We've all heard of it...broadband phone service. But what is it exactly? Where do you get it, how does it work, do you even want it...or want to know about it for that matter?

I find broadband phone service so important in our monthly budgeting process, that I have dedicated an entire article to it! Why do I want you to know about it? For these reasons:

• 1. It's CHEAP!
The main reason we switched over...it saves us money. Using broadband phone service, we pay only $24.95 per month for our phone for unlimited hours of phone usage.
• 2. It allows you to afford cable Internet.
There is no way on earth that I could justify paying for cable Internet...before broadband phone service, that is! We used free Internet services for many years. Dial-up as slow as molasses...but it worked. Now we can surf at speeds that would make even Superman jealous.
• 3. Expensive phone features are included...FREE!
In our many years of marriage, we have gone without things like caller ID, call waiting, etc. We were already shelling out $70.00 per month for our phone service and long distance and could never see the wisdom in indulging in these other features. Although convenient, I would rather have put the money into our savings account. With most broadband phone companies caller ID, voicemail, and call waiting are all included in the base price!
• 4. FREE long distance!
No more setting the timer as you talk to Auntie Ethel in Kalamazoo! Long distance charges are a thing of the past with broadband phone service. Call anyone, anywhere, anytime all included in the base price.
• 5. Check your voicemail on the Internet! Perhaps this isn't a WOW factor for many, but for me (whose second home is on the computer) it's a great feature! I can check my email and listen to my voicemail...all at the same time!


So there you have it folks. The few simple reasons why I think broadband phone service is a really SMART idea. At least now you know what it is, and can made an educated decision about whether or not you want it in your life.

For the record, I get no kick-backs from Vonage if you sign up...but it is the only one I can recommend because I have experience with it. Check it out for yourself!

Proverbs 18: 22 says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing...” So I ask you, are you a “good thing”?

Life as a wife has its costs and rewards. No doubt this is not news to anyone. In fact I began to realize the precious refining opportunity which marriage provides even while yet on our honeymoon. No, marriage is not for sissies, but beyond that, beyond just getting along the Bible says that we as wives are to be a good thing; a blessing even. Well blessings are not the average stuff of life, blessings are the over and above richness that makes a life worth celebrating. You my fellows in wifehood are to be a blessing!

There are three things which can make or destroy marriages quicker than any other devices I can think of, (please tell me if I miss something); spirituality, finances, and sex. To be in agreement on these three things before the nuptial date is to be blessed already, and certainly that is wise. If however you find yourself in a marriage where these three topics do not always make for pleasant discussion in your home, may I suggest another perspective? (DISCLAIMER: I have not yet perfected the art of wifehood from the Godly perspective, but these things I press toward.)

On the spiritual side, you are accountable for all that you know and for all that you have the chance to grow on spiritually. Your husband, God love him; will give his own account for life. Love is a choice and love is the only way to demonstrate Christ. So love him despite him if need be, God will honor your commitment to Him.

Regarding finances put your heads together and get your spending on paper. Create a budget using the help of a computer if possible. Look over your spending habits and write down your goals for incentives to save and invest your hard-earned money. Be honest about your spending habits and do not burden your partner with needless financial stress.

And finally, let’s talk about sex...easier said than done perhaps. But in 1 Corinthians 7 Paul suggests that sex is not to be refused when proposed (in marriage) in a respectful way. I know you get tired but if you want to speak the language of men and you don’t intend on reading the Outdoor News than may I suggest you offer yourself- yes even cheerfully- every opportunity you can afford to. Why not even initiate physical intimacy- what a good thing you are becoming! For some of you this may require frequency to an unusual degree, so save a little energy for the healthier things in life. Your marriage will be better for it!

Tara lives in the Midwest, where she raises her children alongside her husband Bryan, who works in sales. Together they have a four-year-old daughter and an infant son. Tara is a playwright, theater director, and also a collage artist who creates unique greeting cards and framed art.

I know I claim to be a woman of high morals and standards...I uphold the ten commandments on most occasions. But there are just some instances in which I must claim something for my own which does not belong to me...the item in question...the most delicious salad I have ever laid my lips to...Oriental Mandarin Sesame Salad.

During a recent restaurant visit to celebrate a pal's birthday, I discovered this delectable treat...and have not been able to rid my mind of it! Now, I won't mention which restaurant I visited...and I have slightly changed the name of the salad...perhaps the ingredients are not 100% correct. But, in spite of it all...I believe I have duplicated this salad to the best of my abilility...and WOWSEY WOWSER...it is awesome!

So, I would like to share that recipe with you today. It is my rendition of a delicious salad...that is somewhat close to the real thing.

Oriental Mandarin Sesame Salad

Asian noodles and Sesame Sauce Package (found in box at Wal-Mart grocery stores, but can also use any asian noodles along with a sesame sauce packet)

2 16 oz can mandarin oranges

1 small package slivered almonds

1 package iceberg salad (prepared)

4 chicken breasts

1 tsp corn starch

1 tblsp minced garlic

1 tsp cooking oil

Heat oven on "broil"

Place sesame sauce in bowl, add liquid from mandarin orange can to sauce.

Slice chicken breasts into strips, and let soak in sesame sauce for 20 minutes.

In 1 tsp oil (preferably sesame oil...but any cooking oil will do!) saute slivered almonds and garlic in small sauce pan until browned.

Remove chicken strips from bowl, and place on broiler rack, or on a cookie sheet. Put in oven for about 4 minutes.

Add sesame sauce to almond/garlic mixture and stir. Heat sauce to low boil.

While heating sauce, in small bowl, place 2 tblsp water and add corn starch. Stir until smooth. Add corn starch mixture to sauce when it reaches boiling, stirring constantly with whisk.

Reduce heat to medium and continue to stir until it thickens. Remove from heat.

Remove chicken from oven, baste with sauce and return to broiler for 2 minutes.

Allow sauce to slightly cool.

Meanwhile, using your food processor, shred lettuce into cole slaw like pieces with the slicing blade (not shredding blade).

To serve, place a handful of each ingredient on plate in following order: Lettuce, noodles, mandarin slices, chicken strips, almonds, and pour generous amount of sauce over the top of salad. Or, place on plate in rows (as shown above) and serve lettuce on plate...allowing each person to create their own.

Hoping you enjoy the pilfered salad as much as our family did! It is not the most inexpensive recipe...but certainly worth the expense! Bon appetit!