Christmas Gift to the Ruby Family

Ruby for Women “her worth is far above rubies . . . “ Proverbs 31:10 31:10 Special Holiday Issue, December, 2010 • Fun and Festive Holiday Recipes • Make Your Own Vintage Snow Globe • “The Sounds of Christmas” • Pretty and Playful Edible Christmas Decorations • Vintage Paper Dolls Stocking Stuffer • Father Christmas Gingerbread Recipe

Editorial Staff for Ruby for Women Nina Newton, Sr. Editor

In This Issue . . .

Page 3

Then You Came Keith Wallis

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More Favorite Holiday Recipes Ruby Family

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Handmade Vintage Snow Globes Vintage Mama

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The Charlie Brown Tree Lynn Mosher

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Fun and Festive Recipes Ruby Writers

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Sometimes as Shepherds Keith Wallis

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Sounds of Christmas Amanda Johnson

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Pretty and Playful Edible Katherine Corrigan

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The Night Jesus was Born Lynn Mosher

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Vintage Paper Dolls Vintage Mama

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Father Christmas Gingerbread Vintage Image Craft

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Thank You to Our Sponsors

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Credits and Copyrights

Amanda Johnson, Assistant Editor Katherine Corrigan, Graphic Designer

Title

Heather Miller, Home School Editor Laura Day, Story Lynn Mosher, Devotions Editor Keith Wallis, Poetry Beth Brubaker, Family Fun Editor Dorothy Kurchak, Gardening Editor Rochelle Martin, Quilting Editor Jennifer Cirka, Crochet & Cooking Editor Deborah Shank, Women’s Ministry Editor Carolyn Arnold, Kids Crafts

On the Cover . . . .

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Guest Authors and Contributors Tomica Bonner Paula McVay Cathi Brese Doebler Lee E. Shilo

Send Out Cards

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Merry Christmas from the Ruby for Women Family!

This is the most wonderful time of the year, when we celebrate the birth of the One who came as a gift from God! The gifts we give to one another are a small reminder of the Greatest Gift of All, the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate this miracle of love, grace, and peace, let us also be grateful for all of the other blessings that God brings into our lives, and celebrate family, friendship, and community. It is our prayer here in the Ruby for Women community that you will have a joyous and peaceful Christmas season, and a blessed New Year.

This issue of our ezine is a small token of our appreciation for your support for the ministry of Ruby for Women over the past year, and an expression of our hopes that you will continue to walk with us as we approach the New Year with great anticipation for all of the amazing things that God is doing through this ministry!

We have many exciting plans for 2011, and we are looking forward to hearing from YOU as you join us on our journey towards reaching out and touching the lives and hearts of women everywhere!

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Then You Came A world apart angelic touch an occasional visitor to this plane, in this theatre of traumatic dramas.

Life, death, love, fear take starring roles in the daily legend that unveils.

Each player exposed a cacophony of influences vying for honours and position, orchestrates the hour, the moment.

Then You came.

Too soon or too late but on time in time beyond time a touch from beyond You came.

.

We listened (some of the minor players) but hear different things in the words You say.

The words touch, reveal, heal, then move on in lives of their own generation to generation.

Words unclaimed by the trapping claws of death, speak only life to half-opened ears clouded tear-filled eyes and mouths uncleansed by Isaiah’s coals.

To be clay on this wheel is to be gold in the forge of heaven

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More Favorite Holiday Recipes from the Ruby for Women Family Christmas Morning Quiche This is a recipe that our family has included in lots of celebrations over the years. It is quick, easy, and really yummy for holiday breakfast or brunch! You can make it even more festive by serving with salsa or hollandaise sauce.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 pound bulk sausage, cooked and crumbled • ½ cup chopped onion • 1/3 cup each chopped green and red pepper • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese • 8 eggs, slightly beaten • 1 cup milk • 2 unbaked pastry shells (9”) DIRECTIONS: Combine cooked sausage, shredded cheese, chopped onion and peppers in bowl; toss to mix well. Place half of mixture in each pastry shell. Combine eggs and milk, pour half over sausage mixture in each pastry shell. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55 – 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting. Serve with salsa or hollandaise sauce.

Spiced Eggnog Latte This is a perfectly festive way to warm up your holiday guests! Warm and spicy, this Eggnog Latte will brighten up even the most blustery day this winter.

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup ground coffee, any variety 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 2 Tbsp. sugar 2-1/2 cups cold water 1 cup eggnog, warmed 1/2 cup thawed whipped topping

DIRECTIONS: Place coffee in filter in brew basket of coffee maker; sprinkle with nutmeg.

Place sugar in empty pot of coffee maker. Add water to coffee maker; brew. When brewing is complete, stir in eggnog. Pour into 4 cups; top with whipped topping.

You can also make this sweet treat with instant coffee by pouring ½ cup coffee into a mug and adding ½ cup eggnog, top with whipped topping and sprinkle with nutmeg. Yummy!

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Shimmery, Silvery Handmade Vintage Snow Globes Whenever you think of snow globes, what comes to your mind? Sometimes snow globes that we find in trinket shops are filled with pretty little scenes, or animals, snowmen, and Santas. So, when I discovered this idea for creating hand-crafted snow globes filled with vintage bric-a-brac and jewelry, I was fascinated with all of the possibilities!

These beautiful snow globes are super simple to make, and any one of them would make a perfect gift for someone special . . . . . even Dad, or Grandpa! Because this particular style of snow globe is not specifically for winter or Christmas, they can be displayed year ‘round on a mantle, a dresser top, or even on the desk in the most sophisticated setting. So get busy, round up your supplies (take a trip to the thrift shop if you need to!), and put together a few of these charming snow globes.

SUPPLIES: You will be able to find all of the supplies at a craft store and / or thrift shop • A jar of clear glass with lid • Selection of vintage jewelry and buttons, small figurines, or other trinkets • Anti-rust sealant for metal pieces • Clear-drying epoxy • Distilled water • Few drops of glycerin • Large silver or white glitter DIRECTIONS: • Adhere your piece of jewelry or small figurine to the inside of the lid using clear-drying epoxy • After the epoxy dries completely, fill jar with distilled water • Add a few drops of glycerin so the “snow” will drift slowly through the water • Add as much glitter as you want, or “faux snow” from the craft store • Screw the lid on the jar tightly • You can also add a ribbon or other embellishments around the lid (base of snow globe)

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The Charlie Brown Tree

by Lynn Mosher “Cut that thing down, p-l-e-a-s-e!” I begged. “It’s ugly. It needs to go.”

But my husband never did cut it down. And so it remained.

Out of the ground sprouted this scraggly, scrawny, little pine twig that must have dropped as a seed from its forefather. It looked just like the Christmas tree in the Charlie Brown cartoon classic and so it got its name, the Charlie Brown tree.

Instead of destroying this diminutive sapling in its infancy, we left it alone to do what it was created to do…be a testament to its Creator.

Year after year, it stood in our backyard beside its progenitor, a towering evergreen that dwarfed its Lilliputian descendant. And year after year, that puny thing struggled to grow. Standing staunch to face the sun, rain, wind, heat, snow, and storms, it faced all the elements, yet protected in the shadow of its forefather. It eventually matured into a beautiful, sprawling pine of 35 feet.

Occasionally, aren’t we this way with baby Christians? So ready to chop down God’s little seedlings of faith, so ready to give up on them as they struggle to grow, mature, and learn. Just because they don’t have all the branches of knowledge, the beautiful foliage of experience we do, or the seeds of future Christian descendants growing in their shadows, we are ready to dismiss them.

However, if we become the staunch support of strength, protecting them in our shadow and nourishing them with our love, they can grow to be a true testament to their Creator, living the life God intended for them.

Lord, may I never dismiss one of children in his or her infancy of faith. May I be a true example of Your love, care, and strength to the one who needs it. Amen!

~~Blessings, Lynn~~

Visit Katherine’s Corner for recipes, crafts, household tips, and advice for everyday life! www.goaskkatie.blogspot.com 6

Fun and Festive Christmas Recipes from Our Family to Yours!

Dazzling Christmas Ribbon Cake This is the perfect cake recipe! In our family, we’ve made it not only for Christmas, but it is also beautiful made in pastel colors for springtime and Easter celebrations, primary colors for a birthday party, or red and white for Valentine’s Day. Using the red and green colors, however, lends such a festive look to this super simple holiday cake. * * * * * *

2 baked 9-inch round white cake layers, cooled 2 cups boiling water, divided 1 pkg. (3 oz.) jell-o gelatin, any red flavor 1 pkg. (3 oz.) jell-o lime flavored gelatin 1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed 1/4 cup fresh raspberries

Mix the jell-o in two batches by color; stir in boiling water Until thoroughly dissolved. Using a fork, carefully poke holes in each layer Of cake (while still in cake pan), and pour red jell-o over the top of one layer and pour The green jell-o over the second layer. Chill in refrigerator until jell-o is set and firm.

Remove one layer of cake from cake pan and place on plate. Frost the top with the whipped topping. Remove second layer of cake from cake pan and place on top of first layer. Frost the top and sides of cake, and garnish with fresh berries or crushed candy canes.

Candy Cane Cocoa in a Jar This is a fun and festive way to share hot cocoa with your family, or a pretty gift for a teacher, friend, or neighbor!

INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup powdered milk • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1 cup granulated sugar • ½ tsp. salt • 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips • ½ cup crushed peppermint candy

In a decorative jar, layer the powdered milk, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candy. Tie a brightly colored ribbon around the jar, add a 1 tbsp. measure and gift card.

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Dilly Bread from the kitchen of Lynn Mosher This is a recipe that we have had in our family for several generations.

Our Great Grandma used to make Dilly Bread and it was always a part of our Sunday afternoon family gatherings. It is perfect for Christmas, too, and perhaps you would want to include in your holiday tradition.

Thanks to Lynn Mosher for sharing this recipe with us. She wanted you to know that if you bake this bread and leave it on the counter to cool, you will want to watch it carefully because little mice will come along and take a nibble or two because it is just so delicious!

1 pkg. dry yeast (not fast acting) ¼ c. lukewarm water (around 110 degrees) 1 c. creamed cottage cheese, heated to lukewarm 2 T. sugar 1 T. dried minced onion 1 T. butter 1 egg 2 ¼ c. All-purpose flour 2 t. dill seed 1 t. salt ¼ t. baking soda Dissolve yeast in water. In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except flour. Add flour gradually to form stiff dough. It is not necessary to beat this with electric mixer. Cover and let rise near heat until light, about 60 min. (I turn on the oven for a couple of minutes and then turn off.)

When raised and fluffy, stir down dough with floured hands or spoon and turn into greased loaf pan or 2 qt. casserole. Let rise again near heat, about 40 to 50 min. till risen. Bake at 350 degrees about 35 min. or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

The recipe says to brush the top with butter and sprinkle with salt while still hot (but I’ve never done it). I always do this: when cooled, slice, butter, wrap in tin foil and reheat for about 10 min. or so until butter is melted and it’s hot. Enjoy!

Anne’s Famous Artichoke Dip from the kitchen of Anne Wiggins This is the yummiest, EASIEST artichoke dip you’ll ever taste!

It takes about 3 minutes to throw together, 30 minutes to bake, and makes a terrific party food. Go ahead and memorize the recipe, because wherever you serve this, people are going to ask you for it!

1 can artichoke hearts (marinated or not) 4 oz. can chopped green chiles 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (use real cheese, do not use the powdery kind in a shaker) 1 cup mayonnaise Stir all ingredients together and bake in a small, greased casserole at 325 degrees until bubbling (about 30 minutes). Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or cubed bread chunks.

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Sometimes as Shepherds Sometimes as shepherds afraid, grimy ashamed of our shabbiness we approach the manger-cross.

Sometimes as kings, haughty, self-assured Confident of our position We approach the manger-cross.

Sometimes as shepherds.

And we come, Shepherds, Slowly, and still in fear Nothing to offer, nothing of worth, To this manger-cross holy place: Set aside in time and space for purpose.

Each forward step A warming, glowing friendship greets us.

Each step closer to tears, Each broken-hearted step A step closer to the mending heart of God. Sometimes as kings.

And we come, kings, purposeful and determined gold-incense present-carrying to this manger-cross holy place: set aside in time and space for purpose.

Each forward step a disarming, glowing furnace melts our offering.

Each step closer to fear each fear inducing step a step closer to the restoring heart of God. Sometimes as shepherds, though mostly as kings, we come to our places of manger-cross: in church, at home, at the unexpected moment, to receive not the Christmas present

but the ever present Christ. ~~ Keith Wallis “Advent Oddessy�

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Sounds of Christmas – Jesus is Coming!

The sounds of Christmas. There are a lot of sounds going around at the this time of year; speeding cars, busy shoppers rushing around the store, lots of children laughing (and crying), cheering crowds at holiday sports games, tuning of instruments preparing for an outdoor Christmas concert, the steady beeping of the checkout lines, and of course the fast tapping of fingers across the keyboard and the click of the mouse as Christmas gifts and messages are sent across the super highway.

There were similar sounds of busyness that first Christmas too. The entire Roman Empire was abuzz with busy travelers trying to reach their cities of origin for the census. Roadways were packed with chariots, carts, horses, and mules. Animals crying, children crying, people shouting, whips cracking, these were the sounds of that first Christmas. A world of busy, preoccupied individuals trying to make it to their destination on time. Shop keepers shouting along the way hoping someone would stop and buy their goods. Beggars with outstretched arms pleading with the travelers to have pity on them and toss a coin or two their way.

Two different worlds, yet the same familiar rushing, busy sounds of Christmas. What would happen if the world stopped everything for a time of silence? What would we hear? Standing outside in the coolness of the evening, looking up at the dark, clear sky filled with stars, I stand listening to the silence and imagine what it must have been like for the shepherds, wise men, and Mary and Joseph. The angels singing to announce the birth of a King, the Savior of the world!

The awe of a miraculous star beckoning to "follow me." The worried sighs of a distraught husband accompanied by the screams of a woman in labor. Jesus is coming! Jesus is coming!

Those were the sounds of Christmas that the world didn't hear that night. They were too busy to stop and listen. They were about their own business when the most important business of the great God of the Universe was taking place. What about us today? We know the story. We know the sounds of what happened. But, are we stopping to listen and remember? We're about our crazy holiday schedules with so much to get done, but do we realize or even understand the importance and magnitude of the business our Father God has given us? Are we not about our Father's business? If not, what's keeping us so preoccupied and busy that we're forgetting the real meaning of Christmas and the work that should occupy our lives every day of the year? Sit quietly before the Lord and ask Him to reveal the sounds of Christmas. Stop in the middle of everything and reflect on the work God has given us to do. Be about His business by spreading His love and the message of His saving grace to those who've not heard. Jesus is coming! Jesus is coming! ~~ Amanda Johnson

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Pretty and Playful!

Edible Holiday Decorations and Gifts from the kitchen of Katie Corrigan

The holidays are the perfect time to play with your food. I hope you'll enjoy this delicious macaroon recipe, and these food craft ideas. They should all help to make the season bright and add some wonderful memories too. Enjoy!

Macaroon Snowmen 2 large egg whites 1/4 cup sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 1/8 tsp salt 3-1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut 3/4 cup macadamia nuts ( finely ground) 16 (5-inch) wooden skewers 16 mini gift boxes (in the bakery dept) Cookie sheets Parchment paper Cooling racks Electric mixer Pretzel sticks Ribbon or fabric scraps Before You Start : Preheat oven to 350 ËšLine 3 large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Let’s make it! Beat egg whites in a large bowl on high speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Add sugar, extract, and salt, beating to stiff peaks, about 5 minutes. Gently fold in 2 cups coconut, then the nuts, until just combined. Roll with damp hands into 32 balls (3/4 inch in diameter) for bottom and middle of snowmen, and 16 balls (1/2 inch in diameter) for the heads. Roll balls in remaining 1-1/2 cups coconut, coating well. Carefully transfer to cookie sheets, placing 1 inch apart. Bake macaroons in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching positions halfway through, until bottoms are pale golden ( about 12 to 15 minutes) Transfer macaroons from cookie sheets to racks and cool completely.

To assemble snowmen: Push 1 skewer into the center of each box and carefully thread 2 of the larger macaroons through the skewer to sit on the box; top with a smaller macaroon for the head. Add pretzels, ribbon, fabric, etc for embellishments if desired. Fill the box with cookies.

Makes 16 snowmen.

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Gum Drop Trees What you need: Styrofoam cones Plastic wrap Gum drops Tooth picks Lets Make Them!

Wrap the Styrofoam cones with plastic wrap. Insert tooth picks into the gum drops, poke the toothpick covered gum drops into the plastic wrapped trees. Be creative, use different colors, add frosting for ribbon. It's edible fun!

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The Night Jesus was Born

by Lynn Mosher Come along with me and I’ll be your guide for a walk through one night two thousand years ago, a very special night that changed the world . . . forever.

As you walk along, consider all the things you see, hear, smell, and touch.

First, what do you see? *As you walk along the trail into Bethlehem, look out over the beautiful fertile hills. Here you’ll see Bethlehem nestled as a quiet little village. *As darkness begins to swallow up the day, look around quickly. In the surrounding fields, shepherds pasture their flocks. Walk down the dusty streets to enter the little town. You will notice people rushing to find a place to stay; they’ve been summoned here to register for taxation. *Glance up. The glorious heavens stretch out like a drape of black velvet, poked with holes for the stars to sparkle through like bazillions of twinkling lights, choreographed as a dance of angels with flashlights. *One divinely-appointed star blazes unusually bright; its brilliance illuminates a lowly stable.

Follow the star’s beam to the stable.

As you near the stable, stop to listen!

What do you hear? *Heavenly songs of praise ascend above the fields, filling the night’s atmosphere with angelic voices.

Now, slowly approach the stable and stand in the entrance. What sounds emanate from within? *The gentle lowing of the cattle. The bleating of the sheep. The braying of the donkeys. *Suddenly, the cries of a newborn resonant above all the other sounds.

Step in a ways. *Listen to the crunch of the straw beneath your feet. Hear the night-time creatures scurry away at your coming. Become aware of the owl hooting his warning of your presence.

Now stop!

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What do you smell?

It’s a stable. You know there are odors here! You breathe in the smell of, well, you know.

Okay. What other fragrance is there? *The aroma of freshly tossed hay.

Step further still into the stable. *There’s one gentle, sweet smell…that of a newborn baby. The animals gather around to sniff at this strange little wonder now occupying their trough.

A young woman named Mary has just given birth to the Saviour of the world. Swaddling Him lovingly, she placed Him in the trough, and there, the miracle of the manger has taken place.

Join the animals. Lean over the manger. *Breathe in that precious earthly yet divine scent of an infant.

So, what do you touch? *Your knees gently lower and rest upon the hay beside the manger. *You reach out to touch the little, pink fingers protruding from the depths of the manger.

And now…

What do you feel?

As you’ve walked the path to Bethlehem, seen the sights, listened to the sounds, smelled the aromas, and touched the treasures of this night, did it all take your breath away? What do you now feel?

Is your heart now so full that you think it will explode? Look around to make a memory of all you have experienced. Allow them to reside in your heart’s manger. Don’t ever let these images escape your grasp.

May your Christmas be filled with precious memories and a special touch of the Lord’s presence. ~~Soli deo gloria, Lynn~~

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Vintage Paper Dolls Sweet and Simple Stocking Stuffer!

• • • •

Print out page on regular copy paper Cut out all images Glue paper doll onto card stock or cardboard Place in a festive, decorated envelope for a charming stocking stuffer for a special little girl!

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Father Christmas Delivers Gingerbread to Children Everywhere!

Vintage Image Craft and Gingerbread Recipe from www.vintageimagecraft.com

Pumpkin Gingerbread Bars 2 eggs 1/2 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup solid pack pumpkin (about half of a 15 oz can) 2 tbs molasses 1 tsp vanilla extract 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tbs confectioners' sugar Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9-inch square pan with nonstick vegetable spray.

Beat eggs with electric mixer at high speed for 2 minutes. Add brown sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Add pumpkin, molasses and vanilla. Beat at medium speed 2 minutes.

Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and ginger; stir to blend. Add to pumpkin mixture, stir well, and pour into prepared pan. Bake 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes in the pan; invert onto platter. Sprinkle with confectioners'' sugar. We like to drizzle some warm maple syrup on top.

How about that? No fat!! Healthy carotenoids (the good Agent Orange), potassium, iron, riboflavin, folic acid and vitamin C! Recipe from the Bellingham Herald, Jill Wendholt Silva.

Images and recipe used by permission of Vintage Image Craft www.vintageimagecraft.com

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Thank You to the Sponsors of Ruby for Women

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Credits and Copyrights All stories and articles are copyright by the authors.

All pictures and images are copyright by the authors and / or have been purchased, used by permission or are in the public domain.

If any pictures or images have been used inadvertently, and they do not belong in this publication, please email us and we will immediately remove them.

Nothing in this issue of Ruby for Women may be reproduced, copied, or shared without the permission of the author.

Advertising information is available from editor@rubyforwomen.com Questions? Email Nina @ editor@rubyforwomen.com Or Amanda @ ajohnson@rubyforwomen.com Ruby for Women is published by rubyforwomen.com All submission inquiries should be directed to Nina Newton, Sr. Editor Ruby for Women editor@rubyforwomen.com or Amanda Johnson, Assistant Editor ajohnson@rubyforwomen.com Graphic design by Jorim http://jorimslist.com/portfolio Special thanks to Maritza Bonilla for sponsoring the Scentsy Fundraiser this holiday season. Please visit our community website at www.rubyforwomen.ning.com to see how you can participate and help support the ministry of Ruby for Women.

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