Longfellow's Birthday

by Sister Angie

God is the perfect poet…I couldn’t agree more with this famous quote by Robert Browning.
"God gave us the gift of words to be able to fellowship with Him and others, but I think most importantly of all, He created language to communicate the story of Jesus, the living Word. "

Throughout the ages, many have artfully strung words together to create what is called poetry. One of America’s famous poets is Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. His birthday is celebrated February 27th. Born in 1807, he was the second child of eight, born in Portland, Maine. From a very early age, he always knew he wanted to write poetry. His first poem was published in the Portland Gazette when he was only thirteen years of age.

He eventually mastered half a dozen languages and became a professor at Harvard. After leaving teaching he poured his energy into writing. He chronicled American history through poems like The Song of Hiawatha, which was written as a narrative tribute to the Native American Indian and Paul Revere’s Ride which begins,

“Listen my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere.”

It is a wonderful telling of this famous event in our history which I would recommend to any young lady studying this period of our country. Later in his career he translated Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy.

In 1861, his wife, Fanny, was involved in a tragic accident in which her dress suddenly caught fire. In trying to put out the flames, Longfellow suffered burns to his hands and face. His wife eventually died and Longfellow’s long white beard covered the wounds from the incident, but he continued with his work.

Henry Wadsorth Longfellow eventually passed away at his home in Cambridge in 1882, but is acclaimed as one of America’s most famous poets to this day.

In addition to learning about Longfellow, I would like to return to my first thought of God being the perfect poet. I encourage you to read the Psalms if you want to be inspired to write or simply read poetry. Not only will the rhythm be appreciated, but the content is sure to inspire, minister, and encourage your heart.

Sister Angie is her husband’s ' help meet' and mother of two wonderful children. Her life’s mission is to serve and help others by encouraging, exhorting with God’s truth, and interceding on behalf of the saints and the lost. She can be found at Sonflower and as a moderator/contributor at Growing in Grace.

National Eye Health Care Month

by SisterAngie

Perhaps you have heard your grandmother tell you to take care of your eyes because they are the only pair you have. During this month of national recognition for eye care, here are some tips that will help you keep your eyes healthy.

1. Eating orange and green foods are usually good for your eyes because they contain vitamin A, which is known to be good for eye health.
2. Wear UV protective sunglasses. Long exposure to UV rays can harm your eyesight.
3. Wear eye protection when working with chemicals or projects that would cause flying debris.
4. If you wear contact lenses, avoid wearing them for more than 12 hours. This can cause damage in addition to discomfort.
5. Be cautious using eye drops to reduce redness. Continued and daily usage can actually make the problem worse.
6. Press cold cucumber slices gently against eyes to prevent puffiness.
7. Too much time looking at a computer screen can cause eye strain.

On a personal note, about a year ago, I was experiencing blurry vision, recurring headaches, and eye twitching. These symptoms prompted me to see an optometrist. After a thorough examination, sure enough, the doctor could not believe I had gone so long without glasses.


I recall when she slipped the magical lens in front of my eyes how the letters before me came into focus. Even the white background behind the letters was illuminated, turning from gray to bright white. How had I endured this fuzzy focus for so many years? It seemed so normal to me.

On the way home from the clinic where I finally picked up my glasses, the best way I know to describe my new vision is to say that all of a sudden things had a high definition quality about them. There was a new depth to my eyesight. No longer did I see just a tree along side of the road. I could also see the detail of leaves.


This made me question. How are my spiritual eyes lacking? In what areas am I walking in darkness and do not even realize it?

Oh Lord, with the psalmist, I ask, open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law (Ps 119:18). I want to see the world through the lens of your word, my spiritual vision illuminated and magnified by faith!

Sister Angie is her husband’s ' help meet' and mother of two wonderful children. Her life’s mission is to serve and help others by encouraging, exhorting with God’s truth, and interceding on behalf of the saints and the lost. She can be found at Sonflower and as a moderator/contributor at Growing in Grace.

The World's First Heart Transplant...Or Was It?

by SisterAngie

The world’s first heart transplant was performed by a doctor named Christiaan Barnard of South Africa. Interestingly enough, Barnard grew up in a home of meager resources. His dad was a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church. After having a brother die from heart problems at the age of five, he was determined to become South Africa’s leading cardiac surgeons.
He eventually performed South Africa’s first kidney transplant and later experimented with heart transplants in animals. Over fifty dogs received new hearts!

Finally, on December 3, 1967, the world’s first successful heart transplant was performed for a man who had incurable heart disease. Can you imagine being in the position of that first person to undergo such a surgery? Barnard was quoted as saying, "For a dying man it is not a difficult decision because he knows he is at the end. If a lion chases you to the bank of a river filled with crocodiles, you will leap into the water, convinced you have a chance to swim to the other side."

When I first heard of this special date in history, I could not help but think about our amazing God, the master heart surgeon. In Ezekiel, He promises, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." He sure did that for me!

Before I knew Jesus, I had no problem telling lies and had many idols in my life. My heart was hard indeed. I desperately needed a new one. Praise God, I did not have to wait in a long list of potential recipients and qualify through rigorous guidelines and criteria, not to mention the over $200,000 cost for such a major surgery!

The sword of the Spirit, God’s word, was the perfectly sterilized implement that was used in my supernatural heart transplant. One night I laid my husband’s Bible on my lap and asked God that if Jesus was real, to show himself to me. As my eyes fell on Isaiah 41:10, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. These were the words of hope I had been looking for all of my life. I realized God was not far away, but close and personal, an answer to all the fears I felt in living so many years on my own without Him.

As with any recipient of a new physical heart, I had a fresh lease on life filled with hope, joy, and a promise that when my actual heart sounds its last beat, I will live beyond this natural life! Until then, we must endeavor to “Keep thy heart with all diligence…” both spiritually and

Black Friday

Black Friday…it sounds like a dark day in history, but it is actually better known as the day after Thanksgiving when consumers don their comfortable shoes and strap on their pocketbooks to prepare for a full day of power shopping. Parking lots are typically full to overflowing and lines wrap around stores as shoppers prepare to buy gifts for Christmas.

It has been reported that Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, but with the recent economic shaking our country is taking, I wonder if this year, some will give pause and reconsider buying into this over-hyped marketing ploy.

What does the Bible say about consumerism? In 1 Timothy 6:8, we are told to be content with food and raiment (clothing). Is that all you may ask? Yes. Really consider—are all these must have gifts really necessary? Americans insist they need plasma screen televisions, the latest and greatest electronic toys, and new cars with giant red bows on top, but will that truly buy happiness? Perhaps that is the very reason our country is in this economic pickle.

"Ye cannot serve God and mammom" (money) Matthew 6:24.

Let us purpose to serve God alone as we enter this advent season. With right hearts, we will celebrate Christmas as it was meant to be, not as the world would impose upon us to observe this holiday.

A Warm and Cozy Thanksgiving

by Lady Olivia

Town that is homey

House which is warm and cozy
Aunts and uncles
Nana, Papa, Grandma, and Grandpa
Kind friends
Salvation
Good food
I am grateful for Mom and Dad
Very funny dog
I am thankful for my wonderful brother
Nice neighbors
God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

by Sister Angie

For me, Thanksgiving is a culmination of God’s goodness and faithfulness throughout the year. As an only child, I am blessed to have married into a big family. My husband is the youngest of five. Extended family crowds into one of our homes and the rooms are filled with good conversation, laughter, and the aroma of a wonderful dinner. Traditions are carried on as we play dominoes and a very noisy game of Pit. Cousins play football outside while we women busy ourselves in the kitchen, bumping into one another as we prepare the biggest meal of the year.

Nana’s favorite frozen cranberry salad is garnished, my famous 'make ahead mashed potatoes' are puddled with pats of butter while Aunt Kim’s green bean casserole and my mom’s cornbread dressing is heated. Yet this day is not all about food. It is about love, God’s abundant love and grace to see us through each day and the opportunity to share the truth of Jesus with loved ones that have gathered together. The patriarch of the family calls all to join hands as we stand and bow our heads in prayer. We enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. For the Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations. Hearts are full. Tummies are full. It is obvious to me that Jesus came so that we would have life, and life more abundantly.

Please enjoy several of our other Thanksgiving articles.

Pumpkin Cookie Recipe

It is definitely October. Pumpkins decorate front porches and store fronts.

Olivia and I found this wonderful salvation illustration using a pumpkin. The author is unknown, but after reading it, you may never look at a pumpkin the same way again.

A lady had recently been baptized. One of her co-workers asked her what it was like to be a Christian. She was caught off guard and didn't know how to answer, but when she looked up she saw a jack-o'-lantern on the desk and answered, ”It's like being a pumpkin." The worker asked her to explain that one. "Well, God picks you from the patch and brings you in and washes off all the dirt on the outside that you got from being around all the other pumpkins. Then he cuts off the top and takes all the yucky stuff out from inside. He removes all those seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then he carves you a new smiling face and puts his light inside of you to shine for all to see. It is our choice to either stay outside and rot on the vine or come inside and be something new and bright."

Wouldn’t this be a great way to present the gospel to children or someone who observes Halloween?

While we’re talking about pumpkins, we would like to share a recipe for "Chewy Pumpkin Cookies". You really need to try it since it is National Cookie Month! We found this wonderful recipe at www.verybestbaking.com.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
1 cup of canned pumpkin
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze (recipe follows)

Directions:PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheets.

COMBINE flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.

BAKE for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.

FOR GLAZE:COMBINE 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl until smooth.

Enjoy!

*Note: GGM is not an advocate for Halloween, however when the opportunity arises among other children the illustration above is excellent for reaching them with the gospel.

National Disability Month

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 14:14

One-tenth of the world has a physical disability of some kind. This population is often overlooked because many people are intimidated, or feel inadequate or limited in knowing how to reach out to them.

Years ago, I was a special education teacher in public schools. I will never forget the children who I worked with, all of which had some form of disability. I loved these little ones like they were my own. They were overlooked and even rejected by many because they didn’t fit in with the norm, but that drew me to them all the more. Daisy was a special little girl who had a face as precious as the flower itself. Upon entering the school she would make a bee-line to my room for a special greeting and hug. Though she was mentally challenged, she sure did not lack the capacity for love. We must not forget that!

Jesus always made it a priority to reach out to those with physical needs and we should do the same. There are many things we can do to follow his example. Sisterlisa has a ministry in which she helps interpret for the deaf community, though she carefully emphasizes that this group regards themselves as not being disabled. Rather, they are joined together by a common language. She has taken the time and energy to learn that language and partner with them in ministry. You can learn more about this at Homespun Life.

Joni Eareckson Tada is a great hero of the faith. At 17, she was injured in a diving accident and has used that unfortunate event to reach out to those affected by disabilities. She coordinates family retreats, wheelchair outreaches and mission projects all over the world. Let me tell you that she has ministered to my own heart many times over through books and daily devotionals that I receive by email every day.

There are a number of ministries that reach out to those with challenges which you can partner with, but also remember, there are those who you come in contact with every day who are in need. Consider the person in the automated chair at the grocery store. Could you help them by holding a door open or by getting something off the top of a shelf for them? Perhaps there is someone in your own church who is wheelchair bound or even homebound and unable to come to church. Make an effort to get to know these people and help in some practical way. Pray for them. Love them. It is good that we become more aware of these needs and be obedient to be the hands of Jesus reaching out to these often overlooked people.

(photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/400867)

Computer Learning Month - Internet Safety

"I made a covenant with mine eyes"…Job 31:1

Internet Safety

Has your computer ever crashed and you no longer are able to connect to the internet? Perhaps you would agree that it is a restricted feeling to not be able to go online. Since the internet has become such a major component of our computer use, I decided to focus on internet safety/education for “Computer Learning Month”.

We all know that the internet is a wonderful resource. You can research virtually any topic, play interactive games, and communicate with people across the world. This easy access can sometimes prove to be very dangerous though. A search on any popular search engine could inadvertently bring up undesirable and even dangerous material.

You may think that you can just be careful and avoid these risks, but you would be surprised to know just how hard the enemy is at work to steal your innocence. This is not something to be taken lightly.

Federal Laws

A law has even been created to help protect children while they are using the Internet. It is designed to keep anyone from getting personal information without the parents knowing and agreeing to it first.

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires websites to explain their privacy policies on the site and get parents' consent before collecting or using a child's personal information, such as a name, address, or phone number. It also keeps children from having to provide personal information before playing a game or entering a contest. (That's why we post about getting your parent's permission before subscribing to our magazine.)

Even with this law, it is extremely important that children use the internet with their parents. You may have no plans to visit a harmful site, but it only takes a couple clicks to happen upon ungodly and perverted material.

Information for Parents

Study and learn how to block adult material. Many internet service providers give help in blocking unwanted material, but even these methods are not 100% effective.

Keep the computer in a common area where you can monitor your child.

Spend time online together to teach your child appropriate online behavior.

Open email with your children and share email accounts.

Monitor your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar charges.

Bookmark your child's favorite sites so they can access them easily.

Forbid your child from entering private chat rooms.

Information for Children

Follow your parents’ rules when it comes to computer use.

Never share personal information, like your full name, address, or phone number.(Some people use 'screen' names instead of their real names.) Never talk about city landmarks, school mascots, or sporting events if you want your location to be private.

Be very wary about making “friends” on the internet. Your parents should always know about anyone you “meet” online.

Never enter a chat room.

Never agree to meet someone you have met on the internet. These are strangers and you have no idea if they are really who they say they are. Unfortunately, predators are lurking and seek to do harm to innocent children. (Parents use wisdom and discretion when agreeing to have your family meet another.)

Never share photographs on the internet without your parent's permission. (Some girls may decide show off a new dress and black out their faces.)

Chat Room Danger

Online chat rooms are designed for people with different interests. There are even some for Christians. They may seem innocent enough and are certainly popular for teenagers, but they are extremely dangerous. There have been many incidents where kids have made “friends” who have ended up being people who intend harm. Since many kids know to not give out addresses online, they may give their phone number for someone to call them. With caller id, a person posing to be a friend can get all the information they need to put you at risk.
Because of this, you should NEVER go to a chat room. The danger is simply too great!

(*Note: From the Editor: Some parents choose to allow their older teens to be online, but have chosen only to do so, because the parent's know the other families involved and monitor their online time. The older girls who write here and all work together on the magazine have online meetings regarding the site and their moms are in the chat and the discussion is monitored and of a business nature.)

In Conclusion

I have focused on the harm lurking around every corner of the internet, but there is also plenty of good available. There are many very good Christian resources and websites geared at ministering and encouraging our children. At Growing in Grace, we are very diligent in providing wholesome material, links, and resources to young ladies. Still, we encourage all young ladies to remain under the protective covering of their parents. Their innocence depends upon it!

A Science and Spiritual Lesson

Warning: This article contains long scientific terms, but don’t let that prevent you from receiving an amazing lesson from God.

Red, yellow, orange, brown, purple…these trademark colors are the shades of fall. Down south where I live, people drive and even fly long distances to witness the transformation of nature, when trees change their array of the usual green to beautiful autumnal tones.

I’ve always been fascinated with the science behind this metamorphosis. God, in His infinite wisdom, fashioned each leaf with a chemical called chlorophyll which helps with what we call photosynthesis. As seasons change from summer to fall, less light and cooler temperatures prevent this process. As a result, chlorophyll is no longer produced and we are allowed to see two other pigments, carotenoids and anthocyanins.

Carotenoids produce brown, yellow, and orange colors, the same pigment that makes corn yellow and carrots orange. Anthocyanins produce purple, red, and pink. These are the same colors found in berries and apples. These pigments were there even when the leaf was green, but there was so much chlorophyll, you just could not see them.

What are the qualities that God has imparted to you, but they haven’t yet been displayed like the colors which we are all eager to see in the fall? Sometimes it takes change, often difficult change, to bring out these hidden God-given traits. We have learned from the trees that it is uncomfortable temperatures and sun deprivation. For us, it can be problems with family, friends, finances, or a whole host of other challenges. What colors will be brought out during your stressful change…the beautiful colors of love, patience, or unexplainable peace?

Changing seasons of our life need not always be stressful. God’s word goes so far to say that “we [can] glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” Romans 5:3-5.

Yes, we can endure and even glory in our difficulties because we have the perfect love of Jesus which casts away fear and teaches us to trust Him in all things. Now that’s something that will attract others to you/Him to view our brilliant changes no matter what difficult season of life you may be in. Can somebody shout Amen?

Leaves Change ~ Jesus Doesn't

Change. How do you feel about that little word? Do you react positively or negatively?

If we are talking about changing from sweltering summery days to the cooler, more temperate feel of fall, then perhaps you would regard that change in a positive light.

What if instead you considered the change that would accompany an unexpected move to an unknown place, a new ministry, or a new job? Perhaps that type of change would give a feeling of uneasiness.

Change. It is inevitable. People change. Society changes. Seasons change.
It brings the unexpected and causes us to stay on our toes. We must be quick to react to the unknown.

Hopefully, it ultimately draws us closer to God. We must seek Him, know Him, and respond the way He would. What an anchor to our soul to know that He never changes. For I am the LORD, I change not (Malachi 3:6).

As summer turns to fall and you witness the leaves change from green to golden, rest in your unchangeable, immutable, Father God. He will never leave you nor forsake you no matter what change may take place in your life. He is the great I AM. Hallelujah!

Follow Me...

Fishing is such a typical summer activity. I am so familiar with the sport that I used to have the nickname "Bassin' Ang" and "Spinnerbait Queen".

I grew up fishing with my dad. He was a bass fisherman so our family went every week possible in the summer to different lakes in the area for fishing tournaments. From a very early age I could bait a hook (yes, with live bait), set the hook, remove fish from lures without getting stuck, and proudly lip that fish with my thumb to pose for pictures.

Did you know Jesus liked to spend a lot of time near the water? In Bible times, fishing was one of the most common occupations. It was how many people earned money and fed their families. When Jesus told his disciples that He would make them fishers of men, surely they were able to easily understand this metaphor.

Have you ever noticed that this sport is called "fishing" and not "catching"? As a very young girl, I would often get impatient waiting for a nibble. This same thing happened when Simon Peter and some of the other disciples were fishing.

They had gone out one night and not caught any fish. Jesus instructed them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. After doing so, they caught so many fish that they were surprised the net did not tear.



In 1 Peter 3:15, we are told to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." Listen for Jesus' still small voice directing you when and where to cast your net. With whom does He want you to share His truth?

Finally, remember patience as I did while I was fishing growing up. With the Apostle Paul, we can proclaim, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6)."

Lord God, there are so many lost who need to be caught and captivated by the net of your love and truth. We want to be your faithful disciples. Help us to listen, trust, and obey. In Jesus' name, amen.

Dog Days of Summer

The “dog days of summer” are known as the hottest and most sultry days of the year. I do not know what the temperature is where you live, but down south, we can easily string together many 100 degree days in a row. A cool rain shower is rare. Aside from an oscillating fan or Olivia’s fruity pops, the heat cannot be escaped. I find myself working in short bursts, trying to stay productive doing housework and laboring in my yard, but must admit that I am horribly tempted in these summer days to become inactive. I feel lethargic and lazy at times.

If I am not careful, this feeling can carry over into my spiritual life. I recently reread the story of Eutychus who fell from a window in the third story of a house where Paul was preaching. I wonder if Eutychus was trying to escape the heat from a long day, trying to find a cool breeze as he sat in the windowsill.


Surely at this time, Paul was preaching in power and might. The day of Pentecost had come and he had been traveling across many countries speaking boldly for the Lord. Finally, he was gathered with the disciples, but there sat Eutychus in the window, oblivious, falling into a deep sleep.

Are we guilty of this today? What if a sermon runs over the usual time frame, do we impatiently look at our watch and wonder when church will finally let out? Does your mind wander during prayer or the reading of God’s word? I am just as guilty as the next person. In our human frailty, we can all become lax and wane in our fervor, especially during these hot summer days.

God understands our weaknesses. Even Jesus’ best friends fell asleep during his darkest hours at the Garden of Gethsemane. This is why He exhorts us to

Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Furthermore, we are told the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. In it we learn the need to remain in a state of constant watchfulness and preparedness. We must do so diligently for we never know the day or hour of our Lord’s return.

The consequences are serious. For Eutychus, it was death. For the foolish virgins, there was no second chance to enter into the wedding banquet. Even in these sweltering dog days of summer, we must purpose to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Clay Week

Bet you did not know that it is National Clay Week. Enjoy this easy recipe for homemade clay and some fun creations that you can make!

Materials

* 2 cups salt
* 2/3 cups water
* Saucepan
* 1 cup cornstarch
* 1/2 cup cold water

Directions

1. Stir salt and water in a saucepan over heat 4-5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat; add cornstarch and cold water.
3. Stir until smooth.
4. Return to heat and cook until thick.
5. Allow the clay to cool,
6. Have fun with your clay, shaping it as desired. See ideas below!
7. When your clay is dry, decorate it with paint or markers. Use your imagination!
8. If you like, finish with clear acrylic spray or clear nail polish.
9. Store unused clay in a Ziploc bag.



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


Ideas for clay…

* Use cookie cutters for cutting out shapes.
* Roll your clay into long pieces to braid it.
* Make a pinch pot to hold jewelry or office supplies.
* Lay flat clay over a bowl to dry into a uniform shape.
* Collect items from nature like leaves or flowers and try fashioning your clay into their shape.
* Use toothpick or other sharp objects to make lines or grooves in your clay.
* Find interesting textures like mesh or baskets to press your clay upon giving it a different dimension.
* Press pretty objects into your clay to embellish it.



Isaiah 64:8, "O LORD, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand." (KJV)

FREEDOM FLYER

When I was a young girl, I had the best bike ever. It was purchased in 1976 when our country celebrated sesquicentennial—200 years of freedom. My bike was red, white, and blue with a long banana style seat decorated with stars and stripes. Metallic streamers embellished the handlebars and there were unsightly training wheels on the back which caused me to wobble as I road along the asphalt roads of my suburban neighborhood.

I remember when my daddy took off those training wheels. He pushed me up a hill. “Pedal, Angie, Pedal!” I looked back and there he was at the bottom of the slope. My hair and streamers were surely blowing in the breeze. I was doing it! What a sense of freedom and exhilaration!

Today, I still have a bike. My husband just aired the tires for me so I can enjoy riding on these beautiful spring days. It is just as exhilarating now as it was when I was a child. I still feel a sense of freedom even though my bike is no longer red, white, and blue. Olivia likes to ride side by side with me and hold hands. My son rides ahead and tries to impress us with his speed.

Who created this marvel of machines that we all enjoy so much? Germany's Baron Karl von Drais invented the Draisienne in 1818. It was made of wood and had no pedals. It was propelled by the rider pushing his or her feet against the ground. It was kind of like a scooter on which you sit!

As you can see, the bicycle has come a long way since 1818. We celebrate this wonderful invention in May for it is National Bike Month. I suppose that with soaring gas prices, this invention could be put to good use running to the store or work while at the same time providing benefits of exercise and good health.

Do you experience a sense of freedom when you ride your bike? Remember, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Cor 3:17 KJV)!

Spring Cleaning

Perhaps you have heard the well known idiom, “Cleanliness is next to godliness”. Many people quote it as a verse from the Bible, but it actually is nowhere to be found in God’s word. Even so, cleanliness is still very important to us mothers and maidens in training.

A well-kept and orderly home is essential year round, but spring is the perfect season to go a little deeper and tend to matters that have been put off during the busyness of the rest of the year. A clean home is extremely helpful in maximizing efficiency, allowing our life’s work to flow more smoothly, and to promote order, not to mention it being more aesthetically appealing.

I want to credit Reader’s Digest with some excellent tips for spring cleaning. If you are busy, don’t fret, I’m giving you the condensed version!

1.Welcome visitors with clean doormats. Beat them with a broom or even the old fashioned way…with a stick! Give them a thorough cleaning. They are sure protection against dirt that gets tracked into your house, so keep them clean enough to function the most efficiently.

2. Finish your floors. Apply wax or apply a sealer following label directions in order to protect the floors in your kitchen from another year of wear and tear. You can even use a combination wash-and-wax floor cleaner. There’s nothing wrong with saving time! If your floors are no-wax floors then they do not need a polishing treatment. Be sure to follow label directions depending on the product you are using. For wood floors, simply move furniture or rugs aside, apply a wood to polish, clean, and add a new wax coating.

3. Clean upholstery and carpets. These fabrics have absorbed a year’s worth of dirt, body oil, and germs will need a thorough cleaning. This will also extend the life of these important furnishings and flooring.

4. Vacuum the smart way. It is not necessary to move every piece of furniture to another room. Simply move bigger items a little to the left or to the right. Vacuum the area that was occupied by the furniture and then return it back to its rightful place.

5. Wash walls, cabinets, baseboards, and woodwork. Dirt, dust, and grease from the kitchen clings to vertical surfaces making it necessary to give a good cleaning. Use a sponge and dishwashing detergent as you wash the surface in sections. Tip: Use two separate buckets—one for your cleaning solution and the other for squeezing out your sponge. Dry washed areas with a clean cloth if necessary.

6. Clean your light fixtures. Just use a stepladder, all-purpose cleaner, a sponge, and a polish cloth in order to brighten your globes and fixtures.

7. Clean ceiling fixtures. Use a vacuum attachment with a soft attachment to remove dust and dirt from ceiling fans and air-conditioner vents.

8.Check your refrigerator coils and clothes dryer vent. Long handled brushes are now available or a special attachment to your vacuum cleaner can be used to clean built-up dust that can shut down units or cause fire by overheating due to dust.

This deep down cleaning can be a big undertaking. Break this heavy duty job into smaller parts. For example, take two of these tasks a week and in one month all your spring cleaning will be complete! I conclude with a gentle reminder, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men” (Col 3:23 KJV). Put on some praise music as you offer this service unto Him. Mothers, include your daughters. Daughters, join forces with your moms. Enjoy the fruit of your labor—a pristine, uncluttered, tranquil abode!

We'd like to also share some cleaning tips for the girls rooms!

1. Let's begin with SHOES!- Most girls to have shoes that they rarely wear. Go through them and decide if you can give them away. Then reorganize the space in your closet where you keep your shoes.

2. Window Sills- Talk to your mom about what kind of cleaner you can use to clean around the tracks of your window sills. Many windows gather mold during the winter months and it's time to get that cleaned out!

3. Curtains- Do you have curtains you can clean? Is it possible to sew some new curtains? Dress up your windows with some lighter fabric with pastel colors.

4. Shelves- Not only do you want to dust off your shelves, but clean off all your knick knacks as well.

5. Jackets- If you're done wearing your heavy coats, wash them and store them for next year or donate them to a local shelter.

6. Carpets- Thoroughly vacuum your carpet and steam clean it for freshness.

7. Bathroom Cabinets- Go through all your shampoo bottles, drawers, and cabinets. See what you can toss and wipe the shelves down.

I hope this will help you get started on cleaning our your little space. You'll feel great once you're done!