Prayer Tip

Spoken prayer will not reach its potential unless it is grounded in listening prayer. In listening prayer, spoken prayer is born. (He Restores My Soul)

"I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint" (Hab. 2:1)

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation

www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Please Remember This Is National Eating Disorder Awarness Week

I attended the event at the Independence Kiwanis Club Monday night and it was so touching to see a husband and then a father tell the stories of their loved ones and the effects an eating disorder had on their families as well. Eating disorders affect women and men. Helping a loved one battle the affects of an eating disorder can be costly and extremely painful to all involved. There are no in-patient treatment facilities in Ohio and insurances are not under any obligation to assist. Please keep this situation in prayer and I hope you will attend some of the events planned for the remainder of this week:

Tonight - Wed. 2/25 CCED Speaker Series, Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders, Beachwood, OH

Thurs. 2/26 Eating Disorder Screening, Medina General Hospital, Medina, OH

Sat. 2/28 Fundraiser = Red Carpet Event and Premier of the screening, America The Beautiful. This Fundraiser will be held at Akron University. See Debbie's post dated Wednesday, Feb. 18th and the following website for more info and to purchase tickets for Saturday's event. http://www.edadvocatesofohio.com/. Blessings to all those that are going through this. May the Holy Spirit grant you strength and peace.

The Cubicle Workout

As busy women we have little time to really read all we want to read, so the Mom Squad is here to condense and help you find the best of the best in the magazines that we all know and enjoy.

This tidbit is from the February, 2009 issue of Good Housekeeping.

Sitting tensed in your office chair, squinting at a computer screen can lead to headaches, neck and shoulder pain. But a 90 second exercise routine, done every two to three hours, may be all you need for relief. Try these exercises in your workstation. Repeat each move 8 to 10 times. Stand with your back and head against a wall.

1. Pull your shoulders back until they touch the wall, then release.
2. Gently move your head forward and backward without tipping your chin
down or your head back.
3. Cup your hands behind your neck, and ease your head up and back.

So the next time you are feeling the stress and tension of sitting all day give these three little exercises a try.

Recipe Of The Week - Stuffed Chicken Breasts

This chicken dish is both elegant and flavorful, but it's still quick and easy to prepare. Parma ham, or prosciutto, is available at most supermarket delis and can often be found presliced in the refrigerator case.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
4 ounces Ricotta Cheese
4 ounces cooked spinach, squeezed dry
1/4 teaspoon grated Nutmeg
8 slices Parma or Proscuitto Ham
Salt and Pepper
Arugula leaves and Lemon wedges, to serve
Olive Oil

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Make a long horizontal slit through the thickest part of each chicken breast, but do not cut right through it. Crumble the ricotta into a bowl. Chop the spinach and mix into the ricotta with the nutmeg. Season to taste. Push equal amounts of the stuffing into the slits in the chicken breasts and wrap each breast in 2 pieces of Parma ham, winding it around the chicken to cover the meat completely. Heat a small amount of oil in a shallow, flameproof pan, add the chicken breasts and saute for 4 minutes on each side, or until the ham starts to brown. Cook in a preheated oven for 15 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with a wedge of lemon and Arugula leaves.

God's Pharmacy, Part II

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Some Suggestions to Stimulate and Bring Immediate Results

You may have worked for many years, made a decent income and followed the norm with regards to paying for necessary visits to professionals. There is nothing wrong with that. But whether you are employed or not, whether you can afford to go to professionals or not, it is always wise to get the best value for your dollar. In this economy, many have lost jobs and have stopped enjoying some of the luxuries they were accustomed OR just maybe some have been too busy to take advantage of a bit of pampering or assistance until now. Regardless of your circumstances, there is no need for your quality of life to be less than what you want it to be. Here are a few suggestions that may STIMULATE you and your family without breaking the bank. There are a few specific Greater Cleveland organizations listed, however, these are just a sample.

Barber or Cosmetology Care - Need a hair cut, a new style, or how about trying a new color. Contact high schools in your area to find out if they have a Cosmetology Division or locate specific Cosmetology Schools (Allstate Hairstyling & Barber College). These students are happy to take care of your needs and are experienced enough to help give you the lift you desire. Some schools even offer theme days in which certain applications can be absolutely FREE. If they offer Nail Care Training it is the perfect place for a manicure and pedicure too.

Dental Care - Contact the community college in your area (Cuyahoga Community College) and find out if they have a Dental Hygiene Division or your area may actually have a Dental College (Case Western Reserve University). These schools are in need of actual patients to assist. Consultations and X-rays are usually free. Dental cleanings, extractions, even braces can be obtained at EXTREMELY low rates.

Gourmet Meal - Contact Culinary Schools or colleges with a Hospitality Division.

Massages - Contact the colleges in your area and find out which ones have Massotherapy Clinics (Cuyahoga Community College) or there may be specific Massage Therapy Schools (Sanford-Brown College) near you. These students are in need of individuals to practice their skill. Facials, full body massages, etc. may run as little as $25 per hour. Don't you deserve a bit of pampering today?

Movies - You can save quite a bit by going to a theatre before 6pm, but some theatres offer FREE or nearly free Movie Clubs in which you sign up and track your movie attendance. After you have viewed a specific number, you can see the next one free or receive free snacks, etc. Even better, contact local colleges, museums (Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame) and theatres (Severance Hall) and ask them if they offer FREE screening sessions. Sometimes they are not the most recent movies but it is marvelous to see the classics on the Big Screen. Other times they offer Sneak Previews for FREE so you actually see current movies before they are released for the general public.

You will find similar situations for Auto Repair (Cuyahoga Valley Career Center), Dermatological Needs, Pet Grooming (Dogs N Suds Grooming School), etc. And when it comes to general errand assistance, house cleaning and yard needs, contact your local churches and high schools as they may have youth groups that wish to gain community service experience that can be added to their college applications. But alway remember, regardless of your circumstances, keep your eyes upon Jesus, keep a thankful heart and enjoy your life!

Eating Disorder Advocates of Ohio

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEWDAW) is February 22 through February 28. EDAO is sponsoring events around Cleveland, Canton and Akron throughout the week. Please see http://www.edadvocatesofohio.com/ for a schedule of events.

On February 28th at 6:30 you can attend a premier showing of the new film America The Beautiful. It is Rated R so you might want to be careful with small children. You can use the website to purchase your $10 tickets.

Recent studies estimate that as many as ten million females and one million males in the United States suffer from an eating disorder such as anorexia and bulimia.

In almost 40,000 media messages a year, youthful Americans are being told that, unless you look like supermodels and rock stars, you’re not good enough for anyone to love. This is a message that too many people are buying.

Filmmaker Darryl Roberts goes on a two year journey to examine America’s new obsession; physical perfection. In America the Beautiful, we learn secrets, confessions, and strikingly harsh realities as Roberts unearths the origins and deadly risks of our nation’s quest for physical perfection.

At the heart of America the Beautiful is the story of Gerren Taylor, a teenager who went from being an innocent 12 year old girl to being one of America’s next top supermodels. As she and her mother head down the windy road to stardom, viewers watch the dichotomy between Gerren's adolescent struggles and her adult “rights of passage” on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger and other top designers. Her tumultuous quest acts as a mirror to the American psyche, and it becomes apparent how the same beauty that could jump-start her career could ultimately destroy her young life.

To find out what has America’s pre-teens standing in line for their turn on “I Want a Famous Face", and it’s adults on “Extreme Makeover,” Roberts dives deep into America's culture of fear, consumption, and idolatry for all things external; he seeks answers from celebrities, media, academia, as well as everyday Americans.

Follow Darryl as he asks Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, Aisha Tyler, Anthony Kedis, Tisha Campbell, Julianne Moore, Michael Beach, Mena Suvari, Martin Short, as well as Ted Casablanca from the E! Channel and Susan Schulz, the Editor-in-Chief of CosmoGirl!, along with various other celebrities and experts in cosmetics, fashion, media, and self-esteem the major question at hand…

Does America have an unhealthy obsession with beauty?

As a counselor who deals with self-esteem issues in teens, I encourage all moms to check this out. It may give you new insight into your child's world.

Is Something Robbing You of Present Joy?

Is there something that you may be holding onto that you need to give away? Find the answer to this and much more in Randy Alcorn's book, The Treasure Principle. You will discover the secret of joyful giving. Life will never look the same once you discover the liberating joy in letting go, through the teachings of Jesus. This is a very enjoyable read. There is also a wonderful Prayer Guide enclosed.

If you have read this book, please share your comments here as to how it has changed your life!

Letting Go Of Anger

Holding on to anger and bitterness is cutting off the flow of His power through us. The Scripture tells us that unforgiveness gives the enemy an opening--an opportunity to carry out his schemes. (Live A Praying Life)

"And what I have forgiven-if there was anything to forgive-I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes" (2 Cor. 2:10-11).

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
http://links.mail-family.org/ctt?kn=1&m=2378238&r=MTQ5OTc0MDgxNDkS1&b=0&j=NjY4NTc1ODUS1&mt=1&rt=0

A Mom Squad prayer for you....

All the members of The Mom Squad send this prayer to heaven on your behalf. Our wish is that God will keep you and bless you during these difficult times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8eRDK8stEI



We love you all,

Brooke.....Darlene......Paula.....Susan.....Debbie.....Trish

Recipe Of The Week - Fried Rice

This basic yet substantial fried rice makes good use of leftover chicken. It's satisfying as it is, but feel free to add other ingredients along with the celery, like minced garlic, finely chopped carrot or frozen peas.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon safflower oil
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced
3 scallions, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup cooked chicken, thinly sliced
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
2 1/2 cups cooked white rice
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil, plus more for serving

Directions:
In a wok or a large skillet, heat the safflower oil over high heat. Add half of the ginger and half of the scallions and saute for a few seconds. Add the celery and cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Mix in the chicken and the remaining ginger and scallions and stir-fry for another minute or 2. Add the peanuts and rice to the wok, being sure to break up any clumps, and stir-fry for 3 minutes, tossing constantly so that they don't burn or stick.

In a small bowl, beat the eggs with 1 teaspoon of the sesame oil. Add the egg mixture to the wok and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes more, until the eggs are thoroughly cooked and blended into the rice. Serve with soy sauce and additional sesame oil on the side.

Christian College and University Info

This information is from Christianity Today International or the sponsors, who are helping support the ministry of CTI.

Request College Information TODAY
Christianity Today International keeps you informed about Christian Colleges and Universities via ChristianityToday.com, e-newsletters, and these great magazines: Ignite Your Faith, Campus Life's Christian College Guide, Today's Christian Woman, and Christianity Today. Now CTI is providing a new way for readers to get more information on these schools, and fast! If you're in the college planning process and looking for information on Christian Colleges and Universities nationwide, get college information here: FreeCollegeInfo.net

7 Negative Emotions to Avoid...

...from The Power of a Praying Woman.

1. Refuse to be anxious...pray about everything.

2. Refuse to be ruled by anger...it robs us of God's blessings.

3. Refuse to be dissatisfied...this attitude sacrifices our peace.

4. Refuse to be envious...be thankful for what we have.

5. Refuse to be depressed...don't accept it as part of your life.

6. Refuse to be bitter...don't let it cut off the blessing of God.

7. Refuse to be hopeless...Your hope is in God.

God's Pharmacy

God left us a great clue regarding

what foods help certain parts of our bodies! God's Pharmacy is Amazing!

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

How Many Foil Faux Pas Have You Had???

I can't tell you how many times aluminum foil or plastic wrap has leaped out of its box and traveled across my kitchen floor. It is the strangest experience because the more I try to catch the roll, the more it seems to get away from me. Has this happened to you or am I the only one? Well, fret no more. At each end of every foil and plastic wrap box, there is a little area marked "Press here to lock roll end". By pressing these end tabs, the roll is actually locked into the box with just enough give for you to use as normal. Talk about learning something new everyday. I'm amazed!

Signed,

Foiled no more

Coffee Filters - who knew!

My husband sent this to me. Sounds great for all those pesky little chores. Moms of preschoolers be sure and check out # 11.

COFFEE FILTERS: Not just for making coffee....

1. Coffee filters make excellent covers for bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave.

2. Use coffee filters to clean windows and mirrors. They are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.

3. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.

4. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.

5. Place a coffee filter in a cast-iron skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.

6. Use a lint-free coffee filter to apply shoe polish.

7. To Recycle frying oil, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.

8. On a diet and need a true weight of the food you are eating? Weigh chopped foods in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.

9. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods like tacos.

10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a potted plant. Line the bottom of the pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.

11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping on your child. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter and insert popsicle.

12. Use strips of coffee filters to help wax eyebrows and lips.

13. Put a few in a plate before serving fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc. It soaks out all the grease.

14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great razor nick fixers

Hum.....Silly me, I've only used them for coffee.

Recipe Of The Week....Crab Croquettes

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning croquettes
1 pound claw crabmeat
1 teaspoon onion juice
Cracker crumbs
1 egg, beaten
Vegetable oil, as needed

Directions:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Continue stirring until well mixed and heated through. Add the milk slowly, stirring with a whisk all the while, until the sauce is hot and thickened. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt.

In a bowl, combine the crabmeat with the onion juice and salt and pepper to taste. When well mixed, add to the white sauce. With your hands, mold the mixture into croquettes; roll in cracker crumbs. Dip in beaten egg and roll in the crumbs again. Fry in 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the croquettes are golden brown.

Coughs and Colds

Last year I heard about a home remedy that I thought was a little strange.

When your child has a cold accompanied with a croupy cough, instead of rubbing your child's chest with Vicks Vapor Rub - it was more effective to rub the bottom of his feet.

I'm all for home remedies, but this one sounded just a little too out there. Last week I had a terrible head cold and cough. I tried everything. I was sipping juice, taking over the counter cold medicine and cough syrup. I was miserable. I coughed so hard I saw stars.

Going to bed in the evening was miserable. My coughing just wouldn't stop. And sleeping...well that was impossible for both me and my husband.

Desperation set in and I finally rubbed the bottom of my feet with Vicks. It took about 15 minutes and I dozed off to silent sleep.

I suggest that you be very careful using this if your child has any type of allergies to rubs, but it may help both of you get some much needed sleep. It certainly worked for me.

If You Loved The Movies Fireproof & Facing The Giants...

We bet you would enjoy a FREE VIEWING of FLYWHEEL www.flywheelthemovie.com

It will be shown at Southern Hills Community Church at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 28th, doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Free tickets must be requested in advance as seating is limited.

To reserve tickets, e-mail your request indicating number of tickets and providing your contact info. including name, phone number, and e-mail address to tickets@southernhillschurch.com .

Southern Hills is located in the Town Center Plaza at 13511 W. 130th Street (W. 130th & Rt. 82) in North Royalton. For more info, call 440-877-1479 or visit their website at www.southernhillschurch.com . Hope you and your family can make it!

God Bless,
Lynn P.

Thanks Lynn for posting this info on The Mom Squad Forum! We love wholesome movies & Freebies.

It's Never Too Early To Plan For Women Of Faith

And this year's theme is, "A Grand New Day"! If you have never attended a Women Of Faith Convention, you MUST treat yourself to this exciting 2-day event. It is a mix of laughter, music, and stories that will touch your heart. Bring your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors—any woman you know who needs a new perspective . . . a new enthusiasm . . . A Grand New Day. If you have attended in the past, you already know how this event touches the heart of every attendee. It is uplifting and a wonderful blessing. This year Stephen Curtis Chapman and Mandisa are a part of the team. You may recall The Fish sponsored special seating and contests for our Mom Squad listeners 2 years in a row. Keep listening. Another surprise may be on the horizon. Hope to see you July 17 & 18th at the Quickens Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH. http://www.womenoffaith.com/

Keeping It Green...

Here are some helpful uses for common ordinary household items...A great way to avoid chemical cleaners in the home.

Borax is a natural mineral that is also a disinfectant. It is great in the laundry and as a kitchen cleaner. You can buy it at drugstores, supermarkets and online. If you want a large quantity, try a hardware store.

Castor Oil isn't just for medical purposes. It is also a good conditioner for leather. A bit of elbow grease added to this natural cleaner and tired leather gets a new lease on life.

Corn Meal doesn't just make corn bread. It is also great for grease stains. Just rub it on the stain and then brush it off.

Lemon Juice makes great lemonade but it is also great at removing lime scale on bathroom fixtures. If the stains are stubborn try soaking a tissue with lemon juice and set it on the problem area. Bottle lemon juice works just as well as fresh squeezed.

Olive Oil can not only make a great salad dressing but it also takes finger marks off stainless steel and when you mix it with a little vinegar (about one part vinegar to 3 parts oil) it makes a great floor polish.

Soda Water helps remove carpet stains. Simple dribble some on the stain and dab away with a dry towel.

A Healthy Lifestyle Website

You've probably seen Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen on various shows including Oprah. Now you can access their expertise daily via www.realage.com . This free website inspires its members to "Live Life to the Youngest" and to pursue their health and wellness goals by making their RealAge younger. Take the RealAge Test. Currently there are over eight million members. RealAge.com features daily health tips and information backed by current, evidence-based science. Here's to your health!

Bullies

One of the toughest problems for young children is bullying - especially on the elementary school age level.

Now there's hope. The American Doll Corporation has decided to help young girls with courage.
Their new 2009 Doll of the year - Chrissa - will help young girls find the courage to stand up for herself and others.

You can check out this courageous new doll and her friends at

http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/static/home.jsf

It seems like it would be a wonderful tool to open the lines of communication so you can talk to your daughter about courage and bullies. Let me know what you think!