Ruby for Women, March, 2013

Ruby for Women A voice for every Christian woman March, 2013

“ . . . .her worth is far above rubies.�

Proverbs 31:10

Ruby for Women March, 2013 www.rubyforwomen.ning.com

March . . . . will it come like a lion and go out like a lamb? Although it is still feeling much like winter for most of us, we know that spring is just around the corner. We hope that you enjoy this issue of the Ruby for Women magazine! We have collected a wonderful selection of recipes, crafts, articles, stories, and poetry to inspire you as you wait for the blessing of springtime. We also would like to invite you to visit us in our community of Christian women for fun, friendship, conversation, encouragement, inspiration, and prayer support. Won’t you join us soon? www.rubyforwomen.ning.com

In This Issue . . .

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Title

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Waiting for Grace Nina Newton, Sr. Editor

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Will Joy Come in the Morning?

Amanda Johnson, Asst. Editor

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Warshing Clothes Recipe Gloria I.

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St. Patrick’s Day Blessings Lynn Mosher

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It’s All the Same to Me Word Puzzle Beth Brubaker

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Computer Swallowed Grandma Gloria I.

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Green, Green, Green Gloria Doty

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Great is His Faithfulness: A Love Story Bel Thomson

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Crafting Projects from Around the Blogosphere

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Five Things that Teaching Taught the Teacher Sharon L. Patterson

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For a Woman Like Me Lanette Kissel

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My Beloved Son Lanette Kissel

Senior Editor: Nina Newton Assistant Editor: Amanda Johnson Advertising Administrator: Angela Morris Creative Assistant: Katherine Corrigan Family Fun Editor: Beth Brubaker Gardening: Dorothy Kurchak Devotions: Lynn Mosher, Deborah McCarragher Poetry: Keith Wallis, Lee E. Shilo Quilting: Laura Brandt Feature Writers: Connie Arnold, Bel Thomson, Sheila Watson, Theresa Ceniccola, Carin LeRoy, Sally Bruce, Angela Morris, Sharon L. Patterson, Elizabeth Baker, Maxine Young, Gloria Doty, Amy Lignor, Gloria I., Christena Hammes, Deb Luxton, Debbie Anne Buchner, Amanda Stephan, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Lazurek, Lisa Simpkins, Kristin Bridgman, Sally Ann Bruce, Debra Ann Elliott, Corallie Buchanan, Maria Greene, Heather King, Richetta Blackmon

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Ruby for Women is an online Christian women’s magazine that offers words of hope, inspiration, and encouragement to women everywhere. Knowing that every woman has a story to tell, we seek to give a “voice to every Christian woman,” from all walks of life, of every age, from all around the world.

For advertising inquiries, please contact Nina Newton at editor@rubyforwomen.com If you would like to share your story with Ruby for Women, please email our Assistant Editor, Amanda Johnson, at ajohnson@rubyforwomen.com Also, please visit our community website at www.rubyforwomen.ning.com where you can connect with other Christian women.

Ruby for Women 2731 W 700 N Columbia City, IN 46725 editor@rubyforwomen.com 1

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Title

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Title

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Ready for Spring Dorothy Kurchak

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A Big IF Keith Wallis

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Morning Prayer Marilyn Porter

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Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart Jean Ann Williams

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Surprise!

Heather King

61

Oh, Yes I Will . . . Oh, No, I Won’t!

Sharon L. Patterson

63

The Happy Housewife Chapter Seven: The Lurking Monsters Elizabeth Baker

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Page 25 Spring Recipes for Your Easter Brunch Vintage Mama Healthy Boundaries: How are Those 2013 Goals Coming Along?

Debbie Luxton

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Did Jesus Get Splinters?

Heather King

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A Dark Place Cries for Light Keith Wallis

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The Twelve Oils of the Ancient Scriptures: Frankincense Maria Greene

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Spring Cleaning Gloria Doty Footprints in the Mud: How the Angels Probably See Us Beth Brubaker

Beating Depression Corallie Buchanan

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Spring Carrot Cake Vintage Mama

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Vintage Mama

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Grace and the Hallelujah Chorus Sharon L. Patterson Ask Beth Beth Brubaker Beauty Exposed Keith Wallis

The Happy Housewife Paper Doll Vintage Mama

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Soar with the Eagles, or Roost with the Chickens – Who Influences You? Shannon Panzo, submitted by Lisa Simpkins

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The Morning Star Crystal Mary Lindsey

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A Prayer for Guidance Marilyn Porter

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Get Crafty for Spring Vintage Mama

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Love is so Fine Sharmelle

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The Miracle of Love and Happiness Sharmelle

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Praise: Shout with Joy! Christena Hammes

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The Answer I Could Not Give Sharon L. Patterson

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Number Block Puzzle Beth Brubaker Button, Button, Look Who Found the Buttons! More Spring Crafts Vintage Mama

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You Choose Your Actions, Not the Consequences Donna McBroom-Theriot

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Number Block Puzzle Answer Key Beth Brubaker

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The Gift of Forgiveness

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It’s All the Same to Me! Word Puzzle Answer Key Beth Brubaker

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Ruby for Women Community

97

Meet the Ruby Writers

105

Credits and Copyrights

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Ruby for Women We want to hear your story, because God has given a voice to every Christian woman.

Let us welcome you into our community of Christian women! * Daily inspirational posts * Featured bloggers * FREE monthly online magazine * Community groups and forums * Crafts, recipes, poetry, and stories

Join us today at www.rubyforwomen.ning.com

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Waiting for Grace

by Nina Newton, Sr. Editor

It seems that, somehow, I have always been . . . waiting for grace. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were completely misunderstood? Or have you ever experienced the pain of gossip – stories being told about you that were really great stories, but the problem was that those stories just were not true?

There are times in everyone’s life when things are just “not fair.” That is part of living in a fallen and broken world. But when there is injustice, and you so desperately want to make it “right,” what can you do when you have no opportunity to “fix” it?

On those days when you are “waiting for grace,” longing for just a shred of gentleness, forgiveness, and patience with your imperfections, think about the Psalmist who wrote: “I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. . . . . Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? “ Have you ever experienced that depth of pain and brokenness? Well, if you haven’t, you will if you just live long enough. But do not despair. When you are “waiting for grace,” remember what the Psalmist discovered in his own heart: “Then I thought, ‘To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.”

Psalm 77:1-2, 7-12 Remember all the times when He carried you through even the darkest nights.

It is difficult when you know in your head that God’s grace is all sufficient and it is eternal, but you are experiencing rejection and misunderstanding from those people in your life who choose to turn away from you when you are broken.

And so sometimes we simply have to wait. Wait for grace. We never have to wait for the grace of God that forgives our sins, loves us unconditionally, and accepts us as we are: broken and battered, but not destroyed.

But we sometimes have to wait for those we love to be willing to forgive us for our failures and extend grace for healing and restoration. We will do well to remember how it feels to wait if we ever find ourselves in a situation where we don’t understand, and when we can’t comprehend what has happened in the life of another.

In the midst of some of the darkest days in my life, we were blessed with the opportunity to travel to China to adopt our older daughter. It was a typical international adoption, with a very long wait of 22 months from the day we submitted our adoption application until we were on our way to the airport.

I remember waiting, and longing, and hoping for the future joy that this beautiful child would bring into our lives. And it was in that time of waiting that we knew we would name our baby girl . . . .

Grace.

We waited a long time for Grace, and she has truly brought great joy and blessing into our lives.

And she continues to be a very real reminder that sometimes we all need to wait for grace.

I hope you don’t have to wait too long – either to receive or to give grace when you have the opportunity.

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Will Joy Come in the Morning?

by Amanda Johnson

"Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5b) This verse comes to mind for many when friends and loved ones are faced with trying times such as sickness or death. This verse was heavy on my heart when my little Pomeranian Dakota passed away at the end of 2012. I was devastated. I adopted Dakota when he was just six weeks old; he was six years old when he died.

It was a tragic event. Cluster seizures hit him out of nowhere and he never recovered.

In the midst of the pain, I heard the words "tears may last for a night, but joy will come in the morning." My first response was "no, joy won't come in the morning because everything is different." I was furious, insulted and hurt by these words of comfort.

I know many believe that the Christian life is supposed to be filled with joy and momentous events. As Christians we're supposed to be immune from death, pain, and sorrow. But that's simply not true. Jesus said himself in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

In my grief, I wanted nothing to do with God's words in Psalm 30:5b. It made me sick to think that somehow out of this tragedy something good would come. I wanted things to go back to normal. For me, to admit joy would come in the morning was like saying life would move on and that meant moving on without Dakota.

The words of Psalm 30, however, did not leave me.

Day in and day out my heart harbored the promises that joy would come again. One day, I realized that the verse wasn't there to taunt me, but to encourage me.

The words were not meant to be in the context of time as I see it, but time as God sees it. The phrase that weeping will last for a night was like God giving me permission to grieve for however long I needed. A night did not necessarily mean a twelve hour period, but simply a time (short or long) of darkness, pain, and grief.

In contrast, joy will come in the morning. No, not the next day and maybe not even two months from now, but it will come. There will be a day when the grief takes a back seat and joy begins to seep in again. They say "time heals all wound" and it does, but the amount of time is different for everyone.

Weeping comes, but with it comes joy if we will trust and wait. We have to walk through the "shadows of valley and death" in this life. That's just the way it is. But we have our "rod and staff" that bring us comfort (Psalm 23:4).

I miss Dakota greatly, but a month has passed and I'm beginning to feel the joy come again. No, the grief is not gone and the sadness over his absence will probably remain, but with it is a new joy and thankfulness for the memories and time we had together. The night is dawning and joy is coming and for that I give thanks!

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“Warshing Clothes Recipe� submitted by Gloria from the Ruby for Women community

"Warshing Clothes Recipe" -- imagine having a recipe for this! Years ago, an Alabama grandmother gave the new bride the following recipe exactly as written. Found in an old scrapbook with spelling errors and all.

Warshing Clothes Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water.

Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert.

Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water.

Sort things, make 3 piles -- 1 pile white, 1 pile colored, 1 pile work britches and rags.

To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling water.

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Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and boil, then rub colored don't boil just wrench and starch.

Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench, and starch.

Hang old rags on fence.

Spread tea towels on grass.

Pore wrench water in flower bed.

Scrub porch with hot soapy water.

Turn tubs upside down.

Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs.

Brew cup of tea, sit, rock a spell, and count yore blessings.

Paste this over your washer and dryer. The next time you think things are bleak, read it again, kiss that washing machine and dryer, and give thanks. The first thing each morning, you should run and hug your washer and dryer.

For non-Southerners - wrench means rinse

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St. Patrick’s Day Blessings

by Lynn Mosher Saint Patrick was the national apostle and patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Roman Britain sometime in the latter part of the fourth century A.D. The dates of his birth and death are fuzzy.

When he was about sixteen years old, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Ireland, where he lived for six years before escaping and returning to his family. He entered the church, as his father and grandfather had before him, becoming a deacon and a bishop. He later went back to Ireland as a Christian missionary.

Legend says that Patrick taught the Irish about the concept of the three-in-one of the Trinity by using the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity.

So, why is it celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that that is the day that St. Patrick died. The biggest observance around the world is, of course, in Ireland. With the exception of restaurants and pubs, almost all businesses close on March 17th.

Many Irish attend mass on this day as it is a religious holiday as well, where prayers are offered for missionaries worldwide before the serious celebrating begins.

I love the Irish blessings and thought I’d pass some of them onto you.

~~Happy St. Patrick’s Day… Lynn ~~ Ruby Pearls submitted by Beth Brubaker March 15th is Incredible Kid Day! Celebrate your Incredible Kid by doing something special for him or her (or in some cases, them!)

“Roadblocks aren't barriers - they open your eyes to other routes!”

- Joyce Restaino

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It’s All the Same to Me! Hidden Word Puzzle

by Beth Brubaker

Answer Key on page 87.

www.katherinescorner.com 10

Computer Swallowed Grandma

The computer swallowed Grandma, Yes, honestly it’s true!

She pressed 'control and 'enter' and disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely; the thought just makes me squirm.

She must have caught a virus or been eaten by a worm.

I've searched through the recycle bin and files of every kind; I've even used the internet, but nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Mr. Google my searches to refine.

The reply from him was negative, not a thing was found 'online.'

So, if inside your 'Inbox,' my Grandma you should see, please 'Copy, Scan' and 'Paste' her, and send her back to me.

This is a tribute to all the Grandmas & Grandpas, Nannas & Pops, who have been fearless and learned to use the computer...

They are the greatest!!!

We do not stop playing because we grow old; We grow old because we stop playing. ~~ by Gloria from the Ruby for Women community

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Green, Green, Green

by Gloria Doty March is the green month, it seems. The most well-known March holiday is St. Patrick’s Day and the color of many things connected to St. Patrick’s Day is green: shamrocks, leprechauns, Ireland, the Emerald Isle, etc. The stores advertise green fabric, green decorations and emerald jewelry March is also when our minds turn to spring. We anxiously await the ‘greening up’ of all growing things: grass, plants, buds on trees. The small green shoots of spring flowers push up through the soil where they have been lying dormant all winter.

Being green or going green is a very popular catch phrase for recycling, re-purposing and living the natural or organic lifestyle.

There is another use for the word green; one which doesn’t have such positive connotations. That phrase is: being green with envy.

There was a popular song recorded by the New Christie Minstrels in the 1960s which began, “Green, green, it’s green they say on the far side of the hill” “Green, green, I’m goin’ away to where the grass is greener still” Doesn’t that describe us a lot of the time? If we feel our circumstances are not as good as our friend’s or neighbor’s or co-worker’s we become envious. Instead of working harder or smarter or asking God’s help with our situation, we become green with envy. We don’t necessarily want to change our actions or how we think; we just want what someone else has. We want to go away to the far side of the hill, because we believe things will be better there.

In Proverbs 14: 30 God tells us, ‘A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.’

And in 1Corinthians 13: 4, we are reminded that, ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast.’

As you observe all things green this month, remember to enjoy the newness or greening of God’s creation, the worthiness of being green and preserving God’s creation and the delightfulness of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Keep in mind that we need to enjoy the color green, not be green….with envy.

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Great is His Faithfulness: A Love Story

by Bel Thomson

It was a hot, Australian summer and my loneliness was palpable. As a senior in high school I had never had a boyfriend, and boys were not interested in me. I secretly worried that I would be single forever.

That summer changed everything. I went on a high school music camp run by a group of Christian musicians. One day during the singing time I was moved to tears, my silent fears surfacing in the salty flow. I felt so alone, and was afraid that no one would ever want me.

Out of nowhere, a girl I had never spoken to before approached me and said “God wants you to know that He has someone special for you to marry!” I was totally blown away! How did she know the reason for my tears? She prayed for me and my future husband. From that moment as a 17-year-old I knew God had a plan and I trusted that He would fulfill His promise.

What a journey lay ahead! Wonderful, treacherous, difficult . . . but ultimately worth the fight! It would be another 14 years before the promise was fulfilled. In those years I really grew to know God, and I learnt that He was actually the true source of love that I needed.

I joined a great church, where I made incredible friends to share the journey and spur me on. I found words in the Bible that encouraged me: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5). This proved true; as I began to trust God as my guide in life, He directed me and eventually led my path to intersect with the path of my future husband.

My dream was to be a singer, and as my faith grew this was reflected in the songs I wrote. I completed a music degree and recorded several CDs, and over time developed a music career.

In my late 20s I began to tour and travel to share my music. I played at camps, churches, conferences and women’s events. I absolutely loved being on the road, and knew it would take a special man to share this lifestyle with me. The longing for a husband was so strong, and many times I was tempted to compromise.

But inside I knew God had someone set apart for me, and it would be worth the wait. I prayed for my future husband and kept asking God to help me wait for this guy.

Meanwhile, in another state in Australia, a young man was praying the same prayer! God had set this special man apart for me, just as He promised!

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“I see now that God used the years of waiting to prepare us for each other. It was totally worth the wait. I have learnt that God’s way is never easy, but it is absolutely the best. It is worth the fight to stay the course! I can testify in my own life; Great is His faithfulness!”

Phil waited throughout his 20s to meet ‘the one’. It was a long and lonely wait, given that from the age of 15 he knew he wanted to be a husband.

His parents were high school sweethearts. Phil loved hearing their story growing up and he had assumed that his life path would be similar. But his road took a different route.

Phil completed university and travelled overseas before pursuing a corporate career. He kept an eye out for his future wife, but she was nowhere to be found! His work took him to Coffs Harbour, a regional town in New South Wales - and he settled there, still alone and still single. There he felt God direct Him to be a part of a small church with very few young people.

He wondered why God would want him to go there, when his heart’s desire was to be married. Surely he would never meet a wife there! Even though it didn’t make sense, he stayed at the church where he felt God wanted him. With its close family environment, this church became a place of real character growth and support for Phil. Meanwhile he prayed and prayed and prayed for his future wife! Other people also prayed - he enlisted an army of prayer warriors!

Along with all that prayer he also made a list of all the qualities he was looking for in a future wife.

Some people told him it was impossible, and that he was too picky. But Phil believed the verse in the Bible that says “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

He felt reassured that God had promised someone special for him. And true to His word, as Phil stayed on God’s path it led directly to my path, and God wrote the love story we had both dreamed of.

In 2011 my music tour took me right to Phil’s church in Coffs Harbour! Little did I know that the most awesome man in the world was hidden away there! By then, Phil was in leadership at the church, and he actually interviewed me on stage before I sang.

He asked me a few standard questions, then he said “go and have a seat, and we will get you back up to sing later in the service”. And I replied “is that all your questions? I normally get questions like ‘are you single’?”

Well, when I said that the whole church went “ooohhhh!” They had all been praying for Phil to meet the right girl! Phil looked at me, I looked at him, and the rest is history! God confirmed the match in so many ways, and our dating was filled with wonderful adventures. We were married a year later!

Our wedding day was a truly great celebration! Sharing in our delight were many people from our churches and families who had prayed for this day for years.

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Amidst the flowers and promises, their smiles and tears were in abundance! We had both waited for this day since we were teenagers, and now we were bursting with excitement and thankfulness.

For Phil, as I walked up the aisle dressed in white, it was the realization of God’s promise to him. My name actually has 3 meanings: 1.Beautiful 2. Prayerful and 3. God’s promise!

Yes, I was literally God’s promise to Phil, and the answer to many prayers! He was moved to tears as I walked down the aisle towards him.

For me, our wedding day was the fulfillment of the promise God had made to me many years ago when He said that He had someone special for me. Phil was all that I had hoped and dreamed. It was an incredible day of joy and celebration.

That day, our two paths became one. Now we get to travel and tour together. Phil is gifted in areas where I am weak, and vice versa - we make a good team!

I see now that God used the years of waiting to prepare us for each other. It was totally worth the wait.

I have learnt that God’s way is never easy, but it is absolutely the best. It is worth the fight to stay the course! I can testify in my own life; Great is His faithfulness!

Bel Thomson is an award-winning Australian singer/ songwriter and speaker whose ministry takes her to conferences, schools, camps, outreach events, and Christian churches of all denominations.

Bel's smile and authentic presence draw audiences of all ages into songs of hope. Her lyrics press beyond the surface, in a music ministry that weaves songs with real life stories of God's faithfulness.

To listen to her music or enquire about bookings visit www.belthomson.com .

To keep in touch with Bel’s ministry: www.facebook.com/BelThomsonOfficial and www.twitter.com/BelThomson

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What others are saying about

Bel Thomson . . . .

“Bel Thomson’s music and speaking style is both approachable and inspiring. Her beautiful nature made working alongside her so easy and enjoyable and we were so touched by her graciousness.

Thanks Bel for adding your God-given gifts to our conference....”

Sue Peters 05 December 2012 “Bel is both very creative in writing Christian music and also very good at bringing a sound Christian message in her presentation. Bel's music has always been very well received by those attending the conferences. When she leads the sessions, Bel has a natural, genuine enthusiastic manner....”

Rev R. Haldane Rowan 20 February 2013 “Bel has a genuine musical gift from God that is infectious, enthusiastic and joyful. In allowing Bel to minister to your church you will be blessed by her spontaneity as she reaches the soul of your people....”

Rev Dr John Crosby 20 February 2013 “Bel tells stories about God's nature through songs. She shares from her heart, which is one after God's own. She encouraged us to believe in a God who can do anything....”

Pastor Gareth Williams 14 February 2012 “Bel has a heart for ministry - in small or larger churches, country included. We loved having her at Gatton, her contribution was much appreciated by our older and younger folk alike. She is a vital and dedicated Christian with a beautiful ministry....”

Pastors Barry and Elke Benz 05 January 2011 To purchase Bel’s latest CD, You are My Destination, please visit her website at www.belthomson.com 16

Crafting Projects from Around the Blogosphere Sweet Spring Floral Fabric Tote Bag Here’s a super-simple, quick and easy craft project that will bring a touch of springtime to your days! This whimsical floral tote design is from Country Living, where you can find lots of other delightful spring craft projects.

All you need to create this adorable tote bag are some strips of floral fabric, a premade handle, and a charming vintage button!

For more durability and stability, you could line the tote bag with sturdy interfacing or even denim or broadcloth. Here are the basic directions found on the Country Living website: • • • •

Cut about 10 1-yard-long strips of floral fabric in varying widths.

Sew the strips together to make one large piece of fabric.

Fold this “fabric” in half, trim to desired shape, stitch sides and hem top.

Finish with a large vintage button and a premade wicker handle from a craft store.

That’s it! Isn’t it sweet and oh-so- springy? Please visit the Country Living website for more creative craft ideas for spring.

Family Recipe Scrapbook Even if you aren’t a devoted scrapbooker, here’s a project that might catch your fancy! We have so many old, faded, and stained recipe cards in our vintage recipe card box, and I’ve always thought it would be nice to have a way to keep them from completely falling apart. Well, here’s the perfect solution!

This Family Recipe Scrapbook idea is from Martha Stewart Living, and you can find the complete tutorial on the website.

A recipe scrapbook safeguards fragile original cards, preserving handwritten notes along with ancient spills and spatters. Photos of family gatherings at the table -- and stove -- complete the story.

You will find the five steps to organizing cherished old recipe cards as well as recent favorites by visiting the Martha Stewart Living website. You can also find many more inspiring craft tutorials there, as well!

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Celebrate Spring with this adorable Paper Lunch Bag Bunting by Blue Cricket Designs Just think of all the fun things you could make with paper lunch bags! I’ve seen mini-scrapbooks and journals, but this SPRING bunting banner is super cute. This one was designed and created by Becca at Blue Cricket Designs, and you can find the complete tutorial by visiting her blog, Blue Cricket Designs.

Made with paper lunch bags, scraps of fabric and trims, and hand-cut letters, you could add any other vintage embellishments your little heart desires! Becca included vintage tickets, bias tape, ribbons, and pom poms. What do you have in YOUR fabric stash that you could use to make this charming and sweet SPRING paper lunch bag bunting for your home?

Ruffled Flower Wreath

by Barb at Barbwired!

I’m sure I don’t what it is about wreaths, but they definitely seem to have a way of bringing every season into our homes! After creating the Snowflake Wreath for the January issue of the Ruby magazine, I’ve been on the lookout for more creative ways to design and embellish wreaths for every season of the year.

This gorgeous wreath was designed and created by Barb and featured on her blog, Barbwired, where you can find the complete tutorial for the wreath, as well as for making those sweet rolled paper flowers.

I think we’ll have to make one of these to bring a bit of springtime sunshine into our little cottage by the lake!

Please visit Barb at Barbwired to see all her other creative craft tutorials. And tell her Ruby sent you!

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Five Things that Teaching Taught the Teacher

by Sharon L. Patterson Maybe it was the smell of a brand new box of crayons or the blank wonder of a package of manila paper to be used for class projects. It could have been the curiosity of hearing the lovely sounds of accents and dialects I heard while watching movies on our eleven inch black and white television.

I am certain a part of my eventual career choice to teach was the result of special afternoons spent in the small living room of a loving neighbor, Ms. Hazel. She invited us to munch on simple refreshments as we listened to her wonderful stories from the Bible accented with the technical visuals of the day-cut out figures that magically stuck to the felt board she used.

All these factors captured my heart and catapulted me sent in the direction of becoming a French and history teacher five days a week and a Sunday school teacher on Sundays. How I love teaching to this day, although I have long since retired from my five day a week job. But something I love more is passing on to others what teaching taught this teacher. Here are five of those significant things: One of the first things teaching taught me is that you learn more as a teacher than as a student. As a student, I absorbed pertinent information, gathered significant material, and made assessments based on what I absorbed and gathered. But when I taught, I proved information, threw out insignificant material, and tested assessments based on proven principles rather than absorbed and gathered information.

Secondly, teaching taught me to remain an involved student in life in order to be a credible teacher in others’ lives. This keeps the inner attitude humbly receptive and the ego void of proud ears that will not hear. I can still remember my students increased excitement when I enhanced some subject matter with my own newly acquired knowledge.

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A third essential I learned from teaching is to be a seeker of wisdom more than one who is ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of truth. Wisdom comes from the very source of truth: God. This is a premise I never let go of, no matter what the popular opinion, cultural change or political viewpoint of the day might be.

Fourthly存 teaching taught me to realize everyone can learn to his or her potential no matter the learning style or ability, if they so choose This one required adjustments as to how I taught but not what I taught. Visual and auditory learners, genius minds far greater than my limited one, and those that others had no expectations would ever learn prospered in my classroom if they chose.

Finally, the fifth thing I wish to share from my experience as a teacher is to remain up close and personal to The Teacher daily through reading His Book and talking to Him by way of prayer.

I will never run out of things to learn and I will always know how to treat my students. I will grow as a teacher, a student, and a human being.

Sharon Patterson, retired educator, career military wife, and leader in women's ministry, has written inspirational encouragement in various forms from greeting cards to short stories, poetry, and Bible studies for over thirty years.

She has authored three books: A Soldier's Strength from the Psalms (2007); Healing for the Holes in Our Souls (2008); and Where Is Happy? (2011).

She is a contributing author for Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Answered Prayer; also Gettin' Old Ain't for Wimps (Karen O'Connor, 2004) and Special Strength for Special Parents (Nina Fuller, 2006).

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For a Woman Like Me (Christ’s last hours as seen through the eyes of Mary Magdalene)

by Lanette Kissel I listen in horror to the Apostles’ accounts of what happened at Gethsemane, that night when the soldiers arrested Jesus and the Apostles were forced to flee.

Now we stand on the fringes of the crowd and watch this mockery of a trial proceed.

How can they think of condemning this Man who holds the answer to their every need?

How can it be possible for His ministry of mercy to simply be ending like this?

And why is it that I keep imagining that I hear a nearby serpent’s hiss?

Standing with His mother, I watch His torture, my heart broken and filled with dread.

I long to run to Him and wipe the blood from His precious thorn encircled head.

I shudder with every lash of the whip, every nail that was hammered into place, as I witness His suffering and agony, as reflected in His eyes and upon His face.

I fall to my knees and gaze up at Him as He hangs upon His cross.

I pray for a quick end to His suffering, wondering how I can survive His loss.

Father, I know the life I used to live was extremely offensive to Thee.

So why is your perfect Son hanging on that cross, when it should have been me?

I will never understand what He did for me, or why He was willing to sacrifice, to pay for the many sins of a woman like me.

Yet He was willing to pay the ultimate price.

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My Beloved Son (Christ’s last hours as seen through the eyes of His mother, Mary)

by Lanette Kissel I had feared the prophecies would come true from the minute my Son was born.

Would He be the object of love and devotion, yet also of ridicule and scorn?

I was having trouble sleeping at night.

My heart was beginning to fear.

Deep within my soul, I feared my Son’s time was drawing near.

A conspiracy had been set into motion.

I knew that my Son had been arrested.

My heart filled with dread for what was to come.

Would my faith be severely tested?

Standing with His faithful, I watch His torture, my heart broken and filled with dread.

I long to run to Him and wipe the blood from His precious thorn encircled head.

As I knelt there at the foot of His cross, surrounded by that angry mob…

My heart cried out as I watched Him suffer, and yet all I could do was sob.

I was being comforted by the disciple whom He always considered a brother, He pierced our hearts when He commanded him, “Son, Behold thy mother!”

As I witnessed His torment upon that cross, I never heard Him complain.

I would have given anything to have been able to ease His pain.

Father, why is our perfect Son hanging there upon that tree?

Would that I could take His place, wish it could have been me.

I knew within this mother’s heart the minute when my Son had passed, Knew at that moment His soul had departed to join with His Father at last.

Even though my heart was grieving, I felt honored to play a part in His Story.

I now know the truth, that many years ago, I had given birth to the King of Glory.

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Ready for Spring

by Dorothy Kurchak

I’ve noticed that the sunrises and sunsets are getting pinker. This morning I took this picture of the sunrise. There are some green tips of the daffodils showing on the south side of the house, where the sun warms up the soil. Sometimes they bloom and then get snow on them, but they’re very hardy and continue to bloom year after year.

The cooing of a dove on the electric line and the chirping of the pine siskin were such happy sounds. Just think, these little birds are descended from the birds Noah had on the ark! Kind of a silly thought, but it’s true.

I love lilies. Some years ago I dug up a wild Turk’s Cap lily that was growing in the field in danger of being plowed under. t may be the ancestor of the martagon lily which I planted in the shade garden by the house. After planting they may take a couple years before they bloom.

I had two but one didn’t come up last spring. Wayside Gardens offers a pink martagon which I’ll purchase this spring. Martagons are shade plants, unlike the other lilies that need full sun. I planted the Easter lily that I bought for the holiday and it bloomed last fall!

They don’t last many years but I buy one every year anyway because they are such a majestic flower. Maybe that’s because they’re mentioned in the Bible.

This year I’m reading through the Bible. When you decide to do so, don’t get behind or you may give up. This year I’m determined to keep at it every day.

Remember “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness that the man/woman of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16). Before I start reading and as I’m reading I ask the Lord to open my mind and heart to His Word.

At present I’m praying for wisdom in helping my older brother who appears to be developing dementia. It may be a challenge as I’m developing health problems of my own. It’s time for another cup of coffee and making plans for the day.

Love you all, Aunt

Dots 23

Morning Prayer

by Marilyn Porter Because You are Almighty, God and I am naught but dust; lead me in the way that I must go to bring you joy today.

I think I have a lot to do, the needs are everywhere.

So guide me, Lord, to do your will your love for me to share.

While I await for your return don't let me waste in sleep.

Fill my soul with purpose Your smile that I may keep Please bless me with your mercy, I'll need much of your grace.

So I can hear “Well done, my child� at the finish line of my race.

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Spring Recipes for your Easter Brunch Easter morning is always such a wonderful time of celebration!

Treat your family to a very special Easter brunch with these quick and easy, tried and true recipes that will bring springtime joy to your day.

Quiche Supreme What you need: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 (9 inch) deep-dish frozen pie crusts 1 Tbsp. finely chopped green bell pepper 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 (4.5 oz.) can mushrooms, drained and chopped 6 eggs 2 cups heavy cream 8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese 8 oz. shredded Swiss cheese 12 oz. cooked ham, chopped ½ tsp. vinegar 1/8 tsp. dried tarragon Pinch garlic powder Pinch ground nutmeg Pinch dried parsley Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s make it!

•

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and pre-bake crusts for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool on racks.

•

In a large skillet, sauté green pepper, onion, and mushrooms until onions are soft and translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.

•

In a large bowl, mix eggs and cream together. Stir in the shredded Jack and Swiss cheese, chopped ham and sautéed vegetables. Stir in vinegar and season with tarrgon, garlic powder, nutmeg, parsley, salt and pepper.

•

Divide filling into the two baked pie crusts.

•

Bake in the preheated oven for 55 – 60 minutes, or until filling is set and crusts are golden brown.

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Rainbow Fruit Delight Beautiful soft, pastel colors brighten up any spring day, and this pretty, creamy fruit and gelatin dessert will add a sweet festive touch to your Easter brunch table.

What you need: • • • • • • • • •

Non-stick cooking spray 1 package (3 oz.) orange-flavored gelatin 1 ½ cups boiling water, divided ½ cup mandarin oranges, drained 2 cans (12 fluid oz. each) evaporated milk, chilled, divided 1 package (3 oz.) lemon-flavored gelatin ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained 1 package (3 oz.) strawberry-flavored gelatin ½ cup frozen strawberries (about 8), thawed, drained

Let’s make it!

COAT a 9 x 5-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

FOR MANDARIN ORANGE LAYER: DISSOLVE orange gelatin in 1/2 cup boiling water in small bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes. Place dissolved gelatin, mandarin oranges and 1 cup evaporated milk in blender; cover. Puree for 10 seconds or until well blended. Pour into loaf pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set.

FOR PINEAPPLE LEMON LAYER: FOLLOW process for Mandarin Orange Layer substituting lemon gelatin and crushed pineapple. Pour mixture over Mandarin Orange Layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set.

FOR STRAWBERRY LAYER: FOLLOW process for Mandarin Orange Layer substituting strawberry gelatin and strawberries.

Pour mixture over Pineapple Lemon Layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

TO UNMOLD: Run point of knife around top of pan. Dip pan into a large pan of warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. Lift from water. Place serving platter on top of pan. Invert mold and platter together, shake slightly to loosen. Gently remove mold. Cut into slices and serve

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Healthy Boundaries ~ How Are Those 2013 Goals Coming Along?

by Debbie Luxton

Here we are coming up on the end of the first quarter of the New Year. Don’t we find ourselves continually wondering, where has the time gone? In our desire to stay productive, let us focus on what we will do to make good use of our time, rather than looking back and trying to figure out what we should have completed by now.

We do want to reflect just enough to learn from the past. Take a few moments and look at your goals you set for 2013. Are you on track with achieving your goals? If not, then it’s time to revamp and get yourself on track. Considering your need for boundaries is a great way to assess what has kept you from meeting your 2013 goals.

3 Key Points to Know About Boundaries ~ 1. Intangible boundaries define your soul, helping to guard and maintain it. Proverbs 4:23 is an example of the need for intangible boundaries: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

2. A boundary shows where you end and someone else begins. You must know what you are responsible for and what you are not responsible for.

3. We are responsible to others and for ourselves. Galatians 6:2 helps us understand this point: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” When we carry someone else’s burdens, we are there for them, we carry a servant’s heart, and we stand in the gap for them.

What we do not do is “own” their burdens.

Some Types of Boundaries ~ Words - People cannot know where you stand when you do not use words that define you: 1. “I like this” or “I don’t like that” 2. “I will do this” or “I won’t do that” 3. Your words create good protective boundaries Physical Distance - removing yourself from a situation.

Time - Taking time off from a project, volunteer role, from a person.

Emotional Distance - this is a temporary boundary to give your heart the space it needs to be safe. This is never a permanent way of living.

For example: You may need to set an emotional boundary until someone demonstrates a real commitment to change.

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“Too often the word “no” is seen as a negative word. A change in our view of the word is needed.

It is a positive word that guards us. Remember that what we put into our minds and hearts is what we will become. We must learn to say “no” to environments, people, books, movies, to things that put too much on your plate - things that deplete us and take us further from living an authentic life and thus, achieving our goals.”

3 Things to Know When Setting and Maintaining Boundaries ~ •

Boundaries will rarely succeed when built in a vacuum. Creating and maintaining boundaries works best when you have an accountability partner or support team.

•

Respect the boundaries of others. We need to treat others boundaries as we want ours treated.

•

You cannot change others. People don’t fix people. Drs. Townsend & Cloud, in their book “Boundaries” states: “It is said that more people suffer from trying to change others than from any other sickness. And, it’s impossible.”

You Need a Plan ~

•

You can’t develop or set boundaries apart from supportive relationships with God and others.

•

Pray. Setting boundaries are no different than anything else in our lives. Always pray, asking God to lead you and penetrate your heart with His will.

•

Own what is yours and do not own what belongs to someone else.

•

Get out of your denial. Admit the truth about your situation. Covering up, explaining away, or any other form of “things aren’t really that bad”, will keep you stuck.

•

Boundaries must be clearly communicated and made visible. Secret boundaries, such as withdrawing, only breed resentment.

The Most Basic Boundary Setting Word ~ “NO” • Women especially have problems saying “no”. Even when we know we have too much on our plate, if asked to help with the women’s retreat at church, we will say “SURE!” • Later, we are hanging our heads and wondering “why”. Why we said “yes” when we know that we should have minimally said, “I’ll pray about it.”

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Many people have a hard time establishing boundaries or they find it hard to maintain boundaries. This is true for a multitude of reasons. Even so, setting and sticking to boundaries is critical for our livelihood and for those around us.

• Too often the word “no” is seen as a negative word. A change in our view of the word is needed. It is a positive word that guards us. Remember that what we put into our minds and hearts is what we will become. We must learn to say “no” to environments, people, books, movies, to things that put too much on your plate - things that deplete us and take us further from living an authentic life and thus, achieving our goals.

• We may feel we can’t say “no” to a person. This could be for any number of reasons. No person should have so much power in your life that you believe you can’t say “no” to them.

• Saying “no” is not being mean. If someone perceives it that way, even after you’ve communicated clearly why you are saying “no”; then that is for them to deal with. (remember - we are responsible “to” not “for”) Get Started Setting Boundaries ~ • Use the chart below to help you get started: • “WHO” - who is the person you need to set boundaries around (this may be yourself).

• “WHAT” - what is the behavior you need boundaries around? Be specific.

• “BOUNDARY(S)” - record each prayerfully considered boundary you are led to implement.

• “WHEN” - when will you implement the boundary(s)?

• “PARTNERS” - whom will you share your situation/boundary(s) with and ask them to keep you accountable, pray for you, keep you encouraged and help you keep things in proper perspective?

WHO

WHAT

BOUNDARY(S)

WHEN

PARTNERS

Healthy Boundaries is a Topic Near and Dear to Debbie’s Heart Many people have a hard time establishing boundaries or they find it hard to maintain boundaries. This is true for a multitude of reasons. Even so, setting and sticking to boundaries is critical for our livelihood and for those around us. Debbie has been on both sides of the fence. She offers individual coaching specific to setting and maintaining boundaries. Additionally, she has authored and delivers workshops or speaking engagements on “Healthy Boundaries.” Debbie speaks with authentic transparency about her own struggles and out of control life before having healthy boundaries. Debbie will also share the complete turnaround in her own life by implementing and maintaining boundaries.

For more on coaching, speaking, workshops email Debbie - debluxton@me.com Grab my FREE, Stress to Serenity Breakthrough Kit, for more Authenticity and Joy in your life! http://www.debbieluxton.com/welcome 29

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Did Jesus Get Splinters?

by Heather King “Mom, did Jesus get splinters from the cross?”

My daughter doesn’t really know how to whisper. She somehow manages to make her voice breathy and full of air, but still push the words out at full volume.

I mentally apologized to the audience members in front of us and behind us, who had come that night to see the ballet dancers’ worship and then portray the Exodus story.

But then the dancers surprised us. They fast-forwarded in time to our ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself to give us freedom from slavery to sin.

There He was mocked and scorned by the crowd.

There He was beaten and nailed.

There He was hoisted onto the weathered wood and left to die.

There He cried out in pain.

There He died.

You never know what might make an impression on a child. I had already answered whispered questions about slavery in Egypt earlier in the program.

Because, as many times as we had talked about the story and read the account in the children’s Bible . . . . and as often as my daughter had heard it in church . . . somehow she had missed the part of slavery where it’s horrible, evil, frightening, relentless, hard, unfair and cruel.

So, the sound of the whip cracking and the way the slaves dropped to the ground in fatigue and despair shocked her.

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You mean “slavery” is this? It’s not just a happy little Jewish community living in tiny houses on the outskirts of Egyptian cities No, my baby girl. Slavery is a pharaoh ordering that every male baby be killed at birth. It’s waking up every morning to labor hard and long for someone else, no freedom to worship or rise above or choose for yourself or provide for your family. It’s whips and rods and beatings and shame and being less than.

But how could she know? We have a way as humans of protecting ourselves from knowledge that hurts. And we have a way as parents and teachers of watering down the truth so we don’t frighten kids (or ourselves). And we have a way as adults of sanitizing reality so we don’t have to face the ugly horror of it.

When Jesus told the crowd that the truth would make them free, they didn’t understand: “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” (John 8:34).

They had forgotten their people’s four-century-long history, of slavery in Egypt, and how God sent them the deliverer Moses.

Jesus reminded them: You, yourself, have a lifelong history of slavery to sin and “a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:35-36).

I explain this later to my daughters later when whispering is no longer mandatory.

Did you see how terrible slavery was for the Israelites? Jesus says we were slaves to sin in the same way.

And did you see what Moses had to give up in order to deliver his people? He couldn’t keep his fancy room in the palace, his princely clothes, his royal position. He sacrificed it all to lead his people out of slavery.

But Jesus gave up more. Paul tells us that Jesus “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8).

My daughter knew about the nails and the crown of thorns.

She knew about the cross.

Then, while watching the dancers portray Jesus’ crucifixion, she thought of the most horrible thing she could imagine, the thing that terrifies her into wearing shoes on our deck and the thing that has sent her into fits of screaming on our couch when we pull out the tweezers.

Did Jesus get splinters from the cross?

Why yes, baby girl, he probably did. But he did it for you and for me. He hung bare-skinned on a rough wooden cross so He could deliver us and set us free.

That’s the truth of costly grace and the Savior who paid the ultimate price: splinters, whips, mockery, the weight of sin, separation from God, and death and all.

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A Dark Place Cries for Light (God the Father speaks to Jesus) Covered in hurt and pain I turn my face from your wretched torment.

The world is a dark place for a while.

I find myself paging through the chapters of your life.

Watching you grow, smiling when your face glittered at the tickling and chuckling of childhood.

I know it was hard, refugee from tyranny, struggling on foreign soil.

You had your moments, going off alone in questioning quest, stirring worry and concern with the ladle of adolescence.

You had a special nature, a tenderness of caring unusual in a lad.

Your mother gave you her sacrifice of love through those growing years.

Later, others would honour her motherhood, when you had gone from the span of her nurture.

In ripping, scarring, care she stands before you wracked with grief.

You could have been anything you wanted; it was within your gift.

The sly temptations of everyman fell silent before you.

Friends and foes ebbed and flowed in adulation and disgust, love and fear.

You drew out every tide of the emotional palette.

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Covered in your hurt and pain I turn my face from this wretched torment.

The world is a dark place for a while.

But it had to be, my son. beloved, holy child.

This dark place cried out for your light.

From the movement of spirit upon waters, through starry overture to curtain torn triumph, it had to be. and when they were done, when they were done, they stood and stared at an empty cross an empty tomb with their empty eyes with their empty eyes they began to create and their creation was emptiness void and invisible gods with agendas. ~ Keith Wallis

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The Twelve Oils of the Ancient Scriptures: Frankincense

by Maria Greene

Everyone likes their home to smell great, but there is more to essential oils than just a fabulous scent. Therapeutic grade oils are rich in compounds that are healing for the body, mind, and spirit. Only therapeutic grade oils have healing properties, and they are 100% pure, organic oils without extenders or additives of any kind.

Only therapeutic grade oils can be taken internally. They are also distilled at a low temperature to preserve the molecules for ultimate healing properties.

The oils as healing tools have largely been forgotten over time, but are now enjoying a revival due to their natural healing abilities on a cellular level.

A big plus—there are no side effects. A simple way to explain oils is that they are the soul of the plant.

They benefit all levels of healing as their vibrational frequency can easily access our emotional and spiritual bodies. Sometimes emotional release will heal physical problems.

Essential oils have been around since ancient times, and there are numerous mentions in the Bible about their uses for anointment, embalming, and healing practices.

Many of the ancient oils are still harvested from old trees and shrubs in the Middle East and Somalia, continuing a tradition that has been preserved for centuries.

One of the most commonly known oils is Frankincense. Even today it is used in churches as a cleansing and uplifting incense.

There are more than fifty references to Frankincense in the Bible. The word incense that we use to cover all kinds of scents stems from the word Frankincense.

The most common variety is distilled from the resin of the Boswellia Carteri tree. It was one of the gifts given to Christ at His birth.

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“One of the most commonly known oils is Frankincense. Even today it is used in churches as a cleansing and uplifting incense. There are more than fifty references to Frankincense in the Bible.

The word incense that we use to cover all kinds of scents stems from the word Frankincense.”

Frankincense was valued more than gold during ancient times and has been used to treat every conceivable ill known to man.

Besides smelling heavenly, it is good for skin problems, wrinkles, and is a great antiinflammatory oil. It increases spiritual awareness, promotes meditation, and uplifts the spirit.

It can be inhaled by putting a drop on the palm of the hand, rubbing hands together and inhale through the nose. The scent stimulates the limbic system of the brain, the center of memory and emotions.

A few drops can be rubbed on location to calm inflammation, or at the bottom of the feet. Extensive nerve centers on the soles of the feet carry the oils through the body quickly, oxygenating every cell along the way.

Oils can be more invigorating than a cup of coffee!

It can be diffused into the air and taken as a dietary supplement. The University of Oklahoma in Tulsa is currently doing studies about the use of Frankincense to treat cancer cells, with great results.¹ It is also used for depression and respiratory infections, and is immune stimulating. It also removes moles with prolonged application.

Frankincense is one oil that is a great addition to the medicine cabinet or on an altar for use in prayer and meditation.

For more information on therapeutic grade essential oils, please contact me: joyful7@gmail.com ¹ Wang, LG, et all. Determination of DNA topoisomerase II activity from L1210 cells-a target for screening antitumor agents.

Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao. 1991:12(2):108-14/

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“You Choose Your Actions, Not the Consequences”

by Donna Mc-Broom-Theriot As I watched their pain surface, my own pain jerked unchecked from its hiding place once again.

There is a saying: “You choose your actions, you do not get to choose the consequences.”

Never is that more true than in divorce.

The reasons, no matter how substantial, cease to matter as time wears on; it is the consequences that live long and prosperous lives.

It no longer matters that there was abuse, infidelity, lack of love, miscommunication; it is the consequences that linger on. And, it is those consequences that affect everyone, from adults to children, grandparents to godparents, cousins to godchildren.

I have not written any personal stories in a while.

When your heart is broken, your mind struggles to be happy and that makes it difficult to write, at least it does for me.

What made me sit down to write this morning was something that happened this past weekend.

We attended a family function the other night, and my own deeply guarded pain bubbled to the surface as I watched and listened to the pain of a child, now a grown young man, who was caught up as an extended casualty of a divorce that had nothing to do with him.

He didn’t understand when someone he loved dearly suddenly disappeared from his life without a word. The only explanation he was given came from his parents.

His anger and hurt got the best of him and he confronted the accused, the one he did not know had been banned from his life due to divorce.

It is human nature to choose sides when there is conflict present, but what so many fail to realize is that the pain and the consequences of anger linger far into the future, where it has no place.

There seems to be a demon present in some people that rears its ugly head to cause a normally sane person to lose all perspective, and anyone who will listen to the lamenting is drawn in.

Children are often manipulated and lied to in the name of revenge, as adults circle the wagons and prepare to wage war, a war that will affect a child far into the future. Adults choose the action; the children suffer the consequences, most times needlessly.

Divorce is an ugly animal. I myself have witnessed this behavior on many occasions, as adults choose not to accept their part in the break-up of a marriage – it does take two to make a marriage, just as it takes two to break up a marriage. It seems to be a little remembered fact.

I have seen adults who have finally moved past their pain, but neglect to calm the waters (anger) in those around them. Therein lays a huge injustice. I have witnessed this in the lives of people who are close to me repeatedly.

It is no misnomer that divorce brings anger and pain. It is how we as adults conduct ourselves that determines the extended consequences to those around us.

Children do not need to become the pawns in the ugly game, but they do more often than not.

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As adults, we transfer our feelings of hurt, abandonment, and anger onto the shoulders of those who are too young to process the emotions.

I can only pray that maybe it is not too late for the two of them perhaps to mend the great divide, a divide caused by hurt, anger, and lies. Who knows?

Children are not born hating, we teach them to hate, to hold grudges, to take sides, to mimic our adult behaviors.

Maybe they can overcome the one major obstacle standing in their way. But, to mend one relationship with the truth may mean destroying a trusted relationship built on lies. It is a difficult decision at any age.

Never has it been more evident than in my own life, but also in the life of the young man this weekend; a child who lost someone in his young life due to a family divorce.

A child, now a grown young man, who, when confronted with the opportunity to speak with the person he lost, did not know how to process his anger and hurt.

I stood by and watched the pain of two people who were hurt deeply through no fault of their own, struggle to communicate, one young, one older. Hurt knows no bounds.

The point of this story? Maybe it is to assuage some of my own pain. Maybe it is a plea to others suffering from or causing some of this pain to think twice before they step off into the abyss - we, as adults, need to think before we destroy a child’s trust in another human being.

I’ll close with this advice: think twice before you circle the wagons and pull out the heavy artillery, there just might not be an enemy.

The views expressed here are my own.

Read more of Donna’s posts, articles, and book reviews on her blog, My Life. One Story at a Time. You also visit her in the Ruby for Women community on her personal page.

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by Gloria Doty When I think of ‘spring cleaning’ I think of the kind of cleaning my mother and grandmother used to do: the kind that takes a week and covers every square inch of cleanable surfaces.

My maternal grandmother lived with us. Sometime after all danger of cold weather was past, she and my mother would embark on this mission of cleanliness. It was all-out warfare against any speck of dirt or unsuspecting dust bunny.

I didn’t understand why it was necessary, since my mother already cleaned every week. This, however, was no ordinary, weekly cleaning.

She would fill the wringer washer with hot, soapy water. Next, the lace curtains came down off the tall living room windows. These were not the fluffy, swagged lace curtains we see today. These hung straight down and once washed, they were dipped in liquid starch and then put on a ‘curtain stretcher’ which had been set up in the living room.

The curtain stretcher fascinated me. It had long rows of very tiny sharp pins sticking out horizontally on the entire length of the wooden strips which were 8’ long. This let the curtains dry without having to iron them.

The rugs were rolled up and taken outside. All of the baseboards, woodwork, doors and window frames were scrubbed and dried.

If it was time for new wallpaper in the living room, the sawhorses were set up with planks across them so Mom could spread the ‘cooked’ paste on the 10’ long strips with a wide wallpaper brush.

The same procedure was done in the bedrooms and the dining room. The kitchen was another kind of cleaning. Every cupboard was emptied, the shelves wiped down and new shelf paper put in before everything was returned to its proper place.

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Because we didn’t have air-conditioning, the windows and doors were open all summer. We lived on a gravel road, so the dust sifted through the screens and settled on every surface.

That meant the fall cleaning was even more thorough than the spring cleaning, if that was possible!

I have great memories of the cleanings, but it is probably due to the fact that I really didn’t have to do any of the work. I could just watch and occasionally, run to get some needed tool.

Do we need spring cleaning, too, for our minds and hearts, thoughts and actions?

Although we ask for forgiveness daily and attend church on a regular basis, do we clean the cobwebs and dust out of the corners and the ‘hard-to-reach’ places?

When we confess our sins to our Heavenly Father, do we do a quick ‘give it a lick and a promise’ or do we think we don’t have to be specific because no one will see or notice?

God knows where all of our dust-bunnies are hiding and he sacrificed his Son so we can have a thorough cleaning in our lives.

Gloria Doty: I am a mother of 5 and grandmother of 13. I have owned a catering business and a Grade “A” goat dairy. I have managed a restaurant, worked in retail and was Dir. of Children’s’ Ministries for a large church for 10 years. I have been writing since I was in third grade. I currently write 2 blogs about my youngest daughter, Kalisha, and our journey together through the world of mild mental retardation, autism and Aspergers.

One blog is written for www.MOMS.FortWayne.com and is titled “Not Different Enough.” I write freelance articles for magazines and am a contributor to two devotional publications: Living the Gospel Life and Hope-Full Living. I do not believe it is possible to make it through a day without faith and a sense of humor, even in the darkest times and I try to always reflect that in my writing.

An Ordinary Love Story’ by Gloria Doty is now available as part of the anthology “My love to You Always: 42 Real Stories of Enduring Love.” In her story, Gloria tells the story of her parents and their love for each other through good time and bad times.

The book from Oak Tara Publishing is available online at oaktara.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and is also available in e-book form at amainkindle.com. Congratulations, Gloria!

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Footprints in the Mud

How the Angels Probably See Us

by Beth Brubaker How must our lives appear to the angels? I think it would be a lot like going to the movies - just a bunch of angels hanging out and looking for something interesting to do.

“I know!” said angel One. “Let's go to the movies!”

Angel Two groaned. “The Movies? Not another reality show...”

“Besides, you know how it ends most of the time,” said angel Three with a sigh. “Depressing, really.”

“Not all the time.” Angel One piped in. “And you have to admit, when the end is good, it's really good.”

“That's true,” said Three, stretching his wings a bit and looking to the second angel. “What do you say?”

“Oh, all right,” replied Two, “as long as you get the popcorn!”

They entered the theatre and stepped into one of the darkened rooms with their snacks and sat down.

“Get your feathers out of my popcorn!” exclaimed Two, moving over one more seat.

“Sorry,” One replied, flushing. I just got them recently and don't know where to put them yet.”

“Shh!' hissed someone in the back. “I've been working on this one for years, and I don't want to miss it!”

The room darkened further, and the show began.

A little girl appeared on the screen. Her brown hair was done up in ponytails and she had lively green eyes. The beginning was a good one, and the angels laughed many times from her antics. She was a smart (if mischievous) little girl.

Soon after she turned thirteen, someone approached her and offered her drugs.

Angel Three snorted. “I bet she accepts it.” he muttered to the others. Two just nodded.

“Oh I hope not, “said One, munching on his popcorn and looking worried.

“Shh!” said the angel in the back.

The scene changed and the girl was now a grown woman in her early twenties, living in a run-down apartment, selling herself on the streets to make the rent. Again.

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“Typical,” muttered Three. “why do humans always do things the hard way?”

“It might get better,” said One, but quieted when the others gave him a resigned look.

The woman went through cycles of self-abuse, tears, prayers and trying to set her life right, only to fall into desperation once more and go back to her old ways.

She was twenty-six when a man approached her. The angels recognized him. He was the one sitting in the back of the theatre.

One grinned. “Here's where it gets good!” he whispered to the others.

But despite the angel's encouraging words, she only saw him as another man wanting something from her. At first she resisted him, then when she realized he was genuinely concerned, she tried to take advantage of him. None of her ploys worked. And he would only help her so far. Eventually she ran out of options and began to really listen to him.

And she began to pray.

“I told you! I told you!” said One happily. “She's going to come to us and...”

“Shhh!” hissed the angel behind them.

She prayed, and then she kept right on doing the same things over and over.

Angel One sat there in shock.

Every time things started going well, she would stop praying, and the moment it went bad, she would fall back and pray only when desperate. And the angel stayed there with her, whispering encouragement.

At least until another man came back into her life, making broken promises and bearing drugs to take away the pain. Then she couldn't care enough to pray.

And when she was taken to the hospital, she was ready to die because the pain was so bad. Not too many people survive being thrown from a window. And only the angels watching saw it was their friend who gave her a softer landing so she would live.

She recovered and went back to her apartment. She no longer belonged here, but had nowhere else to go.

And that was when the angel returned, coaxing her to give her life to the Lord.

All three angels sat there, expectant.

Right there on the stained carpet, she knelt and begged God for redemption and forgiveness. God's hand came upon her and she wept for joy.

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Angel One cheered, nearly knocking his popcorn all over the lap of Two. Two swatted him with his wing, and applauded the efforts of the angel in the back. Three just smiled, wiping the popcorn from his robes.

The scene shifted again and the woman became an advocate for those suffering from addictions, becoming a great leader in the war on drugs. The house lights came on, and everyone rose, stretching their wings and legs.

“That was awesome!” said Angel One, licking the popcorn butter from his fingers. “You see, I told you it was going to be a good one!”

Two arched his back in a stretch. “I just don't get why humans always have to fall hard before they see the right path though.” he said. “They keep following the same scripts.”

“You mean following the same nature,” said Three, sliding from his seat. “Ever since the Fall they've been acting like that. It's nice to see a breakthrough now and then.” He looked to the angel in the back.

“Good work!”

The fourth angel grinned. “Thank you! It was my first solo assignment. He never lets us see what happens right after they accept Him.” Three approached him, smiling. “That's so you don't get a big head full of pride,” he said, ruffling Four's hair. “Remember the one who got too big for his robes? He's now 'down there'.” pointing to the earth.

“Oh, I know.” Four replied with a little awe. “I'd rather stay on His good side. Lucky for us His good side is huge!”

They all laughed and moved out of the theatre. “Anyone ready to go praise Him for such a good movie?” One asked.

“Sure!” said three. “I could praise Him all day long!”

What kind of show are we giving our angels? Drama, horror, romance or comedy? Do we listen when they speak to us? Do we hear their laughter, their cries, their cheers? Close your eyes and play your life out on an imaginary movie screen? What would you do to make it a 'happy ending'?

Be sure to visit Beth at her blog, Footprints in the Mud, for more inspirational and humorous articles www.footprintsinthemudblog.blogspot.com 43

Number Block Puzzle

by Beth Brubaker

Answer Key on page 82.

You are invited to join us every week for

Inspire Me Monday at Create with Joy This is a great opportunity for you to connect with other women who share your passion for creativity and inspiration!

Please join us for Inspire Me Monday 44

Button, Button, Look Who Found the Buttons!

Sweet springtime button crafts from around the blogosphere While out and about, visiting some of our bloggy friends who also happen to be amazingly talented and creative crafters, we found a few more fun craft ideas for you.

Vintage Button Embellished Frame This Vintage Button Embellished Frame was discovered at Skunkboy blog where you can find lots of other craft ideas, projects, and tutorials. Super simple and frugal, too, this adorable frame can be made using a frame you pick up at your local thrift shop, and that jar of old buttons that Grandma gave you.

Got a glue gun!? You’re ready to go! This would be a perfect gift for Mother’s Day or any other occasion when you need that extra special, personalized gift for someone close to your heart.

Vintage Button Tree Throw Pillow Brighten up your living room or bedroom with this whimsical Vintage Button Tree Throw Pillow. Use a ready-made pillow in a solid color fabric, or make your own from scraps of broadcloth or denim fabric, and embellish with rick rack and vintage buttons. Such a bright and cheerful reminder that spring is just around the corner!

We found this on at All You, where you will discover all kinds of seasonal craft project ideas, tutorials, and home décor projects. And you will especially love all the ideas at All You if you are a frugal, budget-conscious crafter!

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Bleached Burlap and Vintage Jewelry Luminaries from Crafts by Amanda

Another great blog to find unique, charming, whimsical, and absolutely adorable craft project ideas is at Crafts by Amanda!

We LOVE her blog and have discovered so many amazing new ideas there. If you are looking for a new craft project for spring, or for any season at all, be sure to visit Crafts by Amanda.

One of our favorites is this tutorial for Bleached Burlap and Vintage Jewelry Luminaries. These would be stunning in a grouping on your mantle, on your dining room table for Easter brunch or even on your picnic table on the patio this summer. These are GoRgEoUs!

Spring Mini-Tote from Betz White This sweet Spring Mini-Tote was made by Betz White and I discovered it on her blog where she also has patterns, craft books, and other free tutorials.

This charming little tote is made from upcycled felted wool sweater fabric, with felt leaves and flowers, and a few cute little vintage buttons.

The complete tutorial is available on her blog, Betz White, and this would be a perfect little project for any little ladies in your life. Stop by and visit Betz and tell her Ruby sent you!

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Beating Depression

by Corallie Buchanan Have you ever had a moment where you felt so weighed down by emotions that you struggle even to get out of bed? Have you ever been so overcome by sadness that you have no idea where you are, who you are with, and what you are saying? Have you felt so low about yourself that to pull yourself down actually made you feel good?

Having no point of reference, your mind goes completely blank as you spiral down into confusion. When someone tells you to snap out of it, that just makes you even more confused.

This is the life of someone experiencing depression. There are as many sources of depression as there are brands of soap powder. In my experience though, there have been two major causes in my life.

The modern woman: a myriad of unrealistic expectations

“Society sets up a certain expectation of what a successful woman should be. Even the church portrays a picture of how women should be. . . . happy, healthy, and satisfied.”

Depression is a taboo word among many women of this day and age.

Nobody wants to admit that they struggle with depression. The media portrays the 21st century woman as a successful superwoman.

Both mother and entrepreneur, she holds all the aspects of her life together while looking immaculate. She personifies the unachievable.

So it is not unusual that within this context, women do not like to talk about their depression. It is a word which carries such a stigma.

Those experiencing it don’t like people to know that things are not okay. They don’t like the fact that they don’t measure up.

Society sets up a certain expectation of what a successful woman should be. Even the church portrays a picture of how women should be . . . happy, healthy, and satisfied.

A true Christian woman should not experience depression. Some even think it is sinful to have depression. I know many personally who have also struggled with it.

I have only just come to realize that this comparison is a major cause of depression in my own life. I just simply don’t measure up to what I think I should be. I am a married woman with a wonderful husband and daughter. I live in a beautiful house, and have wonderful friends who have become like my family.

Yet I always seem to find myself coming up short of the unrealistic expectations I have placed on myself. When I do fall short, I am overcome with guilt. This is not the way.

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My childhood was not easy. I did not go into marriage with the same skills as some of the other people I know.

They grew up in happy and loving Christian homes. They had a good foundation to build their marriage and life upon. I did not.

I see the gap between what I think I should be, and what I actually am.

I am constantly critical of myself, and when I fail at something, I am twice as hard on myself.

I have found the best way for conquering depression (and I’m still not there yet), is to try and stop setting up unrealistic expectations for myself. I am not from the same background as those around me. How can I possibly expect myself to be as far along in my walk with God as they are?

I am as good as I can be for the life I have been given. That doesn’t mean that I am not trying to be better, but it means I’m not so hard on myself. I need to learn to have grace with myself, and realize that I have these emotional problems because of my past. I am not going to have my life all together.

I am going to take longer to get to the place that they are already at. I need to be okay with that. It is dangerous to compare myself with those who have had more stable backgrounds. I am not them; I am me, warts and all.

Traumatic experiences: A major cause of the onset of depression For some people, depression is a lifelong on-off battle. Sometimes you think you may have won, but something happens that brings it all back again. I am one of those people. Up until early last year, I thought I had won my battle with the beast of depression. I was wrong.

I went through such a traumatic experience that knocked me totally off my feet. I lost a very crucial relationship in my life in a very difficult way. A relationship that I had been relying on for my entire life just fell apart with no warning. I found out things about this person that changed my entire perspective on them.

“I began to question everything I knew about myself and my life. I questioned every memory, every experience. My whole world was thrown into a state of utter confusion.”

I began to question everything I knew about myself and my life. I questioned every memory, every experience. My whole world was thrown into a state of utter confusion.

Not long after all this happened, I began to experience severe depression. During my depressive episodes, I felt so broken. I didn’t know how to snap myself out of it. The emotions were so overwhelming.

I felt totally overcome by pain and sadness, and couldn’t see my way through. I spent the better part of last year in this state. It was only towards the end of the year that I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel (and believe me, it was a pretty dark tunnel).

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“When comforting somebody experiencing depression, physical touch can be one of the most amazing things. It can reach past the emotional blockages and right into the person’s heart where they need comfort the most.

There are some wounds which just cannot be healed by words alone.”

It has only been in the last few months that I have been able to find the words for what I have experienced.

It was so bad that I even considered going on anti-depressants. They can work, but I don’t trust myself with them because there is a history in my family of becoming dependent on these types of drugs. I found the best way was to just stop comparing myself, and so set realistic rather than unrealistic expectations.

Comfort that isn’t actually comforting: help for those wanting to comfort the depressed Many well-meaning Christian people will try to comfort you by quoting Scripture at you. While Scripture is good for you, it is not something to be given in isolation. A person experiencing depression cannot just “snap out of it, and get over it”. Sometimes they just need a hand to reach out and touch them. Even times those closest to us fail to understand just what we need.

When I was really struggling, all I wanted was somebody to sit down in the dust with me and cry. I didn’t want a sermon, I didn’t want a preacher. I just wanted someone to empathize with me and just give me a plain old hug.

I have spent my life in church, so had heard all of the Scriptures on joy, peace, and life. Having someone just quoting the Bible at me didn’t help. I needed a physical hand to break through my darkness.

When comforting somebody experiencing depression, physical touch can be one of the most amazing things. It can reach past the emotional blockages and right into the person’s heart where they need comfort the most. There are some wounds which just cannot be healed by words alone.

If you are one of the unfortunate people who struggle with depression, then you are not alone. Millions all over the world struggle with the same thing. But the stigma is almost worse inside the church than out.

Be okay with the fact that you struggle with depression. It is not something to feel guilty over. That will just make your depression worse. It doesn’t make you a bad person. It means that you are human.

If you know someone who is going through depression, don’t just preach at them and tell them to snap out of it. Give them a physical demonstration of the verbal encouragement you are trying to bring them. Put your hand on their shoulder. Just sit there, don’t try and tell them how they should feel. Let them know that there is somebody physically there with them. Sometimes just a body in the room is all it takes. Don’t pretend to have an answer to their problem. Just be there for them. You are okay.

You are not a bad person because you experience depression. You are human.

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Don’t miss the March givegive-away at Katherine’s Corner!

Corner!

Every month there is a new give-away at Katherine’s Corner, so be sure to stop by her blog and enter to win the

Compliment Your Style Giveaway, beginning March 1, 2013, at Katherine’s Corner!

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Spring Carrot Cake from Taste of Home Here’s a traditional carrot cake recipe filled with the delicious goodness of pineapple, carrots, cinnamon, and walnuts, topped off with the perfect complement, cream cheese frosting. Simply delightful spring dessert for all your family celebrations!

What you need: • • • • • • • • • • •

1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple 2 cups shredded carrots 4 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup canola oil 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

FROSTING: • • • •

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar Let’s make it!

•

•

•

Drain pineapple, reserving 2 tablespoons juice (discard remaining juice or save for another use). In a large bowl, beat the carrots, eggs, sugars, oil, pineapple and reserved juice until well blended. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; gradually beat into pineapple mixture until blended. Stir in walnuts.

Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over cake. Yield: 12 servings http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Classic-Carrot-Cake 51

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes from Taste of Home There’s not much that we love more than chocolate and peanut butter! This is a great recipe to combine our two favorite flavors into one magnificent cupcake extravaganza. Not only are these cupcakes absolutely YuMmY, but they are beautiful, as well. Try this recipe the next time you’ve got a bunch of kids coming over, or for Friday Family Night. Sure to be a hit with the whole family!

What you need: • • • • • •

1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size) 1-1/4 cups water 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/3 cup canola oil 3 eggs 24 miniature peanut butter cups

FROSTING: • • • •

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream 1/3 cup peanut butter Additional miniature peanut butter cups, chopped

Let’s make it!

• • •

•

•

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, peanut butter, oil and eggs; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes or until smooth.

Fill paper-lined muffin cups half full. Place a peanut butter cup in the center of each cupcake.

Cover each with 1 tablespoonful batter.

Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the cupcake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Place chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Stir in peanut butter. Cool, stirring occasionally, to room temperature or until mixture reaches a spreading consistency, about 10 minutes.

Spread over cupcakes; immediately sprinkle with additional peanut butter cups. Let stand until set. Yield: 2 dozen.

Find more spring and Easter recipes at Taste of Home: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Chocolate-Peanut-Butter-Cupcakes-2 52

Grace and the Hallelujah Chorus

by Sharon L. Patterson It is an Easter blessing that I will never forget. The gift I received that day permanently changed my negative perspective concerning unexpected loss to a positive one. That gift is with me to this day, like a faithful friend whose loving presence lessens the bitterness of life’s most painful experiences. That gift is grace…God’s kind that spills over out of eternity onto frail humanity in its times of greatest incapacity.

Dad’s death on March 11, my twin sisters’ forty-first birthday, was especially sad but not unexpected. The doctor prepared us with the news that he had a seriously clogged aorta and the blood supply to his lower extremities was cut off. Still, we had time to hold on and to let go. We shared feelings and emotions that had seemed to elude us until now.

I sat on my back patio, reminiscing and thanking God for the man who adopted me some forty three years earlier. It was the eleventh of April…one month since his funeral. My heart was full as gratefulness and sorrow ebbed and flowed. Grace was as palatable as the tears flooding from my heart and soul.

April 12th was a glorious Palm Sunday. My two teenage boys and I went to church without my husband who had National Guard duty. After lunch I went outside to trim some hedges. The phone rang. I heard my sister Brenda’s voice at the other end: “Sharon, I have some bad news…Linda died this morning.” Her twin…my baby sister!

The shock knocked me into lightening quick grief which swelled up in screaming sobs of ‘what?’ and ‘why?’ This was unexpected loss. Would grace be there for this?

Numbly, I yielded to my husband’s suggestion to fly rather than drive to my childhood home for the funeral. He drove me to the airport the next morning. By that afternoon, I was participating in an instant replay of just a month earlier. It is April 13th…we are making plans to bury my sister. There had been no time for good-bye. Linda died instantly at forty-one from an acute heart attack. Numbness gave way to peace as the hands of grace reached masterfully from heaven to orchestrate comfort I could not find by myself.

Now, Easter Sunday morning would yield yet another facet to the inexhaustible gift of divine grace. When my in-laws asked me to go to church with them I heard myself say, “Yes” when my feelings were yelling, “No, I can’t bear to go today.” It was that grace that walked me down the aisle at the end of the service at the invitation of the music minister to join the choir in singing the Hallelujah Chorus.

It was one week to the day that Linda had died. It was Easter morning and grace was my companion. There was no strength of self left on which to draw. There was no reason, humanly speaking, not to break down-no reason except for God’s gift of sustaining grace.

My shaky soprano voice chimed in with the others. My voice grew stronger and clearer.

Inside, my heart began to sing its own solo, “Oh death, where is thy sting, oh grave, where is thy victory?” Hallelujah!

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Ask Beth

by Beth Brubaker Dear Beth, I want to do Spring Cleaning, but I'm not sure where to start, and how much I should do. Can you help?

Messy In Michigan

Dear Messy, Spring Cleaning is a time where you air out the house from winter 'houseitosis ' it's time to open windows and freshen up the place for spring! But how clean do you want the house to be is really up to you. Some people are willing to tear each room apart and deep clean, while others do a basic wipe-down and vacuum under the furniture.

The best way to clean is from top to bottom - starting from the ceilings and ending with the floors. You can do one room at a time top to bottom, or do all the ceiling cleaning, then the walls, etc. Here are the basics: • All ceiling fans get a good wiping down, a fuzzy duster gets used around the edges of the ceiling, and if you want, use a broom-handled duster on the rest of the ceiling and walls.

• Next comes anything on the walls. Pictures and mirrors get a light dusting (and a wipe across the glass with some glass cleaner), windows are wiped down (just do the inside if you don't have the pull-down type), and windowsills are cleaned as well as door jambs, door knobs, bannisters light switches and radiators.

• Furniture should be wiped down. You can use an all-purpose cleaner if it's not wood, but I recommend wood cleaners for wood surfaces because they help moisturize the wood (and it has a nice smell too!)

• Couches and chairs should be vacuumed between the cushions.

• Wipe down all baseboards or use the vacuum hose in tighter spots.

• Vacuum or dust under all furniture- use the vacuum hose under desks with all the electronic spaghetti in the back. Make sure all plugs and outlets are unplugged and given a once-over with the vacuum hose to help prevent lint sparking. Finish vacuuming or dusting the floors.

In addition to the house cleaning, you might also look into: • • • • •

Cleaning out filters in water systems, air systems and heating systems.

Cleaning the dryer lint from the exhaust hose in the back of the dryer.

Rinsing out and drying all the filters in your air conditioners so you're ready for summer.

Replace window screens that have been damaged over the winter.

Sprinkle enzyme cleaner down your kitchen and bathroom drains to help prevent clogs.

Good luck with your Spring Cleaning!

Beth 54

Beauty Exposed

by Keith Wallis Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12 v9

Winds may cuff wild raging blows, salty draughts scour and purge, suns may blister, boil, and burn, snows may clothe and ice grip, but you survive.

This seed fell on rocky ground a sea-birds transient sentry post.

Tenacious roots peeked and seeked sustenance in hidden places, survival driven – you endure.

And on this drab day with sad grey sky and crying cloud you add colour and joy and hope for those who, like you, root in hard places.

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A Big IF

by Keith Wallis If I turn my back on the vastness, shade my eyes from infinite sky, ignore the shingled tingled feeling at my feet; If my hands could touch another’s for safekeeping, or could fly, despite all troubled struggle life would be complete.

Outstretched hands are but a breath away and the water is not deep, and all that quaking shaking fearfulness will keep.

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Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart

by Jean Ann Williams "My son Joshua died by suicide on March 16, 2004. After the "early griever" years, I longed to write a book about my loss. Not sure who would be my audience, I prayed about it and God answered through a friend.

Pat suggested a book of devotions for other mothers who've lost a child to suicide. Presently, I am getting the word out about my book's topic, and am amazed as I watch God open the doors for more opportunities to speak about the book project.

The title is God's Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother's Heart, which says much about the content of the book."

The following is an excerpt from God's Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother's Heart

A Compassionate Friend And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. — Isaiah 30:21 After Margaret gave me the phone number of our local chapter of The Compassionate Friends, it still took several months before I got the courage to call.

I began taking their newsletter first, and later I called the chapter leader. In our conversation, she told me she lost a son to suicide, and we made plans to meet at a park. On the day of our meeting, we greeted each other with a common-bond hug and sat on the lawn to talk. Half an hour into our visit, I knew I could trust her with my greatest fear. I leaned toward her. “Susan, I feel like I’m going insane.”

She gave me a knowing look, nodding. “I felt the same way at first, but it will pass.”

“But why does this happen?”

“The struggle to comprehend you will never see your child again. And from the lack of sleep and all the sorrow we feel every waking moment.”

That day began a new normal for me. Susan’s honesty about how she felt when her son died validated what I dealt with on a daily basis.

Father, another blessing because of You. Thank You for allowing Susan to come at the perfect time in my life. In Jesus’ holy name, I am grateful. Amen.

“On the day of our meeting, we greeted each other with a common-bond hug and sat on the lawn to talk. Half an hour into our visit, I knew I could trust her with my greatest fear. I leaned toward her. “Susan, I feel like I’m going insane.”

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A Mother’s Memories “Ossifer Williams, Ossifer Williams, it’s me, Sean.”

My husband looked up from the menu and toward the voice. We were at a restaurant where we three made the attempt to celebrate our daughter’s first birthday without Joshua.

The young man now proceeded to wave his arms at my husband from two booths away. In his excitement, he hurried to my husband who by now had met him halfway. My husband said, “Hi Sean, how are you?”

Sean’s teeth flashed in a childlike grin. “I’m doing good, Ossifer Williams,” he said, not once taking his bright eyes off of my husband. Then he asked, “You still a cop at school?”

“Not anymore, Sean.”

“Oh. How’s Nosh doin’?”

Inside my chest twisted, and my breath came in gasps. My dear husband looked at me with hurt in his eyes. He faced Sean, again, and said, “He’s doing better than ever, Sean.”

I sighed in relief. My husband knew what to say and how to protect the handicapped boy.

Sean’s mouth opened wide and his voice raised an octave, “Oh, that’s so good, Ossifer Williams. You tell Nosh that Sean says hi.”

“Lord, oh, Lord. On this difficult day of celebrating Jami’s birthday without Joshua, You gave Jami and me a gift. You allowed us to meet the disabled boy who loved Joshua, and we saw that love radiated on his face and in his voice. I’m grateful.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

I bowed my head. Jami leaned closer to me and said, “Mom, what’s this all about?”

I shook my head, and whispered, “I can’t believe it. That boy, Sean, he’s the one that nicknamed Joshua Nosh.”

Jami gasped. “Really?” I nodded. “Tell me again how he knew Josh.”

“Remember when Joshua’s arthritis became so painful he couldn’t take P.E. in school?” “Yeah.”

I spread my hands out before me on the table. “To get credit for P.E., Josh had to assist in the special education class. I’ll never forget the day Joshua started talking about a boy named Sean. Joshua and Sean hit it off, but Sean couldn’t say Joshua’s name. It always came out Nosh. Pretty soon the nickname got around within The Crew and the girls in their group started calling Joshua Nosh.”

Right then, my husband sat back down and I dabbed my eyes with a dinner napkin. I don’t believe in chance meetings. God wanted to show all three of us a glimpse of Joshua’s past.

Lord, oh, Lord. On this difficult day of celebrating Jami’s birthday without Joshua, You gave Jami and me a gift. You allowed us to meet the disabled boy who loved Joshua, and we saw that love radiated on his face and in his voice.

I’m grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buFouV3MbPk Note: This book allows the reader to journal their own thoughts, memories, prayers, and words of encouragement.

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Surprise!

by Heather C. King All day long people were singing at her.

Smiling and singing. They tickled her belly, kissed her cheek, hugged her, and said two magic words that she didn’t even understand, “Happy Birthday!”

At first, my two-year-old reacted to all this attention with nothing more than a puzzled expression. It wasn’t until I brought out the birthday cupcakes that she really understood this day was about her.

As soon as I lit the candle, she started blowing at the air while I still stood across the room holding her birthday cupcake in my hands. And then after she was covered in icing and sprinkles, I brought out wrapped presents.

Her face said it all. “For me?”

She had been surprised by joy.

She was oblivious to me stashing presents in the closet. She had no clue I wrapped them during her nap the day before the big day. She didn’t see me decorate the cupcakes or pop two candles onto the top of the one just for her.

We were the excited ones, not her.

Matthew 7:11 says, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

When we’re feeling broken, just emptied out or filled with fear . . . when we look ahead to an uncertain future, not even knowing what tomorrow will look like for us . . . when we’ve been attacked into the ground, pounded on by trials and Satan and circumstances and one bad event after another . . . . . . then we remember that God is at work in invisible ways, even when we cannot see His hand, His activity, or His plans.

He gives us the good gifts of salvation, His Holy Spirit, His peace, yes.

But even more, He pours out on us surprises of joy, presents of grace in the unexpected places, an oasis in the midst of our wilderness, and a shooting star of hope across a midnight black expanse of our future.

Does it tickle you to think of God in heaven wrapping presents for you, sending down cupcakes with sprinkles just for you–when you least expect it and on a day that seems so ordinary or even filled with despair?

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That’s what He did for Mary Magdalene, sitting at the tomb of her dead Savior. In her sorrow, she had traveled to the tomb while it was still dark. Throwing back her blankets, she had simply gotten up and started walking to the place of His burial.

But the stone was gone. The tomb empty. She called for the disciples and they searched through scraps of linen for any answer to the mystery of the missing Savior.

There was despair and confusion and hurt. There was anger and defensiveness about grave robbers and defilers. It was a day that had started out bad enough and was quickly getting worse by the second.

Mary didn’t see Jesus “plotting for her joy.” He had been at work in the hidden places, descending into hell and snatching the keys of death out of Satan’s hands.

He had risen on that third day and exited the tomb already, but she hadn’t seen any of that.

While God planned her surprise, she: “stood outside the tomb crying” (John 20:11).

It’s not until she sees Jesus herself—not even then, not even when she talks with Him, but only when He calls her by name—that she realizes the victory before her, the amazing miracle of resurrection.

The angels asked her why she was crying. Jesus Himself asked the reason for her tears. She cried because the brokenness was all she knew and the evidence of loss and grief was overbearingly present. An empty tomb, grave clothes in a pile, Savior’s body gone. That’s what she saw.

Isn’t that what we sometimes see, too?

We see here and now. Bills due. Relationships broken. Uncertainty about the next day and the next.

Unanswered questions. Danger for our kids. Loss and mourning. Difficult ministry.

We see the grave.

God sees the resurrection.

He’s your Father who loves you, who knows how to give you good gifts and is wrapping presents for you, rejoicing “over you with singing” (Zeph. 3:17), and working “for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”" (Rom. 8:28).

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“Oh Yes I Will…Oh No I Won’t!”

(Prioritizing this Incredible Life)

by Sharon L. Patterson Prioritizing is something I have always taken seriously in every season of my life. I haven’t always succeeded in making right choices even when ruled by the best of intentions. Now, that I am in the “elder” time of my life, success in this area does not allude me nearly so often.

Earlier in life, tasks and people constantly competed for the number 2 spot on my daily list. As a Christian, God was and still remains first, though I must admit to catching myself nodding off to sleep during my early morning time with Him. Sometimes, I woke up with my head on my Bible, rather than my mind engaged in scripture in my Bible.

Perhaps the priority of my scheduled 30 minute slot to be with God overpowered the still small voice of His Spirit’s invitation to simply be with Him. Now, getting back to that number two spot of daily priorities, I could take you on a dizzying 65 year history of my struggle to keep the main things the main thing in my life. I will, however, resist that temptation and present a much more succinct list of understandings gained about prioritizing tasks and people in my life.

Here goes…the top ten things to which I say, “Oh, yes, I will”, and the things to which I say, “Oh, no, I won’t!”

(1) “Oh, Yes, I Will…”

Listen to the still small voice of God “Oh, No I Won’t…”

Listen to the noise of the world (2) “Oh, Yes, I Will…”

Hear the cry of family, friend, and others “Oh, No, I Won’t…”

Hear the cry of pretenders, predators, and protagonists (3) “Oh, Yes, I Will…”

Help the needy get up to help themselves “Oh, No, I Won’t…”

Help the needy stay needy 61

(4) “Oh, Yes, I Will…”

Follow the truth found in God’s Word, the Bible “Oh, No, I Won’t…”

Follow the falsehoods of popular culture (5) “Oh, Yes, I Will…”

Control my mouth, my temper, and my appetites by God’s grace “Oh, No, I Won’t…”

Control my family, my friends, or others (also by God’s grace) (6) “Oh, Yes, I Will…”

Minister from the self-less love of God every chance I get “Oh, No, I Won’t…”

Minister from self-love’s endless need of recognition (7) “Oh, Yes, I Will…”

Add value to others “Oh, No, I Won’t…”

Add value to myself using others (8) “Oh, Yes, I Will…”

Finish what I begin “Oh, No, I Won’t…”

Finish what others begin - including their sentences (9) “Oh, Yes, I Will…”

Participate in positive solutions at every given opportunity “Oh, No, I Won’t…”

Participate in negative gossip and opinions (10) “Oh, Yes, I Will…”

Speak the truth in love “Oh, No, I Won’t…”

Speak the truth in hate I know that my list is simple. Simplicity is one of the greatest discoveries in establishing priorities that I have found. Blessings on your list!

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The Happy Housewife

by Elizabeth Baker

Chapter Seven: The Lurking Monsters There are two things I know the devil takes great delight in. One is a sinner bound for hell who tells the preacher, “Leave me alone; I’m enjoying myself.” The other is a Christian who, every time the Holy Spirit prods him in the ribs, grumbles “Leave me alone; I’m sleeping.”

Many things can lull a Christian to sleep and dull his spiritual senses; things that creep in slowly and softly. They are like a thick blanket being pulled over our faces with a gentle hand. We wake up and find ourselves suffocating and blind but can’t quite figure out how we got into the confusing darkness.

I don’t claim to know all the devil’s tricks, but I’ve been duped by him enough times to learn something along the way, if only to keep my eyes open and never to be sure of myself, only to be sure of my Master, because there is always a monster close by waiting to devour me.

“Many things can lull a Christian to sleep and dull his spiritual senses; things that creep in slowly and softly. They are like a thick blanket being pulled over our faces with a gentle hand.

We wake up and find ourselves suffocating and blind but can’t quite figure out how we got into the confusing darkness.”

Here are five things that have given me trouble in the past (and occasionally in the present!) I have also detected these monsters at work among my friends. Since people are not very different from one place to another, these monsters may give you trouble too.

Friend or Fiend?

The first is that ever popular, much loved thief called television.

Around here it is known by many names including “rattle machine” and “idiot box.” It is not that I don’t enjoy TV. When this monster is tamed, it can be very friendly and amusing.

But domesticating the brute is a job to challenge the most solid of God’s saints. One part of the problem is that TV watching is addictive! The F.D.A. should require every set to arrive with a bright red label plastered across the screen reading, “WARNING: This drug may be habit forming.”

In many homes the TV is turned on as soon as the alarm clock is turned off because “this is a “good way to catch the news and weather.” But why should the set be turned off after these?

The kiddy shows are coming on, and these are surely needed to educate the preschooler in the house. Why turn it off then? If the portable is rolled into the kitchen, Mama can catch her favorite soap opera while doing dishes.

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“Will Mary find out about the affair her husband Jerry is having with Beth, who is in love with the doctor from Sesame Street?”

After six or eight soaps, the dishes are finally finished, but why turn off the tube? The children will be home from school soon and they have only two thoughts when they come through the door: “What’s to eat?” and “Which channel is Lucy on?”

By the time the children are through with the set, the news is on again and we may as well see how far the world has degenerated since morning. Dinner is served with one eye on the tube, and evening hours are passed without family conversation while cops and robbers murder each other and lawyers defend the lily-white character of the friendly neighborhood abortionist.

Television can be a cheap tranquilizer for a mind that is bored with life. It can easily become as habitual to a woman as thumb-sucking to a baby.

Elijah heard God call him in a still, small voice. Many times in His Book God tells His people to “stand still,” “be quiet” and “think.” We cannot expect God to communicate with us if He must yell down a western shoot-out to do so.

Here are some statistics that may shock you. The average American preschooler spends 64% of his waking time watching TV. By age 14, he will have seen 18,000 murders on television. By age 17, he will have viewed some 350,000 commercials and in the course of his lifetime the TV set will have consumed 10 years of his time.1 Everyone says, “Oh, I don’t watch much television.” But try this experiment: for one week record the hours the set is playing. An even more daring experiment is to turn off the tube for one week and see if you can survive!

Here are some statistics that may shock you. The average American preschooler spends 64% of his waking time watching TV. By age 14, he will have seen 18,000 murders on television.

It is as difficult to withdraw from something you have mental dependency on as it is to withdraw from something on which you are dependent physically.

By age 17, he will have viewed some The reason TV addiction is such a dangerous thing is because of what the set teaches. It is called an entertainment and information 350,000 media, but that it also a powerful teacher. All of us, especially commercials and in children, learn what we live with. the course of his If we live with the television set constantly pumping the values of the lifetime the TV set pagan world into us, we will tend to adopt some of these values as our own. As my mama always said, “If you sleep with the pigs, you’re will have consumed bound to get dirty.”

10 years of his 1 These statistics were compiled by Gerald Looney of the University of Arizona and were quotedtime.

by Lloyd Shearer in 1

Parade magazine.

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Many of the shows considered “innocent entertainment” are the worst. I refer to the 30-minute situation comedies in which lying is the natural way out of a problem, and getting caught in the lie is the funniest thing that can happen.

Some cartoons are fine for brief periods of entertainment for children but by all means take time to see what your children are being taught. Cartoons often use séances, idol gods, voodoo, and communication with the dead as subjects.

I have even seen liquor and overwhelming sexual passion posing as children’s entertainment in some of the older cartoons. One morning I walked into the room and found my children thoroughly involved in watching their hero being stretched across the alter of the sun god while the priest lifted his arms toward heaven and offered praise to the god of the sun and prepared a sacred knife to cut out the victims’ heart. These things are not funny.

Even nature programs can be damaging unless the child receives proper instruction while the show is in progress. These programs often push evolutionary theories at young children. They report what the animals eat, and where they live, and what they evolved from just as though all three things were undisputed facts, which in truth they are not.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy— meditate on these things.”

Philippians 4:8

The Bible says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you have learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

If we want the peace of God, we must be willing to fill our minds with good things. This one passage of Scripture makes much of TV programming out of bounds for the Christian viewer.

Television can be relaxing entertainment and a good source of information, but it must be controlled or it will quickly become a monster that all but destroys family communications and plants decay and confusion in the mind.

Others or Self The second monster we sometimes face lives inside our own minds.

It eats time and energy. Its name is self-centeredness and its cry is, “What do the neighbors think? Do the people in the church think I’m pretty? Did Mrs. Jones approve of the way I disciplined Junior? Did my husband’s boss think I was attractive? Did Aunt Mary notice the dust on my table? Is my slip showing? Is my hair ok? Are my neighbors talking about me?

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When a baby is born into this world, he is totally self-centered. He cares only for his own comfort and satisfaction. A flood could destroy his parent’s home and kill half his family, but as long as the baby stayed warm, dry, and well-fed, the tragedy would matter little to him.

A new baby’s whole world is his own mind and his own body. He wants to be loved but as yet does not give love. As a person grows, his world slowly opens up and the feelings of others become important to him. He can find comfort and pleasure in the company of those close to him. He feels discontented when they feel sorrow and can derive happiness from their joy.

It would be a beautiful world if every person born on this earth would keep opening up wider and wider, learning to love, learning to care.

The sad fact is that it is all too easy to stop developing in our relationships with others, even to regress so that our thoughts revolve more and more around ourselves.

Self-centered thoughts chase each other round and round in an ever tightening circle. We worry over what the neighbors think about our actions, our looks, our speech. We think about our bodies. We think about our emotions. We think about our thoughts.

This type of thought pattern can paralyze a Christian spiritually.

Loving and doing and giving are lost in a sea of self-concern. We become useless to the Lord and miserable within. The problem is rooted in the sin of self-centeredness and only a repeated application of the A B C (admit, believe, confess) procedure can break this vicious cycle and set us free to start caring and loving once more.

Rich or Poor?

That hard cold monster named money is another bugaboo hiding in the shadows. Paul wrote “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (I Timothy 6:10).

Money is important. To say otherwise would be foolish. We live in a material world, and it takes hard cash to function. We use money to put food on the table, clothes on the children, and a roof over our heads. Paul did not condemn the earning or the use of money but only the love of money.

Oddly, you don’t have to have much money to be in love with it. A poor man can be a miser with what little he does have and dream or scheme greedily. A rich man can be very openhanded and generous in his dealings with others.

“Self-centered thoughts chase each other round and round in an ever tightening circle. We worry over what the neighbors think about our actions, our looks, our speech. We think about our bodies. We think about our emotions. We think about our thoughts.”

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Suddenly he slapped the table and loudly announced, “We weren’t poor. Nobody thought of us as poor. All the boys went to school in patched overalls and carried biscuits for lunch. A poor boy would have been the one who didn’t have a biscuit!”

Another odd thing about money: how much you actually have has little to do with whether you think of yourself as poor or well off.

I have a friend who is a big gruff sergeant in the Air Force. Dan doesn’t know it, but he is quite a country philosopher. Our families were together one evening on a tiny South Pacific Island where we were stationed. We were reminiscing about home and childhood and watching the lizards climb the screens.

Dan told how he used to walk to school over hot dusty roads. He wore patched overalls, had no shoes, and carried a biscuit sandwich in a syrup bucket. We all grew silent and Dan seemed lost in thought.

Suddenly he slapped the table and loudly announced, “We weren’t poor. Nobody thought of us as poor. All the boys went to school in patched overalls and carried biscuits for lunch. A poor boy would have been the one who didn’t have a biscuit!”

Being well off doesn’t depend on how much we have; it depends on how much the other people we know have. If all the women I know had their own spending money, a dishwasher, and a cleaning woman who comes in twice a week, chances are I would find myself feeling inferior. I would be “poor” because I do not have these things.

If times were hard and none of the women I know could afford a special Sunday dress while I have three such dresses, chances are I would feel well off, even rich. My friends probably would consider me rich too. My financial circumstances may not have changed a dime’s worth; what changed my attitude was the circumstances of my friends.

Proud or Meek?

“The money monster has an ugly cousin named pride, and they often work together to make a Christian a discontented sourpuss who is about as useful to God as a toothache is to me.”

The money monster has an ugly cousin named pride, and they often work together to make a Christian a discontented sourpuss who is about as useful to God as a toothache is to me.

One day I was standing at the kitchen sink carrying on a mental conversation with myself. During the discussion I criticized a friend.

Immediately my defense system was set in motion: “Oh, I know I have my faults too, but . . . “ Silently the Spirit said, “Name one.”

Name one? Of course, I could name one, I . . . uhh . . . I . . .well, I . . .

All afternoon I thought and the only fault I could name was that I sometimes ate too much and got fat.

That night while saying prayers, I asked the Lord to show me a fault so that He and I could work on it together. He did show me one. Then another, then another. And to this day every time we work together and get one hole in my character plugged up, he shows me three more places where it is leaking.

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The sin of pride is opposite to the grace of humility. But what is humility? I used to think anyone who would not admit anything was good about him and always said he didn’t know anything, wasn’t worth anything, and couldn’t do anything was a humble person. But that is not true.

Humility doesn’t go around beating itself with a broom, crying, “I’m a worm; I’m a worm.” I believe true humility is a trait of God. Meekness is listed among the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and Jesus referred to Himself as meek (Matthew 11:29).

Humility is nothing less than accepting the truth. The truth about others—their limitations, their talents, their needs and their worth in the sight of God. The truth about God—His right to rule, His majesty, His power. The truth about ourselves—good and bad.

If God has given us talents or a good voice, or gentleness, or beauty, we should recognize that it is a gift of God and not our own doing. To crawl under a rock and deny our talents is just as wrong as strutting on stage and denying our faults exist. Those actions are opposite ends of the same worm: pride.

When we are willing to face the real truth about ourselves, we will both be willing to let Jesus work on us where we are lacking and to accept the responsibility of using the talents He has given us to build up our Christian brothers and heal the wounds of a bleeding world.

Fantasy or Reality?

The last monster I’ll deal with often masquerades as a harmless butterfly. Butterflies bring pleasure when we first notice them flitting about the lawn, but in another stage these creatures are worms digging away at the life of our vegetable garden and destroying the rose buds we so carefully tended. The butterfly of many a woman’s life is day-dreaming.

Too often women waste time dreaming over old boyfriends, movie stars, or imaginary affairs. We waste energy wishing we were pioneers in the west, or our favorite TV heroine, or a neighbor we admire.

We want to live any life except the one God has given us. We want to be anyone except who we are. These “harmless” flights of imagination can, like the butterfly, give birth to some very ugly worms.

God deals with things as they really are. There is nothing imaginary about Him or His grace or His rewards. Jesus is as alive and active now as when He grabbed a whip and chased the money-changers and stock dealers out of the temple in Jerusalem.

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Spiritual Christians are more in tune with reality than the greatest worldly politicians. The repeated call of the New Testament is that we live our lives one day, one moment at a time. We cannot serve the Lord in fantasy; it must be done in the real world and it must be done now.

By God’s design, we should be “casting down imaginations and every high thing that exaulteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” ( 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV).

Did I hear someone moan, “Oh, I could never do that! I can’t control what I think”?

Let me ask you a question. Could God be just and still demand that we do something impossible? The devil has the ability to throw “fiery darts” at our minds.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)

We may never in this life rise to the point where evil thoughts don’t flash into our minds but we can control what thoughts stick in our minds.

We can control (choose) what our minds dwell on and enjoy. This is like all other aspects of the Christian life; it is something we learn as we moment by moment walk under His guidance. It does not depend on our power to perform but on our belief in His ability to do what he says in His Word.

It depends on our willingness to yield to His power and to act according to our belief. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

I have used terms like monster and bugaboo to explain what I wanted to say, but the devil is as real as physical snakes and lions. He will go to the worst extreme the Lord will allow to undermine the Christian and make him miserable.

He would destroy every one of us if he could. But we have the encouraging words of Jesus our Lord, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The Happy Housewife is available from Amazon, and you can find more of Elizabeth’s book on her website at www.elizabethbakerbooks.com

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The Happy Housewife Paper Doll from the Collection of Vintage Mama

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Soar with the Eagles or Roost with the Chickens – Who Influences You?

by Shannon Panzo, Submitted by Lisa Simpkins When my clients start working with me to gain the objectives of improving their lives, one of my first questions is. “How many people have direct influence over your life, such as your spouse, children, friends, relatives, etc.? Asking this question lays down a specific directive for my client to assess.

It’s natural that you would care what your loved ones think. These are the same people that have been influencing you throughout your life. How do you think they will react when they realize that you are making significant changes in your life without consulting with them first?

They may think you are leaving the fold. Others will make attempt to prevent you from escaping the box in which they have placed you, because they don’t want to change their expectations of you.

Your first steps along the path of self-improvement will almost certainly be lonely ones. You will likely continue to walk this path alone. It is a very personal experience.

Have you ever wondered why? I don’t often refer to songs, but there is one song that should be your mantra when you set out on the path of self-improvement. The song is, “I Walk Alone” by Green Day. The lyrics fit the circumstances perfectly.

Once you start to make real progress in moving along your path, you will naturally feel excited and eager to share your enthusiasm with others. But should you suggest to your partner that he or she should be making similar changes to the ones you have made?

You should be aware that just because you are making positive changes in your life, your partner may not share your desire. He or she may consider it an insult or wonder if you look down on him or her.

Your partner may consider in an insult if you suggest that he or she should follow a similar course of action.

A Life and Death Example I have been blessed with an accumulation of a tremendous amount of valuable information. Recently, I had the opportunity to help a friend that has a progressive cancer, but who has everything to live for. He has a worthwhile life – better than most people.

Although he didn’t ask for it, I provided him with some specialized information that could provide potential options to allow him to live longer and healthier. I gave him this information without expectation that he would ever read it, or do anything about it, but it was there for him if he chose to.” It is unfortunate that he has not gotten around to using it. It saddens me.

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Moral Support versus Standing Alone If you get moral support from those around you, feel blessed. Most people must walk their path lonely, and without support. Once in a while you may meet someone that is on a similar path as you; a kindred spirit.

This is the Law of Attraction at work. Often these are the best people to be co-supportive with. Look for these people to appear. It is nice to find a friend while traversing adversity.

You may think my choice of the word “adversity” may be a negative way of thinking about doing something positive for yourself. Please take a moment to think about why we are driven to improve ourselves to begin with. Our dissatisfaction in ourselves is the reason why we pursue to improve our life. If we were not dissatisfied, there would be no reason to do anything in that direction. There are two specific rules here: “The need to change is greater than the burden to stay the same.” and “The only constant in life is CHANGE.” Change is inevitable. Nonetheless, it is in our nature as human beings to resist change. True adversity comes from the internal battle of contradiction.

Benefit of Change You benefit greatly from doing things of your own accord, without the coddling or support you may wish you had. When you take on the risk and potentials of both failure and success, it gives you a great sense of self-worth and feeling of accomplishment when you succeed.

This is because when you take on the risk for yourself, you will put more effort into achieving success, which improves your odds of success. You are now confident to move forward and take more steps along your path. On the other hand, if you are hand-fed and coddled through the experience, you will not have the opportunity to gain that sense of accomplishment; your reward for facing the struggle.

Recommendations I strongly recommend that you make yourself aware of the pitfalls ahead and proceed with your eyes open, so that you are not be deterred from your path when you face hardship and adversity. There will be times that you question whether you have made a mistake by wanting to improve yourself.

Recognize this doubt as your old resistance coming to the forefront. Your biggest battles will be waged within. However, once you overcome the doubts and resistance of your old self, nothing can stand in your way to ultimate success.

The road of self-improvement is a rocky one.

Prepare yourself accordingly. Good Luck!

Shannon Panzo Great Things Happen Here! http://zoxpro.com/paypal.html 72

The Morning Star

by Crystal Mary Lindsey The fresh dawn gladdens the skies, peeping through billowing marshmallow clouds.

Soft hazy colors greet the new dawn; Pink's lilacs and bluey soft hews.

Away up high in the Heavens above shines one last little star, keeping watch from afar.

It twinkles out peace, mercy, and love; a gentle reminder of the Creator above The star remains by night and by day, majestically bright 'neigh Gods milky way.

A woman awakens and looks back at the star, knowing that it shines on her loved ones afar And she humbly prays to the Father, omnipresent and true, “Please Father take care of what I can't do.�

For she knows God keeps His children safe in His care, His grace and salvation, a promise so fair And the morning star keeps watch from its perch high above, ever shining and sharing, Gods message of love.

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A Prayer For Guidance

by Marilyn Porter I heard you call This wasn’t new Because I’ve asked A time or two.

What is it, Lord That I should do I get so lost In following you.

I bow my head Begging guidance from you “It’s another day, Lord And I haven’t a clue.”

And then I hear In a still, small voice “My child, be still For this is my will.

I want your time To really hear ‘Today, I just want For you to be near.

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Get Crafty for Spring and make these

Charming Easter Baskets in Bloom submitted by Christena Hammes We discovered Aunt Peaches and her blog where she shares fun crafts, and we want to invite you to visit her and try out some of her craft tutorials.

In this tutorial, Aunt Peaches teaches us how to make these adorable Easter baskets from coffee filters, paper bowls, and plastic cord. Super simple and oh-so-cute! A fun craft project for kids of all ages. Stop by to visit Aunt Peaches and tell her that Ruby sent you!

Learn to make your own

Envelope Book to stash all your little treasures!

We found this great tutorial for binding your own envelope book on the Instructables website.

“This book is constructed with twelve vintage envelopes instead of paper. That might not sound like a lot, but you need to remember you'll be filling it up with stuff. The idea is that you can fill it up with all sorts of things you want to keep safe. It has a ribbon marker and would be perfect for organizing monthly receipts, check stubs, coupons, extra money and basically any other flat objects you might want to file in an attractive manner.”

The tutorial has twenty-one steps that are clearly explained, with great photos to help you learn how to bind your envelope book. Once you learn the basic method of book-binding that is explained in this tutorial, you could design and create books of any size or thickness.

The envelopes bound together in booklet form make a perfect organizational tool for keeping all of those little odds and ends that are jumbled together in your desk drawer. Ticket stubs, scraps of paper with notes from the kids (“I Love You Mom!” scrawled in childish crayon letters), and gift tags that are too special to throw away. A book of memories, for sure! Check out Instructables for lots of creative, crafty ideas for spring.

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There is just no end to the craft projects that you can make from

Repurposed Sweaters!

We just LOVE these sweet throw pillows crafted from vintage sweaters. This tutorial was discovered on the “My Time Between” blog and we just couldn’t resist sharing them with you.

Using strips of sweater fabric in various widths and lengths, you can gather up one long edge of each strip and begin stitching them on your pillow top in in a circular spiral design.

End your circle of ruffled fabric in the middle, and hand stitch the final section of ruffle to create the inner flower design.

A whole bouquet of the frilly, ruffled throw pillows in a rainbow of colors would make any home burst with a touch of spring! Check out “My Time Between” for more creative ideas for spring crafts and home décor.

Spring is in the air and it’s time to get your flowers growing in these adorable

Bright Fabric Flower Pots from the Better Decorating Bible!

Give plain terracotta pots a spin with this easy DIY project you can finish up this weekend. Just about anyone can do this project, even those that aren’t so craft savvy. A little glue and fabric can really go a long way!

You can find the complete tutorial with all the instructions and materials list at the Better Decorating Bible blog. Wouldn’t your kitchen windowsill look beautiful with a row of these bright and cheerful flower pots all lined up in a row?

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Love is so Fine Love is so fine, but it hurts all the time.

Love is something, but it's not nothing.

Love is Love, Dove is Dove, it comes from the Lord above.

Love is grand, but not on this land.

So love whoever you love, with the time that you have. ~ by Sharmelle

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The Miracle of Love and Happiness I hear the beautiful sparkling stars singing that sweet lullaby while we dance through the night.

I feel the mystery of the wild ocean dancing with us while we dance in the dominant moonlight.

As we danced magically through the night we see the dove flying gracefully through the night sky as a witness to the nature’s miracle of spreading the love through the delicate air with pizzazz along with spreading happiness.

Since we sent the miracle of love and happiness though the air with pizzazz the changes in every person is so everlasting that there is an afterglow shining around the world which is fair for us to imagine this magnificent matter was happening.

So to spice it all up it was a very enchanting experience for us all to capture this without withholding the enrichment of all this love in the world brings a strong lasting presence so it may glow around the world, which is an improvement. ~ by Sharmelle

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Praise: Shout with Joy!

by Christena Hammes Praise is mentioned about 596 times in the Bible. Let’s look at just one example: Psalm 66 “Shout with joy to God, all the earth!

Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!

Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!

So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.

All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.”

Selah Psalm 66:1-4

So we are told to (a) shout with joy, (b) sing the glory of His name, (c) make His praise glorious, (d) sing praise.

David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals. 2 Samuel 6:5 They were celebrating the return of the ark of God back to the city of David.

So when did we stop giving God the praise He deserves?

Isn't He doing wonderful things in our lives, in the lives of our family and friends that we should be celebrating?

Shouldn't we be celebrating His magnificence? His glory? His faithfulness?

His forgiveness? His healing? His protection?

And the list can go on and on.

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In my opinion, not only has ‘going to church’ become a habit, a religion; but so has the time of praise. We finally arrive at church after arguing with our flesh or spouse or children….who did not want to get up, it’s the only day they get to sleep…..or we are still thinking on the work we left on our desk Friday….or maybe we are dwelling on some gossip we heard and can’t wait to see if so and so shows up today.

You name it, our minds and our desires are elsewhere, so we go in and go through the motions.

We sing the songs but are we really noticing the words and the meanings? Are we really singing these songs to God? Can you close your eyes and feel His presence and if you hear Him to tell you to lift your arms in worship to Him, will you do it or are you concerned about someone seeing you and ‘gossiping’ about you?

I know we are to do all things to glorify God, but when you read about how they praised Him in the Bible; it seems we have lost exuberance.

God has done so much for me that I want to make sure I’m giving Him all the glory every day of my life and when I come together with the body of believers I worship with – I want to be able to put our praises together and welcome His presence in our midst.

One day I was asking God why it felt heavy, like no one was really singing to Him, it was “habit.” And I heard Him ask me, ‘What do you want?’ And I told Him (while praise was still going on I stopped to write this down so I’d remember it): “I want to go into a place of worship and if even one ounce of flesh is on me…..it falls off! There is so much passion for God and for His people that nothing else can come in – we leave our pride, selfishness, fear, sickness, gossip, etc at the door.”

Then I heard the Lord clearly say to me, ‘If we don’t come really seeking Him we squelch the Spirit. If we can’t find and rest in His joy we are losing the Light. We are to praise Him with all our might, to know what we are singing and why, it is beautiful to Him. “ I believe if we want to see a moving of God’s power, we need to know what we are singing, why we are singing it and make sure we focus on giving God the praise.

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“The Answer I Could Not Give” Give”

by Sharon L. Patterson The conflicts had been steady all day…all week for that matter. My husband was out of town and I was left to wrestle with the explosive emotions that often erupt in a house shared with two teenage boys and a menopausal mother. I had already sent several under the breath prayers heavenward invoking divine wisdom. By midweek, mine was worn out and obviously not communicated successfully, particularly to my youngest son.

Totally spent at the end of one series of very trying set of confrontations, I climbed the stairs where the momentary haven of my quiet room awaited me. Closing the door, I plopped into my favorite chair, my mind still reeling with the harsh words exchanged earlier.

My heart was torn, and I was just as certain of the condition of my son’s heart. Somehow, this evening I knew there was a block we could not work through the same way we had always been able to. This time there was nothing I could say that would help him comprehend his mother’s love.

To him, all it seemed to do lately was to collide negatively with his will. Tonight, that collision had left both our emotions shaken. His quizzical look at my last explanation was more than this usual teenage attempt to manipulate the conversation to go his way. He was honestly searching for an answer he was not hearing.

My first inclination was to volunteer what he needed, but inside, I heard a familiar voice saying, “You can’t give him the answer he is seeking … only I can.”

That inner message calmed my torn emotions resulting not only from our conflict, but the image of him as I passed his room on the way to mine.

Peeking through the slightly closed door, I saw him with the sacred shoebox … the storehouse of all his treasured written keepsakes since the first grade. There were valentines, notes passed between classes, and letters I had written and stuck under his pillow or put in his lunch box.

He was holding one of mine in his hand when I asked, “What are you doing?” His reply tugged on every heartstring of motherhood accumulated in our fourteen and a half years together. “I’m looking for answers, Mom … but I can’t find any.”

The earlier seemingly unconquerable frustrations melted in the presence of his need. How I wanted to take him in my arms and reassure him as I had done hundreds of times before. Instead, I patted his hand and turned quickly to go to my room before I gave in to a comforting that was not mine to give this time.

“Ask the Lord, son. promise He will give you an answer.” I could hear the heavy sigh of frustration at what I said.

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Falling numbly into bed, I drowned my tears into my pillow and put the trust of my son’s unanswered questions into the Heavenly Father’s care. A blanket of grace lovingly surrounded my heart. I knew my son would be alright.

It was the same rite of passage into faith I had made as a teenager. It was time for him to know he had more than the borrowed faith of his mother.

Even before I entered his room the next morning to wake him for school, I knew he had found what he was looking for. We both had!

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January 31, 2013

The Gift of Forgiveness

Dear Dad, I am actually quite glad you contacted me. I have been wanting to draft a letter to you for some time. Unfortunately, I don't have my thoughts completely collected here at school - but nonetheless - I'm sure I can get across the basics and fill in the rest later as needed.

I am sorry for the loss of contact. It's been on my heart for years and truthfully, I have not known how to settle your identity in my mind, which has made it difficult for me to have a relationship. I'll explain, My concern is that there are 2 different "dads" that I've known growing up and I've felt that until I can resolve the discrepancy between the two, it's difficult for a true and meaningful relationship to exist.

Growing up, I cannot say that you were a cruel or mean dad. In fact, I still look back fondly on so many of the things we did together.

Furthermore, I have you to thank for so many of the things that make up who I am today. My faith is strongly rooted and continues to grow as I seek God more and more. This yearning to love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength was planted in part by the out-pouring of your own faith into my life.

I also dearly love to be outside - at this point John and I have taken 2 separate road-trips and have backpacked, hiked, and had other adventures - which I can also attribute to your influence!

These things and many more years and memories make up for me a personal experience and testimony to a hurt - yet loving, funny and sacrificing dad.

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However; at the same time - I am also confronted with the reality of the hurt and brokenness that is so pervasive in our family. I am confused about so much – and truthfully – I don’t think it’s good to live in the past and dig through painful memories and times.

I believe strongly in Christ’s words that, “Behold I make all things new”, which means that no past event, no former vice, sin or bondage can hold any power over our hearts and lives if we are truly living in the Spirit.

Therefore, I don’t want to engage in a difficult process of hashing over the past, nor do I want any justifications from either side of our family.

Things and people were damaged, a sacred institution (the family) broken – and no matter how or according to whomever’s efforts, it was not God’s will.

That being said, I also believe strongly in Romans 8:28 that God works all things for the good of those who love the Lord.

Therefore, I think my own life – and I do pray yours as well – reflects the grace of God in turning ashes to beauty. I stand here today as a woman continuing to be made whole by God – but nonetheless better for the goodness He has worked in my life through the bad that our family experienced.

I also believe strongly that there is a need for reconciliation as members of the body of Christ. I have been praying over my need to reconcile with you and I regard your email as an answer in part to that prayer.

I am willing and hopeful to bring some restoration to our family – yet I also acknowledge that I am the least scarred and damaged of any of us.

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Understandably Mom and Mary were hurt enough by your former self that they have chosen to move on with their lives, praying daily for the ability to forgive and let go.

I think all things happen in God’s time – and I don’t think this is the right time for you to begin restoring relationships with them.

Yet, I also believe that we are all accountable for our own sins and part behavior. It would be my hope then that you would be able to restore, seek forgiveness, and account for the damage that existed in our family (without justification, blame and also without hashing out the minute details that at this point are only painful and/or trivial).

As I said before, my main point of contention is that I can’t reconcile the dad I know in my own past with the dad who I also know brought so much suffering into our family.

I would want this conversation between you and me to not involve Mom or Mary at this time. Additionally, I would not want it to include justifications, blaming, or hashing out details.

I have been in prayer for the ability to forgive – and regardless of your words and your own account – I do forgive you.

However, a relationship must also be built on trust and knowledge of the person’s character. I hope to be able to establish trust and to know who my dad is.

I also pray for God to give us His Spirit of discernment, wisdom, grace, and truth in this matter.

I pray every day for our family and I trust that He who is able will accomplish His will in this family and in all of our lives.

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Otherwise, my birthday is quite good. I am teaching now. I love my students, school, etc.

John and I both lead Young Life in this area for our schools. It’s great to share in this ministry together as well as with our students.

We were married on June 20, 2010. It was a relatively small and simple wedding – but it was a wonderful event to celebrate! We then took a road-trip cross-country for our honeymoon.

The car was old and died at least 5 times – but we didn’t worry and just had fun! (John literally prayed for his car to fix it – and miracle of miracles – it still lives!)

The following summer we took a road-trip to Alaska-spending lots of time in Banff and Jasper. We go up to Alaska in the summers and help John’s family run their business there which is lots of fun. We both get to fish, hike, and go out in the boat plenty in the summer-time.

I hope you are well and thank you for your birthday greetings!

In Him, Your daughter

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It’s All the Same to Me! Hidden Word Puzzle Answer Key

by Beth Brubaker

Visit Tricia on her blog, It’s Real Life, for more information about her books.

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Avoid a Collision with a Positive Vision

by Glenda Staten Glenda Staten is the owner of Positivity 4 Ever. Positivity 4 Ever promotes positivity by providing helpful resources to enrich everyone's life. She created "Avoid a Collision with a Positive Vision", a basic guide used to help young adults make positive decisions and live a responsible life while accomplishing their goals. High school students, college students, young adults, parents, and numerous organizations will benefit from the helpful information in the guide.

The guide focuses on "knowing yourself", "being open to change", "setting goals", friendship and bullying. Preview the guide at avoidacollision.com. Glenda also created the Positivity 4 Ever mini magazine to promote positivity, and to share positive conversations from entertainers, authors, and entrepreneurs. The magazines are available at shop.positivity4ever.com.

Glenda joined the military after graduating from Albany Junior College in Albany Georgia. While in the military, she worked for numerous organizations in the United States and abroad before retiring in 2004.

She worked at The National Defense University in Washington, DC where she performed duties as the senior enlisted leader of the organization.

Glenda worked on the National Defense University's Security Team during a visit from the President of the United States, and she was commended for her service.

Glenda was selected to be the Senior Non-commissioned Officer in Charge for the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army at the Pentagon. She completed her military career while assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Personnel Administration and Services Division.

Glenda received her Master's Degree in Management from City University of Seattle in Bellevue, Washington before she retired.

Glenda's military experience enriched her life, and provided the necessary insight needed to help her focus on positivity.

For more information or to purchase your copy of Avoid a Collision with a Positive Vision, please visit her website, Avoid a Collision, at www.avoidacollision.com You can also find Glenda’s magazine, Positivity 4 Ever, at www.shop.positivity4ever.com

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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.

The National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs (NACWE) invites you to join our family as a Member!

Join NACWE today!

• • •

Get connected to Christian Women Entrepreneurs throughout the United States and Canada for networking, business building, and prayer support Start creating new ideas, plans, programs and products with valuable monthly training calls and webinars Begin collaborating with women who can walk beside you on the journey with love and not competition PLUS, NOW YOU CAN JOIN US FOR JUST $27 a month!!

NACWE Membership & Benefits Membership is open to women entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others who have to desire to launch their entrepreneurial venture. We also serve women business owners who are ready to add new marketing success tools, gain access to other like-minded women through networking, and increase their online presence.

Claim your FREE copy of 10 Marketing Secrets to help you Generate Leads, Increase Revenue, and Build a thriving community! www.nacwe.org

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The Happy Housewife

by Elizabeth Baker Elizabeth's classic best seller from 1979 is brought back to life for a new generation.

Humorous, honest, Bible based and compelling, this ageless primer on the joys and traumas of dealing with kids, husbands, and dirty dishes will have you laughing and bring you to tears. Her practical advice provides realistic solutions to problems that never change.

Join her in an exploration that is a fresh and ageless as mother-love. Elizabeth tackles issues that are modern in every respect while her home-spun style makes the readers feel as though they are having coffee with a wise friend.

The Happy Housewife is available from Amazon and on Elizabeths’ website at www.elizabethbakerbooks.com

Becoming the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved: Discover Your Character in God’s Love Story

by Michelle S. Lazurek Becoming the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved: Discover Your Character in God’s Love Story by Michelle S. Lazurek (Winepress Publishing, October, 2011) invites readers to engage with the story God is writing for their lives and discover their role as a character in that story.

The book also asks the reader “What’s Your Story?” and provides thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter to allow readers to interact with the material.

The book is available on her website www.michellelazurek.com , www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com . You can follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mslazurek or Twitter.

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A River of Small Stones

by Keith Wallis A beautiful and inspirational book of poetry, perfect for gift-giving for every season of the year!

Poems written as “small stones,” polished moments of paying proper attention to life Available at www.ariverofstones.blogspot.com

Be sure to visit

Ruby’s Ruby’s Reading Corner when you are shopping for books!

Every purchase you make from Ruby’s Reading Corner helps support the ongoing ministry here at Ruby for Women. The next time you are planning to purchase a book for yourself, for a friend, or for a family member, please consider shopping at Ruby’s Reading Corner.

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Visit Debbie Luxton, Independent Consultant for Blessings Unlimited, at www.blessingsunlimited.net/debbieluxton

Theresa Ceniccola, The Christian Mompreneur, at www.theresaceniccola.com

Author Amanda Stephan at www.booksbyamanda.com 92

Let Gossamer Wings Publications transform your writing into a beautiful digital document to post on your blog or website!

Are you a writer, poet, author of devotional or inspirational articles, children's author, writer of short stories, or motivational books? We have been creating eBooks and digital publications since 2006, and we are now offering our publishing services to you at Gossamer Wings Publications.

Since 2010, we have published Ruby for Women, a monthly online Christian women's magazine which features family-friendly articles on home making, cooking, arts and crafts, poetry, devotionals, inspirational articles and stories, short stories, quilting tutorials, puzzles, kids' crafts, book reviews, gardening and frugal family living articles.

In addition, Ruby for Women has published ebooks for poets and writers of short stories and devotionals, as well as ebook tutorials and patterns for sewing and crafts for mamas*little*treasures which are currently sold on numerous websites, including You Can Make This at www.youcanmakethis.com Beginning in 2012, all of our publications have been produced, published, and promoted by Gossamer Wings Publications, and we are now offering our publishing services to you. We will publish your writing, poetry, sewing and craft books, devotional and inspirational articles, short stories, and any other family-friendly projects that you've been working on. You've been waiting for the opportunity to get YOUR ideas out to the world, but you just haven't known where to start!

Now you can have a beautifully formatted eBook created for you at a price you can afford, and we will even help you promote your publication. At Gossamer Wings Publications, we will work with you to design your ebook to reflect your personality and express the words and ideas that God has put in your heart and mind.

Email today for your FREE consultation and to set-up your very first publication with Gossamer Wings Publications! gossamerwingspublishing@hotmail.com 93

Please join us at the

Ruby for Women CafĂŠ for conversation, fun, friendship, and encouragement.

Just pop in anytime, we would love to see you there!

You can find us in the Ruby for Women community at www.rubyforwomen.ning.com

Need a pretty theme for your profile page?

Please check out Ruby's favorite theme designer: Two by Two Designs 94

The Ruby for Women community is a great place to meet new friends, share prayer requests, chat about your favorite books, recipes and crafts!

Spring is the perfect time to try out a few yummy new recipes! Here in the Kitchen of Ruby for Women we will be posting new recipes weekly and we would love to have you share some of your favorite recipes with us, too!

Read any good books lately? Think some of them might be a good read for our fellow Ruby for Women members? Come share with us what is on your reading list and your views of the journey it took you on. Join us in Ruby’s Book Club and Reviews and join the conversation!

Do you have a blog? We would love to have you share links to your latest blog posts so that we can tell all of the members of the Ruby for Women community all about it! Please visit us in our Girls Who Blog group.

In our prayer request group, we pray for one another and uphold each other before our Heavenly Father. Please join us at We Are Praying for You and let us know how we can pray for you.

And please be sure to stop by the Ruby for Women blog at

www.rubyforwomen.com 95

Shar’s Graphic Haven and Chit Chat Stop by and visit Shar’s Graphic Haven and Chit Chat group in the Ruby for Women community where you will find Shar’s beautiful graphic designs. You can also connect with other members of the Ruby community for a time of fun and fellowship. http://rubyforwomen.ning.com/group/sharm elle-s-graphic-haven

www.mamaslittletreasures.com

Tatters to Treasures Where new beauty arises from the ashes of yesterday in reconstruction garments, shoes, and accessories www.tatterstotreasures.etsy.com www.tatterstotreasures.etsy.com 96

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.” 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.

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 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

Lanette Kissel lives in southern Indiana with her adopted Yorkie-Poo, Benjy. She enjoys singing in her huge choir at Crossroads Christian Church. She has been a freelance writer of Christian/Inspirational poetry for twelve years. Recently, she has been writing Inspirational articles and essays, as well as devotions.

Her work has appeared in: Mature Living Magazine, Purpose, Live, The War Cry, The Lutheran Journal, The Catholic Yearbook, Silver Wings, Inspired Women Magazine, and others. .

I'm Christena Hammes, married to my best-friend. We met at the Outside Inn so God could change us from the Inside Out!! We have two beautiful daughters (Lena and Amanda), two sons-in-law (Cameron and Justin) and one amazing granddaughter (Savannah Jo). I never knew what the Father's love was all about until I had children of my own. They really do hold your heart and forgiveness comes easy. http://www.reverbnation.com/robhammes

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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, at http://lynnmosher.com

Katherine Corrigan, Recipes and Crafts Katherine is a blogger at Katherine’s Corner, an artist, designer, tea drinker and hug giver. She has been a contributor to Ruby for Women for three years. She is originally from England. But she has lived in the USA since 1975. She holds a rare dual citizenship with the UK and the USA and is a proud citizen of both. She greets each day with grace, dignity and gratitude. Thanking God for her strength as she continues to encourage others and moves forward despite her physical challenges. She is happily married and has five grandchildren.

After 30 years of working in the medical field and managing other people’s businesses Katherine has her own online shop and graphics business. She never hesitates to contribute to Ruby for Women. She says, “Being part of Ruby for Women is like getting a big hug every day.”

Blog http://KatherinesCorner.com Blog Graphics at http://BlogArtByKatherine.com Shop http://KeepsakesByKatherine.etsy.com

Theresa Ceniccola is The Christian Mompreneur, a Mentor to Moms Who are Running a Business that Supports Faith and Family. She empowers entrepreneurial moms to build profitable businesses with wisdom and grace through the Christian Mompreneur Mastermind program and her professional Marketing services, which include copywriting, marketing and strategy consulting and private coaching. www.theresaceniccola.com.

Heather King is a wife to a wonderful husband and a mom to three beautiful girls. A former English teacher, she now lives a life of doing dishes, folding laundry, finding lost toys and mending scraped knees. She treks to the grocery store more times a week than she’d like and struggles to keep up with chores, appointments and the to-do list that refreshes itself day after day. In addition to all that, she’s the worship leader at her church in Virginia, a Bible study teacher and women’s ministry leader.

Somewhere in the middle of the noise, mess, and busyness of life, she takes time to meet with God at her kitchen table with a Bible, a journal and a cup of strong hot tea with lots of sugar. You can find her blogging about these times with God at her devotional site: Room To Breathe: http://heathercking.wordpress.com/ 98

Donna McBroom-Theriot, Writer. Book Reviewer. Southern Lady.

My life is like an episode of "I love Lucy!" I'm a writer, book reviewer, and a Southern Lady who loves her Sweet Tea. My blog: My Life. One Story at a Time.

I've been writing since 2009. As luck would have it, the very first short story I wrote was published within months of my writing it. This quote pretty much sums me up: "Deep in my heart, I know there’s no promise I’ll be free from trouble in this life. In fact, I’m usually either getting out of trouble, currently in trouble, or about to meet trouble around the next corner." Well, you know the saying, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions" – that’s usually mine!

Join me. It's bound to be a bumpy ride!

Sharmelle “Shar” of Sharmelle’s Graphic Haven, Graphic Design I am passionate about graphic design and photography, and I spend a great deal of time developing my talents. Like many, I had set my career aside for a few years while working on other projects, but I found that I missed working with others and feel that many people need support and encouragement to follow their dreams.

I have recently resumed the art of design and photography, and I have trained myself in the modern tools of today’s visual artists, using the computer. I’m sure that if, when I was a child, I could have had a computer, I might not ever have gone to school at all! You can find my graphic designs for use on blogs and websites in the Ruby for Women community at Sharmelle’s Graphic Haven. http://rubyforwomen.ning.com/group/sharmelles-graphic-haven Full time mother and author, Corallie Buchanan, is a woman who writes from her heart. Over the years, she has shared her heart with magazines such as the Queensland Baptist, Christian Woman, Footprints, Mum to Mum, Captivated, Being Women, the Online Bible College student magazine, Deeper Devotions Student Ministries, amidst other magazines and ministries.

Corallie is the author of Watch Out! Godly Women on the Loose, a book which won her the award of Young Australian Christian Writer of the Year in 2007. She lives with husband David and daughter Esther in Brisbane, Australia.

Bel Thomson is an award-winning Australian singer/ songwriter and speaker whose ministry takes her to conferences, schools, camps, outreach events, and Christian churches of all denominations.

Bel's smile and authentic presence draw audiences of all ages into songs of hope. Her lyrics press beyond the surface, in a music ministry that weaves songs with real life stories of God's faithfulness.

To listen to her music or enquire about bookings visit www.belthomson.com To keep in touch with Bel’s ministry: www.facebook.com/BelThomsonOfficial and www.twitter.com/BelThomson

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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. http://www.Twitter.com/unequalmarriage

Gloria Doty: I am a mother of 5 and grandmother of 13. I have owned a catering business, and a Grade A goat dairy. I have managed a restaurant, worked in retail and was Dir. of Children’s’ Ministries for a large church for 10 years. I have been writing since I was in third grade. I currently write 2 blogs about my youngest daughter, Kalisha, and our journey together through the world of mild mental retardation, autism and Aspergers.

One blog is written for www.MOMS.FortWayne.com and is titled “Not Different Enough”. The other blog is www.gettingitright-occasionally.blogspot.com I write freelance articles for magazines and am a contributor to two devotional publications: Living the Gospel Life and Hope-Full Living. I do not believe it is possible to make it through a day without faith and a sense of humor, even in the darkest times and I try to always reflect that in my writing.

My name is Lisa Simpkins and I have been working online for 15 years now.

I have gained enough knowledge over the years to work in many different fields in online business. My specialty: Social Networking and Administration: Content provider, database, public relations, reputation management, member recruitment, marketing manager, link marketing, blog creation & branding/rank and community management.

Coach Deb Luxton: Christian Life & Leadership Coach for Executive and Professional Women I help professional women FIRE UP their leader within to eliminate “having it all together on the outside, while falling apart on the inside,” so they can embrace their authentic priorities and deepen relationships with those they love most. Your life is too important for anything else!

Main website: http://debbieluxton.com ~ FREE Gift: http://debbieluxton.com/welcome Inspirational Decor and Gifts: http://myblessingsunlimited.net/debbieluxton Let’s Connect: http://twitter.comCoachDebLuxton http://linkedIN.com/CoachDebLuxton http://facebook.com/truthforlifesjourney

Gloria I. is a member of the Ruby for Women community where she is a friendly voice of encouragement and inspiration to all of the other members.

Please stop by and visit Gloria on her personal page in the Ruby for Women community.

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Jean Ann Williams is a writer and the author of God's Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother's Heart, a devotional book written following the death of her son, Joshua. You can connect with Jean Ann on one of her blogs: http://joshua-mom.blogspot.com/ http://jeanannwilliams.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Baker is an author and retired counselor drawing on thirty-five years of experience helping individuals apply biblical principles to real-life situations. She currently lives in Pittsburg, Texas where she concentrates on her writing. A widow since her mid 30's, Elizabeth has four grown children, fifteen grandchildren, and six great-grands. You can find Elizabeth’s books at her website at www.elizabethbakerbooks.com

Amanda Stephan is a multi-published Christian romance author who loves sharing God’s love with others. A homeschooling mother and stay at wife, she finds pleasure in many things from sewing, to baseball and karate, to writing.

She is currently working on a three book Christian romantic suspense series and resides in Columbia, TN, with her real-life hero husband of 8 years and two children. You can find Amanda at her website http://www.BooksByAmanda.com Her collaborative blog - http://www.thepriceoftrust.com Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/amandastephan and Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/creativehomemomma

Sharon Patterson, retired educator, career military wife, and leader in women's ministry, has written inspirational encouragement in various forms from greeting cards to short stories, poetry, and Bible studies for over thirty years. She has authored three books: A Soldier's Strength from the Psalms (2007); Healing for the Holes in Our Souls(2008); and Where Is Happy?(2011). She is a contributing author for Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Answered Prayer; also Gettin' Old Ain't for Wimps (Karen O'Connor,2004) and Special Strength for Special Parents (Nina Fuller, 2006). She and her husband Garry live in Round Rock, Texas. They have three sons and five grandchildren.

Debra Ann Eliot is a Southern granny who loves to cook. She is the author of several works, including two poetry books. Debra devotes herself to maintaining several blogs, but the one that is most dear to her heart is Granny’s Down Home Southern Cooking. http://www.grannyssoutherncooking.blogspot.com/ Debra Elliott anngrayelliott1960@gmail.com

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Sheila Watson, 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

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. http://www.Twitter.com/unequalmarriage

Tricia Goyer is an acclaimed and prolific writer, publishing hundreds of articles in national magazines including Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family while authoring more than twenty-five fiction and nonfiction books combined. Among those are 3:16 Teen Edition with Max Lucado and the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Award winners Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights. She has also written books on marriage and parenting and contributed notes to the Women of Faith Study Bible. Tricia lives with her husband and four children in Arkansas. Connect with Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com

Michelle S. Lazurek has been a pastor's wife for over twelve years.

Whether it is through writing counseling material, organizing ladies retreats or mentoring women in her church, Michelle considers each day an opportunity to find her place in God's story. In 2007, Michelle and her husband Joe planted Praxis Church. Michelle holds a Master's degree in Counseling and Human Relations from Liberty University. She has two beautiful children: Caleb and Leah. Michelle provides tips for busy writers on her blog The Writers’ Tapestry: Where Writing and Life Intertwine (www.mslazurek.wordpress.com).

Kristin Bridgman I’ve been married to a very sweet, patient, loving man for 29 years. I’ve been a mom to two sons I love with all my heart for 22 years. I’ve been a born again Christian loving the Lord for 36 years. I home schooled for 14 years. I’m just an ordinary woman who lives for an extraordinary God. http://www.ponderingsbykris.blogspot.com

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Keith Wallis, Poetry Keith Wallis is an English poet. He is a senior part of the leadership team of Houghton Regis Baptist church. An engineering designer by trade, he brings an eye for detail as well as faith into his poetry. As well as being ‘poet in residence’ at Ruby ezine, he is a moderator at ChristianWriters.com. His blog of ekphrasic poetry is: http://wordsculptureskeith.blogspot.com/ where you’ll also find links to his books and his other blogs.

Married to Val in 1970, he has two sons and three grandsons. The eldest grandson is disabled and cannot communicate verbally. Though not an ‘academic’ (school was a disaster!) he was always fond of writing. He began submitting work for publication in the 1980’s after being encouraged by a community writer in residence.

Crystal Mary Lindsey is a retired registered nurse with specialties in emergency medicine and mental health.

She enjoys sharing her inspirations of walking in faith in order to inspire and encourage others to live their dreams. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Crystal lives in Australia.

My name is Marilyn Porter and I live with my husband in Cary, N.C. I have 2 sons, 2 step daughters, and 6 grandchildren ages 5 to 17. My interests range from “tackling the computer to tackling a new craft, recipe, or writing endeavor” and I’m not sure which is more “enlightening.”

I seem to take the “scenic route” and end up a little frazzled around the edges, but somehow manage to reach my destination! ☺ I would love for you to drop by my personal page in the Ruby for Woman community (if you’re not familiar with RFW, you just HAVE to check it out!) and send me a message so we can get to know each other better.

God’s blessings wrapped in His love, Marilyn

Aileen Stewart is “just your average mom. A gum chewing, bubble blowing, shower singing, flower planting, cookie baking, craft making, photo taking, reading, WRITING, kind of mom who loves the Lord, her husband, soon to be eight year old daughter, and crazy cat Max. I have many interests and hobbies, but the two I'm most passionate about are writing and photography. I am a published award winning author of the book Fern Valley - A Collection of Short Stories and an award winning amateur photographer who was just blessed with a brand new Nikon 3100D. I'm super excited to start taking fabulous pictures with my dream camera.

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Amanda Johnson, Assistant Editor Amanda has been writing for Ruby for Women for the three years, and she has been a free-lance writer for several years, beginning her writing career as a young teen-ager. She also worked 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 up-to-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 “nontraditional 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 12 years old and Annie is 10. 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 on Ruby for Women in my home office.

I also work at Huntington University, Huntington, Indiana as the Curriculum Assistant for the Graduate and Professional Programs. My personal blog is at www.mamaslittletreasures.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.

Introducing the Ruby for Women Administrative Team Over the past three years, the ministry of Ruby for Women has grown into a full-time ministry for several women here in the Ruby community. We have been blessed to be able to partner with women from all over the United States in the work of Ruby for Women, and we are currently in the process of adding four new administrators to our team. If you would be interested in joining the Ruby for Women administrative team, please email our assistant editor, Amanda Johnson, at ajohnson@rubyforwomen.com Here are the current members of the Ruby for Women Administrative team:

Sr. Editor, Nina Newton Assistant Editor, Amanda Johnson Administrative Assistant, Beth Brubaker Website Administrator, Ann Marie Weaver Creative Consultant and Graphic Designer, Katherine Corrigan Publications Assistants: Ugochi Jolomi, Donna McBroom-Theriot, Anne B., Jackie McMullen, Christena Hammes 104

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 Advertising inquiries should be directed to editor@rubyforwomen.com Website Administrator, Ann Marie Weaver Creative Consultant, Katherine Corrigan of Made It For You www.madeitforyou.com Please visit our community website at www.rubyforwomen.ning.com to see how you can help support the ministry of Ruby for Women.

Community Ning theme and banner image used by permission of Two by Two Designs.

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