destinations International.

*That I can continue to adjust to this culture which seems mixed-up to me often times.

*That I may speak boldly to the family I'm living with as the opportunities arise.

*That I may find favor in their eyes, and can joyfully give up "my" time and space which seems so important to me, but is seen differently in this culture.

*That I can apply myself to the language and learn well.

*That I will "get away" and spend time in His presence as often as is needed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Birth Announcements

Congratulations to our new mothers.

Megan Ralene Rutt

September 7, 2005

7 lbs. 15 oz.

20.5 inches

Welcomed by Curt and Donna (Kauffman) Rutt and big sister Anne (23 months)

Corey Christian Carpenter

~~~~

June 30,2005

6' 13''

19 in

Born to Tim & Lynette Carpenter

Tyler 5, Amy 2

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From You

Send your hints, tips, comments to rdkauffman@jmz.net..

Oil in Squeeze Bottle ~ Keep olive oil in a honey bear squeeze bottle or a similar bottle in your cupboard near the stove, without a lid. That way when you need a little oil for cooking, you can just grab and squeeze it using only one hand.

No More Rust ~ After using a Brillo soap pad, wrap it in aluminum foil. It won't rust!

Onion Odor ~ After peeling and chopping onions, run your hands under cold water, then rub them back and forth on your chrome faucet for a few seconds. The onion odor will be gone!

LAUGH MORE

Children laugh an average of 146 times a day;
Adults laugh an average of 4 times a day.
Put more laughter in your day!

~ Contributed by Valerie Nichols in Nova Scotia

(Lois Breneman Editor of Heart to Heart Newsletter designed to) bring godly and practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family ? regarding homemaking, marriage, children and much more. You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to Lois Breneman at "mailto:jhbreneman@juno.com".

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Comments from Newsletter Readers

Thanks for your newsletter! It was water to my thirsty soul and I cried! Bless your daughters' brave hearts! It really does feel like our stage of mothering will never end at times! Recently, I've struggled with feeling like a terrible mom. Attitudes and lack of training in early years does make it harder as they grow older. I need much grace. School is in full swing again and going well - praise the Lord!

~~~~~

I was wondering if I could receive the free e-mail newsletter? I had the September 1st e-mail forwarded to me (Was not aware of the newsletter before then), and smiled at your daughters' chaotic motherhood days. I've been a mother of four preschoolers when the oldest (twins) were three, a mother of five when the twins were 5 1/2.... I could identify all too well! =) -- Jodi

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Books

*Treasures From A Mother?s heart: $11.99, four or more $11.00 each.

*The Treasure of Careful Planning: $7.99, four or more $7.00 each.

*Treasures From a Waiting Heart: $9.50, four or more $8.50 each.

New
Treasures From a Waiting Hearts
--Experiencing His Healing Presence

~~~~~~~

Treasures From a Mother?s Heart

Three years ago last January I sat down to work on my new year?s goals. I didn?t get very far until I felt too ill to continue. The one goal I had written down was that I desired to find a treasure in every day of the new year.

In the evening Bob took me to the hospital. Over the next nine days as I lay wavering between life and death--in my deepest, darkest moments, the word treasures kept surfacing. With that word the Lord brought a special blessing to my drugged mind. I longed to feel well enough to write the treasures down. A few days after I returned home I remembered some of those special messages the Lord had given me while in the hospital. I began to write. Treasures from the present, back through my daughters? growing up years, and way back into my childhood flowed from my pen. And many of those treasures had a inspirational message woven in and through the memory.

From that experience my book Treasures From a Mother?s Heart was born. Many of the short memory type stories in the book have included a quote, verse of scripture and an inspirational message making it a type of devotional book for mothers.

~~~~~

The Treasure of Careful Planning

~~~~~~

You can order my books at rdkauffman@jmz.net. I?ll send an invoice with your order. You may mail a check or money order when you receive the invoice.

Shipping for one book is $1.50 each. In Canada, $1.75. If you purchase more than one book the shipping cost is less per book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Booklets

These 6 - 8 page booklets contain past newsletter articles according to their title. In each booklet there is also a poem, hymn, tip, memory verse and/or comments from newsletter readers about the article.

Each booklet sells for $2.00 or mix and match any titles of 4 or more for $1.75. Postage for one booklet is .37. It goes down for each additional booklet.

Again, you may email your order to rdkauffman@jmz.net. I?ll send an invoice with your order. The booklets I have available so far are as follows:

Rekindling Love

A Holy Place

Filling Love Tanks

Hiding the Word

Back to School

The White Ceramic Nativity

A Waiting Heart

Grumbling or Grateful

Father?s Day

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Until next time. God Bless
Donna Kauffman

4123 Kinsman Road

N. Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

rdkauffman@jmz.net.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If at any time you would like to unsubscribe send an email rdkauffman@jmz.net., and type unsubscribe in the subject line.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive the newsletter type TFMHY in the subject line. They?ll be added to the list.

This is a monthly publication. You may feel free to forward it on to or print it if you do so in its entirety for anyone that you think would be interested.

Email newsletters are free. For postal mail newsletters: .75 each or $9.00 per yearly subscription to cover the cost of copying and postage.

Homemaking on the Deck - Devotional

2005-09-28T14:57:00.000-05:00

Welcome to
Treasures

rdkauffman@jmz.net

As you look around my blog you'll find Treasures From My Heart to Yours newsletters, archieved.

Click on the archieve links for my Treasures books: Treasures From a Mother's Heart, The Treasure of Careful Planning, Treasures From a Waiting Heart, and you'll find a picture of each book along with an exerpt or comments about it.

Family links will take you to pictures and family fun activities. Thank you for stopping by and do be encouraged in the Lord today.

Your friend,
Donna

Homemaking on the Deck

Our deck was transformed into three small homes one early spring day. The winter months in northern Ontario were long and cold. That meant the first sunshiny day above 45 degrees was a day to be outdoors.

Bright and early on this particular day, my three daughters felt the vast earth calling them. Donned with warm sweaters, sweatshirts and furry hats, the trio began their process. From the bedroom, into the dining room, on through the living room, out the back door to the deck they paraded. The girls’ arms were ladened with every item needed for homemaking.

The deck was the right size for their three houses. Two-year-old Christa sat her doll bed in the first corner. One baby lay sleeping while another was propped in the infant seat. Diapers and clothes were changed as needed.

The next spot found six-year-old Rachel making a chair out of a cardboard box and pillows. Her dollies’ beds were close by and they rested well between feedings. The bottles and clothes were neatly stashed in an imaginary cupboard.

Carla, who was seven, busily fixed, arranged and organized the tiny table and chair with matching dishes in the center. Her babies contently played as she did the week’s worth of ironing.

Two of the sisters planned a trip to visit the other who lived far away. Phone calls were made and the weekend visit was set. Bulging diaper bags held every essential item needed for a road trip. The pretend moms and children were off. Through the opened living room door I heard stories of reminiscing and gales of laughter as the three caught up on each others’ lives.

At the close of this make believe mothering day--playing house was over and so was the fun. Moving inside and stashing every thing back into its place took some probing and encouragement.

As I tucked my daughters into bed that night, I whispered a prayer. “May my girls, grown up, know this kind of sibling joy and mothering delight with their very own real doll babies.” That would make all the work, mess and fuss of today well worth it's while.

To be... keepers at home.
Titus 2:7 KJV

Declare God's Goodness - Devotional

2005-09-15T09:58:00.000-05:00

Welcome to

Treasures
rdkauffman@jmz.net

As you look around my blog you'll find Treasures From My Heart to Yours newsletters, archieved.

Family links will take you to pictures and family fun activities. Thank you for stopping by and do be encouraged in the Lord today.

Your friend,

Donna

Declare God's Goodness

I will bless the Lord at all times.
His praise shall continually be in my mouth

~Psalm 34:1

When I was a young mother, I frequently found this message from the book of Psalms calling to my heart. Again and again David challenges us to declare God¬ís goodness. To continually speak praise out of our mouth.

I wrote down a goal one January, to talk about the Father, at least once every day throughout the new year. I practiced on my children. Then I began sharing with Bob. Before long I was declaring God¬ís glory to friends. I talked about what He had given me in my devotional time that day. I shared a special verse that ministered to me or I prayed with one in need.

Some twenty years later, as I look back on that year, I remember it as one of spiritual growth. The knowledge of God the Father began to move from my head to my heart as I continually spoke about His goodness.

My Prayer:

Father God, remind me to declare Your wonders continually. Amen

Pledge:

Do you long for spiritual growth? For one year, write on your daily list page to speak about the Lord Jesus to someone every day.

Additional Ponderings:

So Much to be Thankful For - Devotional

2005-09-14T18:13:00.000-05:00

Welcome to

Treasures

rdkauffman@jmz.net

As you look around my blog you'll find Treasures From My Heart to Yours newsletters, archieved.
Click on the archieve links for my Treasures books: Treasures From a Mother's Heart, The Treasure of Careful Planning, Treasures From a Waiting Heart, and you'll find a picture of each book along with an exerpt or comments about it.
Family links will take you to pictures and family fun activities. Thank you for stopping by and do be encouraged in the Lord today.

Your friend,
Donna

So Much to be Thankful For

O give thanks unto the LORD,
for He is good;

~1 Chronicles 16:34~

My friend, Emma lived for fifty years in her wheelchair and recliner. When her children were young, Emma was afflicted with a disease that nobody quite understood. For many years she was completely unable to care for her own physical needs.

When we visited friends in PA, we often stopped by to see Emma. Her weakened condition allowed her to speak little and hardly above a whisper. We strained our ears to catch every word she spoke. No matter when we went, Emma repeatedly told us, "God is so good, and I have so much to be thankful for."

After Emma's death at seventy-five-years old, I phoned her daughter, Mary Ann. I asked if her mother ever complained in all the years she had lived in that disabled state. Mary Ann remembered only two times that there was possibly a hint of selfishness. Those two comments were so slight and so quickly changed to, "I have so much to be thankful for," that one could hardly call them a complaint.

My heart is so touched by this woman of God who spent her life a prisoner to her body. Yet she shed abroad a message of joy, peace and thankfulness like no one I've ever known before or since.

Prayer:

My Father God, may I daily remember how good You are, no matter what You bring to my life and to continually give thanks. Amen

If Emma could consistently give thanks having given up every dream one ever could desire--make a choice today to give thanks no matter what the circumstances may be.

Additional Ponderings:

Aleya with her brothers

2005-09-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

Welcome to
Treasures

rdkauffman@jmz.net

Your friend,
Donna

September 05
Aleya loves Jayden and Jackson's little toys.

Jayden and Jackson

2005-09-08T09:53:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures
rdkauffman@alltel.net

As you look around my blog you'll find Treasures From My Heart to Yours newsletters, archieved.

Family links will take you to pictures and family fun activities. Thank you for stopping by and do be encouraged in the Lord today.

Your friend,

Donna

September 5, 05
Jayden is now 3 months and Jackson 2 months.

Some of our family

2005-09-08T09:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures

rdkauffman@alltel.net
As you look around my blog you'll find Treasures From My Heart to Yours newsletters, archieved.
Click on the archieve links for my Treasures books: Treasures From a Mother's Heart, The Treasure of Careful Planning, Treasures From a Waiting Heart, and you'll find a picture of each book along with an exerpt or comments about it.
Family links will take you to pictures and family fun activities. Thank you for stopping by and do be encouraged in the Lord today.

Your friend,
Donna

Our family attended the BMA convention in Harrisonburg, VA in August.

The three oldest grandchildren were practicing to sing with the Children's Choir at the moment of this picture. So they're not with us.

From left to right we have:

Carla, is first holding Rod and Christa's daughter Alyssa (2).

Next is Rod, Christa holding Dylan (5 months).

My beloved, Bob, is holding Glen and Rachel's, Jayden (2 months).

Glen is next to Bob with their Aleya (22 months).

Rachel is in the front with Jackson (1 month) in the stroller.

Four girls

2005-09-08T09:44:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures

rdkauffman@jmz.net

Your friend,
Donna

August 05
Back: Kassie and Sierra both 4
Front: Alyssa 2 and Aleya 22 months

Sierra and brothers

2005-08-29T17:56:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures

rdkauffman@alltel.net

As you look around my blog you'll find Treasures From My Heart to Yours newsletters, archieved.

Family links will take you to pictures and family fun activities. Thank you for stopping by and do be encouraged in the Lord today.

Your friend,
Donna

Sierra and brothers

Visiting a petting zoo.

2005-08-29T17:47:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures

rdkauffman@jmz.net

Your friend,
Donna

Kassie and Aleya loved holding the kittys.

Aleya and new brothers

2005-08-29T17:46:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures

rdkauffman@jmz.net

Your friend,
Donna

Aleya at 22 months old with her two new brothers, Jayden 6 weeks and Jackson 2 weeks old.

Kyle's barns

2005-08-29T17:34:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures

rdkauffman@jmz.net

Your friend,
Donna

Kyle's great grandpa Zook spent 10 days with us this summer. Great grandpa brought a barn project to make with Kyle. Kyle spent hours sitting across the table from great grandpa while they worked on these barns.

Teatime

2005-08-29T17:32:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures

rdkauffman@alltel.net

Your friend,
Donna

Alyssa 2 and Aleya 22 months playing tea or resting.

Six Grands July 05

2005-08-29T16:54:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures

rdkauffman@jmz.net

Your friend,
Donna

Back, Left to Right:Kassie 4, Sierra 4
At table: Aleya 22 months, Alyssa 2
In front: Kyle 5, Dylan 4 months

Our Eight Grands

2005-08-29T16:33:00.000-05:00

Our Eight Grands

Left to right
Back row: Alyssa, Sierra, Kyle, Kassie, Aleya
Front row: Jackson, Jayden, Dylan July 05

My two latest grandsons.

2005-08-29T15:31:00.000-05:00

Jayden, born May 26 and Jackson, born June 28

My daughter, Rachel, and son-in-law, Glen adopted
these two little boys in July. They are just a delightful
two and give us the grand total of eight grandchildren.

Four boys:
Kyle 5,
Dylan 6 months,
Jayden 3 months
Jackson 2 months.

Four girls:
Sierra 4,
Kassie 4,
Alyssa 2,
Aleya 2.

Treasures From My Heart to Yours Vol 3. #9

2005-08-29T15:04:00.000-05:00

Treasures From My Heart to Yours

Free email newsletter reaching over 500 women.
Offering encouragement to mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers

Editor: Donna Kauffman
Author: Treasures From a Mother‚Äôs Heart,
The Treasure of Careful Planning--Enjoy the Gift of Organization,
Treasures From a Waiting Heart--Experiencing His Healing Presence

rdkauffman@jmz.net
http://treasuresbooks.blogspot.com/
4123 Kinsman Road
N. Bloomfield, OH 44450
440-693-4070

Volume 3 #9 September 2005
_____________________________________________________________________________
* I have discontinued my website and started a little blog. You can read view the present and a few past newsletters on the blogspot at http://treasuresbooks.blogspot.com/.

Take Heart

As a mother, I must faithfully, patiently, lovingly and happily do my part -
then wait quietly for God to do His.
~Ruth Bell Graham~

I‚Äôve found my two ‚Äúmother‚Äù daughters quite entertaining this month. I think the race is on to determine which home is the most chaotic. Rachel, my second born, has four children, four and under. Sierra is four, Aleya twenty-three months, Jaydon is three months and Jackson, two months. Christa, my youngest daughter also has four children. Her oldest, Kyle, recently turned five. Kassie was four two days after Kyle‚Äôs birthday. Alyssa is two and Dylan, six months.

Christa staggered into my house one morning, plopped down on a chair and declared she can hardly do it. I wondered, ‚ÄúWhat can you hardly do?‚Äù She responded wearily, ‚ÄúTake care of four preschoolers. I don‚Äôt how people do it, but I don‚Äôt think I can.‚Äù

A day or so later, over the phone, I was reading an email from Rachel to Christa. It was describing a dreadfully out-of-control day that Rachel was experiencing. When I finished there was silence on the other end of the phone line. At last, Christa spoke, ‚ÄúHummm, I didn‚Äôt know Rachel‚Äôs days go like this. I felt like I was the only one that faced chaos.‚Äù I explained to Christa once again the value of sharing together as young mothers. ‚ÄúWe need each other no matter what our age and stage in life,‚Äù I offered. ‚ÄúIt reminds us that we‚Äôre not alone.‚Äù

During this same week Rachel had been in the process of teaching Sierra to take more responsibility. She and Sierra had carefully crafted a motivational chart. With each little job Sierra did cheerfully she would get a penny. This delighted her and the next days Sierra worked feverishly with proper attitudes.
About three days into this new plan I received the following email early one morning from Rachel. ‚ÄúWell, we have had quite the morning. Oh my dear, Aleya was awake crying at 6:30 a.m. Sometime in the night she had crawled into bed with Sierra and at 6:30 she fell out. Glen took care of that, but the girls never went back to sleep. By 7:00 they were up wandering into our bedroom. Aleya was fussing and crying and struggling with little fits.‚Äù

‚ÄúSierra was bouncing and wanting to do jobs so she could get marks on her chart. Jackson let out a tiny fuss from his crib and Sierra bounded in to get him out of bed, so she could get a mark. By the time Glen arrived to rescue Jackson‚Äôs, Sierra had his pj‚Äôs clean off of him for another mark.
Rachel continued to lament: ‚ÄúSoon we heard Jayden squeaking and went to check on him, only to find Sierra in the crib taking off his pj‚Äôs as well. I don‚Äôt think he was even waking up. So since the boys were stripped to their diapers, I needed to get them both dressed before they had hardly opened their eyes. Aleya was still crying as we juggled her in the playpen and out of the playpen, and in her bedroom and out of her bedroom. No amount of entertaining pacified the tired little girl.‚Äù

‚ÄúGlen needed to go to work and both babies were dressed, but wailing, since they hadn‚Äôt even yet been fed. Glen heated the bottles and left. I sat down to feed Jayden and Sierra tried to feed Jackson for yet another mark. Poor Jackson‚Äôs bottle went in and out and sideways from all of Sierra‚Äôs bouncing that he whimpered for one hour after the feeding with a tummy ache. Meanwhile Aleya continued her distress in her exhausted state.‚Äù

‚ÄúWhew, at the present moment the boys are fed and dressed, Aleya is fed and rediapered, and Sierra is making beds for more marks.‚Äù

End of email.

Well, I sat here giggling out loud at Rachel‚Äôs morning and called to read the email to Christa. Before I got the reading started, Christa said, ‚ÄúI have babies crying in every room of the house. Dylan is trying to go back to sleep. Alyssa is in a terrific period of defiance. Kassie is having a thunderous cry time in her room and Kyle‚Äôs not pleased about something.

She went on to tell me that when she was on the phone with Rachel the night before, she had heard babies crying. Christa said, ‚ÄúI asked Rachel, ‚Äòwhat‚Äòs the trouble there?‚Äô Rachel explained that two or three were bothered at the moment and she asked me, ‚ÄòWhat‚Äôs the trouble there?‚Äô since a couple of mine were crying also. We hung up in two minutes,‚Äù Christa finished with a snicker.

Both of my daughter moms have times when things are blissful and pleasant, but this week isn‚Äôt one of those. You know ladies, I chuckle with my girls about times like these. I just know it‚Äôs all about mothering toddlers. Someday these children will be best friends and these chaotic days will have blurred from their memory.
I encourage you to take heart, laugh at the hard times, delight in the pleasant times and train as you go.

Your Friend,

Donna
Proverbs 31:26

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the scriptures

Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Proverbs 29:17

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Poem

Please send your poetry to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

Toddler Years

by Hope Byler
Copyright 2005

I often muse
about those hazy years gone by,
of raising my first toddlers.
What memories linger?
What do I wish
I‚Äôd skipped?
I now find myself on the second round
of raising little people.

And I find . . .
I‚Äôm having more tea parties,
and leaving windows dirty
a few days longer.
I‚Äôm chasing more butterflies,
catching more frogs.
I‚Äôm serving up more picnics
on sun-dappled blankets
spread under lush, summer-green limbs.
I‚Äôm praying more,
and complaining less.
I‚Äôm finger painting more,
and pointing fingers less.
I‚Äôm laughing more
at soggy cereal messes
and bury-you-alive laundry pyramids.
I‚Äôm not taking so seriously
those moments
of sheer madness
that cause me to wonder
why God ever gave me children
if I‚Äôm only going to mess them up
because I am SO frayed and impatient . . .
I‚Äôm laughing more
because I‚Äôm beginning to see
the other side.

By now those first toddlers
are teens - adults really.
They liven our home
with delightful creativity
and special reflections
of God‚Äôs sweet character -
young men and women whose choices
and blossoming personalities
enrich and bless
this mother‚Äôs heart.

And I‚Äôm laughing more
because I see now ‚Äì
it really didn‚Äôt matter
if my socks stuck to my kitchen floor
most of the time,
and if I never got to drink a glass of water
all by myself,
and if six nights out of seven
found me staggering around in my bathrobe
at some black hour of the night,
filling or emptying or soothing
some little person.

What does matter
are heart strings,
and shared secrets,
and laughter,
and drowsy, night-time prayers.
What matters most
is God.
And my children are finding Him,
one after the other .. .
and the joy
explodes,
multiplies,
and swells
in my heart of hearts.
God ‚Äì
You are so good.
You are so good.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the Recipe Box

Green Tomato Spread

3 - 4 hot peppers
10 green or red peppers
12 green tomatoes
5 medium onions
2 c. honey or 3 c. sugar
1 quart mayonaise
1 c. vinegar
1 8 oz jar of yellow mustard
4 t. salt
¬Ω c. flour
¬Ω c. water
4 cloves garlic chopped

Chop peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic in food processor. Let stand for 5 minutes. Drain. Add vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and cook for 15 minutes. Mix flour and water. Add to mixture and cook 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add mayo and mix.
Put in pint jars. Water bath for 7 minutes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question for the Month

Please send your questions and responses to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

The questions for this month are:

Question 1
We have a nine year old little man at our house who is bright and creative. The trouble is clumsiness, and just forgetting to think carefully. Daily, you will find him, either swinging a spilling milk, using sloppy manners, or some other thing that makes a mom hope that he will reach adulthood- in spite of his actions! He's not a bad child, he just forgets to THINK about the results of what he is doing. No amount of talking- in various tones and approaches- seems to make a difference. This is a habit that I don't think he will outgrow unless we help him undo it. But how? Have you been there, done that? I have a foggy memory of my mother actually using the rod on us when we were very habitually careless, spilling things, etc. What do you think? Mom of Seven

~~~~~~~~

Question 2
How do you teach children to be neat and tidy behind themselves? Our boys' room looks like a tornado goes through it every day! Some days I am not able to get in there to pick up and by the next day it really looks awful! They are only 5 and 2! I have tried to coach them and show them! I have tried to explain to them that if they would put dirty clothes in the hamper and trash in the trash can they could find their things! And the floor! I am at a loss! I am not willing to be picking up behind them when they are teenagers! So I know it must start NOW! We have 1 daughter and she is 1, so maybe I can start sooner on her! Thank-you!
Lydia, momma of 3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The questions for last month are:

Question 1
I didn‚Äôt receive any responses to this question and I know this mother is searching. Would anyone have something to share with her? Donna
For the question I was wondering if there are any profound words of wisdom to give to a nineteen year old son going off to college. He's a pretty solid person in his faith, but it's still a bit of an uneasy feeling for a mom. Thanks! Janet (mother of 4)

Question 2
Can anyone give some tips on dealing with PMS? I face what feels like near-depression during that week or so and often feel inadequate to handle even the normal stress of daily living with preschoolers. Anger and frustration quickly rise to the surface and I don't always discipline my children even when they need it because of my feelings. That soon leads to havoc and insecurity on their part. Temptations to doubt God's will for my life swarm around me and I feel like secluding myself from others. During the future months our family will be facing added stress due to circumstances we are facing, and I'm searching for answers. Can anyone identify? What has helped you?

~~~~~~~

Have you considered trying a progesterone cream? If applied once a day for around 12 days (directions with cream) it can greatly alleviate PMS symptoms. For information send me an email rdkauffman@jmz.net. Donna, mother of 3, grandmother of 8

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are the answers:

In the past I have experienced to some degree what this mother is. The depression, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, etc. over that time of month... Here are some things I have tried:
~Baking and cooking and planning ahead, so on "those days" you have less work to do. This can relieve some of the stress and tension. (Learn your limits!)
~I started taking a good multi-vitamin,(every day, not just when I was pregnant, etc.) plus some herbal things as needed, my husband says he can tell a difference.
~I know God promises to give us strength, but don't forget, our bodies are flesh and blood, and sometimes there are physical reasons for feeling this way.
I sometimes wonder if some of us mind these things more than others, too? Wishing you the best!
Regina, mother of 4

~~~~~~

About Camping
In a response to the lady who asked about what foods to take for camping.
Before we go camping, we cut up steak or chicken breast and put it in a marinade, then we cook them on sticks over the fire. We take along Li'l Smokies and roast over the fire as well. We also do foil suppers - take along a pack of loose sausage, cubed raw potatoes, and cut up carrots. Use a foil bag and put in butter, then put in other 3 ingredients. Seal it and cook over the fire (we use a basket type holder with a handle) until it blows up and sizzles, about 20-30 minutes until potatoes and carrots are soft. You can even do eggs for breakfast in a mountain pie maker and use a stick over the fire to toast your bread. We have even taken a griddle and done bacon and pancakes over the fire - you need some kind of fire ring and a rack (out of an old fridge or similar). Lisa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Treats From Tots

Please send delightful lines from your children to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

Sierra desperately needed a cup one day for a little pile of rocks she had collected. Bringing it into the house, she wondered, ‚ÄúCan I leave this in the house. I want them in here so they won‚Äôt die. (She hasn‚Äôt liked that all the flowers she picks die.) And she finished with, ‚ÄúBut see, it isn‚Äôt just rocks in the cup. There is dust in it too so the rocks won‚Äòt die.‚Äù Rachel, mother of 4

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Missionary Wives Prayer Line

This month‚Äôs missionary wife is
Phyllis Miller serving the Lord in Guaimaca, Honduras
Phyllis is working as a midwife assistant in a birthing clinic.
Her prayer requests are:

1. Pray for Phyllis‚Äô health. She is on the gain after a serious illness that took her very low.
2. Pray for Phyllis as she mothers four year old Vicki, a little girl she has taken in while in Honduras.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Birth Announcements

Congratulations to our new mothers.

Leah Rachelle Hoover
August 14
8lbs. 1oz.
19 and 3/4 in.
Delighted parents: Joel and Gwen Hoover
~~~
Kristen Renee Zimmerman
August 1.
7lb. 11oz.
21 inches
Older sister, Sierra
Delighted parents: Duane and Lynette Zimmerman
~~~
Joshua Shane Heatwole
August 14, 2005
9 lb. 12 oz.
22 in.
Burton and Deborah Heatwole
Abigail (5), Natalie (4) and Burton Jr. (2)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From You

Send your hints, tips, comments to rdkauffman@jmz.net.

Custom Coffees ~ I love cappuccino and latte and saving money! I got an air whipper (it's a wand that weighs about four ounces, specifically for coffee) at a housewares store for $15,including two double-A batteries. I put 1/3 cup non-fat milk in a cup and whip it for a few seconds. Then I add my coffee and sprinkle cinnamon on top. It has much more froth than anycoffee shop or restaurant latte and stays whipped for over 20 minutes. Much better than Starbucks! ~ Marcy

~~~~~~

No Chemicals Here! ~ I have been living in my house for 28 years and have never used any chemicals to clean the shower stall and glass enclosure. Why? Because I take a couple of minutes to wipe down the shower walls and the glass doors after I take a shower. I have never had a spot of mold or mildew and my children now do the same thing in their houses. ~ PSC

~~~~~~

Natural Diaper Rash Help ~ My baby is allergic to many of the commercial ointments available, so when she gets diaper rash, it can be hard to clear up. I've found that using olive oil at every changing really helps to keep diaper rash at bay, as well as clearing it up fairly quickly when she does get it. The bottle of olive oil also lasts quite a long time. ~ GP
(Note: Other Readers' Tips have mentioned Crisco as clearing up diaper rash as well)

Tips taken from Lois Breneman is Editor of the Heart to Heart Newsletter, designed to bring godly and practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family ‚Äì regarding homemaking, marriage, children and much more. You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to jhbreneman@juno.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Books
*Treasures From A Mother‚Äôs heart: $11.99, four or more $11.00 each.
*The Treasure of Careful Planning: $7.99, four or more $7.00 each.
*Treasures From a Waiting Heart: $9.50, four or more $8.50 each.

New
Treasures From a Waiting Heart
--Experiencing His Healing Presence

As you follow Donna‚Äôs candid story of struggle, failure and self effort, you will identify. As you witness the redemption, healing and freedom that the loving Father abundantly poured out on her repentant heart, you will long. Donna shares the priceless treasures she has gathered at the feet of her loving Father, waiting for His healing and the heart transformation she longed for. Read with your heart, read with a hunger. The Father‚Äôs arms are open wide. Hope Byler

~~~~~~~

Treasures From a Mother‚Äôs Heart

Three years ago last January I sat down to work on my new year‚Äôs goals. I didn‚Äôt get very far until I felt too ill to continue. The one goal I had written down was that I desired to find a treasure in every day of the new year.
In the evening Bob took me to the hospital. Over the next nine days as I lay wavering between life and death--in my deepest, darkest moments, the word treasures kept surfacing. With that word the Lord brought a special blessing to my drugged mind. I longed to feel well enough to write the treasures down. A few days after I returned home I remembered some of those special messages the Lord had given me while in the hospital. I began to write. Treasures from the present, back through my daughters‚Äô growing up years, and way back into my childhood flowed from my pen. And many of those treasures had a inspirational message woven in and through the memory.
From that experience my book Treasures From a Mother‚Äôs Heart was born. Many of the short memory type stories in the book have included a quote, verse of scripture and an inspirational message making it a type of devotional book for mothers.

~~~~~

The Treasure of Careful Planning

This book tells the story of how the Lord met me during a very low time in my early mothering years. The message He unfolded has changed my life from that day until today. You‚Äôll learn to determine your purpose for being on this earth, and numerous ideas on organizing your life in a way that you‚Äôll have more time to accomplish your purpose than you imagined.

~~~~~~

You can order my books at rdkauffman@jmz.net. I‚Äôll send an invoice with your order. You may mail a check or money order when you receive the invoice.
Shipping for one book is $1.50 each. In Canada, $1.75. If you purchase more than one book the shipping cost is less per book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Booklets

These 6 - 8 page booklets contain past newsletter articles according to their title. In each booklet there is also a poem, hymn, tip, memory verse and/or comments from newsletter readers about the article.
Each booklet sells for $2.00 or mix and match any titles of 4 or more for $1.75. Postage for one booklet is .37. It goes down for each additional booklet.
Again, you may email your order to rdkauffman@jmz.net. I‚Äôll send an invoice with your order. The booklets I have available so far are as follows:

Rekindling Love
A Holy Place
Filling Love Tanks
Hiding the Word
Back to School
The White Ceramic Nativity
A Waiting Heart
Grumbling or Grateful
Father‚Äôs Day

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Until next time.
God Bless

Donna Kauffman
4123 Kinsman Road
N. Bloomfield, OH 44450
440-693-4070
rdkauffman@jmz.net.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If at any time you would like to unsubscribe send an email rdkauffman@jmz.net., and type unsubscribe in the subject line.
If you know of anyone who would like to receive the newsletter type TFMHY in the subject line. They‚Äôll be added to the list.
This is a monthly publication. You may feel free to forward it on to or print it if you do so in its entirety for anyone that you think would be interested.
Email newsletters are free. For postal mail newsletters: .75 each or $9.00 per yearly subscription to cover the cost of copying and postage.

Book: Treasures From a Waiting Heart

2005-06-02T15:52:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures

rdkauffman@alltel.net

Your friend,
Donna

Treasures From a Waiting Heart--
Experiencing His Healing Presence

As you follow Donna's candid story of struggle, failure
and self-effort, you will identify. As you witness the
redemption, healing and freedom that the loving Father
abundantly poured out on her repentant heart, you
will long. Donna shares the priceless treasures she has
gathered at the feet of her loving Father, waiting for His
healing and the heart transformation she longed for.
Read with your heart, read with a hunger. The Father's
arms are open wide. Editor, Hope Byler

Book: The Treasure of Careful Planning

2005-06-02T15:51:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Treasures
rdkauffman@alltel.net

As you look around my blog you'll find Treasures From My Heart to Yours newsletters, archieved.

Family links will take you to pictures and family fun activities. Thank you for stopping by and do be encouraged in the Lord today.

Your friend,

Donna

The Treasure of Careful Planning--
Enjoy the Gift of Organization

This book tells the story of how the Lord
met me during a very low time in my early
mothering years. The message He unfolded
has changed my life from that day until today.
You‚Äôll learn to determine your purpose for
being on this earth, and numerous ideas
on organizing your life in a way that you‚Äôll
have more time to accomplish your purpose
than you imagined.

Book: Treasures From a Mother's Heart

2005-06-02T15:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures

rdkauffman@alltel.net

As you look around my blog you'll find Treasures From My Heart to Yours newsletters, archieved.
Click on the archieve links for my Treasures books: Treasures From a Mother's Heart, The Treasure of Careful Planning, Treasures From a Waiting Heart, and you'll find a picture of each book along with an exerpt or comments about it.
Family links will take you to pictures and family fun activities.
Thank you for stopping by and do be encouraged in the Lord today.
Your friend,

Donna

Treasures From a Mother's Heart--
A Celebration of Memories From One
Generation to Another.

Three years ago last January I sat down to work on my new
year‚Äôs goals. I didn‚Äôt get very far until I felt too ill to continue.
The one goal I had written down was that I desired to find a
treasure in every day of the new year.

In the evening Bob took me to the hospital. Over the next
nine days as I lay wavering between life and death--in my
deepest, darkest moments, the word treasures kept surfacing.
With that word the Lord brought a special blessing to my
drugged mind. I longed to feel well enough to write the
treasures down. A few days after I returned home I
remembered some of those special messages the Lord
had given me while in the hospital. I began to write.
Treasures from the present, back through my daughters‚Äô
growing up years, and way back into my childhood flowed
from my pen. And many of those treasures had a inspirational
message woven in and through the memory.

From that experience my book
Treasures From a Mother‚Äôs Heart was born. Many of the
short memory type stories in the book have included a quote,
verse of scripture and an inspirational message making it a
type of devotional book for mothers.

Following is a devotional from the book

Tea Parties

Somehow, taking tea together encourages an atmosphere
of intimacy when you slip off the time piece in your mind
and cast your fate to a delight of tasty tea, tiny foods, and
thoughtful conversation.
~ Gail Greco ~

Growing up my three young daughters loved tea parties. At
age two and three, Carla and her best friend Mary often set
the play table with a tiny tea set. Together the team chattered,
giggled and sipped empty teacups and munched pretend snacks.

Frequently, Carla‚Äôs younger sister Rachel wished for tea with
real tea biscuits. She carefully set the little table. Christa, the
youngest of the three girls, joined Rachel and they enjoyed
the actual thing.

Other times, I‚Äôd watch my daughters set their dollies up to the
table with a chair left for each of them. The dolls made tea most
pleasant for my girls.

One day, three-year-old Christa, invited two of her favorite adult
friends to tea. She drug her table to the middle of the kitchen,
along with chairs and the miniature tea set. Christa sat, ready
and waiting for her guests to arrive. At exactly 2:00 pm, Ruby
and Erma stepped into the aroma-filled kitchen and perched
on the tiny chairs with Christa. The trio sipped genuine tea from
tiny china cups. The chit chat and laughter were contagious to
me as I observed from the kitchen counter.

At times when the girls‚Äô daddy worked around home, all three girls
prepared a little tea time for him. On many occasions, when my
daughters returned from school, I‚Äôd have the table set and ready
with china cups and fresh baked rolls. These were happy times
of sharing about our day with each other.

Today, with each Bible Study group or individual friend that
enters my home, I pull out teacups along with a simple treat.
We enjoy the pleasantries that a delicate tea party offers.
Hopefully, tea time for my children and friends will always
be a time when each can revert to the happy go lucky childhood
days, and once more unburden their hearts.

A friend loves at all times.
~ Proverbs 17:17a ~

Family

2005-06-02T12:40:00.000-05:00

My Family

I'll introduce you to my family.
Beginning at the back row, left to right:
Glen, Carla, Rod
Rachel, Bob, Donna, Christa
Aleya, Kassie, Kyle, Alyssa, Sierra

Glen and Rachel farm a dairy in Gladys, Va.
Sierra is 4, Aleya is 20 months.
Rachel is a wonderful stay-at-home mommy.
In Glen's spare time after family and work he
sings with Voice of Praise Quartet and directs
a youth Chorus.

Rod and Christa live close by here where Rod
is owner and manager of a siding business.
Christa is also a wonderful stay-at-home mommy.
Rod is also a lover of music and spends any free
practicing quitar and singing for church services.

Carla is a school teacher for grades 1 - 6 at
United Christian School. Any spare time she has
is spent with her nieces and nephews. Whew, they
love Auntie Carla.

My faithful husband, Bob, pastors Agape
Mennonite Church and works as manager
of a Pallet and timber business.

December 2003

2005-06-02T12:25:00.000-05:00

Donna

2005-06-02T11:58:00.000-05:00

Donna

Treasures From My Heart to Yours Vol. 3 # 6

2005-06-02T11:10:00.000-05:00

Treasures From My Heart to Yours

Free email newsletter reaching over 500 women.

Offering encouragement to mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers

Editor: Donna Kauffman

Author: Treasures From a Mother's Heart,

The Treasure of Careful Planning--Enjoy the Gift of Organization,

Treasures From a Waiting Heart--Experiencing His Healing Presence

rdkauffman@jmz.net

treasures@djkauffman.com

http://www.djkauffman.com

4123 Kinsman Road

N. Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

Volume 3 #6 June 2005

_____________________________________________________________________________

* If you ever send a note to me and I do not respond, please try again. There seem to be kinks in the system.

* To change an email address please send both your old and new address. Thank you.

* This newsletter is from you as well as myself. When you send comments, ideas, suggestions, questions or answers for the newsletter, please tell me if it's ok to add your name with your comment. I like to also put in the number of children you have. Thank you.

Sailing into Summer

Suddenly, we're sailing into summer. About this time of every year, when my daughters were young, I began to plan. If I planned what we would do during the school vacation months well, we enjoyed them much better. Our schedule went something like the following:

8:30 Rise and shine

9:30 At breakfast table

At the table we:

* Went over our memory verses (that were posted on the wall by the table).

* Chatted about our night and dreams for the day.

* Discussed the jobs and projects for the day.

* Had prayer together asking for the Father's presence and guidance.

10:00 Jobs (as discussed at breakfast)

11:00 Freetime

* List of ideas on fridge to choose from if needed.

12:00 Lunch preparations

12:30 Lunch

1:30 Quiet Time (During this time each spent time in personal devotions and then an activity of their choice quietly in separate rooms.)

2:30 Jobs

3:30 Freetime

5:00 Dinner preparations

5:30 Dinner

Along with a daily schedule, like the above, I wanted to use the freer months to pour Jesus more keenly into my daughters' hearts.

Many times we get caught up parenting our children for poor reasons. We want them to behave well, work hard, groom nicely and be the best--so we, as moms, look good. We fear what others might think if our children don't have outstanding qualities.

Over the years I've learned that to truly minister to the hearts of my children I needed to turn their hearts to the Father. A far wiser purpose in training our children is that they would grow to be strong, godly, prayerful and careful for the glory of the heavenly Father. That is their purpose for being on this earth--after all.

It's truly only through His enabling grace that our children learn to make wise choices. When one is unkind to another, we moms need to gently remind him/her to seek the power of the Father to enable them to show kindness to their sibling. When grumbling about work breaks out, it's important that we see that as an opportunity to point our son or daughter to the wonder of God's work in their heart causing them to choose a grateful heart. When they've fallen into sin, it's the loving grace and blood of Jesus that cleanses their heart.

I believe as we move into the summer months with a bit of structure, and a heart that longs for our children to more deeply see Jesus, we will sail through the summer with greater joy.

Your Friend,
Donna

Proverbs 31:26

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the scriptures

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it's established;

through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

~Proverbs 24:3,4~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Poem

Please send your poetry about family life and I'll print it.

AS GOD'S CHILD

Elaine Gingrich

As my small child comes to me
Jabbering confusingly
Yet is sure I'll understand,
Care enough to lend a hand,

As I choose and tend to him,
Try to understand each whim,
Could You as attentively,
Father, do the same for me?

When I come to You in prayer
With a burden I can't bear
Take the words of my request,
Do with them as You see best.

Understand what I can't say,
Meet my needs in Your own way.
Choose for me safe ways to walk:
Understand my human talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the Recipe Box

Saucepan Scothies

1 stick margarine

1/12 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1 ¬æ c flour

2 t. baking powder

1 t. vanilla

Melt margarine in saucepan. Add sugar and blend. Add eggs, one at a time beating well. Stir in vanilla, flour, baking powder. Mix thoroughly. Pour in greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees 15 - 20 minutes. For variation add 1 cup nuts to batter or sprinkle top of dough, before baking, with different kinds of chips, like chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter. Do not over bake.

Submitted my Mary L. She says, "I learned to make this in Home Economics class over 45 years ago. It is a family favorite. and it's quick and easy for young learners."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question for the Month

Please send your questions and responses to

treasures@djkauffman.com

The question for this month is:

"How do we develop a thankful spirit in our children?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The question for last month was:

I have a 29 month old boy who I'm desperately trying to potty train. He doesn't seem to have much interest. I started early - like at 9 months putting him on the potty chair when he got up in the morning and after naps, sometimes he went sometimes not. And I've been increasing the time on the potty ever since. I have no trouble getting him to come sit on the potty, but he hasn't really starting telling me he has to go. I even wore training pants with rubber pants so he could feel when he gets wet, but it doesn't help. I also tried sitting him on the 'big potty'. Any suggestions for motivating him? He does get 4 little M&Ms if he goes on the potty, but that doesn't seem to be much motivation - sometimes he goes and even forgets about the candy afterwards.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Answers:

My heart goes out to you for the frustration I sense. I have been there! Yes, we can start early, offer rewards, and all kinds of "methods". Perhaps I will get flack for saying this, but as a mother expecting my 5th child I realize that much of my frustration came from the expectations I had for my children to do more than they were always capable of. There is SO much pressure from peers, and I have found that only in sharing my frustration with GOD will I have freedom to be creative for what will work for my child. I got a lot of not so pretty comments because some of my children were fairly old when potty trained, but they DID NOT go to school in a diaper! =) So just an encouragement to seek God and lay the frustration on Him. He does care about your dear son and his potty training. Perhaps he simply doesn't understand or connect the potty thing yet, but it will come! So often my desperation came from the fear of what others would say or think of me as a mother. Sometimes it became so consuming to me that I wasn't even enjoying that stage of my child's life.

~~~~~

Starting out when they're young is a super way to go so, I'm also puzzled why it's taking this child so long to learn. All I can say is skip the M&Ms and use your words and expressions. I know my older children think I'm strange but when our little one starts going in the potty I jump up and down and clap my hands and yell, "Yeeaahh!!!!! Chad went potty!! Yeah!!!" and then he gets to see what he's made Mom yell about.\''/ And don't forget to add lots of hugs and kisses!! An older friend told my to sit and go potty at the same time and make the regular grimaces that are needed to go. I tell mine, "Make it come." Having the older children join in on the celebration is effective, too!

Once you know he knows what's going on and you know he can tell you when he needs to go AND FAILS TO DO SO try stripping off the wet clothes, stand him in the tub and gently and quickly rinsing it off with COLD water (using a brush for messes) and promptly drying off with little or no comment for his punishment. I seldom, if ever, spank while potty training.

My concept is lots of attention for doing right - only mild attention for wrong (in potty-training). Reminders and further instruction can be given as needed, of course.

Remember, the Bible says, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9) That's a promise!!!! Susan- training my 5th

~~~~~

My one daughter was the same age and we were still working on her, so take heart, he won't be wearing pampers forever! =) But as I look back I think a more "condensed" approach would've maybe worked better for our daughter. I've heard of moms who set aside three days and dedicate them to the job of potty training. Really tackle it head-on. Set timers as reminders to take him every 1/2 hour. Give him salty snacks, and a sipper cup to counteract the salties. Try to get him to drink lots. Maybe a new little water bottle of his own would interest him. Put the potty chair in the kitchen or someplace where you can watch
closely. You probably won't have him totally trained in three days (that's far too idealistic) but maybe it would really get the ball rolling for you.
With our daughter I think the "novelty" of using the potty wore off because I wasn't consistent enough when I first started her. I thought gradually getting her used to it would be a good approach, but instead I think it made her lazy. It was just a game, and soon the game got old. There are probably as many ways to potty train as there are children, the key is to find the right way for each child! God bless you as you search for a way that works for your son!

~~~~~

It was my experience with my children that when they were ready, it happened immediately and completely. I had stressed myself out unbelievably, as well as my children, by trying to force them to potty train at, first, l4 months, then 24 months. I was listening to all the voices around me, who were telling me that my child "should be potty trained by now." Finally, I shut out the voices, stopped comparing my children to others, and allowed them to potty train on their own timetable, and almost exactly on their third birthdays, they were completely and instantly potty trained.

Interestingly, I found out a similar thing with finger sucking. I stressed myself out about that as well and could not get the sucking to stop. Finally, I ceased worrying and let them give their fingers up when they were ready. And almost exactly on their fourth birthdays, they instantaneously stopped.

It really is true, no healthy child with normal development will go to kindergarten in diapers. Try to relax and let it come naturally. Patti, mom of 2

~~~~~

RELAX!! My 2 sons didn't train until they were 3 years old. They are now 13 & 16 and have been going just fine since then. My little girl, now almost 3 and 1/2, didn't fully train until she was almost 3 and she's taken off with it. If you force it, the child will resist. I tried to force it with Rachel, my youngest, and she resisted, reverted, went back to diapers for awhile, then suddenly, one day she wanted to sit on her little potty again and yahoo, she went from there. Marlene, Tampa, Fl

~~~~~

After my children were trained at a wide variety of ages I finally decided that certain neurons have to click in a child's brain before they "get" potty training. My advice with the 29-month-old is to keep setting him on the potty etc., but don't have your expectations too high and then one glorious day (soon, I suspect) everything will snap into place and it will all make sense to him. Dorcas, mom of 6

~~~~~

I potty trained my daughter at 2 years old. I know girls are said to be easier than boys, but this worked for me. I bought a huge poster board and made a chart. I also bought a bunch of cheap little gifts (candy, bouncy balls, $1 books, coloring books)and put them in a basket. Every time she went potty she got a sticker. Every 6 spaces there was a star. When she got to the star she got to pick a present. If she went in her pull ups, she had to take a sticker off. I also tried the rubber pants over underwear and it didn't work, but this did. Julie, mother of 2

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

More Responses to April's Question

--One suggestion would be that the root of your problem here is selfishness. The problem is that two children want the same toy. I would suggest talking to your children that the way they are acting shows the selfishness in their hearts. Then teach them what Jesus would have us as Christians do with the selfishness in our hearts. In the end someone needs to give up their will.

--I also hear you being frustrated by the disrespectful way in which they express themselves. For example you say that they say, "You didn't ask so you can't use it!" While the fact may be true there is certainly a much more respectful way of expressing that. In trying to teach children to speak respectfully to one another, I would have them repeat their wish in respectful tone and with kind words.

--The other issue with this question is teaching our children respect for one another's property. In our home we say the toys in the toy room are basically every ones and unless you have it in your hand (or are presently playing with it) someone else is allowed to play with it. However, there are some toys that are specifically one child's toy (example would be their latest Christmas or birthday present). If the toy is special it goes into their treasure drawer in their bedroom, then they have say about when and who may play with it (within reason, I'm not promoting children playing favorites with siblings). Hope this can help, and I hope I understood your situation correctly.

Gloria, Mom of three

~~~~~

I would like to respond to the question about territorialism.. Although I can't say we have mastered it, yet. ----We find that if they have to give Mommy or Daddy the item and no one can play with it they will soon let some one play with it! Otherwise they will not get the item back for a good while. It does not always work that way.

--Other times we will offer a choice of punishment, eg. You can keep the item and receive a spanking or you can give the item up to the other person and not be allowed to play with it for a few days. We try to explain in all situations why they need to learn to share and not be 'hoggy' over something.

--Another way we deal with it is praying specifically for the problem and person(s) involved, during family prayer before bed. Hope this helps you in some small measure. I know that every family is different and not all solutions work in the same ways! God bless you.

Lydia momma of 3

~~~~~

The question about being territorial is one all of us as parents face.

--When children are small sharing is indeed difficult and it takes precept upon precept to train them. However, the time invested to deal with that issue will be rewarded over and over in years to come. I am so amazed as I watch my grand daughter who is eighteen months take something that her older sister is playing with just to cause trouble. We don't need to teach children to pick on each other. We are born with selfish natures and parenting involves teaching (telling) and doing (modeling by example).

I need to say thank you, sorry and please to them.

--Another thing is to teach each child to respect their siblings property. If it is Susie's doll and you would like to play with it, ask permission. I think it is good for children to feel like they have ownership of toys, books, etc that were actually given to them. This is also a great time to teach siblings to communicate their wishes.

Lois, mother of 5 and grandmother of 4

~~~~~

Over the years I've learned that to teach unselfishness, we must be unselfish. First of all, give of yourself willingly and cheerfully, and then gently guide your children to do the same. If you instruct your children to give up their toys to the other children who want them, over time the children will learn that sharing is fun and non-threatening. Each of my children have a couple of special items that they don't have to share if they don't want to, but most of the toys and games at home are community property. If children are taught that grabbing and hoarding toys is the way things are done, selfishness and disappointment will rule the day. If they are taught to put the other one first, and wait to choose a toy, everyone is happy. I also teach my children to say 'would you like to go first?' when playing games. Sometimes I will say 'yes I would, thank you' or sometimes I say 'thank you, but you may go first this time', and this seems to help them to wait and put the other person first.

Hope this helps a little bit! Mary, mother of 5

~~~~~

My suggestion is to forget about the timer. When a child has a toy most often it is only desired because of envy. Now in my 37 years of life I still battle wanting what others have. The truth of the matter is that it is not possible--we must find contentment in other ways.

I am always amazed at the struggle parents go through when I have guests over, trying to intervene on their child's behalf. It must be tiring to fight the battle with them. In our house it is a known rule whoever has it gets it. (in most cases) And I find I don't hear these kind of battles when the children are playing. I also enforce these rules on friends that come over for play time with my children. My goal in raising my children with this rule is to teach in there adult life that it is ok not to have what everyone else has, whether it is a new car, boyfriend, house, clothes, etc.. and ultimately to find their contentment in the Lord.

This truth was told to me by my sister and it works and then when you consider the spiritual application it is priceless. JoAnna mother of 4

~~~~~

Here are some rambling thoughts on dealing with the territorial syndrome.

Each child who is fighting over the prized toy gets 5 or 10 minutes with the coveted object then cheerfully hands it over to the next one in line when the timer beeps.

Remind children often of the Golden Rule. "How would you feel if your sister/brother would treat you the same way you're treating him?"

Some toys/items that are fragile or easily damaged are understood to be off-limits when the owner is not around. For example, Justin (3) knows he may not play with Jeremy's (9) miniature farm equipment when Jeremy's away but after school they can play together with them. Big brother can teach the younger how to handle toys with care and learn that sharing can be fun, even with a little tot.

Do a check-up on your mother heart periodically. Any selfishness hidden in the chambers? I've been brought up short when I analyze the motives behind these voiced or unvoiced attitudes toward my girls at times: "No, you may not use my markers, you might run them dry or flatten the sharp tip." "Don't waste my lovely stationery on your scribbles." "This is my neat kitchen , you may NOT mess it up learning to cook." and "Please don't use the prettiest glass bowl in the china cabinet that was a wedding gift and I don't want it broken!!"

A fun way to teach sharing and getting-along principles is to PLAY with your children. Get down on the floor with them to build a Lincoln Log ranch or a Lego city complex. Each child gets his own "property" or "business", they buy and sell from each other, someone maintains the streets and railways... all the while they're learning how to interact smoothly. Lawn games played as a family cultivate togetherness and curb individualism, too.

Help your children stay occupied. There's nothing like good old-fashioned work to chase the bickering away!

Teaching children to share and be fair is a daily responsibility, therefore parents need DAILY refueling of God's wisdom and patience, patience... tons of it. Thankfully, He isn't selfish with His supply!

Annette, mother of 6

~~~~~

Answers to earlier questions

Question about the foster child sleeping through-at 6 months I'd be pleasantly surprised if any child of mine had slept through consistently. Try backing off the cereal and other food, or try it earlier-some children don't sleep well on full stomachs. I have an aversion to a crying child, so I always got up with mine, but in the middle of the night, mom is no fun. Don't turn on any lights, don't talk if you can avoid it, don't feed if you can avoid it. It doesn't take them long to figure out that its just not any fun to get the whole house up at night. But its a gradual process, and a 6 month old is pretty much impulse driven.

~~~~~

Reading-what are you using as a reading plan? Read everything out loud, practice reading with your child-every time you read the can labels, junk mail, the newspaper, etc, read a part or all of it with your child. Reading is a gradual process, and every child learns a little differently. Don't sit down to marathon practice sessions-introduce one or two sounds/letter groups and concentrate for a few minutes on those, several times a day. Add writing to reading lessons, sometimes the act of writing it down reinforces. Perfection is not the goal, fluency is. Every single day, you see thousands of words and process them automatically, I am guessing that you rarely write essays or read the great American novel. Teach language the way you use it-in your life. With my children reading was by fits and starts, we mastered a few basics, then practiced them over and over, each step up in complexity happened quicker as their comfort with the written word improved. My children are 23, 18, and 14 and I still read aloud at the dinner table every night-a tradition I started when they were toddlers and their dad was working swing shift. Now we take turns, and not everyone is at the table every night, but I still read aloud. Who got trained here?!

~~~~~

Answer to the hospitality question:

Well, being active for years in church, having people over to visit, study or play games (Mexican Train). :) I always found that simple was best. I might make a huge pot of chili, or potato/cheesy soup, or finger foods. We gather around the kitchen table and conversation soon takes off. You can make neat sandwiches by putting your favorite fillings in a small tortilla and roll it up. There are all kinds of neat finger food ideas. The main thing isn't how gorgeous your house is, or if it is even SPOTLESS (Clean, yes). Its how relaxed you make the people there. You will know because they will want to come back soon. :) Nancy Turner

ctr68713@centurytel.net

~~~~~

All our kids are close to the same age but we love to get together. We both have small houses, too. When we want to get together we often do it on short notice and here's what we do. We both look at what we've got on hand, combine it and decide which house to go to. Simple as that. Then we feed the kids first and let them go play and then we sit down as adults and enjoy some good fellowship. It's amazing how 10 kids can 'disappear' even in a tiny house. As the other ladies have said, it's ALL about our hearts, not our homes. And if the schedule is too busy for relationships, perhaps a readjustment of priorities is in order. OR looking at 'inventive' times to get together. My husband's favorite meeting time is breakfast with his Christian brothers. Lani, mother of 5

~~~~~

Since my kitchen is small, we usually do most of our entertaining in the summer. I have found this to be quite relaxing because it can be a more informal, picnic style gathering. Paper plates are fine, the food mess is outside and I don't have to worry so much about having my house in tip top shape. I think the heart of hospitality is relationships and not the food.(Although good food is wonderful too \''/) I've heard said, concerning hospitality, "if we don't share our hotdogs when we're poor, we probably won't share our steak when we're rich." Even just having someone over for root beer floats or hotdogs on the grill can be enough to foster good conversations and build deeper friendships. Blessings to each one! Jane, mother of 5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Treats From Tots

Please send delightful lines from your children to

treasures@djkauffman.com

One beautiful spring day last year my two oldest sons, then 4yrs., and 3yrs. were trying to find some dandelions for mamma. Our lawn gets sprayed for weeds, so they had to walk out to the field to look for some. Jamie, the 3 yr. old came to me, and said in a sad voice "Mamma, I can't find any daniel-n-lions!!

My other item is a dear saying from my 5 year old, Durrell. He had the stomach flu and just wanted to crawl in his bed at bedtime instead of going through the usual routine. He said, "Mom, will I have to get false teeth if I skip just one night of brushing my teeth?" Beth, mother of 4

~~~~~

I knew that our 5-year-old daughter had had a good night's rest when she announced cheerfully at the breakfast table, "I wish I could put a bookmark in my dream." Jewell, mother of 3

~~~~~

My oldest son Andreas (5) came running in today with the first dandelion! He says "Momma, here is a flower for you and you can keep it" Wow! I felt really blest! In thinking back on it, that is how we MUST be to Jesus with ourselves! We need to be free and be willing to say, "Jesus, here is my life and heart for you and you can keep it" Oh, to be a young child. Free and giving!

A few minutes later he ran back out and soon was back in with another pretty brave flower, and his 2 yr, old brother, Emery was right behind him! I watched out the window! He had made a wild grab at the plant and got just a tiny flower from the bigger group of flowers and it was soo delicate and beautiful! White with little blue stripes inthem and oh so tiny! He also wanted Momma to have a pretty flower from him! I felt so blest and thanked them both and exclaimed over them! They beamed and went on out to play with their puppies! Lydia momma of 3

~~~~~

"No, I want to go bootfoot" - Jeremiah Stauffer (2 yrs.) when I asked him if he wanted to go barefoot outside. And then this morning it was a bit chilly out and he was barefoot. I told him he should get some boots on. He relplied, "No, I'm using my feet." - Aimee [mother of 4 . . .or mother of 7 (3 in heaven)]

http://aimeelorainestauffer.blogspot.com/

My son, when I was wondering aloud one evening if his sister has ADHD because she was bouncing all over the place, asked me, "Is that a "hyper"thetical question?"

Kerra, five years old, knows that her Grandpa Schrocks live in the United States, a different country than Canada, where we live. One day when Kerra found a US nickel on the floor, she said, "Look, Mom, a Schrock penny!" Danette, mother of 4

~~~~~

My oldest daughter (age 4 at the time) watched her little sister "ungracefully" sneeze, while eating lunch.
"MOM" she exclaimed, "Morgan bless you'd all over the table!"~Marilyn, mommy to 4

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Missionary Wives Prayer Line
This month's missionary wife is
Verda Glick serving the Lord in El Salvador
with her husband Eli.
Verda has five children and fourteen grandchildren.
Her prayer requests are:

1. Pray that God would raise up strong, faithful Salvadoran leaders in the congregations in El Salvador. We have several young men who have lots of potential, but they are struggling and floundering instead of being strong and faithful.
2. Pray for the steadfastness of our five grown children and fourteen grandchildren. Two of our sons are in the ministry. They are on the front lines, and sometimes they grow weary. Satan would love to trip them up.

3. Pray that God would keep our children and grandchildren close to Him and
that they would be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

4. Pray for their marriages to be visual aids showing how Christ and the church relate
with each other.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Birth Announcements

Congratulations to our new mothers.

Bransen Layne Shenk.

He weighed 7lb. 3oz.

Jason, Sharon, Ashlyn and Bransen Shenk

~~~~~

Blake Pierre

Born: March 9,2005

Weight: 7lb. 5oz. Length: 19.5"

Parents: Brian and Joanne (Kropf) Reist

Elmira, ON Canada

Dominic Donald

Born: April 24, 2005

Weight: 7lb. 9oz Length: 19.5"

Parents: Darin and Danette Kropf

Sibling: Desmond (2yrs.)

Parry Sound, ON Canada

-submitted by Judy Kropf, a thrilled Grandma of 3 little Grandsons

~~~~~

Trennis Wynn
March 23, 2005
5lbs.8oz. 19 inches long
Sibling: Alexa, age 2
Thanks!
Ryan and Linda, Guys Mills, PA

~~~~~

Emily Grace

Feb 5, 2005

8 lb., 3 1/2 oz

19" long

Nathan and Monica Kauffman, Goshen, IN

~~~~~

Shakira Elyse

April 14, 2005

Melanie and Vancen Miller

Belize

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From You

Send your hints, tips, comments to

treasures@djkauffman.com

I like to set yearly goals for myself in my relationship with my spouse, children, etc. like you talk about in your "Treasures for Careful Planning" book. One of my goals this year has been to be an encourager to my husband, especially since our being on the mission field brings extra challenges his way! I made a goal of writing a note of encouragement to him twice a month. To make this easier and more organized, I selected an inexpensive piece of pretty stock paper and cut it up into index-sized cards. That gives me three months supply of notes right away so I'm not left searching through the house for notepaper and end up putting it off. Each month I mark my calendar for when my notes are "due"! I find it so simple to grab a card and write something encouraging (or just sweet nothings!) and place it in the mirror in the bathroom, by his computer at his desk, or in his lunch. He uses these notes for bookmarks and I do believe he anticipates my trademark pink notes! Rachel ~ mother of 2

~~~~~

My Children love to paint pictures. I let them create their masterpieces on the blank side of brown paper grocery bags. They are perfect because they're larger and thicker than a piece of paper (free too). After their creations have dried, I put the bags back in my "bag cabinet." When we have guests over for dinner I use the bags for the paper trash. Whoever of our children's painting is on the trash bag is always pleased when our guests compliment them on the great job they did and it gives me the opportunity to praise my child in front of others too! Marilyn, mommy to 4

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Books

*Treasures From A Mother¬ís heart: $11.99,

four or more $11.00 each.

*The Treasure of Careful Planning: $7.99, four or more $7.00 each.

*Treasures From a Waiting Heart: $9.50, four or more $8.50 each.

New
Treasures From a Waiting Hearts
--Experiencing His Healing Presence

Hope Byler

~~~~~~~

Treasures From a Mother's Heart

Three years ago last January I sat down to work on my new year's goals. I didn't get very far until I felt too ill to continue. The one goal I had written down was that I desired to find a treasure in every day of the new year.

In the evening Bob took me to the hospital. Over the next nine days as I lay wavering between life and death--in my deepest, darkest moments, the word treasures kept surfacing. With that word the Lord brought a special blessing to my drugged mind. I longed to feel well enough to write the treasures down. A few days after I returned home I remembered some of those special messages the Lord had given me while in the hospital. I began to write. Treasures from the present, back through my daughters growing up years, and way back into my childhood flowed from my pen. And many of those treasures had a inspirational message woven in and through the memory.

From that experience my book Treasures From a Mother's Heart was born. Many of the short memory type stories in the book have included a quote, verse of scripture and an inspirational message making it a type of devotional book for mothers.

~~~~~

The Treasure of Careful Planning

~~~~~~~

Comments From Others:

I received so much from your book, "The Treasure of Careful Planning." Needless to say, my husband is thrilled with how much smoother our household is running in just this first week since I have made some changes that I learned through your book! I have my work scheduled better, and I am a much more patient wife and mother, without the burden of trying to get everything done in one day, and then failing, and starting all over again the next day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can order my books at

rdkauffman@jmz.net

. I'll send an invoice with your order. You may mail a check or money order when you receive the invoice.

Shipping for one book is $1.50 each. In Canada, $1.75. If you purchase more than one book the shipping cost is less per book.

~~~~~~~

Booklets

Each booklet

sells for $2.00 or mix and match any titles of 4 or more for $1.75. Postage for one booklet is .37.

It goes down for each additional booklet.

Again, you may email your order to

rdkauffman@jmz.net

. I'll send an invoice with your order. The booklets I have available so far are as follows:

Rekindling Love

A Holy Place

Filling Love Tanks

Hiding the Word

Back to School

The White Ceramic Nativity

A Waiting Heart

Grumbling or Grateful

Father's Day

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Until next time. God Bless
Donna Kauffman

4123 Kinsman Road

N. Bloomfield, OH 44450

440-693-4070

rdkauffman@jmz.net

treasures@djkauffman.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If at any time you would like to unsubscribe send an email

rdkauffman@jmz.net

, and type unsubscribe in the subject line.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive the newsletter type TFMHY in the subject line. They'll be added to the list.

This is a monthly publication. You may feel free to forward it on to or print it if you do so in its entirety for anyone that you think would be interested.

Email newsletters are free. For postal mail newsletters: .75 each or $9.00 per yearly subscription to cover the cost of copying and postage.

Treasures

2005-05-31T13:35:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Treasures

As you look around my blog you'll find Treasures From My Heart to Yours newsletters, archieved.

Click on the links for my Treasures books: Treasures From a Mother's Heart, The Treasure of Careful Planning, Treasures From a Waiting Heart, and you'll find a picture of each book along with an exerpt or comments about it.

Family links will take you to pictures and family fun activities.

Thank you for stopping by and do be encouraged in the Lord today.

Your friend,

Donna