Ruby for Women March 2011 by RUBY magazine

Ruby for Women “A Voice for Every Christian Woman” March, 2011

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Spring Cleaning is for Spring Chickens! Make a Vintage Shamrock Charm Bracelet Women’s Wisdom on Health and Wellness Hearing God’s Voice, Obeying God’s Call: The True Story of St. Patrick Irish Lace Cookies Make a Tiny Treasures Collage Wall Hanging Stepping Stones Quilt Block Grace in the Classroom Coming Out of the Dark

Staff Writers Ruby for Women Nina Newton, Sr. Editor Amanda Johnson, Assistant Editor Katherine Corrigan, Graphic Designer and Creative Assistant

In This Issue . . . Page 3

Ruby’s One Year Anniversary! Nina Newton, Sr. Editor

A Note from Amanda Johnson, Assistant Editor

Keith Wallis, Poetry

Spring Cleaning is for Spring Chickens! Beth Brubaker

Symbols of St. Patrick’s Day Vintage Image Craft

Make a Vintage Shamrock Charm Bracelet Vintage Image Craft

Beth Brubaker, Family Fun Editor Dorothy Kurchak Homer, Gardening Rochelle Martin, Quilting Jennifer Cirka, Crochet & Cooking Carolyn Arnold, Kids Crafts

On the Cover . . . .

Is It Time To Redecorate? Let Katherine create your blog header, shop header, blog button and more. It's easy and customized just for you at www.Made It For You.com

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Laura Day, Story Lynn Mosher, Devotions

Title

“In the Palm” Keith Wallis

Jump into Spring with Recipes from the Ruby Writers

Season of Renewal Lynn Mosher

Grace in the Classroom Callie Feyen

Shamrock Cupcakes Vintage Mama

Stepping Stone Quilt Block Rochelle Martin

Ask Beth Beth Brubaker

Hope of Things to Come Amanda Johnson

Secrets About Love Laura Day

Coming Out of the Dark Mary Jo Laupp

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Page 19 Introducing Sandy Rowland, Dove Chocolate Discoveries Chocolatier

The Pinewood Lee E. Shilo

Like Flowers in Spring Connie Arnold Page 29 1

Guest Authors and Contributors Lee E. Shilo

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A Northern Gardener in the South Dorothy Kurchak Homer

Cold Spring Showers Sheila Watson Kraklow

National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs

St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Cookies Amanda Johnson

Women’s Wisdom on Health and Wellness Bernadette Collins

Deborah McCarragher Scott Henderson, Vintage Image Craft Connie Arnold, Poetry Sheila Watson Kraklow Callie Feyen Mary Jo Laupp Bernadette Collins

Find beautiful vintage images for all of your crafting projects at www.vintageimagecraft.com

Send Out Out Cards with Danie K. Bell

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Make a Shamrock Bling Brooch mamas*little*treasures

Physical Exercise Profits Nothing When Spiritual Workouts are Left Out Deborah McCarragher

County Cork Irish Stew submitted by Amanda Johnson

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Irish Tea Cookies submitted by Amanda Johnson

Hearing God’s Voice, Obeying God’s Call: The True Story of St. Patrick retold by Vintage Mama

Irish Lace Cookies Vintage Mama

Make a Tiny Treasures Collage Wall Hanging by mamas*little*treasures

“Life Without” Keith Wallis

“Safety” Keith Wallis

www.sendthecards.com

Title

Wacky Wordies and Spring Cleaning Answers Beth Brubaker

Meet the Ruby for Women Writers

Shamrock Bling Templates

Copyrights and Credits

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Letter From the Editor Nina Newton Congratulations to everyone in the Ruby for Women community! The March issue of the Ruby for Women ezine will celebrate the one year anniversary of the amazing growth that we have experienced. We want to express our gratitude to the previous Editor-in-Chief, Karen Gass, who started the Ruby for Women ezine in 2006. We have had the privilege of building on the foundation that she built, along with some of our writers who started writing for Karen and continue to write for us in every issue of Ruby for Women. In January, 2010, I was talking with Karen about helping her do some of the marketing for Ruby for Women. We discussed several possibilities over the course of a few weeks, and we were making great progress when she called me one day and told me that she would no longer be able to continue in her position of Editor-in-Chief. She explained to me that she would either have to find someone else who could take over the editorial responsibilities for Ruby for Women, or it would be necessary to discontinue to ministry altogether. After talking about it for quite some time, I agreed to pray about it and see if I felt that this was the direction that God had for my life. At the time, I was working from home designing and creating children’s clothing, as well as various craft projects, and writing ebook patterns from my designs. Working from my home was important to me, if at all possible, because I wanted to be at home with our two daughters, ages 7 and 9 at the time. It became clear to me that this was exactly what God had in store for me and for our family! After all, I had been a free-lance writer for many years, a teacher and public speaker, and had a great deal of experience in creating ebooks and publishing digital documents. The scary part, however, was all of the “techy” stuff that I knew would be a new adventure for me! With that in mind, I set out to learn everything I could about online business, marketing, and promotions, along

with trying to figure out all of the details of creating a document and turning it into an online ezine. It is actually not much different from writing and publishing my ebooks, but I have definitely learned a lot in this past year! Now, as we approach our first year anniversary, there is so much more to the Ruby for Women ministry than just our online ezine. If you haven’t had a chance to visit our blog, we have recently updated it with all new colors, a new theme and design, all with the assistance of the Ruby for Women Graphics “Go To Gal,” Katherine Corrigan of Made It For You at www.madeitforyou.com If you are looking to update and redecorate your blog or online shop or website, be sure to visit Katherine and she can help you design just the right banner and logo that will reflect your personality. Every day we post devotional, inspirational, and informative articles on the blog, as well as in our community website at www.rubyforwomen.ning.com The members of the Ruby for Women community are amazing women who share with one another, uphold each other in prayer, and offer their encouragement and wisdom to the entire group as we all strive to follow God’s leading in our lives. It is wonderful to have a whole community of women who care so deeply about one another! Please join us, we would love to welcome you to the neighborhood. We have great plans for the next year here at Ruby for Women! The first big project we are working on is bringing the Ruby for Women ezine into print. Our goal is to continue our online ezine, but also to make available a print publication with the same great information and resources. So we’ve had a busy year, a very productive year, and we trust that God has great things in store for Ruby for Women in our second year! We hope you will join us on this exciting journey!

~~ Nina 3

A Note from Amanda Johnson, Assistant Editor, Ruby for Women Spring is on its way! I don’t know about you, but I have mixed feelings on the issue. Don’t get me wrong, I love the warm spring sunshine, the smell of blossoming flowers and fruit, and of course the lazy afternoons by the poolside. But, there is a part of me that will miss the cold, crisp, refreshing smell of winter as it fills my lungs in one great breath. Living in the South doesn’t bring much cold or snow as many of you in the North have endured this past winter. I’m sure you’re praying spring would move in a little faster! It’s funny how different we can be. We come from all kinds of backgrounds and locations all of which play a role in how we view everything from politics to the changing of the seasons. We are all so very different, yet there is one thing that brings all of us together and that is the unity we have through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am reminded of the passage from I Corinthians 12:12 &13, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free…” No matter who we are, where we are living, where we come from, or who we come from, we are all part of the body of Christ.

It is Christ who has given each of us newness of life through His crucifixion and resurrection. His life has given each of us life. Spring is a wonderful reminder of this bond that we all share. I pray that the changing of the seasons will be a reminder for each of us to stop and give thanks for this unity, life, and freedom we have been given. Just the same, I pray it will be an encouragement for us to move forward together in carrying out the work He has for us. I am so excited to share in this beautiful spring edition of Ruby for Women. Take time to read through the pages before you and be filled with the words of wisdom, humor, and encouragement from each of our writers. Don’t forget to stop by the Ruby for Women community page over at www.rubyforwomen.ning.com and become part of a community of growing men and women in Christ. While you’re there, send Nina Newton special congratulations for her one year anniversary as Senior Editor with Ruby for Women. Blessings to each of you as you enjoy this March edition of Ruby for Women!

Discovery House Publishers Feeding the Soul with the Word of God

Visit Discovery House Publishers at www.dhp.org 4

Footprints in the Mud Spring Cleaning is for Spring Chickens! by Beth Brubaker I turned forty-three this past January, but I am not old. I can still walk without a cane, I have only three platinum blonde strands showing in my hair (the others were pulled out), and my joints don't creak when I get out of bed. The bedsprings creak, but not me. However, I also know I'm not a teenager with boundless energy anymore. This goes double when it comes to spring cleaning. I'm not the best housekeeper in the world. In fact, if there was a House Keeping Monthly magazine, I would probably win a prize for the longest untouched windows. Dust and smudges don't bother me much at all, especially when I can't reach certain corners on my home. I don't like a dirty house though, so I did some research into what spring cleaning really entailed. It entails a lot. What I read scared the pudding out of me. It's times like these I wish I had a OCD issue concerning cleaning. Wash walls? Who on earth does that twice a year? And windows need to be cleaned every three months? Both sides? Personally, I like the fact that I don't need draperies, because the dusty windows diffuse the light better than sheer curtains ever did. And no spray cleaners or laundering! It takes a while, but it was definitely worth the wait. Just my way of helping out the environment. I think I'll call it Organic Light Diffusion...I'm telling you, it's gonnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; be big. Dust is also a great way to keep the kids entertained. Who needs paper when there's flat surfaces all over that are in dire need of artwork? All you need is a finger to draw as much as you want (and a toothpick for more detailed work), if you don't mind working in a monochromatic medium. I never realized just how many trees I was saving by not cleaning! Besides, when they're finished, the kids wipe it off and wait for another coat. I don't have to do a thing. I do get a workout sometimes when the dust gets a little too thick. My lungs have become really strong after all that blowing. And breathing oxygenates the body you know, so it's good for you. I just go out food shopping that day until the dust settles on the rug. Cleaning behind the radiators. Does this really need to be done? No one looks behind there, and if they did I would hand them the proper cleaning implements if they said something. If they're that nosy, they can help. I just don't get why I have to go behind the radiator to clean if there's nothing back there but dust and big hairy spiders. Let the spiders have it, I say. Natures little exterminators. Another benefit to Mother Earth is No bug-killing chemicals! If it gets that bad, maybe I'll stick some catnip behind there and let my kitties dust it back there for me. They're living here on my dime anyway, so they might as well earn their keep besides being my lap warmers. Though that does help on the energy bills too! All I need now are some solar panels and a sodded roof, and I could nominate my house for an energy conservation award! Cleaning under the couch is done only when I lose something important, like one of my kids, the cats or the remote. Sometimes it's fun to get the children involved too. My nine and twelve year-old turn it into a treasure hunt when they see toys they lost as babies. Kids are so cute.

The only thing in the house that gets a regular cleaning is the rug. I tried rubbing balloons on the cats to help turn them into walking dust mops, but it didn't work. All it did was make the cats grumpy, and give them shocks when they tried grooming each other. After all the wipeable art and dust-blowing is done and the rug starts to turn from mud brown to gray, I feel the need to brighten up the room a little by vacuuming. Besides, I hate that crunch crunch sound when you walk across the room in bare feet. Don't you look at me like that. Some people have suggested that I seal all the doors and windows and flood the house to get it clean, but I haven't gotten to that point. Yet. Besides, federal regulations won't let me. Spring cleaning is for the young, not the youth impaired. You know you're done cleaning when you back cracks, or your hips dislocate, so I just avoid doing it as much as possible to avoid injuring myself. Let the spring chickens do it. This summer turkey is going to gobble down some chocolate and call a cleaning service. You can read more of Beth’s post on her blog at: http://footprintsinthemudblog.blogspot.com/

Did You Know? by Beth Brubaker March 8th is International Women's Day. Please celebrate by sending the women in your life a special greeting, note of encouragement, or a compliment! March is Youth Art Month! Get together with your children to make something creative! Use any medium you like - clay, paints, beads, crayons...absolutely anything goes! Don't forget to display your works of art for all the family to see! We'd like to see them as well! If you have an art project you'd like to share with us, please email a picture of it (and a little bit about the project with the name of the artist) with the words 'Youth Art Month' in the subject line to bethatruby@aol.com. We would love to see what you and your kids made!

A River of Small Stones by Keith Wallis Available at www.ariverofstones.blogspot.com Poems written as “small stones,” polished moments of paying proper attention to life. 6

The Many Symbols of St Patrick's Day Written by Scott Henderson of Vintage Image

Ah, it makes my Irish blood proud to see the wearin' o' the blue. Yes, that's right. Saint Patrick Blue was the traditional color for St. Patrick's feast day, first celebrated on March 17 in the early 17th century. Saint Patrick (died cir. 460 AD) is one of Ireland's patron saints, famous for banishing snakes from the island, and for using the threeleafed shamrock to symbolize the Holy Trinity. In fact, it was the Irish Catholic custom of wearing shamrocks on the lapel - "the wearin' o' the green" - that turned the whole country Kelly Green by the 19th century. St Patrick's Day is observed (through bleary eyes) in Ireland, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and America, and much of the English-speaking world. Parades and festivals celebrate Irish culture, people wear green to avoid being pinched, beer and stout sales go through the roof - and we make decorations and send greeting cards festooned with Irish national symbols. Interestingly, the vintage images we have come to associate with St Patrick's Day cards of the late 19th century are American inventions, and never got much traction in Ireland. Although St Patrick's Day was declared an official Irish holiday in 1903, it was widely celebrated

through the 19th century, and brought to America by Irish immigrants. The three-leafed shamrock is the most predominant symbol, because of its direct association with Saint Patrick. Often depicted in vintage images is the Irish harp, a stringed folk instrument legendarily played for Irish kings on the Hill of Tara. Scenes of Ireland's landscapes, lakes, bridges and castles adorned early greeting cards. White clay pipes and walking sticks called Shillelaghs are also traditional. Snakes have a cameo role, as do pigs, potatoes and horseshoes, symbolizing prosperity and luck. "Erin Go Bragh" proudly declares, "Ireland Forever." Leprechauns and their pots of gold, oddly enough, don't get associated with St Patrick's Day until late in the 20th century. St Patrick's Day is a celebration of cultural pride, not just for the Irish, but for everyone who values their heritage. Visit Vintage Image Craft where you will find a wide variety of vintage images, available for all your crafting needs! www.vintageimagecraft.com

Vintage Image Craft Instant Vintage Images Beautiful Retro Crafts, Cards & Scrapbook Projects www.vintageimagecraft.com 7

A vintage bracelet of shamrock charms can be your "lucky charms" for this St. Patrick's Day! by Vintage Image Craft Pull that corned beef and cabbage out of the oven! It's time to bake some shamrock charms. Shrink plastic has a wee bit o' magic in it. Originally marketed in 1968 ("Shrinkies!") as a child's toy, artists and crafters soon discovered it could be much more. Technically, it is polystyrene plastic (code 6/PS) stretched into a thin sheet or film. When heated, its surface shrinks about 60% and its thickness increases about nine times. Images drawn, stamped or printed on it become very dark and vivid after shrinking. There are many brands, types and colors of shrink plastic. The kind you need for these shamrock charms is 8.5" x 11" sheets, white, ink jet compatible. One side is treated so you can print on it with your ink jet printer. The manufacturer's packaging should provide complete instructions. Just remember these basics. When printing full-color images on shrink plastic, adjust your printer's ink settings to lighten the image by about 50%. Set the print medium for transparency. Don't forget to punch a 1/8" hole for a jump ring in each shamrock charm before baking. In the FREE Vintage Image Download, we give you two complete sets of the seven shamrock charms. The first set is in full color, so you will need to adjust your printer to 50% inking. The second set is already lightened by 50%, so you can print it with your printer's normal settings.

Materials for these shamrock charms • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Vintage Images (FREE PDF download at http://www.vintageimagecraft.com/support-files/shamrockcharms-images.pdf Shrink plastic sheet, white, for ink jet printers (see Tips). Metallic gold paint pen (see Tips). Bracelet, gold link (see Tips). Jump rings, gold. Detail scissors. Needle-nose or jewelry pliers, two pairs. Tweezers. Stapler. Hole punch, 1/8". Sandpaper, very fine (320 or finer). Parchment paper. Clear acrylic spray. Cookie sheet. Oven (see Tips).

Step 1: Choose which PDF page of the shamrock charms images you want to print on your ink jet printer: the 100% inked set or the 50% inked set. Adjust your printer settings accordingly (see Tips). Print one set of seven charms onto the white shrink plastic. Let the ink dry for at least an hour. Step 2: Cut two 3" squares of parchment paper for each charm. Place each charm in the center of a square, cover each with the second square, and staple the paper together closely around (not through) the plastic charms with 4-5 staples. Lay the parchment packets on the cookie sheet, charm image side down (see Tips). Step 3: Punch a 1/8" hole near the top of each charm. We punched ours on the right side of the center leaves, to avoid putting holes through the girls' faces. Step 4: Cut two 3" squares of parchment paper for each charm. Place each charm in the center of a square, cover each with the second square, and staple the paper together closely around (not through) the plastic charms with 4-5 staples. Lay the parchment packets on the cookie sheet, charm image side down (see Tips). Step 5: Preheat the oven and bake the charms according to the shrink plastic instructions on the packaging. It should take about 3-5 minutes for the charms to shrink and flatten (see Tips about flattening curled plastic). Let them cool for a few minutes, then remove them from the parchment paper packets. Step 6: Gently sand the edges of the charms if they feel rough. If the backs of the charms are very glossy, sand them to a matte surface. Hold the charms with tweezers and paint the back sides and edges with the metallic gold paint pen. Let dry. Step 7: Spray both sides of the charms with one or two coats of clear acrylic spray, allowing them to dry between coats. Step 8: Open the jump rings with pliers. Thread them through the holes in the charms and links in the bracelet, and pinch them closed. * This is your basic shamrock charms bracelet - but don't stop there. Add emerald green beads, buttons, or other Irish charms like harps or Celtic designs. Jangle your shamrock charms bracelet while you dance a jig!

TIPS: Craft and art supply stores usually carry shrink plastic or shrink film. Major brands include ShrinkyDinks, Grafix, Digi-Shrink Plastic and Poly-Shrink. You can also find it online at suppliers like Joann.com. Be sure you are buying the ink jet version. If you can't get the ink jet version, try this: Use very fine (320) sandpaper, sanding in every direction, to thoroughly dull one side of the plastic sheet. Print on that side of the film and let the ink dry for an hour. Handle it very carefully by the edges when you cut it out. •

•

All metallic gold paint pens are not created equal. To color the edges and backs of these shamrock charms, you need a brush point and very fluid ink. If it dries blotchy, you may need to let it dry for an hour and add second coat. Our favorite metallic pens for this are Permapaque by Sakura Color Products. We didn't see a gold link bracelet we liked, so we bought 60" of gold link chain and gold lobster clasps. With about 7.5" per bracelet, that should make about eight bracelets. When you open the PDF file of shamrock charms images, you will see two pages. The first page has the images at 100% coloration. The second page has the same images at 50% coloration. When printing on shrink plastic it is necessary to reduce the image inking by about 50%, because the shrinking process concentrates the colors. Normally, you use 100% colorized images and configure your printer to ink them at 50% (transparency mode, draft mode, or low ink). Every printer has a different method to achieve this. We thought it might be easier for you if we also provide images already colorized at 50%, so you can just print them normally onto the shrink plastic. Your choice! What's with these little stapled parchment packets? Well, shrink plastic has a tendency to curl during heating, and often sticks to itself. Intricate shapes like these shamrock charms are the worst of all. These little stapled sleeves of parchment paper hold the shrink plastic flat during the shrinking process. You can flatten them further when you remove them from the oven by immediately placing a flat-bottomed glass or rock on each packet while it cools. The shrink-plastic-savvy among you will scoff, "Why waste your oven? Just shrink the plastic with an embossing tool." A wise choice for those with Grade-A embossing tool (a small, electric heating tool) skills. Hold the plastic charm down with a wooden chopstick or craft stick and wave the hot air over the charm until it shrinks and lays flat. We prefer our oven method with the parchment paper sleeves because we have had charms curl up under the embossing tool heat and fuse into a shamrock nugget. But you may be far better at it than we. If you want to make more shamrock charms with other vintage images, you may discover that large images with bright colored backgrounds work best. Just use one of the charm designs we provided as a template. But why stop with St. Patrick's Day? Make heart charms for Valentine's Day. Egg charms for Easter. Let your imagination run wild. • More ideas? Make it a personalized name bracelet. Color the back of each charm with light green permanent marker, like a Sharpie. Let it dry, then write each letter of a name in black. Use letter stencils, if you wish. Or, how about punching two holes in the center before you shrink the charm, and then sew it on like a button? Or clip one on as a zipper pull. Or make St. Patrick's Day earrings!

St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Shamrock Charm Bracelet Vintage Image Craft www.vintageimagecraft.com Special thanks to Scott and Martin of Vintage Image Craft for sharing their amazing craft ideas with the Ruby for Women community! To complete your St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Shamrock Charms Bracelet, please visit their website at www.vintageimagecraft.com and you will find the FREE PDF download of all of the vintage shamrock images at http://www.vintageimagecraft.com/supportfiles/shamrock-charms-images.pdf

Ruby for Women is searching for . . . Questions! We need your help. Ruby is looking for questions in the following areas: * “Ask Beth” * “Ask a Silly Question” Can you give us a hand? Please send your questions to Beth Brubaker at bethatruby@aol.com with one of the two titles in the subject line of your email. Your response is very much appreciated!

In the Palm In the palm of Your hand, I rest. Your trickling scars of sacrifice easing passage through pain-filled passions. This hand built continents from dust smiting nothingness into tangibility created life out of void. In this palm I rest, in creation’s grip I wait for an eternal touch. My name is written here, between careworn crevasses, in luminescent love and careful spelling: not penciled in for easy erasing but strong and underlined in permanent blood.

~~ Keith Wallis

DoveQuill Publishing is a grass-roots company created out of our need to have a voice in the mainstream publishing world. DoveQuill Publishing is ever-busy creating family-oriented books, pamphlets, and associated products so we might offer the Christian family high-quality literature and information. Please visit us for all your publishing needs at www.dove-quill-publishing.com

Giving the Glory Ruby for Women would like to send out a special “Thank You” to all of our writers and our administrative volunteers who have come on board to make Ruby for Women the success it is. A special thank you and congratulations goes out to Nina Newton for serving as a fantastic senior editor this past year. We look forward to many more issues to come! Thank you to everyone for your continued support and prayers for the ministry of Ruby for Women. 12

Jump Into Spring With These Tasty Recipes From Our Friends at Ruby for Women Very Veggie Dish

Quick and Easy Potato Soup

by Kausar Iqbal

by Carolyn Arnold

Good news! There is no cooking involved in this recipe, so if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a nice veggie dish to serve (and keep for leftovers), try it out! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice and easy and the best part is that it will last for a long time! Ingredients: 2 cans of peas 2 cans of cut green beans 1 can green lima beans 1 8 oz can of water chestnut 1 bunch of spring onion (green part only) 1 cup celery 1 bell pepper (green) chopped Marinate mixture: 1 cup apple cider vinegar 1 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 cup water 2 cloves garlic finely chopped 1 tablespoon dill (if you like the smell) opt 3/4 cup sugar Directions: Dissolve the sugar with the apple cider vinegar and other ingredients. Next, open the can and drain the veggie water. Mix all the veggies in a container and add the marinate mixture. Keep in the fridge overnight and enjoy the next day!

Ingredients: 1 chicken bouillon cube 1 Cup mashed potatoes (I use instant, but you can use leftover mashed potatoes, etc.) 1/4 tsp celery salt 1 2/3 Cup evaporated milk 1 Cup boiling water 1/4 tsp onion salt 1 Tbsp butter Instructions: If using instant mashed potatoes, prepare as directed. Add ingredients as listed. Heat thoroughly and serve hot. Makes 4 cups. ** With my large family, I quadruple the recipe and it works great. A definite crowd pleaser! Variations: Chill soup and garnish with chives for vichyssoise. Add cooked sausage or hamburger for a more filling meal.

Season of Renewal by Lynn Mosher “Then you send Your Spirit, and new life is born to replenish all the living of the earth” (Psalm 104:30 TLB). It’s here again…the first signs of renewal! Spring is poised, ready to pounce out from behind winter’s shadows. But before creation blossoms forth with its spring beauty, nature must always endure a season of travail. Trees stand lifeless, branches withered and devoid of blooms and fruit, appearing unproductive to all. The Lord once said to me, “During the long winter months, when nature has seemingly lost all its beauty, life still flows deep within its darkest recesses. The trees appear naked and dead without their leaves and blooms. The ground seems hard and bare without the beauty of flowers and grass. But, in reality, life is ever-present, ever-flowing. “It flows in the sap that is deep within the trees. It stirs within the seeds of flowers yet to bloom. Both are quietly at work, awaiting their appointed time to be awakened and spring to life...” When the trees awaken from their seasonal slumber, they arise from darkness and decay to newness of rebirth, as their external starkness is replaced with bursts of beauty. Spring’s animation then begins. Breezes dance above the tree tops, tickling the fresh, new buds as they poke their tiny heads into the warmth of the sun. The streams skip over the rocks as if bouncing with laughter, flowing with the fullness of April’s showers, while May flowers crown their banks. The Lord said, “Sometimes My people must also endure their long winter months of travail when their fruit seems to have withered and their branches seem bare. But deep within their roots, My Spirit moves with eternal life. “All may seem dark, lost, and devoid of life and beauty, but, in such a life lived with Me, My work still goes on...Allow My Life to flow through you, especially in the darkest of times, and then you will be renewed.” Sometimes, tempestuous seasons of life swoop down upon us through storms of bereavement, affliction, or adversity, which leave us devoid of the blooms and fruit of our lives. Spring brings a message of hope, of new birth, not only to creation but to us as well. Even when the darkness of circumstances surrounds us, causing a period of suspension, we can trust that God’s timetable for regeneration will always come. We still have eternal, divine Sap flowing through us, which will bubble up with new life at the designated time.

That divine sap of Life still flows through us just as it does in creation. We are called the “trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord” (Isaiah 61:3 NKJV). As David said, “The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly and are filled with sap” (Psalm 104:16 AMP). As we wait out those bleak seasons, expecting renewed inner beauty and strength, we can be assured it will come, for David also said, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV). Does your life feel as though you have lost all your beauty? Are the first signs of decay setting in, causing you to feel bare and fruitless? Has your inner strength diminished? God’s Spirit of regeneration still flows within you. Your time of renewal will come. The Lord said, “All may seem dark, lost, and devoid of life and beauty, but, in such a life lived with Me, My work still goes on...Allow My Life to flow through you, especially in the darkest of times, so then will you be renewed.” In your season of waiting, may all the dark circumstances of your life be awakened by the Eternal Sap of Life within you, and may you experience a time of renewal. “Behold, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs forth” (Isaiah 43:19a Amp).

~~Soli deo gloria, Lynn~~

Has God given you a MISSION? Sometimes our own family is our mission field. Your spouse’s salvation is something that God considers a priority. An unequally yoked marriage is difficult, but not impossible. Begin at home by reaching your mate for Christ. Our words, actions, attitudes and love will lay the foundation for God to work in your marriage. Your unsaved spouse is your “mission.” That relationship is foremost on God’s heart. By faith, begin now . . . you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Mission Possible is a “must have” book for any woman who is married to a man who does not share her passion for Jesus. This mission is one in which you, the reader, will walk through the process of one woman’s quest to reach her husband for Christ. You can purchase Deborah’s McCarragher’s book, Mission Possible, at her website, Alabaster Box Publishing at www.alabasterboxpublishing.com

"The world is so full of a number of

things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings!" Treasures can be found everywhere you look, and here at "Tatters to Treasures" we will bring you the best of vintage for your wardrobe and home. www.tatterstotreasures.etsy.com 15

Grace in the Classroom by Callie Feyen

Before I was a mother, I was a middle school teacher. I taught English, and next to reading out loud to my classes, teaching poetry was my favorite thing to do with my students. When I introduced poetry, I liked to start with an activity called “heartmapping.” This is an idea from a book called Awakening the Heart by Georgia Heard. It’s an activity where students think about what’s in their hearts (what’s important to them, special, happy, sad memories, objects that hold meaning) and map it on paper. They can draw, write, or color. This exercise eventually becomes a tool to help students think about ideas for poems they might write. This project is usually a hit with 7th graders. It’s a time to color, draw, and the writing is minimal. I rarely had to ask my students to focus on the assignment. Usually, I had trouble getting them to stop. One day, however, as I circled the classroom, I paid attention to one student who sat with blank paper for a majority of the time. She sat and stared out the window. She tapped her pencil on the table. She whispered to the girl next to her. I was annoyed. This had been such a successful project in the past and what the students drew served as future prompts to explore in their poetry. What would happen when this student had nothing to write about? I grew more agitated as I realized that I would need to come up with a prompt for her, thus doing her work. I dreaded walking over to her desk, but it was important to try to get her on task. I wanted to tell her, sternly, “You’re wasting time! You’re disrupting the other students! You’re not following the directions!” I resisted speaking to her in this way, knowing that it wouldn’t do much good. Instead, I knelt down next to her desk so I was at her eye level, and as calmly as I could, said, “There isn’t much more time. Do you think you can get a few things down on paper? I’m not grading this so don’t worry about that. Just write or draw a few things if you can.” And then I smiled and walked away. I kept an eye on her as I walked around the classroom. For the remainder of the time, she had her head resting on her arm, looking at the paper while her other arm moved the pencil around lightly. It was almost as if she were waiting to see what the pencil would draw. After class I went through the kids’ papers, looking specifically for hers. She’d drawn a heart with a chunk ripped out of it. The heart was blank inside. The chunk lay on the bottom of the page and it read, “When my dad left.” I put the paper down on my desk, and rested my head on my hands. I was so sad. I was sad because this child’s father left. I was sad because I understood that this assignment was too much for her to think about at this time in her life. Sad because I was so focused on her getting the work done, and not focused enough on the difficulty she, and others, might have with this kind of assignment. 16

A teacher told me once as I was frantically getting ready for the day that God had already been in my classroom. He’d walked in, maybe took a look at my plans, perhaps sat at the students’ desks. She was trying to tell me that He already knows what’s going to happen; He’s going to give the kids what they need that day. I think I might have half joked, “He might know what the plan is, but I’m still not sure yet.” However, I think about what she said as I reflect on this experience with my student. I believe God was in my classroom that day. He knew what my plans were, and He knew that the girl in my class would have difficulty with the lesson. He also knew I wouldn’t have the patience to see past her misbehavior. God knew what we both needed and He gave us both grace. By His grace, I was able to speak to my student in a way that wasn’t threatening or abrasive. By His grace, God gave her the courage to write something down, name it, and sit with it for awhile. Personally, I think she had the tougher of the two tasks, but in both situations, He gave us what we needed to move forward. I don’t think grace necessarily makes us comfortable. It can shock us, make us take a step back, look at something or ourselves differently. But because it is given to us by God, it’s given in absolute love. We can see more clearly because of the love of our Father. Even if the thing we are looking at is scary or difficult. Did I learn to be more patient and less structured with my lesson plans? Maybe a little bit. I tried to give this particular child a little extra care, and I created lesson plans with her, and others who might be going through difficult situations, in mind. But patience is something I need to put a lot of energy into. I am thankful God knows that. Did this student’s father come back? I don’t know. I believe he was gone for the remainder of the year. I’ve moved across the country and have lost track of her, but more students that I taught in that school came from broken homes than not. I suspect he didn’t come back. Maybe that’s not the point. Maybe the point of grace is that God is with us. He’s with us in our imperfections and He’s with us in our darkest struggles. His grace and love grabs hold, and won’t let go, no matter what. Read more from Callie on her blog at www.sit-a-while.blogspot.com

www.jaybirddesigns.com 17

Sweet Shamrock Cupcakes for St. Patrick’s Day Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! Here’s a fun way to celebrate in a festive way with these sweet and simple cupcakes. What you need: • Cooled cupcakes, baked from your favorite recipe • White icing • Green gum drops or spearmint leaves • Heart-shaped cookie cutter • Rolling pin Let’s Make It! • Frost a cooled cupcake with white icing • For the shamrock, flatten 3 green gumdrops or spearmint leaves with a rolling pin (sprinkle with a bit of sugar to keep the candies from sticking) • Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut a heart from each flattened leaf • Place the hearts together on the cupcake to form a shamrock • Cut a stem from the extra pieces of the flattened candies and place below the leaves.

Razala Chicken Stew by Kausar Iqbal Ingredients: 2 ½ pounds chicken, boneless, or one chicken cut into pieces 1 stick of butter 3-4 medium to large size onion, cut into thin rings 3 tsp of paprika powder 3 tsp of ginger paste 1 tsp salt or maybe 1 ½ tsp 3 tbsp of sour cream 1 or half of a green chili pepper 1/2 tsp of sugar

Directions: Put the chicken in a bowl and add spices (paprika, ginger paste, salt). Rub the spices into the chicken and then let it stand or marinate for a few minutes. (If it is a large chicken, you may want to let it marinate 15 minutes or more). Next, Add 3 tbsp of sour cream and mix with the chicken and spices. Again, let it marinate. Heat the butter separate in a cooking pan (be sure to add a few drops of oil to the butter so it melts, but doesn’t burn). Add the chicken and the onions. Stir fry the chicken and onion for a while. Once they release the water, put the pan on medium heat and let it cook in the liquid for 25 to 30 minutes, covering with a lid. Stir it occasionally add one or half of a green chili for the flavoring or aroma. After cooking for 15minutes add ½ tsp of sugar to it and decrease to slow flame or low heat. After it has cooked the full 30 minutes, increase the heat a bit to allow the excess water to evaporate. The Razala is ready to serve with boiled rice or pea rice. 18

Gardener’s Delight Quilt Block Pattern by Rochelle Martin This issue of Ruby for Women has the sixth block of Gardener's Delight which is the Stepping Stone Block. Stepping Stone Block Needed: 4 blocks

Materials: The yardage for the quilt is in the May/June 2010 issue of Ruby. Most grass fabrics have the grass pointing in the same direction across the width (from selvage to selvage) of the fabric. Your grass fabric will need to be cut in LOF (length of fabric) and WOF (width of fabric) strips and rectangles so that the grass in the block will all be pointing in the same direction.

10 ½" unfinished

The long strips below are used for the stepping stone blocks and the garden entrance block, so reserve the extra fabric from the strips for the entrance block which will be in April 2011's issue. To make the four stepping stone blocks you will need: Green Grass fabric: 2 - 5 ½" wide x LOF strips: subcut eight 5 ½" x 3" rectangles 2 - 3" wide x WOF strips: subcut eight 3" x 5 ½" rectangles Stone fabric: 4 - 5 ½" squares 16 - 3" squares Instructions: 1. Lay out for one stepping stone block four 3" stone squares, one 5 ½" stone square, two LOF 3" x 5 ½" grass rectangles and two WOF 3" x 5 ½" grass rectangles. 2. Sew into three vertical rows the squares and rectangles. Sew the rows together to make one 10 ½" stepping stone block. Press the block and repeat to make four blocks. 19

Ask Beth with Beth Brubaker Dear Beth, How do we as Christian wives keep strong and steady in dealing with our husbands? For instance, husbands who can't find the ketchup in the refrigerator when you've told them it's on the door in the second shelf. Husbands who use said ketchup then leave it on the counter, lid askew, and refrigerator door wide open. Husbands who bend over backwards to help a stranger, but when their wife says “Honey can you help me?” roll their eyes. Husbands who can chat for an hour plus on the phone with their moms, but when their wife starts a conversation they drift off to sleep? I love my hubby more than anyone on earth, but these and a few other (small) complaints make me a but resentful at times. How do Christian wives deal with hubby's habits or weird quirks (and manage to stay sweet)?

-Sheila K. Dear Sheila K., This is a great question! Many Christian women have the same issue. But how do we deal with it without getting frustrated, or sounding like a nag? First, put things in perspective. How important is that ketchup, anyway? Or those socks he leaves on the floor? Or the dishes he promised to clean, but forgot? Not as important as a good marriage. It takes less than two seconds to screw a ketchup lid back on and set it in the fridge or pick up socks. The question you must ask yourself is, “Is this really worth my time and energy to get angry or frustrated about it?” The answer will to that question will help you keep it in perspective. You need to choose your battles!

Being resentful is human nature because we like getting what we want, when we want it. Now, not tomorrow, not an hour from now, but now. And it turns to anger when we are thwarted. How can the situation be 'fixed'? The only answer I can give you is that you must fix yourself. How you react to things will in turn affect those around you, including your husband. It sounds as if communication might be part of the issue. Men are on a different wave length than women, therefore the ways to communicate with them need to be different. Men like to be the hero, the knight in shining armor, the king of the castle. It's their nature. Unfortunately for him, it's a woman's nature to want to talk about absolutely everything or else their heads will explode. And frankly, most men really don't need that much information. Women love to talk, while men can convey all they need within a few sentences. When you hear him talking to his mom, what is he talking about? Give a good listen if you can, and see what the subject is, it might give you a clue. What interests you might not interest him, so he will not pay any attention, and vice-versa. Find a subject you can both take an interest in, and make sure the conversation goes twoways. When you ask for a favor, my suggestion would be to ask a little differently. Instead of “Can you help me with this?” you might try “I don't think I can do this myself” or “I'm having some trouble putting this over there.” This way you're asking without implying that he should do it. Nine times out of ten he will volunteer to help, because he likes being the hero. 20

There could also be a timing issue. Is he involved in something when you want to speak with him? Do you find yourself interrupting him a lot? Try to make your requests when he's not focused on something else. There's nothing wrong with giving him a little peck on the cheek if you need to interrupt. Showing him you love him in small ways is always a good thing. Just don't use your affection to wheedle things out of him. When things are calm and quiet, have a heart-toheart with him where there are no distractions for either of you. Then ask him questions. And really listen to his answers. Don't be surprised if he doesn't open up right off, and don't get defensive if he says something you don't like. Respect his opinions and give his view on things a great deal of thought afterwards to see if there's any truth to what he said. Start out the conversation with “We seem to be getting frustrated with each other and I want to know what I've been doing that I might be able to change so we can have a better relationship.” Don't bring up things he needs to change; this is about how you can change towards him. Remember that the only person you can change is you. Then ask him things like: • • • •

Is anything I'm doing frustrating you? How would you like to see things between us change? Is there a better way to ask you for help? What can I do to help you relax?

Until I had my own heart-to-heart, I never knew I interrupted him on a constant basis. Once I was aware of it though, I toned it down a lot, and things got better in the relationship. He was more willing to listen (and help!) when I had to interrupt, and I found that most times I could hold off on something until he was finished what he was doing. I'd like to recommend two books that helped me see things about myself that I had never realized I was doing concerning my husband: •

The Surrendered Wife, by Laura Doyle. This was the first stepping stone I used to soften my own heart towards my husband. It's not Bible-based, but has some really great ways of combating negative heart attitudes.

•

Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God, by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald. This is a Bible-based book (Proverbs 31:10- just like ruby for Women!) on what a real, down-to-earth, Godly housewife should be like.

Neither of these books will make any woman the 'perfect' wife, but it sure does help us get better acquainted with our two main loves…God and our husbands! You can read more of Beth’s posts on her blog at: www.footprintsinthemudblog.blogspot.com

You might be amazed at the answers. I know, because I asked my husband the same things. And some of those answers made me mad, but I bit my tongue. Why? Because all he said was totally true, once I thought them over. Once my attitude changed about him, he started to change for the better, because I wasn't reacting the same way any longer. You might never get him to take care of the ketchup bottle, but you can change how you react to it. 21

Hope of Things to Come by Amanda Johnson In February many people watched eagerly as Punxsutawney Phil (the groundhog) crept out of his den and into the fresh air above. The question on everyone's mind, would he see his shadow or not? On that day, Phil did not see his shadow, indicating a quick arrival of spring. It was great news for Groundhog's Day, but after the following week of howling winds, heavy rain/ice, and literally tons of snow, it wasn't something much of the Nation was too sure of. What we do know for sure, however, is that whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s six weeks until spring or more weeks of winter, spring will eventually come. Some of us here in the south already experiencing the promise of spring. Just last week I could feel new warmth in the wind replacing last month's cold bite. Orange blossoms are beginning to spread a sweet fragrance through the air and yellow flowers are blooming along the roadways. It's a reminder of the promise of new life to be fulfilled. It is hope and assurance for those in the snow that slowly but surely the warmth and life of spring will return.

six are

There is another promise of hope and life that is before us; the promise of the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Like winter, our lives are dark, cold, and filled with the death of sin. We feel empty, sad, alone, and hopeless. No matter how hard we try to overcome, our sins engulf us. But there is hope and there is redemption and life in Christ. Romans 3:23 reminds us that we are all sinners and that we all fall short of the perfection and glory of God. Whether we admit it or not, we all experience the winter of sin in our life daily. What can we do about it? Accept the hope that is before us. Romans 6:23 tells us that the price for our sin is death, but God has given us His Son Jesus Christ to pay that price for us. John 3:16 describes how Jesus gave his life on the cross as payment for our sin. He who knew no sin became sin so that we might have life (2 Corinthians 5:21). For by His grace we are saved and given the gift of forgiveness and eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-10). Our life is made new when we confess our sins and our need for the Savior's redeeming blood to wash us clean. Spring comes forth within us and we experience a new transformation in Christ, but it doesn't end there. Jesus has promised us that He will not leave us in this world where we will continue to face temptations, trials and tribulations. He will one day return and take all of us who believe in Him home to live with Him in the forever beauty and peace of Heaven. We cannot see it, but we know it's there. We walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). We watch with faith for the return of our Lord and Savior and for that blessed day when we will be forever set free in Him (Matthew 24, John 14:1-4, Revelation 19). Do you have that glorious hope and assurance? Is there someone you who does not have this promise of new life? This morning, my had prepared (for the second week in a row) a message on the and growth of the church. But, for the second time He was woken up from a sound sleep by the Lord Jesus urging Him to remind the church that Christ will return and they must be ready.

know pastor future

Spring is an exciting time of year, and as we make this transition together in the coming weeks, remember that there will one day be a final transition into a forever spring with the Savior. But it is a hope that is only given to those who believe. Don't let you or a loved one be taken away by an eternity of sin and separation from the Father. Come to Him and feel the hope and peace of the Savior. Read more from Amanda on her blog at www.ajwrites4him.blogspot.com 22

From Here From here the gated future holds a hidden view, it makes no empty promises but a covenant of You. From here I see no vista, no panoramic scene, yet neither is there evidence of dark places I have been. From here, within the shadows of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grime covered grip, I wait for that tomorrow which is Your ownership.

~~ Keith Wallis

Wacky Wordies MixedUp Word Puzzle by Beth Brubaker Can you figure out what these silly, mixed-up words are? Answers on page 52.

Spring Cleaning Word Puzzle by Beth Brubaker Decode the message by finding each substitute letter or symbol. Answers on page 52.

Secrets About Love by Laura Day

Chapter 11

In the previous chapters of Secrets About Love, Jessica Amy finds herself in Cedarville, Michigan. She has recently moved into a house and is fixing her new home to her taste. She meets her new neighbor, Mark West, a helpful and very charming young man her own age. They strike up an unexpected friendship together as they both deal with issues in their separate lives. Mark and his girlfriend Fiona suddenly break up leaving the way clear for Jessica, but she still holds back for reasons of her own; because she carries a secret deep in her heart. When Mark has an attack of appendicitis, Jessica takes him to the emergency room and stays with him. As the two grow closer together Jessica’s feelings flourish for Mark. In the meantime Macie, Mark’s sister is having problems of her own. Her boyfriend Howard is hurt in a car accident and she admits to Jessica that she harbors a secret from Howard. She saw another man behind Howard’s back and now she has to admit it. Will love blossom between these young couples or is fate due to take a hand? Find out in the next chapter of Secrets About Love!

Mark sat on his couch staring at the happy couple across from him. He didn’t know all the details about his sister’s breakup and make-up with Howard, but he was glad Macie was happy again. The couple kept glancing at each other and smiling between conversation and Mark sighed inwardly. He felt a little like a third wheel. “Well, I certainly am happy for you guys.” Mark grinned trying to ease the conversation along. “You certainly surprised me.” “Jessica was shocked too…” Macie stopped speaking and glanced at her hands in her lap. “Well, guys I hate to break this up early, but I’ve got a long day ahead of me tomorrow.” Mark stood up and slipped his hands in his jean pockets casually. “It is getting a little late.” Howard quickly got up and stood waiting for Macie. She glanced at her brother and then smiled at Howard. She stood up and whispered in his ear to fetch her light jacket in the hall. She wanted a word with her brother. Mark could already see it coming. He cleared his throat, “Macie I know you two are still friends,

and I respect that, but that is where it ends.” Macie stood up, her blue eyes coolly meeting his. “You would never listen to her side from the very beginning. You wouldn’t hear the truth about her husband…” “Yes husband, Macie!” Mark shouted losing his temper. He swung his arm up and ran a hand through his short blonde hair. “She was unfaithful to her husband. Why would it have been any different with me?” “She is moving. She told me tonight.” Macie started to walk away, but turned when Mark spoke. “It’s for the best.” Mark watched his sister. Her glance was cold as she turned to leave. “That’s what she said.” She threw over her shoulder as she left. Mark heard the door shut and then silence. He dropped on the couch and put his head in his hands. Tonight was supposed to be about Howard and Macie and had ended being about him. Was he letting this situation ruin his life? Jessica was married. There was no way to get around that. 24

Even if she did divorce her husband, did he want to be the man who came between them? No. He would never feel right about that. Mark pushed the thoughts away and got ready for bed. He turned out the lights, brushed his teeth, and was just crawling into bed when he realized he forgot to put his trash out. He got up with a groan and pulled on a sweat shirt over his flannel pajama pants and headed out the door. He rolled the can to the end of his driveway and then turned to walk back. He couldn’t help glancing at Jessica’s house. The lights were still on and then he saw movement. She was standing by one of the windows looking out at him. There eyes met for a moment and then the curtain fell hiding her from view. Mark slowly walked back into the house and brushed off the few flakes of snow from his shoulders. He still cared for her, but he was going to have to push the feelings away. Even the strongest feeling of all, anger. ******************************************* Jessica followed her aunt in through the door, both hands full of heavy luggage. She glanced around the pastel shaded living room and dropped her suitcases with a groan. “You’re finally here. This is great. I love having house guests, but consider this your home for as long as you want it.” Aunt Charlotte smiled down at her eagerly. “I’m glad I’m here too, it’s just that the last few days were so exhausting. I had the packing to finish, I signed the paperwork for the house, and the flight.” “Let me make you some hot tea or something.” Charlotte slipped off her coat and hung it up. “I think I would really just like to lie down for a couple of hours. Then I can unpack my bags, except for Jake.” Jessica knelt down and let her cat out of the carrier. Jake huddled in the back for a moment before bolting out and hiding behind the couch.

“I thought cats were supposed to be so friendly.” Charlotte chuckled to herself. “He will be. His system is just a little shocked from the flight and his new home. Don’t worry in a matter of hours he’ll be ruling the house and scaring the feathers off of poor Pinky.” “I’d better make sure his cage is tightly shut. I don’t want my little canary to turn into a snack. You go lie down. Your bedroom is all prepared. It’s the blue room at the end of the hall.” Aunt Charlotte hurried away through a swinging door into the kitchen. Jessica followed the hall to the last door and entered a pleasant room. Cool shades of blue welcomed her to lie down on the bed and rest her head on her arm. A white vase stood on the dresser holding a bright bouquet of flowers. Jessica smiled and thought how thoughtful her aunt was. She sighed softly and closed her eyes. She soon felt a soft furry body burrow under the sheet next to her. She absently stroked Jake for a moment before drifting off to peaceful sleep. The first in many months for her. ******************************************* It was summer again. Mark had been working so much he’d barely noticed the seasons pass. He was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt out in his back yard firing up the grill. He had a craving for barbecue chicken suddenly. He heard giggles and glanced towards the fence. The new neighbors had settled in well, but it still felt odd to hear the shouts and laughter of two little children after silence for so long. Mark heard a car drive up and he left the grill to get hot while he investigated. It was Macie. She was dressed in a skirt and flowery shirt. She smelled nice and he gave her a hug. She held a small brown bag under her arm. “What are you doing here?” Mark motioned for her to follow him, and they walked back to the grill. “I just stopped by for a moment. Howard and I and his folks are going out to dinner to discuss 25

wedding plans. I’m thinking a Christmas wedding.” “Sounds festive,” Mark commented glancing at the bag. “What’s that?” “Here.” Macie stepped forward and placed the bag in his hand. It felt like a book. “Please promise me one thing.” She waited for Mark to nod before continuing. “Read this for me. If this doesn’t change your mind then the subject will be dropped forever between us.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about…” Mark started to pull off the brown bag, but Macie touched his arm, halting him. “I love you Mark. I want you to be happy.” She squeezed his arm and then hurried down the driveway. She waved after getting into her car and driving away. Mark watched her go and then ripped the bag off. A copy of a book sat in his hands. He turned it over and stopped when he read the authors name. He glanced at the title and read it out loud. “Secrets About Love.” He glanced up at where his sister had stood and frowned. Just when he was starting to live a normal life again, his sister tosses this in his face.

Okay, normal? Was normal not dating in months, turning down opportunities to go out with his friends? Well he was busy with work, but was he so busy because he was trying to hide from his true feelings? He tossed the book on the picnic table and got the chicken on the grill. He opened a beer and sat at the table staring at the book. If he didn’t read it Macie would heckle him to death. Better to be done with it quickly and move on. He took a long cold drink and then set his drink aside to focus. He opened the cover and stopped at the dedication page. It made his heart beat faster as he read the words. “To a friend I hurt deeply. Without you this book wouldn’t be possible.” Mark mumbled to himself. Now a little more intrigued, he started the first chapter. He read while he ate his chicken and potato salad. After cleaning up, he read in his favorite chair by the window. Then, when it got dark, he brushed his teeth and read in bed. He didn’t put down the book until he got to the very last page. ******************************************* Don’t miss Chapter 12 of Secrets About Love in the upcoming issue of Ruby for Women!

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Coming Out of the Dark by Mary Jo Laupp I was a pastor’s wife. I attended church faithfully and offered my gifts and talents to be used in the ministry whenever possible. And I was miserable. I grew up in Michigan, surrounded by people who approached life with what I describe as a “Midwestern” mindset. Move to any small town in the Midwest and you’ll see what I mean. Most Midwesterners do not take long to consider you one of their own and they go out of their way to make you feel welcome. So when hubby’s job took us out of the Midwest, I was not prepared for what I would face in the new church where he was on the pastoral staff. The people were friendly enough on Sunday mornings, but that’s where it ended. When I moved into the area, I was hoping for a chance to get to know these people outside the walls of the church. With very few exceptions, the relationships stayed at that “only-see-each-other-on-Sunday” level and that was just fine with them. I spent my first summer there not knowing where anything was and not feeling comfortable asking anyone. Please understand, these people were wonderful to my husband and truly enjoyed his ministry; but, the connection never happened for me. I cried out to God repeatedly, begging him for just one good friend. As I type this, I do have a face or two that comes to mind but those relationships grew slowly and, quite honestly, were birthed out of the fact that my husband was in charge of the youth and I had numerous opportunities to interact with his youth staff. My time in that church was one of the darkest times of my life. I struggled with feelings of rejection, and I am ashamed to say that it caused strife between my husband and me. During one of my tearful prayer times, I was reminded of a verse that would serve to refocus my attention: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God,” (Psalm 42:11). I was stricken by this verse because my hope was in the earthly friendships I sought. There is absolutely nothing wrong with desiring the opportunity to build relationships with others. God designed us to live in relationship! But my focus had moved from my Savior to those relationships I so longed for. Human beings will fail us, and if our hope is placed in our relationships with one another, then we are bound to be disappointed. But if my hope is in God, then I have no reason to be downcast or disturbed. The Creator of the Universe and Savior of mankind loves me and calls me his child. Nothing man can say or do should be allowed to steal that hope. Shortly after being reminded of that Biblical truth, I had a divine encounter that I hope stays fresh in my mind until I breathe my last. I had volunteered to work the merchandise table at a local church that was hosting a performance by Ballet Magnificat, a faith-based ballet company. They were presenting their dance interpretation of “The Hiding Place.” The best part of working the merchandise was the fact that I got to see the performance for free! True, I had to sit in the back of the sanctuary so I could duck out just before intermission. Nevertheless, I intended to enjoy myself.

Another young lady, who was also working the table, and I were sitting up on the back pew, our feet on the seat and our backs resting against the wall. A lone dancer began to gracefully move as the song “Orphans of God” began to play. As I heard the line, “Who here among us has not been broken? Who here among us is without grief or pain?” I began to weep. When the chorus began, “There are no strangers, there are no outcasts, there are no orphans of God,” I felt like this song had been chosen just for me! And in that moment I had an experience that can only be described as divine. I felt someone step up behind me and wrap His arms around me from behind. I knew I was still sitting against the wall. Nevertheless, I knew my Savior was there, giving me a tangible expression of His love and acceptance after years of feeling rejected by those around me. In that instant, I knew that, regardless of what the members of my church thought of me, I was loved. Deeply, sincerely, passionately, sacrificially loved. Then I remembered that verse, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” We are no longer living in that area, due to the fact that hubby is now the Senior Pastor of his own church. We are once again in the Midwest. I am tempted to say “deep in the Midwest,” and loving it! Our new church welcomed us with open arms from day one, and it felt like home almost immediately. I have been repeatedly grateful, both to God and our church family, for the precious gift of the blossoming friendships I have here. I know I would not appreciate them nearly as much as I do, had it not been for the lessons I learned in that dark time in my life. More importantly, I learned not to place my hope in human beings. They will fail me. They may not mean too. Their failure might be purely accidental or unintentional. But they will fail me. My hope is now placed exactly where it needs to be, in the hands of my Abba. He is the only one worthy of that type of devotion.

Dove Chocolate Discoveries Chocolatier Sharon Rowley, Sr. Manager Enjoy the sweet life with me - exclusive chocolate products, home tasting parties or a ground-floor opportunity with a brand name company! It can be Your Sweet Life,! :www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/chocolatelovers 28

Introducing Dove Chocolate Discoveries Chocolatier Sharon Rowley, Sr. Manager

I am a Dove Chocolate Discoveries Chocolatier, Senior Manager, and we are always looking for others to join our team. I hire and train anywhere in the continental US! "DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES™ is the first direct-selling company in the U.S. that allows Chocolatiers to earn money while sharing their passion for chocolate. In the 1880'S, when Frank Mars was a young boy, his mother taught him to hand-dip chocolate. With his wife, Ethel, Frank started a home candy-making business in Tacoma, Washington, that eventually grew into Mars, Inc., a world-wide industry leader in chocolate confections. Going back to its direct-selling heritage, Mars created DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES™. Since then, the Chocolatier sales force has taken off. There are now Chocolatiers in 48 states. With over 100 years of candy-making experience behind us, DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES™ is dedicated to creating the ultimate chocolate experience – in the comfort of your own home, providing an opportunity to share some sweet moments with family and friends. Plus, as a Chocolatier, you’re walking in the door with respect and recognition. What could be sweeter than that!” Mission: To assist consumers in selecting products that best suit their needs for entertaining, whether it's a party for 30 or a party for one . . .YOU! To empower potential Chocolatiers to see the potential in this home- based business as a sweet, fun, profitable adventure, and have them join my team. Products: DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES™ has a wide assortment of products. From Ready-ToEat to Candy-Making, there is something for all chocolate lovers. These tasty treats are the newest additions to our line, launched in February :•Drinks - Smoothies, sipping Chocolates and more •Ready To Eat - Various gourmet Chocolates •Simple Desserts - All kinds of mixes for cookies, cup cakes, baking and more •Candy Making - Chef-Series White Chocolate, Design Transfers, Tempering unit, dessert tools •Tools - Offset Spatula, Pastry Bag, and more Contact Information: . tnchocolatier@gmail.com www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/chocolatelovers

The Pinewood

Out in the dark, deep pinewood, sits a church among the bog. No one ever, understood, this lonely house of God. How it got there, no one knows, with its windows cracked, and broken? It is a place where no one goes, and its bells have never spoken. And the haunting, singing voices heard, of ghostly songs in prayer. Where the preaching, of the Word, falls, on empty air. Since I was, a little lad, I've climbed the Pinewood tree. I did not think, it was so bad, the Pinewood, God, and me.

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Like Flowers in the Spring

Through the winter bulbs are hiding in the shelter of the ground, waiting until spring for their beauty to be found. The tulips and the daffodils, with the hope they contain, are filled with a promise that their beauty will remain. Although they seem quite lifeless while their beauty cannot show, when spring returns they slowly start to rise, bloom and grow. We too can have the promise of springtime in each life, when we can grow and blossom after facing pain and strife. Although we often suffer, God will lovingly fulfill His promise to creation that He is faithful still. As we hold onto the hope that, like the flowers in spring, we will burst forth from our sorrows with a joyful song to sing.

~~ Connie Arnold (c) Connie Arnold www.conniearnold.webs.com

Gardening with Aunt Dots by Dorothy Kurchak Homer

A Northern Gardener in the South I’ve always lived in the northern part of the U.S. and now I’m in the southern part. This big change in my life came about last December when I married a long-time acquaintance, Willis. We had both lost our life’s companions, and when Willis suggested we could spend the winter in Florida, it seemed like a good idea to me, so we got married. We are both up in years, he is 82 and I’m 71, so we’re going to “live it up” as much as we can! So, here we are in a Christian camp. It’s fairly quiet here except for the traffic noise. The camp was established many years ago, and since then the town has grown, as well as the traffic. Overall it is quiet because no one is playing their boom box, no motorcycles or RVs, one or two little dogs that bark now and then and the hum of golf carts. Within a couple miles, there are two other Christian settlements which we have visited. Willis has many friends down here as he and his wife spent the winters here for almost 20 years. As I’m writing this article, there is a camp meeting going on here. For ten days there will be a morning Bible study and preaching three times a day. This is just the first day, and the speakers have been marvelous! I’m looking forward to the rest of the meeting. Besides those who live here at the camp, others come to hear the preaching and teaching. Before the camp meeting started, there was Bible study and Friday preaching. When we sing I feel like I’m a member of a huge choir, which we are! There are orange groves everywhere, and the smell as you drive through them is delicious! The residents at the camp are welcome to visit the groves and pick up the fallen fruit. They make delicious juice. We visited an orange grove where they sold orange ice cream and candy made with orange juice. Both of those were also delicious.

Being an avid gardener, I’ve been checking out the plants. I find the plants here to be so interesting because they’re so different. I thought Florida would be tropical, but it’s dry and sandy and the plants are more of a desert-type. I haven’t been able to identify either of these cacti. I have an agave at home that is about 5 inches in diameter. These two cacti are huge! I’d love to have them, but I’ll have to be satisfied with cacti as house plants if I live up north. Also note the palm tree with the ferns growing on the trunk. And the Spanish moss. It’s hanging from most trees. Some trees seem to thrive despite the moss, but others appear to be dead. A heavy moss infestation gives a tree a very eerie appearance. In the camp I’ve volunteered to clean up by raking up the leaves from the live oaks. It’s spring down here, I guess. People are planting annuals. I bought a couple begonias to place by our camper. Our friends, Jim and Suzanne, spend five months here and so have the opportunity to plant a garden. Jim is the vegetable gardener. He has corn, tomatoes, beans, carrots and lettuce. Suzanne prefers flowers and has planted some petunias and flowering kale in a hydroponic tower. Hydroponic gardening is growing plants in water with added nutrients. Animal life is also different here. There is a white-winged dove who frequently sings to us. He or she seems very friendly and walks along the electric wire like he’s trying to get a better look at those people living in the little metal houses (campers). Some people have seen sand hill cranes at the lake here too, but as often as I’ve gone to the lake, I only see their tracks in the sand. Willis and I will stay here until about the middle of March and then head home. We’ll visit some relatives on the way north. Back home in Michigan we’ll split our time between our two homes. We both own small farms which we just could not give up. So, now I’ll have two houses and two yards to care for, but I’ll have some help. It’s comforting to have a mate again, especially a mate who serves the Lord as I do. With so much Bible teaching and preaching I should grow in my faith. Like the speaker said, “Apply the Word to your life.” Lord, give me the will to do your will. Love in Christ,

Aunt Dots Discover how you can Send Out Cards to friends and family with Danie Bell http://www.SendTheCards.com 32

Cold Spring Showers ~ by Sheila Watson Kraklow The long winter tis' past and the time is now come, To git ready fer summer, hot weather 'n fun! Tis time for ma annual, frigid Spring Shower! Reckon its time, cuz I do smell quite sour! I aluz begins at the top, with ma' hair, 'n wrastle the hat what’s adhered itself there. Peel off that sucker 'n bury Ma’s brush, run it through fast! Stop screamin now, hush! Off come the undies that’s been itchin' ma' skin, I’m standin’ here necked, from ma' toes to ma' chin! I grabs tal' 'n soap, not fergettin' a thing, and lit out full gallop fer the freezing cold spring. Fer ma' icy spring shower I crouch under the bucket, I stole from the well. So what? Yeah, I tuck-it! Poked a hole in the bottom, so’s the water’d go through, An' it looks awful prudy, like morning fresh dew! Fearful I wuz to get into that shower, I thunk and I thought fer ‘bout half-a-hour! But neked I stand here like a wet Jay–bird, Squawkin’ and singin' like no one’s e’re heard! The soap’s burnin' ma' eyes, ma' ears 'n ma' belly, So I get it all over with, and step out all smelly. Grab fer ma' tal, drag it over ma' figure, Tussle ma' hair, shake in out with great vigor. Now fer the summer, I says I’m all set, For the next three months now, I’ll nery be wet. Not e’re to git near that cold shower at the spring, Don’t wan ta, til' I has ta, do that horrible thing!

National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs

Visit National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs and discover 90 Days to Marketing Success! The National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs was born out of a passion to connect women who are ready to create, collaborate, and contribute to changing the world. We gather people and ideas together through online content, tele-courses, individual / group coaching, and retreats. Our desire is to unite under a common goal of helping one another to succeed and thrive in business. We are blessed to share in a common faith in Jesus Christ, and yet know that we might each choose to worship in a different way.

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St. Patrick's Shamrock Cookies Ingredients: 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened Directions: Preheat oven to 325째F. In a medium bowl, beat butter or margarine and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla. Add flour and salt to the butter and blend well. Using a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface, roll out dough 1/4-inch thick. Cut out cookies using a 3 inch shamrock cookie cutter and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Re-roll scraps. Sprinkle green sugar crystals on each cookie. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until cookies are pale golden, not brown. Let stand 2 minutes. Remove to a rack and let cool completely. Makes 1-1/2 dozen cookies. 34

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wisdom on Health and Wellness by Bernadette Collins, the Living Well Nurse This month we will be discussing nutrition and how to develop a hormone-balancing food plan, which is especially important for women as they enter the perimenopausal stage of life. When you consider the average lifestyle of perimenopausal women, it is not hard to understand why insulin, estrogen and eicosanoids become imbalanced, setting the stage for increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and breast cancer. Here are my suggestions for keeping your blood sugar, eicosanoids and hormones in balance: 1. Eat at least three meals per day. Many women skip breakfast or lunch, or even both, "saving" their calories for dinner. The problem with this approach is that the metabolic rate naturally peaks at noon and slows after that. So the food you eat at night is far more likely to be stored as fat. When you eat breakfast, your metabolism gets jump-started for the day. If you skip it, your metabolism will slow down into conservation mode and this can lead to weight gain. 2. Eat protein at each meal. Eggs, fish, lean meat, dairy, or vegetarian alternatives to animal protein, such as soy protein powder, whole soybeans, tofu or tempeh, are all good choices. Beans contain protein, but also contain a considerable amount of carbohydrates. If you are a true carbohydrate addict and you are perimenopausal, beans may be too high in carbohydrates for you.

3. Cut down on refined and high-glycemic index carbohydrates. Not all carbohydrates are created equal. Whether certain foods with a high-glycemic index, such as baked potatoes or bananas, can be part of a healthy diet for you depends upon your unique metabolism. If you are a true carbohydrate addict, you need to find what foods are healthy for you. I find that eliminating refined carbohydrates, such as sugar, white rice, bread, alcohol, and foods made with white flour, such as muffins, bagels, pasta, pretzels and other snack foods, helps the body burn stored fat and keeps insulin and blood sugar levels normal. 4. Consume whole grains in moderation. Even if you have eliminated refined grains, if you are a carbohydrate-sensitive person you may still have problems with whole wheat, whole rye, whole oat, or millet flour. Research shows that the degenerative diseases that currently plague Americans didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t arrive on the scene until agriculture became widespread. In fact, the ancient Egyptians were fat and had dental disease associated with a grain-based diet. 5. Eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. You want to shoot for five servings per day. And remember, a serving is small, approximately four ounces, or a half-cup. Think color and you'll be on the right path, because the deep pigments in these foods contain powerful antioxidants. Go for broccoli, green leafy vegetables, berries, red, yellow and green peppers, and tomatoes, and vary your choices through the seasons. 35

6. Eat healthy fats each day. The low-fat diet fads of the past, which reached their peak in the 1980s and early 1990s, had women brainwashed into believing that fat was the enemy. In their attempt to eliminate saturated fat from their diets, many women eliminated all fat. I watched my patients complain of sallow skin, brittle hair and nails, susceptibility to infection, inability to concentrate, and weight gain despite their rigid diets. None of these women were getting enough healthy fat. Essential fatty acids, namely omega-3 and omega-6 fats, are needed to assist the body in many important functions, including those of the brain and nervous system. Good sources of EFAs include eggs, highquality flax seeds, soybeans, walnuts, and cold water fish harvested from the wild.

Again, the best way to obtain nutrients is in your food, but if your diet is lacking, highquality EFA supplements are widely available. 7. Protect your body with antioxidants. Antioxidants combat cellular damage from free radicals, which are known to be a cause of chronic conditions such as heart disease, cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer. 1Antioxidants are found in fresh fruits and vegetables, especially brightly colored ones. Food is the best source for antioxidants, but if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always get enough in your diet, high-quality supplements can provide significant protection. I have outlined more fully a perimenopausal supplement program in my book, The Wisdom of Menopause.* Reprinted with permission from Bernadette Collins, Living Well Nurse

the

Introducing Bernadette Collins, The Living Well Nurse Bernadette Collins, The Living Well Nurse, offers advice and encouragement to women seeking guidance on improving their health and wellbeing. She partners with a medical doctor to provide health prevention coaching and information. Bernadette has authored articles on nutrition, diabetes, menopause, heart health and exercise for the Ruby for Women community. We are looking forward to learning much from Bernadette in the coming weeks and months. You can find Bernadette in the Ruby for Women community at www.rubyforwomen.ning.com/group/healthandwellnesswithbernadettecollins or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/livingwellnurse 36

Shamrock Bling Brooch for Your St. Patrick’s Day Celebration! by mamas*little*treasures Whether you are Irish or not, this is a fun little craft project to do with the kids or grandkids, and it would make a perfect gift for a teacher, a friend, or to put a little bling on your spring jacket while you are waiting for spring to arrive! What You Need: • White cardstock • Green paint, various shades (we used a luminescent green for shimmer) • Small embellishments such as beads or gems • Glitter • Scissors • Craft glue • Clear acrylic sealer, spray • Safety pin • Printout of shamrock templates (see page 57) Let’s Make It! Step 1: Paint the front and back of one sheet of white cardstock. We used a variegated color scheme, including jade green, spring green, and ivory to give our shamrocks a bit of color / texture. Sprinkle glitter generously on the painted cardstock while the paint is still wet.

Step 2: While the paint is drying, print out the shamrock templates and cut them out. Then trace around the templates on the painted cardstock, and cut out the shamrock shapes.

Step 3: Carefully fold each shamrock leaf shape outward from the corners to the center (as shown in picture) and then fold each shamrock leaf shape inward from the center (as shown in picture), so that you have a three-dimensional shamrock leaf. Fold all three of the shamrock leaf shapes in this way and nestle them one inside the other, from the largest to the smallest one on top.

Step 4: Place a bead of craft glue in the center of the largest shamrock shape, and place the medium-size shamrock shape on top of it so that the medium-size shamrock shape is nestled snugly into the larger one, being careful that the leaves do not stick together, but only the centers. Repeat this process with the smaller-size shamrock shape on top of the medium-size shamrock shape, and press to hold in place while the glue sets. Step 5: When the glue in the center is set, you can also add a center embellishment such as a button, bead, or gem for even more bling! Step 6: When the glue is dry, turn your Shamrock Bling Brooch over and glue on a regular safety pin or use a pin back that can be purchased from a craft store. Step 7: When all of the glue has dried on both the back as well as the construction and embellishment on the front of the Shamrock Bling Brooch, spray it completely with clear acrylic sealer. Let it dry thoroughly and you have a sparkly, shimmery Shamrock Bling Brooch to wear or share! TIPS: •

•

When you cover an entire sheet of cardstock with acrylic craft paint, it takes on a leathery texture, which is perfect for making all kinds of fun projects. We’ve used this technique for making bookmarks, as well as journal covers, and we have even stitched two pieces together for a sturdier construction canvas on which to work. It works well if you are gluing on embellishments, or creating a design using decorative stitching. Once the paint is dry, you can bend and fold the painted cardstock and it will hold its shape quite well. This technique can also be used to make brooches for different seasons, such as flowers for spring and summer, hearts for Valentine’s day, and holiday designs for Christmas.

Abundant Comfort and Grace Inspirational Poetry by Connie Arnold www.conniearnold.blogspot.com 38

Physical Exercise Profits Nothing When Spiritual Workouts Are Left Out by Deborah McCarragher As I cautiously approach my fifty-fifth birthday (or as some affectionately refer to it as the “double-nickel”), I am amazed at how quickly the last twenty years have flown by! I am the mother of an adult, married son, who is now a father to a gorgeous little girl (our first grandchild), and I’m sharing our empty-nest with a newly retired husband. I was listening to a pastor’s message on the Christian radio station in my area, and heard a familiar verse that some have used in a humorous way. But as I listened to his sermon, I began to hear and understand it in a whole new light. I Timothy 4:8 “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” Another translation puts it this way: "... physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things ..." A brisk walk lowers blood pressure, your cholesterol, and reduces stress on the body. Engaging in some form of regular physical exercise will generally add years to your lifespan. Exercise helps to reduce harmful chemicals in our bodies, and provides a form of abreaction (letting off steam), builds up stamina, counteracts the biochemical effects of stress, and reduces the risk of psychological illness. As Christians, we house the Holy Spirit, and our temple needs to be strong and fit. Health and fitness are godly goals when they are balanced with common sense and right priority. In Biblical times, physical exercise was not touted as necessary because people living in that time period generally walked everywhere and performed manual labor on a daily basis. Verse 7 prefaces the previous passage with the following, “…and exercise yourself rather to godliness.” Spiritually speaking, when we exercise godliness through prayer, Bible study, and self-control, we keep our spiritual man healthy. But what good is it if we take care of the physical body, but neglect our spiritual man and coddle our sinful nature? The eternal value mentioned in verse 8 is the promise of the life that is to come. Paul makes it clear that whatever we are doing for the here and now is indeed profitable, even commendable, but that which is to come, is of more value and lasting. Taking care of the spirit man, which is incorruptible and lives forever, is far more important than maintaining a corruptible body that will slowly decay in this world. Exercise is not my god, nor do I place my fate in its hands. Jesus is my God! Sure, I still go to bodypump and cycle classes at the YMCA. I faithfully walk my two large dogs every morning for almost an hour. I make it a point to stay active, eat right, and get a good night’s sleep. But for me, keeping my spirit man healthy and fit is a higher, God-ordained priority. Let God speak to you about your “spiritual workout.” Deborah is the author of a Christian inspirational book for women titled “Mission Possible”. The book addresses living in a spiritually-uneven household. You can visit her website at http://www.Alabasterboxpublishing.com for more information about her book. 39

County Cork Irish Stew Recipe Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • •

8 small lamb chops, thawed Salt And pepper 1 Tablespoon vegetable or canola oil Parsley, bay leaves, peppercorns, thyme, rosemary 1 pound potatoes (3 to 4 medium) 2 cups finely shredded cabbage 1 medium onion, chopped 1 large white leek, thinly sliced 12 small white onions 1 1/2 cups celery stalks, diced 1 1/2 cups peas Chopped fresh parsley

Directions: Heat oil in stockpot large enough to hold all chops in a single layer. Season chops with salt and pepper. Brown chops on both sides. Spoon off any melted fat and add enough water to cover chops. Bring to a boil and add parsley, bay leaf, peppercorns, thyme and rosemary enclosed in cheesecloth. Lower heat and simmer. Meanwhile, quarter the potatoes. Add potatoes, cabbage, onion, well-rinsed leek, white onions and celery to chops and liquid. Simmer 20 minutes then add peas. If needed, add a little more water during cooking. Simmer 10 more minutes or until potatoes are tender. Season to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve. (Of course, the longer it simmers, the better it will be! You really should give it at least a couple of hours to really soak up all the flavors.)

Irish Tea Cookies Ingredients: • • • • • • •

1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter 2 beaten eggs 1/3 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon baking powder Flour

Directions: Mix first 6 ingredients together. Add and mix in enough flour to make dough stiff enough to handle. Roll thin. Sprinkle with sugar. Roll again. Cut out with biscuit cutter or any cookie cutter. Bake at 350°F until sides and bottoms are golden brown. ~~Submitted

by Amanda Johnson 40

Hearing God’s Voice, Obeying God’s Call: The True Story of St. Patrick Soft gray mist swirled silently around the cottage where Patrick waited for daybreak. Although it was springtime in the village Dalraida, the early mornings were always damp and chilly in the northern Irish countryside. Patrick lay shivering in the predawn darkness, far from the warmth of the embers still glowing in the fireplace at the center of the round house of Milchu.

Patrick shuddered as he remembered the rough words of Milchu’s soldiers as they pillaged and plundered the village of his youth. Their language was strange to him, it was not his native Latin tongue, but the unfamiliar Celtic words struck great fear into Patrick’s heart as the marauders shouted orders and roughly shoved his family out into the raging storm.

As Milchu’s servant, Patrick was allowed only to be in the cuile, the smaller room at the back of the turf home, where there was little warmth or light. In the early morning quiet, Patrick’s thoughts returned to his home and family back in Roman Britain.

Patrick had been only sixteen years old when he had been captured by Milchu’s soldiers. His family had been forced out of their modest but comfortable home at the point of the soldier’s spears. Their home had been burned, the animals slaughtered, and Patrick had been taken away for ransom. But the ransom had never materialized, after his family’s wealth had all been plundered by the pagan marauders.

He thought fondly of his parents, Calphurnius and Conchessa, and his life as the only son of a Roman noble family. His father was the decurio for their Roman village, and his mother was a near relative of the great patron of Gaul, St. Martin of Tours. He remembered days of his youth, as the privileged son of a high-ranking Roman official, for whom no expenses were spared for his comfort and pleasure. Patrick also recalled the days when he first realized the mercy and grace that God had so lovingly expressed to him through the gift of salvation in Jesus, his Savior. But in the midst of the pagan household of the Irish chieftain Milchu, Patrick often struggled with fear and loneliness. His thoughts returned to moments of joy in the loving care of his family, and then he recalled the terror of his captivity, when he was snatched from his childhood home in the dark night of an autumn thunderstorm.

Patrick thought of the long years of his captivity, nearly six years in all, during which time he tended the flocks of Milchu, the High Druid of Dalraida, in the valley of the Braid and on the slopes of Slemish Mountain. Patrick thought of all the days in which he pastured the flocks, and each day he would pray many times, up to one hundred prayers a day. He recalled how God had protected him , and his love and fear of God increased, as did his faith, so that many times he would stay out in the forests and up on the mountain, praying before daylight in the snow and icy coldness of winter. He thought of the chilly, rainy days of spring and even through the summer in the North of Ireland when he would seek God’s presence. And even in the midst of the misery of captivity, Patrick 41

sensed God’s presence, as he neither experienced any illness as he wandered the valley of the Braid, nor weariness in his spirit because God’s Spirit burned in his heart through the lonely days of his servitude.

Now Patrick realized that if he was ever to return to his home and family, he must find a way to escape the grasp of his master. In the damp, dark predawn mist, Patrick suddenly heard the rustling of the wind in the trees outside the cuile, and he felt the presence of his Heavenly Father in the humble dwelling. Patrick began to pray, whispering in the silence of the morning, asking God to reveal to him what he must do. As the mist of the morning began to lift, Patrick clearly heard God revealing to his heart that it was time to escape from his captivity, and God Himself would guide Him: "You do well to fast, my child: soon you will depart for your home country." And then, a very short time later, Patrick heard a voice prophesying: "Behold, your ship is ready." But how could he escape from Milchu, when his soldiers were ever-present, watching over the pastures and the mountainside? As the morning sun dispersed the dampness of the mist, Patrick arose from his straw mat in the cuile and went outside where the sheep were awaiting his arrival. Throughout that long day, keeping watch over the flocks in the valley of the Braid, Patrick prayed that God would give him wisdom for the next steps he must take on his journey home. He could see the soldiers of Milchu slumbering in the afternoon sunlight, just over a rise on the slope of the mountain. Suddenly he heard a shout from the direction of the soldiers’ outpost. He looked up to see

Two of Milchu’s soldiers grasp their spears and run wildly down the mountain side towards the round house of his master. Patrick quickly ran to the place where the soldiers had been resting and looked over the rise, in the direction of the round house. Fire! Great bursting flames of fire were shooting from the roof of the house and spreading rapidly to the back where Patrick’s few meager possessions were hidden in a hole in the floor of the cuile. All of Milchu’s family, including his servants and the soldiers, were frantically trying to put out the raging fire, and at that moment, Patrick remembered the night when fire had destroyed his own family’s home in Britain. Through the mist of memory, Patrick was suddenly struck by the realization that in the midst of the chaos of the fire, he would have an opportunity to flee from his captivity. Taking only his water pouch and the leftover bread and cheese from his midday meal, Patrick scrambled across the valley of the Braid, skirted around the village of Dalraida, and left Slemish Mountain far behind him. As the late afternoon sunlight slanted long shadows across the valley floor, Patrick ran as quickly as he could in the direction of the western Irish coast, where God had told him that a ship would be awaiting his arrival to take him home to his family in Britain. For many days and nights, Patrick journeyed on with the morning sun at his back, towards Killala Bay and on to Cathair na Mart, 200 miles from the village of his captivity. After a long and lonely journey, Patrick looked down on the seacoast and there he saw row upon row of sailing vessels called curraghs in the bay. He breathed a prayer of gratitude to God for bringing him to the ship which was anchored at the dock, ready to set sail for Britain. Patrick hurried to the captain and begged that he be allowed to board the ship. “If you please, sir, I am bound for my home after many years away and must find a way to travel over the sea,” pleaded Patrick. 42

Upon disembarking from the curragh on the wild and untamed coast of Britain, Patrick and several of the sailors determined to journey on together to their final destinations.

“Where’s your money, then, lad?” demanded the captain. “I’ve no money, sir, but I will work for my passage,” replied Patrick. “Be gone with you, then, if you’ve no money!” exclaimed the angry captain, turning abruptly from Patrick and limping away. Discouraged but not despondent, Patrick walked slowly from the bustling waterfront, wondering if he had misunderstood God’s message. Wandering slowly back to the hut where he had found a crude shelter from the frequent rains and mist of the northern Irish countryside, Patrick began to pray again, seeking guidance from his Heavenly Father. Convinced that God had spoken to him and had told him to return home to his family in Britain, Patrick trusted that there would be a way through the wilderness that was before him.

After twenty-eight days of meandering through uninhabited regions of England, wandering aimlessly among the wooded groves and verdant valleys, the rough band of sailors were on the verge of starvation. Fearful of their blame, Patrick constantly prayed that God would sustain them. Then, on the morning of the summer solstice, Patrick again heard the soft whisper of God’s Spirit in the predawn breeze. “Go to the edge of the wood where you will be sustained.” Silently, so as not to awaken his companions, Patrick arose and walked to the edge of the wood as God had guided him. As Patrick broke through the dense thicket, there before him was a tiny sod cottage with a cook fire glowing on the outside hearth. Squatting beside the fire was an ancient, grizzled woman who appeared to be as gray as the ashes in her hearth. “Good mornin’, God’s blessing upon you!” Patrick heralded her so as not to unnecessarily frighten the old woman.

Suddenly, even before he had finished his prayer, Patrick heard one of the sailors shouting after him: “Come quickly, because the men are calling for you!” Amazed at God’s provision, Patrick turned back towards the rows of curraghs and the rowdy sailing crews, and joined the sailors on the ship bound for Britain. Throughout the long days and weeks of the journey to his home, Patrick was constantly reminded of God’s blessings and provision. Even as the food stores on the ship began to dwindle, and as the sailors harshly reproached Patrick for his steadfast trust in God, he continued to pray and trust his Heavenly Father to bring him to his family home. In those moments of darkness and fear, Patrick sought God’s face and remembered the words he had learned as a young boy, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

“Aye, mornin’ to you, as well, lad,” she replied, barely looking up from the partridge she was roasting over the fire. “We’ve been traveling many miles, and have no provisions for our journey home,” he said, not moving closer for fear of alarming her. “Yes, well come closer to my hearth, lad, and you might share my morning feast,” she croaked. “God has led me here to you, this day,” he explained, “and I know that God will provide,” he began to say. 43

But she just smiled and nodded as she looked into his trusting eyes. “Here, see the traps that I’ve laid behind my cottage,” she pointed with a gnarled finger in the direction of the woods in the back of her rough hut. “And see over here, in the sunlight, the garden where the herbs grow.”

tradition in the territory called Morini, that Patrick was engaged in missionary work among the people.

Patrick knew that God had brought him to this place, and he felt in his heart that this was God’s gift, not only to him, but to the unbelieving sailors as well. Many days later, after Patrick parted company with the sailors, he again felt God’s presence as he walked along the dusty road towards his home village. “There is much work for you to do, my child,” God impressed upon his tender heart. This message of encouragement lightened Patrick’s step as he continued on his journey.

After twelve years in the monastery, Patrick himself became a bishop, and returned to Britain to fulfill his calling to preach salvation. Again God sent an angel to speak to Patrick in a dream in which he was addressed by Victoricus who delivered a letter to him entitled “The Voice of the Irish.”

When the sunlight dropped below the horizon, and Patrick wrapped his tattered cloak around his shoulders and huddled near a fallen log to rest, he dreamed of his home, his family, and the message he had received from God.

In his dream, Patrick took the letter with trembling hands, knowing that this was a message directly from God to Patrick’s heart and soul. "O holy youth, come back to Erin, and walk once more amongst us," were the words that were written, the voices of the children from Focluth, by the western sea of Ireland. In that moment, it was confirmed in Patrick’s heart that he must return to the land of his captivity.

In his dream he saw a glorious angel, sent from God, who tenderly touched his cheek and told him, “God will honor your sufferings and your obedience, Patrick. It is now time for the next pathway on your journey. Return home to your family for a time, and then you must invest the remainder of your life in telling the Irish people about salvation through Christ.” Upon waking, Patrick felt bewildered but intrigued by this message from God. He traveled on, finally reaching his family’s humble home on the fortieth day of his journey. With much gratitude and rejoicing, his family welcomed him home, and when he told them of God’s guidance in his life, they encouraged him to devote himself to training for the priesthood. Patrick journeyed on the path that God had set before him, and eventually he traveled to France where he joined the monastery of St. Martin’s of Tours, and later had the privilege of studying under the great teacher, St. Germain, the Bishop of Auxerre. During those years, it was the

Throughout the months of the springtime of the year 433, Patrick was preparing for the next step in the journey God had set before him. Another missionary priest, Palladius, had previously received a commission from Pope Celestine I to minister to the pagan Celts of Ireland, but he abandoned his mission after fierce opposition from the Wicklow chieftain had terrified him. And so it was that, shortly before his death, Pope Celestine I sent Patrick on his way to undertake the mission of gathering the Irish race into the one fold of Christ. Late in the summer of that same year, Patrick and his traveling companions landed at the mouth of the Vantry River, close by Wicklow Head. The Druids were immediately up in arms against him, but Patrick was not disheartened. 44

The intrepid missionary resolved to search for a more friendly territory in which to begin his sacred mission. His first objective, however, would be to go directly to the village of Dalraida, where he had been held captive by Milchu, to pay the price of ransom to his former master. Patrick was led by God to share with Milchu the message of God’s gift of salvation in Christ, in exchange for the years of slavery and cruelty that he had endured at Milchu’s hands. Along the way to Dalraida, Patrick traveled northwards where he halted at the mouth of the River Boyne where crowds of Irish peasants gathered around him and listened in amazement and wonder as he shared with them in their native tongue the story of the Savior and His love and forgiveness for each one.

Patrick continued on his journey over land towards Slemish Mountain, with the blessing of God’s presence each step of the way. As Patrick came over a rise on the slopes of Slemish, He was struck with horror when he saw in the distance the cottage of his old master, Milchu, enveloped in flames. Having heard of Patrick’s imminent arrival, Milchu was terrified that Patrick intended revenge upon him. Milchu gathered all of his family treasures into his cottage, and after setting it aflame, he threw himself into the fire. The village peasants whispered amongst themselves that Milchu’s pride could not endure the thought of being vanquished by his former slave. Though saddened by the death of Milchu, Patrick continued his mission to win the hearts of the Irish people for Christ and God honored his work

by bringing many of the people to salvation. The work was difficult and Patrick was arrested many times by the Celtic Druids, especially outraged by the conversion among some of the royal families. During one of his trials, Patrick again heard the voice of God’s Spirit in his soul. “Tell them of My great love for them, and tell them of the truth of the Trinity so they will understand My power above their pagan rituals.” As Patrick looked around him at the emerald green Irish countryside, he suddenly realized that God had given him a way to explain this truth to the people. The assembled chieftains surrounded him as he bent down and plucked a shamrock from the pasture, and listened in wonder as he explained to them the great doctrine of the Blessed Trinity. The triple leaf and single stem, in a simple yet profound image that they could understand, expressed the truth of God’s presence among them. Patrick traveled for more than twenty years throughout Ireland, preaching and teaching the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Patrick is much-loved throughout Ireland for his work in establishing schools and churches, and sharing the Good News of God’s grace and love with the Irish people. Many of the pagan Druids of the Irish countryside eventually banished their serpent symbolism to embrace the Cross of Christ through the teaching and preaching of Patrick. After many years of missionary work among the people of the land of his captivity, Patrick died on March 17, AD 461, but his legacy lives on in the legend of the shamrock and the faith of the Irish people. www.irelandnow.com www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day www.saint-patrick.com www.theholidayspot.com/patrick

Irish Lace Cookies ~submitted by Vintage Mama Ingredients: • • • • • •

1/2 cup unsalted butter 4 tablespoons flour 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons milk 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 2 baking sheets. Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla; stir in flour, milk, and rolled oats. Drop batter by the tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets; allow room for cookies to spread to about 3 inches in diameter. Each baking sheet will hold about 6 cookies. Bake until cookies flatten and look dry (10 minutes). Let cookies cool for 4 to 5 minutes on baking sheets. Lift from baking sheet with a metal spatula and cool completely before serving. Makes 2 dozen cookies. Hint: If making this Irish cookie recipe ahead of time, store airtight after baking. Re-crisp by warming on a baking sheet in a 350° oven 5 minutes. Cool completely before serving.

A Real Change International with Sandi Krakowski Sandi Krakowski, renowned social media coach and founder of A Real Change International, has spent years developing programs that turn small businesses into multi-million dollar companies. Her personal success in the business world has made her coaching sessions, eBooks and online marketing classes extremely popular. “I've spent years developing quick and effective methods for generating income using blogs and social marketing. We reap the biggest rewards in life when we give back -- that's why I'm so passionate about empowering other business owners to do the same.” If you are looking to make A Real Change in YOUR life, visit Sandi at her website, A Real Change International at www.arealchange.com/blog/

g|Çç gÜxtáâÜxá VÉÄÄtzx jtÄÄ [tÇz|Çz uç ÅtÅtá=Ä|ààÄx=àÜxtáâÜxá What to do with those rambunctious kids on these late winter days when we are all longing for the arrival of spring? This “Tiny Treasures Collage” wall hanging is super simple, fun, and easy for kids of all ages. An extra little gift with this project, is that it can be made in any theme or color scheme you like, and it becomes a perfect frugal home décor project for mom! But the best part of all is that you can make up this “Tiny Treasures Collage” wall hanging by using up bits and pieces, odds and ends, and scraps and snippets of whatever you have on hand in your craft or sewing stash. I can’t think of a better way to chase away those winter blues! So pull out all your little scraps of cardboard or cardstock, a few paints, markers, stickers, and glue and you are ready to make your own “Tiny Treasures Collage” wall hanging. What You Need: • • • • • •

• •

Acrylic paint in various shades to complete your color / theme Scraps of cardstock or cardboard, white and colored Scraps of ribbon, lace, rick rack, or fabric Leftover buttons, beads, and various other embellishments Stickers and any other scrapbook or journal embellishments One art board, any size you want your finished wall hanging (we used a canvas art board, purchased at Hobby Lobby @ two boards for $5.99, but we’ve also used plain cardboard, cut from a discarded box) Scissors Craft glue

Let’s Get Started! Step 1: Once you have decided on the color scheme or theme for your wall hanging, you will want to paint your art board background a complimentary color. For our first collage we painted the background a light, spring green, and all of our embellishments were in pastel colors. For our second design, we painted the background a soft ivory to highlight the vintage images we would be using.

Step 2: To prepare your collage squares, you will need to cut various colors of cardstock in 2” squares. For our spring-theme collage we used cardstock in pastel colors, and for our second collage we painted white cardstock in shades of ivory, gold, and black for our vintage theme. For the vintage-theme collage, our squares were cut 2 ½” each. Use your imagination and create this to reflect your personality!

* Paint white cardstock with acrylic / craft paint to match your color / theme.

* Cut painted cardstock (or colored cardstock) in 2” or 2 ½” squares.

Step 3: Once the paint is dry, you can begin to embellish your collage squares. This is the fun part! If you are working with kids, they might want to add ribbons, stickers, buttons and beads, and then draw or write on their individual squares. For our spring collage, we used embellished stickers to spell out the word SPRING, placing one letter on one square. For our vintage collage, all of the squares are embellished with vintage buttons, lace, letters, papers, music, and lonely puzzle pieces. Step 4: For each collage square, gather a few embellishments and lay them out until you are pleased with the design. Continue embellishing as many squares as you would like You might want to make more than you will actually need, that way you can choose your favorites when you are ready to put them all together to create the collage! Try different combinations of colors, textures, ribbons and laces, buttons and beads, stickers and embellishments.

Step 5: Gather up all of your collage squares, grab your glue and get ready to create your “Tiny Treasures Collage” wall hanging! Begin placing your collage squares on your art board background, and move them around until you have a design that you like.

Step 6: Once you’ve figured out how you want the collage squares placed on the art board background, you can begin to glue them in place. To keep them straight and lined up, be sure to measure from the edge of the art board to the edge of each collage square. It helps to do one row at a time, measuring as you go to make sure all squares are an equal distance from the edges and from one another. Step 7: When all of the collage squares have been glued in place, hang or prop your wall hanging up to dry overnight. Step 8: After the collage squares are completely dry and secure, you can add some lace or ribbon embellishment around the edges, or you can leave it plain. If you have used cardboard as your background, you can now frame your “Tiny Treasures Collage” wall hanging. For our spring theme collage, we added a row of pink rick-rack to one edge, and for our vintage theme collage we used some repurposed vintage lace that had been rescued from a tattered (but still beautiful!) vintage slip. Use your imagination and make your own “Tiny Treasures Collage” wall hanging with the kids, for grandma, or to brighten up any corner of your world!

For more information or questions, please contact mamas*little*treasures at AngelBabiesBoutique@msn.com

Life Without

With water gone at moon’s behest, resembled normality is preserved by choking silt; reflection’s sparkled glint replaced by shadow’s dull echo. Motionless, dinghies strangely afloat yet still and silent expose their tender bellies. Bows that breast and crest the lap and slap crash and thunder of unkempt seas become statues to history and portents of potentiality gripped by silt and sediment. With water gone sembled truths remain but stranded only tell a history; yesterday’s manna ready for stagnation’s grey-green fingers. We wait for tide’s return in revival’s zeal, refreshment, the water of life; the hallowed blessing of its lifting arms.

Safety

A moment ago traffic’s roaring battlefield held him. Death row captive nowhere to hide no way to survive. He turned his back to oblivion awaiting the inevitable stamp of death. A moment ago the future was a closed book the past - another lifetime about to be forgotten just an imprint on the highway. Then unsolicited hands reached down with Samaritan soul with Shepherd heart with compassion. His eyes recognising another death row captive, on another highway of destruction, and the unsolicited hand of grace that surrounded me.

~~ Keith Wallis

~~ Keith Wallis 50

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Visit Alabaster Box Publishing, Inc. where you will find â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mission Possibleâ&#x20AC;? by Deborah McCarragher

Spring Cleaning Word Puzzle Answer Key by Beth Brubaker

Wacky Wordies MixedMixed-Up Word Puzzle Answer Key by Beth Brubaker

Meet the Ruby for Women Writers Aunt Dots, Master Gardener Aunt Dots has been writing for Ruby for Women since the very beginning. Her love for gardening started early in her life: “I believe I got my love for growing flowers from my mother. She had a large flower garden with annuals and dahlias. I had my first flower garden after I married and we lived in a garden apartment. I planted seeds in a small 4 X 6 plot in front. Then we moved to a house trailer next to my mother where I had annuals.” She now has perennial gardens, rose gardens, grape vines, asparagus, currants, gooseberries, walnut trees, apple trees, and hazelnut trees. In the winter months, Aunt Dots sews, making quilts that she has donated to a Mennonite Relief auction. She has also made hand-made paper and greeting cards with pressed flowers. In her “spare” time, Aunt Dots volunteers two afternoons a week at a nursing home, as well as serving on the mission board at her church and teaching an adult Sunday school class.

Scott Henderson, Vintage Image Crafts Scott is the creator of Vintage Image Crafts, a website where vintage images are the inspiration behind all of the crafts and scrapbooking projects. From the romantic to the whimsical, Victorian and turn-of-the-century illustrations can give your creativity a distinctive touch. These classic illustrations and photographs are rich in color, artistic technique and symbolism. This bygone art captures the essence of life's highlights holidays, celebrations and sentiments – vividly. You can find Scott at www.vintageimagecrafts.com

Beth Brubaker, Footprints in the Mud and Ask Beth Beth is the “Family Fun” editor here in the Ruby for Women community. She is a mother of two very active kids whose antics are sprinkled liberally in her columns. She has been married for 13 years to her Knight in Shining Armor, and she is delighted to share with us that they still hold hands in public! Her day job is working as a fabric artist, a homemaker, and a writer. Beth says, ”I enjoy making people laugh at life’s ironies. I also love animals, being creative, and cooking . . . but I hate cleaning up my own messes!” Beth will be writing humorous articles about life in general, puzzles, and an advice column that is based on readers’ questions, as well as sharing hints and tips for everyday life that she comes across in her travels between her laundry room, living room, and kitchen. Don’t miss Beth’s columns in every issue of Ruby for Women! You can read more of Beth’s posts on her blog, “Footprints in the Mud” at www.footprintsinthemudblog.blogspot.com or email her at bethatruby@aol.com

Rochelle Martin, Gardener’s Delight Quilt Block Project Rochelle is the owner of her quilt pattern company, Cottage Quilt Designs, which she started in December of 2004. Her quilt designs are featured in quilting magazines, books by House of White Birches, fabric companies, and various fabric shops and online shops. Rochelle contributes a quilt block pattern in every issue of Ruby for Women ezine that can be used to create a complete quilt design, Gardener’s Delight. You can find more of Rochelle’s designs at the following sites: www.cottagequiltdesigns.com www.cottagequiltdesigns.info/blog 53

Laura Day, “Secrets About About Love” “My name is Laura Day. I have been writing since I was a child, but only recently was published in Cotton Spice Magazine. I’m married and have two cats, Zoey and Missy who are often inspirations for my stories. My hobbies are reading, writing, eating chocolate, and gardening.” Laura writes a serial story with a new chapter published in every issue of Ruby for Women entitled “Secrets About Love.”

Lynn Mosher, Devotions Since the year 2000, Lynn Mosher has lived with fibromyalgia and other physical conditions. During this time, the Lord placed the desire in her heart to write for Him. Now, armed with God’s purpose for her life and a new passion, she reaches out to others to encourage and comfort them through her writing, giving God all the glory. She lives with her husband in their empty nest in Kentucky. On occasion, their three offspring, who have flown the coop, come to visit, accompanied by a son-in-law and three granddaughters. Visit Lynn at her blog, Heading Home, at www.lynnmosher.blogspot.com

Carolyn Arnold, Kids’ Craft Editor Carolyn Arnold is a stay-at-home mom. She has been married for fifteen years to Craig and they have five children. Carolyn has written many poems and has recently expanded her writing to novels. She graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Elementary Education and holds a current teaching license. Carolyn enjoys doing memory crafts with her children, teaching aerobics at the YMCA, tending her family's ducks and chickens, swimming, and reading.

Mary Jo Laupp, Guest Writer Simple Musings of a Pastor's Wife was born from my desire for people to see that I am a real person with struggles, doubts, fears, and weaknesses. Growing up a pastor's kid and now married to a man in full-time vocational ministry, I've watched people try to place hubby and me on a pedestal, as though we are somehow more than human. My desire to share my spiritual journey with others - and my hope that they see that I'm probably walking right beside them! - birthed my blog! www.mamamoj.blogspot.com

Bernadette Collins, The Living Well Nurse Bernadette Collins, The Living Well Nurse, offers advice and encouragement to women seeking guidance on improving their health and wellbeing. She partners with a medical doctor to provide health prevention coaching and information. Bernadette has authored articles on nutrition, diabetes, menopause, heart health and exercise for the Ruby for Women community. We are looking forward to learning much from Bernadette in the coming weeks and months.

Katherine Corrigan, Recipes and Crafts Hello, my name is Katherine. I am an open minded and spiritual person who strives to always maintain a positive attitude and greet each new day with grace, dignity and gratitude. I'm honored to meet you and to call you friend! I am originally from England and now living in the US. I have had the privilege of living in, and visiting, several different countries throughout my lifetime. I hold a rare dual citizenship with the UK and the USA, and I am a proud citizen of both. I work very hard to create designs for my shops and to provide an entertaining and informative website and blog. I hope you’ll stop by. Hugs, Katherine www.madeitforyou.com www.giftsbykatherine.com www.goaskkatie.com

Lee E. Shilo, Short Stories and Poems Lee Shilo has been writing for Ruby for Women since the summer of 2010, and continues to share his poetry and short stories with out readers. We welcome Lee to the Ruby for Women family of writers and contributors. You can find Lee at the Net Surf Café at www.thenetsurfcafe.ning.com

Jennifer Cirka, Crochet Patterns and Recipes Jennifer Cirka, the designer behind Jaybird Designs, is never without a hook and some yarn in her hands! This Crochet Guild of America recognized Professional Crochet Designer has a book of her girls’ sweater designs with Leisure Arts and has been featured in major crochet magazines such as Crochet Today, Interweave Crochet, and Crochet World, with more publications coming out each year! www.jaybirddesigns.com www.jaybirddesigns.blogspot.com www.etsy.com/shop/JaybirdDesigns

Connie Arnold, Poetry Married with 2 children, 3 grandsons, author of Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace, Abiding Hope and Love, and Abundant Comfort and Grace, recently published by RPJ & Company. Visit my website to read more poetry. My first children's book, Animal Sound Mix-up, is now available from Guardian Angel Publishing. www.conniearnold.blogspot.com

Sheila Watson, Kraklow, Guest Writer, DoveQuill Publishers Sheila is the author of several books, including “Nana’s Great BIG Storybook,” and “A Mission for Leedle Burro,” as well as a cookbook filled with her “sassy recipe” articles. Sheila is also the owner of DoveQuill Publishing Company. www.dove-quill-publishing.com

Callie Feyen, Guest Writer Callie Feyen is a freelance writer in Washington DC. Her work has been in Christian Home and School, The Banner, Christian Teacher, and the online magazine The Mommy Times. You can find her on her two blogs at www.sit-a-while.blogspot.com www.notesfromnaptime.blogspot.com

Deborah McCarragher, Devotional Contributor Deborah is the author of a Christian inspirational book for women titled “Mission Possible”. The book addresses living in a spiritually-uneven household. You can visit her website at www.AlabasterBoxPublishing.com for more information about her book.

Keith Wallis, Poetry Keith Wallis is an English poet with decades of experience from the era of the “small press” to the era of “the web.” He’s been on this planet since 1949 when, by a strange manipulation of the universe, he arrived early and half-cooked. He is a husband, a father, and grandfather. His first chapbook of poems, “Wordsculptures,” owes its title to him being called a “Wordsculptor” by a colleague thirty years ago, and the name just stuck. His occupation is in engineering design, but he sees poetry as a “gifting” and works hard to keep it in shape. Relaxation comes via dabbling in artwork and photo manipulation. He is currently a moderator at ChristianWriters.com. His particular interest is the use of the language of poetry within a worship environment – church (where he is on the leadership team) is getting used to being “experimented” on when he leads services! www.wordsculptures.com www.christianwriters.com www.wordbrief.blogspotcom

Amanda Johnson, Assistant Editor Amanda has been writing for Ruby for Women for the past six months, and she has been a free-lance writer for several years, beginning her writing career as a young teenager. She also works for Love Unveiled, a ministry to women in undeveloped countries around the world. Amanda brings experience as well as a passion for ministry to the work of Ruby for Women, and she has a heart for reaching out and touching the hearts and lives of women everywhere. Amanda will be working with all of our writers on their submissions, as well as assisting in keeping the Ruby for Women blog and website upto-date with new information daily.

Nina Newton, Sr. Editor When all of my four older children were in school, I returned to college as a “non-traditional student.” Eventually, I earned degrees in Classics and Philosophy, and a graduate degree in Medieval Studies: History of Theology. After teaching at a small community college in Michigan for seven years, my husband and I were blessed with the adoption of our two beautiful daughters, Gracie and Annie. Gracie is 10 years old and Annie is 8. They were both born in China, and we were able to travel to China two times to bring our daughters home. We live in northern Indiana in a small farming community where I work from my home office. For the past six years I have been designing and creating children’s clothing and various crafts. I began writing ebook patterns for my designs in 2007, and have several patterns available for sale on You Can Make This at www.youcanmakethis.com. I have also been a free-lance writer for many years, writing for two local newspapers when we lived in Michigan. My personal blog is at www.mamaslittletreasures.typepad.com where I frequently post tutorials and patterns for crafts and other sewing projects, as well as weekly reflections on life as a woman, wife, mother, and daughter of the King. 56

Shamrock Bling Brooch Templates Cut one of each size shamrock shape from craft paper or cardstock mamas*little*treasures

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 at www.rubyforwomen.com/advertise 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 Web Design and Creative Consultant, Katherine Corrigan of Made It For You www.madeitforyou.com Special thanks to Maritza Bonilla for sponsoring the Scentsy Fundraiser. Please visit our community website at www.rubyforwomen.ning.com to see how you can help support the ministry of Ruby for Women. Special thanks to Scott and Martin of Vintage Image Craft for sharing their amazing craft ideas with the Ruby for Women community! The new Ruby for Women banner was created by Katherine Corrigan of Made It For You at www.madeforyou.com