Unto This Day

“Unto this day” He hath guarded and guided; Unto this day He hath graciously planned;

Unto this day He hath sweetly provided, Yea, hath provided with bountiful hand.

“Unto this day” He hath well undertaken; Unto this day He hath kept by His grace:

Why then should spirit or mind be now shaken Though future pathways one may not now trace?

“Unto this day” both through joy and through sorrow, He hath been near with His tenderest care:

Will He not then, through life’s unknown tomorrow, Sweetly and safely His trusting child bear?

“Unto this day!” Shall we sing it with gladness: God hath been faithful right “unto this day,”

Thus shall we saved be from sigh and from sadness, Though now unknown and obscure is life’s way.

-J. Danson Smith

Mother to

Mother

January 2013

Page 2

Hello, friends… Our God Is Able

“Believe ye that I am ABLE to do this? ...According to your faith be it unto you.” (Matthew 9:28, 29)

“Our God whom we serve is ABLE to deliver us.” (Daniel 3:11) “I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is ABLE to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32) “God is ABLE to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” (2 Corinthians 9:8) “[God is] ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20a)

“[God is] ABLE even to subdue all things unto himself.” (Philippians 3:21b) “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is ABLE to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12b) “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is ABLE to succour them that are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18) “Wherefore he is ABLE also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25) “[God is] ABLE to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.” (Jude 24) “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was ABLE also to perform.” (Romans 4:21) This collection of verses has often been an encouragement to me. God has given us great and precious promises – and they aren’t empty promises – He is ABLE to perform them! What more do we need to go forth courageously into a new year?

Please direct all correspondence to:

Glenn & Mary Beth Martin

595 Skyline Trail

Chester, MA 01011

Phone & fax: (413) 354-7860

Email: mother-to-mother@live.com

Page 3

You Ask, You Answer…

I guess you’d say this is a sensitive issue at our house. I’ll give a brief

example of one of our experiences in raising our family.

One of our children arrived on the smaller side and Doc

advised us to keep him at home because it was flu season. There

was another baby born a week later at church and that Mom was

told the same thing as we were but said, “Oh well, I’m nursing her;

she won’t catch the bugs out there!”

We were receiving questions about why we weren’t bringing

our bundle to church. I wasn’t in a hurry since he was only 2 weeks

old. The other baby was at church at 9 days old and supposedly

that family had “a better vision” for their firstborn than we did for our

family because they brought their baby to church.

To make a long story short, at 2½ weeks of age their baby was

in the hospital on meds and the ventilator, and everyone was

concerned whether she was going to survive this sickness. After a

two-week stay in the hospital she finally came home, still a weak

baby.

We’re thankful our baby was spared. We feel the difference

was that a visiting family with the flu was at their house. They had

been taking Tylenol and cough drops, while continuing to come to

church and school, thus exposing these little ones.

My point to remember is this: Is it contagious to the babies?

Will a weaker child at school get something worse than a cold from

your child’s cold and cough? Let’s teach our children to cover their

mouths and wash their hands well. -Pennsylvania

As a former teacher, I feel a stuffy nose or a bit of a cough isn’t

serious, but if the child is miserable or sneezing, it could make it hard

for them to concentrate on their work properly. A child with poison

ivy, etc. may be all right unless it would be embarrassing for them to

be seen in public. Every school has their policy and every person is

different. Use common sense and when in doubt, ask the teacher or

school board. -Colorado

Question : When is a child too sick to send to school? Does a bit of a

stuffy nose or three coughs in the morning warrant a sick day? I had a

child with poison ivy which showed up on her face. Should she stay

home till it’s over?

Page 4

Thank you for being a concerned parent! When I taught school I

was glad if parents paid attention to two main principles – is the

child too miserable to perform well without high maintenance, and

will he be spreading sickness to the rest of the children? The age of

the child enters into the consideration somewhat. Young students

especially find it difficult to keep germs to themselves and to cope

with sickness.

A couple coughs and a stuffy nose didn’t bother me, if the

child had plenty of tissues on hand and knew how to use them

without distracting everybody. But a constant bark or nose that

needs a bed sheet are better kept at home. I found it interesting to

note that our local public school district requires that a child be

fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. Rest is the best

medicine for most sickness – his teacher would rather have him out

an extra day and come back totally well than have him drag on

half well for the whole school week. She would probably also rather

he come in late than to need to ask the parent later in the day to

come pick up a miserable child.

If you do decide to keep your child home, communicate! The

teacher will be glad to send lessons home, so catch-up work isn’t so

overwhelming later. After a child returns, feel free to ask the teacher

how he fared that day, especially a young student.

Know your community – but don’t assume. At one school,

when chicken pox began its rounds, the mothers all agreed that

they weren’t worried about exposure. They kept their children home

only if they felt too ill to perform. It shocked my large-school

mentality, but for that small school, it worked fine. Be aware, though,

that expectant mothers or those who have tiny babies may not

welcome this.

Beware of fake or stress stomachaches. Sometimes a child

might be truly sick, but other times there is another problem that

needs to be opened and taken care of.

God grant you wisdom, and don’t be too stressed by the

what-ifs! Every parent will make faulty judgment calls on occasion –

teachers and other parents should be understanding. -Ohio

When is a child too sick to send to school? Is the sickness

contagious? Will it greatly interfere with their ability to focus and

study? If it is contagious, it seems that the Golden Rule would apply.

One rule of thumb that I’ve heard is that if the child is sick the

evening before, they probably shouldn’t go to school the next day. I

guess the thought behind that is that morning is maybe not the best

time to try to discern if they’re still sick or not. If it’s fever/flu, please

don’t just dope them up with Tylenol and send them to school. They

might feel ‘normal’ but they are still definitely contagious and are

passing it on to other families. -Texas

Page 5

Take the child’s temperature. If he’s running a fever, that settles it.

He needs to rest and sip liquids. His body is fighting and he won’t

feel like himself.

Does he want to go to school? Yes, sometimes children want

to stay home because of stresses at school that they need to face

whether they wish to or not. But normally, if he doesn’t feel well

enough to want to go to school you want to consider that.

Think of others. Is this child coughing and blowing their nose

enough that he will be unpleasant to have around? Does he look

awful? Some medications can help dry him up enough that it is

acceptable to have him around others. But is he contagious? What

is the attitude in your community toward that? Do people say,

“We’re all exposed anyway,” or are there some that wish to protect

their children as much as possible? Be considerate of them.

Teach your child to turn away and cover his mouth and when

coughing to keep his nose wiped. If he really needs to blow it out he

might do that in the restroom.

How does the teacher feel? I find some want the children

there if at all possible and some wish children would be at home

where Mother can take over. You might ask her.

Sometimes it’s not possible to know if a child is sick right after

he wakes. I have at times kept a child home only to have him

bouncing off the walls and I knew he belonged in school. At times I

have told my child that he may lie down awhile and we’ll decide

later. If you don’t live too far from school, you can let him miss his

ride. You might be glad you didn’t push him to go, or you might

soon be taking him to school after all.

If you send a child you have questions about, you might call

the teacher and let her know. Assure her that you are willing to

come pick him up if she sees you made the wrong decision. -State withheld

A lot depends on how the school parents as a whole relate to sick

children. Here we often send them if they are sick but want to go

and feel good enough (you don’t want the teacher to have to

mother sick children). If most of the parents are afraid of their

children catching something and tend to keep their coughing

children home they might not appreciate it if sick children come to

school and make theirs sick.

Also consider how the child would feel in school. -Texas

Page 6

This question was good for me to think about! And what are “weak”

areas? Is it a moral issue? Is it a matter of opinion? Is it worth fretting

over? Our husbands should be able to feel comfortable around their

wives. Picking up his socks should be a labor of love…not something

that makes our blood boil.

Often we see a marriage as two separate people working

together. In reality, a marriage is two halves making a whole. Each is

benefitted by the other; each is refined by the other. When God

joins two people together, He does it right. We need our spouse to fill

in our missing spots. But we cannot ever have a condescending air

about the whole matter.

We may have a wonderful relationship with God, but if we

have superior attitudes toward our husbands, God will not manifest

Himself in us. We have all seen a “spiritual” bossy wife telling her

husband off. Is anything more distasteful?

I thought of the Biblical headship order. My husband is not

accountable to me, but to God. In Titus 2:4, we are to display love

to our spouses in marriage, based on relationship, not emotions.

Instead of striving for equality, the sister-wife honors her

brother-husband above herself (Romans 12:10). She is devoted to

him. She encourages him daily (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24). She

sympathizes with his troubles (1 Peter 3:8) and refuses to slander him

or grumble against him (James 5:9). If he is a Christian, she will

rebuke him when necessary and then speedily forgive him (Luke

17:3). She makes the effort to spend time with him (Hebrews 10:25).

Her goal is that they live together productively and in harmony

(Romans 12:16; Psalm 133:1).

To be a wife has a two-fold involvement: life-time commitment

and daily self-sacrifice. Our husbands will be encouraged when their

wives stand behind them and are a vocal supporter. So I feel I can

share my concern (not whining!) and then leave it to God to do the

work.

No, we cannot turn a blind eye toward sin, because Ananias

and Sapphira both died for their sin. But if it is something that has no

eternal implications, just pray for him. Wives are to be their

husbands’ helpers, not their potters.

Let’s all remember our God-given roles, and spend our lives

blessing our husbands and loving our children as God desires. - New York

Question : What are the best ways to encourage my husband in his

weak areas? Is silence and prayer the best thing? Or say something

once and then be quiet?

Page 7

This is a big question and probably doesn’t have an easy or only one

right answer. I feel like I have some thoughts but not an answer. I do

believe there are times it’s right to talk but don’t let the teaching on

communication trick you into thinking you need to speak everything

that comes into your heart. Is that God’s way? We need to search

our hearts and let God sanctify us instead of expressing things that

shouldn’t even be there. First let’s take a look at what our focus

should be.

We should be thankful wives. Focus on the ways your husband

expresses his love and how much he does for you and how much he

means to you and be thankful, be thankful, be thankful. God has

been so good to you and your husband is one of His gifts to you.

Treasure that gift.

Focus on meeting his needs. Do you freely offer yourself to him

every night that it is possible? Or must he wait another night for close

times? He needs you – and more than once in a while. He needs

more than a tidy house and good meals and children that are at

rest and let him unwind at home. Yes, sometimes we feel we’re

pulled every direction and he could surely understand that. But is it

right to put him off because you’re tired and then wish he could

listen to you when he is tired? You both have needs. He will be more

ready to hear you out as you reach out to him and you will find your

own needs amazingly met as you understand his, and are willing to

give of yourself to meet them.

Focus on being open to his input in your own weak areas.

Don’t put up with his criticism, LOVE it. Invite it. When he tells you

how he wants things done, don’t feel like it’s him against you.

Picture yourself as a team and this is his way of helping. Thank him.

Yes, it hurts sometimes. That’s okay. You may cry, but love it anyway.

Refuse the words “he doesn’t understand.” Maybe he doesn’t.

That’s okay. You want his input anyway. Don’t be quick to explain

yourself. That could shut him up and he’ll hesitate next time.

Focus on becoming more what God would have you be.

Study God’s word. Ask older women questions. Ask God to cleanse

you of all that is ugly and to make you more and more beautiful

inside. Look into your heart and give up anger and grudges.

Don’t focus on WHO is right but on WHAT is right. How does

God want me to respond to the situation I find myself in? God wants

us to focus on how He would have us to live and respond to others

rather than what others should be doing. Those who focus on

making others over are often miserable and hard to live with and

are blind to their own needs and to their blessings.

Some more thoughts….

Admitting to yourself and facing the fact that your precious

husband has weaknesses, is okay. Bitterness is not.

“Be ye kind” and “in her tongue is the law of kindness” are for

me in relating to my husband.

continued

Page 8

What will actually help the situation? Is he secure enough in

your relationship to handle your suggestions? If not, accept that,

love him, and pray for him.

We women tend to be driven by feelings. For this reason it is

often wise to wait when we’re upset about something. I sometimes

try for three days. This is hard, but it gives your strong feelings time to

cool and you can look at the issue more realistically. And it gives

you time to pray. Maybe soon you’ll have no desire to talk about it.

Then you can decide if God wants you to.

Once when my husband was telling me how to advise a

younger sister he said “she should tell him how she feels but she

shouldn’t build a case.” This was revealing to me. Is that what I do

when my mind gets to going round and round? Yes, I’m building a

case! He doesn’t need that. He just needs me to simply and

trustingly share my thoughts and my needs and to let it with him and

pray for him. Another thing he has told me is that a man under

pressure has a hard time making up his mind. So yes, you want to

trustingly leave it to him once you’ve mentioned it to him. -State withheld

I’m looking forward to answers on this one too…we wives have

promised to be our husband’s inspiration. Here are some things that I

am working on learning more fully. It helps me to:

…Realize that his weak area is probably the flip side of one of

his strengths. I help myself and him by focusing on and encouraging

the strength, rather than berating the weakness.

…Communicate, but choose your words and time carefully.

After a good meal, when he’s not too tired or too busy, and when

I’m not too tired and stressed out. I am more likely to irritate than to

inspire him when I choose a time that is not right for both of us. A

question like, “Did you notice how Johnny felt?” brings a far better

harvest than, “You were way too hard on Johnny!”

…Be open and positive.

…Be careful to not criticize in front of our children and never

belittle him.

…Pray, pray, pray, especially when I think I see no

improvement and am tempted to rehearse and nag. I need to

examine my own heart and pray for myself too. I often wonder at

the way God speaks specifically and skillfully to our weak areas in

answer to committed prayer (and fasting). He is more effective in

both of our lives than any of our own talking could be.

…Remember that though he might not tell me, he’s seeing

and putting up with my weaknesses too. This can go a long way in

developing the meek and humble spirit that will capture his good

will better than my words ever could. God grant that we may truly

be helps meet for our husbands! -State withheld

Page 9

What are your husband’s “weak” areas? Is it truly a weakness?

Sometimes God uses others’ imperfections to purify things in our own

lives.

First take a look at why you’re concerned about that

weakness. Be sure it’s for his own good and not your own personal

agenda. I think you have the right idea.... pray a lot about it, and

then it’s maybe okay to say something once, ask how he looks at it,

etc., and then yes, be quiet and pray more. Of course, husbands

are different from each other. The approach mine might prefer

might be offensive and ‘totally out of place’ to your husband. So

study him and maybe you could even ask sometime how he would

like you to share concerns about him, with him. -Texas

My children are all young, so I have no answers from experience,

but the book Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches, by

Rachel Jankovic, has been a real inspiration to me.

Some tips she shares… “When our children are fussing with each

other over a toy, interrupt them and ask each to tell what they did

wrong, leaving out the other person. Then ask, ‘What is more

important – this toy or your sister?’ When they answer, ask, ‘Which

were you pretending was more important?’ Now they need to

apologize to each other for breaking fellowship over a toy. This

makes it perfectly clear to them what exchange they were

making…flashlight for sister. Once they are back in fellowship, you

can discuss ideas about sharing and polite ways of responding. This

deals with the heart. Grabby hands come from grabby hearts.”

God bless each of you as you shepherd your children’s hearts. -State withheld

I feel your pain. This could be me. So maybe I don’t have a lot of

wisdom, but I’ll venture to share what we’re learning. What is the

atmosphere in your home? Is it one of positive, encouraging words?

Or is it more that you are constantly on them about this and that

and the other thing. “Do this!” “Don’t do this!” “I said to close that

door!” “Come here!” “No, leave your brother alone!!”

Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a

little. -Texas

Question : We feel our four preschool children do an excessive

amount of squabbling and fighting. We have tried rebukes, requiring

apologies, having them sit on chairs, and spanking. But it seems on

some days squabbles arise as fast as they are settled. Do you have

any tips for us?

Page 10

All children need guidance. And the more children, the more

demanding it can be. It doesn’t always mean something is wrong.

But maybe there are some things to consider. It often helps if we

take some time for the children before we plunge into work. Read to

them a bit and give some hugs and look into their eyes and smile.

Sometimes they are ready to play happily then.

Don’t constantly feel guilty for not spending more time with

your children. Mama has work she must do too, and she is doing it

for God and for her children. But do try to include them when they

feel a need to be with you. You don’t have to let them make the

cookies, but you can say, “Mama likes to have you here.” And put

them in a safe spot close to you and talk to them about what you

are doing. They don’t like to feel pushed off.

I made a little rule for myself once that if my child came

fussing to me when I didn’t feel it was the time to spend time with

him, I would always have time to pick him up, give him a squeeze

and a smile and a cheerful word. Often that’s all it takes. They are

your little darlings and they are happier when they can feel that.

Children are also less fussy when they have times they must

work. Try to give them jobs as you can, even if it’s just putting their

spoon at their place at the table. When they are small they love

feeling included; when they are older they won’t be happy without

work.

Are you happy? I have heard how children can be more

irritable when their mothers are troubled. Children are quick to sense

our moods. Ask God to cleanse you and to lead you into green

pastures and teach you how to think and to help you have a heart

that is at rest. Strive for a pleasant atmosphere.

Sometimes when it seems I just can’t get on top of this I put a

blanket or cushion down for each child, not too far from me and not

too close to each other. Then they must stay there and quietly look

at a book and maybe have a snack until the timer rings. Then they

may have another try at play.

Are your children getting enough rest? Do they eat

wholesome meals regularly? A midmorning and mid-afternoon

snack help too.

Try not to plan too many other things besides the necessary

care of your family during this stage of life. It’s hard to have an

orderly pleasant atmosphere when life is hectic. -State withheld

Page 11

One thing that makes shopping easier is to take snacks or drinks

along (or buy some at the store). I like Smarties candy because it is

not messy and it can keep small children occupied for a while.

Sometimes I save books just for shopping or let my girls take their

dolls.

To break up a big day, I try to plan my Wal-Mart stop in the

middle of our day. When I know they’re reaching their limit – getting

grouchy or bored – we stop at the McDonald’s and buy a cheap

mini-snack or lunch. (It also works for nursing a baby if you can find a

discreet spot.) While this is not an option for everyone, you can find

something else that may work.

I personally don’t allow much begging or “Mom, look at this,”

etc. It saves time and stress. I notice that if I allow begging or

negotiating at home it carries over in town, of course. If your

children know what you expect out of them, your authority and

reminders should work while shopping, too! -Colorado

I often do my shopping when my husband or a helper can take

charge of one or two of our small children. Saving it for then isn’t

always convenient, but it does cut down on time and frustration.

Taking one or two children at a time makes teaching shopping

etiquette less stressful.

Our children are not school age yet, but I like to think that

shopping can be a learning experience. We talk a lot while we are

shopping. We talk about what we are going to look for next, about

why we don’t need that, or what Daddy’s doing. Don’t worry about

what other shoppers might think – they enjoy seeing a happy

mother and children.

Would it help to tell them the things on your list? Then you

could say, “Is that on our list?” (Or admit that you didn’t know the

Kleenex box was empty.) Or have older ones help figure out which is

the better buy (calculators allowed) or the more healthful buy. That

won’t work if time is of the essence, but it could make shopping

serve as a good training time. -Ohio

Question : I’d like ideas on how to make grocery shopping with

children less stressful. There are so many things in a store that catch

their attention! It is helpful to be reminded of something necessary

that I forgot to add to the list, but the constant reminders and asking

(about things we sometimes use) gets a bit overwhelming. Is it fair to a

child to not be able to ask for anything?

Page 12

Yes, it’s okay to tell them they may not ask for anything. Once they

are older they can help me gather the things I need. I find it helps to

talk to the children about what I’m buying and why, and sometimes

I let them choose between two kinds of cereal, etc. It helps if you

don’t linger in the store too long. Make sure they are used to

obeying at home, let them know what you expect from them in

town, and discipline them when you are back home if they are not

obedient and cooperative. It’s okay sometimes to buy them a treat

on the way home, and comment on their good behavior. But don’t

bribe them. Take responsibility to train them to obey. -State withheld

Just patiently listen. They will figure it out, after they lose people’s

attention a few times. Let them talk, talk, talk to you when they’re

young and you’ll be the one they’ll come to talk, talk, talk to when

they’re older and have important things on their minds! Please don’t

shush her. Keep that line of communication open between you at

all cost. If she is busy talking when it’s time to be getting ready for

church or something, maybe you could tell her, “I’d love to hear

about it sometime but right now we need to hurry so we can get to

church on time,” and then make sure you ARE there later to hear

her out. -Texas

Talk to them about it. I used to be one of those children and I

needed help. Explain to your child that it’s selfish to dominate the

conversation too long. Time to visit is limited and they should learn to

ask the other children questions and be interested in what they

have to say. Then the next time they get long-winded you might say,

“Do you remember how we talked about letting others have a turn

talking too?” I have pretty much ruled out my children trying to

repeat to me the whole story their teacher is reading at school. -State withheld

Question : How do you help a child tell stories without too many

encumbering details? We have more than one child who likes to tell

her dreams – all details included – or to relate stories her friends tell,

whole and complete. As a mother, I want my children to tell me

interesting tidbits. But I don’t want them to bore their listeners. How

does a mother do this without squelching the desire to share or

embarrassing her children?

Page 13

New Questions…

1. How do other young mothers find a balance between caring for

your own family and taking time to reach out to others? Our own

families should come first, but I can end up feeling guilty that I am

not doing more for others. Then I wonder if I should be willing to

leave more of my projects undone to help others. How do you

prioritize between the two?

2. I live a normal, happy life… until bedtime. Then OCD (Obsessive

Compulsive Disorder) kicks in and I have to do and redo certain

things before I feel good enough to go to sleep. It’s a never-ending

cycle; nothing I’ve tried works permanently. My monthly hormonal

swings make it worse besides giving me an “I might blow up” feeling.

What have you done that helps? How can you raise your children

when they make it worse by waking up at night (and then I need to

redo my bedtime cycle). Please be blunt with your advice. I have a

wonderful husband who would like to help. Any tips for him?

3. How do you help a very young child relate to their natural curiosity

about the body and its functions and the natural desire to play with

it? I am amazed at how young this starts and am not always sure

when to make an issue of something. We try to keep the “don’ts”

matter-of-fact, so as not to attract undue attention. How do you

teach them to handle themselves and know what is off-limits before

wrong habits and ideas become entrenched?

4. What can I do to help my preschoolers with music? Dad tries, but he

is very unmusical. He would really like our son to be able to sing, but

I’m having difficulty teaching tunes. Just singing a lot isn’t doing it, so

I started working on the scale with our 3-year-old. Is this a good idea

or is there something that works better?

5. Our 3-year-old has bad habits of biting his nails and picking his nose.

We think he usually bites his nails in bed as we don’t often catch him

doing it. Church is a popular place to do both, as he’s not occupied

with anything else. How have you helped your child overcome this?

We’ve tried the product Thum and it hasn’t seemed to help.

Please respond with answers by February 15, 2013.

Page 14

Children Learn What They Live

If a child lives with criticism, He learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility, He learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule, He learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame, He learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance, He learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement, He learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise, He learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness, He learns justice.

If a child lives with security, He learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval, He learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, He learns to find love in the world.

- Dorothy Law Nolte

Page 15

Across My

Kitchen Table… Try one of these hearty soups to warm

and fill your hungry family some winter

evening! For next time….share your

favorite one-dish meals. Perhaps a

casserole that can be popped in the

oven at low temps early in the day, or

a Crock-pot favorite. Send them by

February 15, 2013.

Wild West Chili 2 bacon strips, diced

1 lb. ground beef or venison

2 tsp. chili powder

1½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. garlic salt

¼ tsp. oregano

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

3-5 drops hot pepper sauce

1 (14½ oz.) can diced

tomatoes, undrained*

1 cup each celery, onion, &

carrots, finely chopped

½ cup green pepper, finely

chopped

1 (16 oz.) can chili beans,

undrained

In a large saucepan, brown bacon and ground beef or

venison; drain. Add the seasonings; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Stir in

tomatoes, celery, onion, carrots, and green pepper; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40 minutes. Stir in beans; cook 30

minutes longer. Yield: 6 servings.

*You can use tomato juice instead of diced tomatoes. Also, if

you don’t want it so spicy, omit the hot pepper sauce and/or cayenne

pepper.

This is really good served over rice.

Eunice Halteman, PA

Cream of Broccoli Soup 1 head broccoli

4 cups milk

6 Tbsp. margarine

1/3 cup diced onion

2/3 cup flour

3 cups chicken broth

Salt & pepper to taste

1 cup Velveeta cheese

Cook broccoli and onion in a small amount of water. Mash with a

potato masher. In another kettle, melt margarine and add flour to

make a paste. Add milk and broth, cook till thick, then add cheese.

Add cooked broccoli and onion. Heat thoroughly but do not boil.

Christine Good, PA

Page 16

Taco Soup 1 lb. ground beef

1½ quarts tomato juice

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 cups corn

1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans

1 pkg. taco seasoning

Fry ground beef with onion. Add the remaining ingredients. Simmer till

thoroughly hot. Serve over crushed tortilla chips. Top with shredded

cheddar cheese and sour cream, if desired.

Barb Hege, PA

Hearty Vegetable Soup 3 qt. tomato juice

3 qt. water (or part broth)

1 lb. browned hamburger or

sausage

1 pint corn

1 quart green beans

1 pint lima beans

1 pepper

2 carrots

2 stalks celery

1 pint peas

1 medium onion

¼ head cabbage

1 cup kidney beans

1 cup horticulture beans

½ cup brown rice

3 medium diced potatoes

2-3 Tbsp. salt

2 beef bouillon cubes

Spices to taste: basil, parsley,

chili powder, pepper, etc.

Simmer for 2 hours. Yield: 9-10 quarts.

Martha Christophel, PA

Italian Bean Soup 12 oz. breakfast sausage

1 onion, chopped

1 lb. bacon, optional

1 quart green beans

2 cans cream of mushroom

soup

4 cups water

2 (4 oz.) cans mushroom

pieces

½ cup chopped celery

1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning

2 beef bouillon cubes

½ tsp. pepper

Fry the sausage, onion, and bacon. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer

30 – 60 minutes. Delicious with fresh muffins on a cold evening!

Darlene Weaver, MO

Page 17

Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup 2 Tbsp. oil, divided

1 medium onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 lb. chicken breast, cubed

4 cups chicken broth

2 cups canned tomato chunks

2 cups black beans (or cut

corn)

1 bay leaf

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. chili powder

¼ tsp. red pepper, or to taste

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. poultry seasoning

1 tsp. cilantro, opt.

1 tsp. baking soda

4 Tbsp. flour

1 cup milk or cream

6 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed

Sauté 1 Tbsp. oil, onion, and garlic.

Fry chicken breast in remaining oil until cooked through and

beginning to brown.

Combine broth, vegetables, spices, and baking soda with

sautéed onions and garlic. Bring to a low boil. Add fried chicken.

Simmer 20 minutes.

Combine flour and milk and add to soup to thicken. Add the

Velveeta and heat till melted. Remove the bay leaf.

Serve with tortilla chips and sour cream. We find this a

delightfully toe-warming alternative to taco soup!

Carolyn Stauffer, PA

Italian Vegetable Soup 1 lb. ground beef 2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup diced onion 2 cups water

1 cup sliced celery 5 tsp. beef bouillon

1 cup sliced carrots 1 Tbsp. parsley

½ tsp. oregano ¼ tsp. pepper

½ tsp. basil 1 cup frozen green beans

2 cups shredded cabbage 2 cups chopped tomatoes

½ cup macaroni (optional) 15 oz. kidney beans

2 cups tomato sauce or ketchup

Brown ground beef with onion and drain. Add rest of ingredients

except cabbage and green beans (and macaroni). Bring to a boil;

reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Add cabbage, green beans and

pasta, if desired. Simmer until all vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with

Parmesan cheese before serving.

Jolene Eby, Uganda

Page 18

Cheddar Cheese Chowder 2 cups water

2 cups cubed potatoes

½ cup carrots, chopped

½ cup celery, diced

¼ cup onion, diced

1½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

1 cup meat (ham, bacon,

tuna, salmon, sausage,

ground beef or hot dogs)

2 cups grated cheese

White Sauce:

¼ cup flour

¼ cup butter

2 cups milk

Cook together the first 7 ingredients till vegetables are tender.

Don’t drain. Meanwhile, fry meat if using ground beef, sausage or

bacon. Drain.

To make white sauce, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook

together, then add milk and cook till thick. Stir the white sauce, meat

and cheese into the cooked vegetables. Heat. Serve piping hot.

Serves 6.

I often serve chicken breast sandwiches along with this soup. I

usually make this with hot dogs and it is known as “hot dog soup”. It is

THE favorite for our children!

Louisa Zook, MA

I like to make this in the morning and put it in the crock pot on

low all day.

Kayleen Stauffer, PA

White Chili ½ lb. boneless pork loin, cut

into ½-inch cubes

1/3 cup chopped onion

1 (16 oz.) can navy or Great

Northern beans, drained

1 (16 oz.) can chick peas,

drained

1 (16 oz.) can white whole

kernel corn, drained

1 pint chicken

1 (4 oz.) can diced green

chilies, drained

1½ tsp. ground cumin

¼ tsp. garlic powder

Chopped parsley

Shredded cheese

In a 4-quart saucepan, sauté pork and onion in oil over

medium-high heat until onion is soft and pork is lightly browned. Stir in

remaining ingredients except for parsley and cheese. Cover and

simmer 20 minutes. Serve garnished with parsley and shredded

cheese.

Variation: For a thinner chili, increase the amount of broth to

at least 1 quart. I often use more broth and thicken it slightly with

cornstarch. You can also substitute chicken or turkey for pork. Serves 6.

Doris Anne Weaver, OH

Page 19

Beef Stew #12 lb. beef stew meat

¼ cup flour

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

1½ cups beef broth

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

1 tsp. paprika

4 carrots, sliced

3 potatoes, diced

1 onion, chopped

1 stalk celery, sliced

Mix flour, salt, and pepper and coat the meat with it. Place in crock-

pot. Add remaining ingredients. Cook on low 10-12 hours or high 4-6

hours. It can also be baked in the oven for 2-3 hours. Delicious served

with Pizza Hut bread sticks. A family favorite!

Keren Martin, CA

Beef Stew #2 4 cups beef cubes

1 cup celery, diced

1/3 cup onion, diced

2 cups carrots, diced

4½ cups potatoes, diced

5 cups water

2 tsp. salt

2 pkg. brown gravy mix

1 pint tomato juice

2 beef bouillon cubes

3 cups peas

Cook beef cubes and set aside. Cook vegetables with water and salt

until tender. Mix brown gravy according to package directions and

add to vegetables. Add tomato juice and bouillon cubes, as well as

the meat and any cooking juices. Cook peas in soda and salt water

and add to stew. Thicken with Therm-flo to your liking. This stew may be

put in jars and sealed – will keep in the refrigerator for a few weeks. It is

delicious and has a rich beef flavor!

Maria Nolt, PA

Bean Soup 1 lb. beans, cooked (navy or

Great Northern)

4 cups milk

1½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

½ tsp. garlic powder

¼ cup flour

¼ cup margarine

Ham chunks (opt.)

Melt margarine then add flour and stir to combine. Add milk, spices,

and beans. Cook till thickened.

Melody Moyer, KY

Page 20

The Harvest

What though I stop a dozen times a day To dress the same doll in the same pink hat, To move my favorite lamps, rescue the cat,

Or find some plaything that has gone astray? What though the walls I washed so clean and white

But yesterday, tell tiny tales today Of busy fingers, reaching in their play To touch a picture or turn on the light?

The days toll into months, the months to years,

And e’er we know it, we shall wish in vain For precious days of childhood once again;

And though we search for them in earnest tears, Our children will be grown, ‘twill be too late To mend their broken toys and dry their eyes, And pull their h ungry fingers from the pies,

And run to meet them at the garden gate.

Teach me, O God, to know from day to day That all the floors I sweep, the clothes I mend Do not compare with the sweet time I spend Teaching my little ones to praise and pray; That when I face Thee, and my fruit I bring,

And Thou dost ask me where my soul did glean, I may not have a little house, swept clean,

To be alone my lifetime offering. But may I have the children Thou didst loan, And may I know that they have followed Thee

Because they saw Thy love and grace through me, And learned to know my Saviour as their own.