Ruby for Women, September, 2011

Ruby for Women A voice for every Christian woman September, 2011

September, 2011

Early Autumn Issue!

Scarlett Von Gunten shares tips for women entrepreneurs Questions about discipline?

Ask Beth Ronald McDonald Fundraiser with SCENTSY

Meet Theresa Ceniccola, The Christian Mompreneur

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

Proverbs 31:10

Make this super simple t-shirt necklace

In This Issue . . .

Contents September, 2011 www.rubyforwomen.ning.com

September brings a changing of the seasons, and a renewed sense of joy! Whether your family is celebrating a new school year, a new season of life, or a renewed spiritual journey, here at Ruby for Women we look forward to traveling through that new season with you.

Won’t you join us this month and explore all that is available to you here at Ruby for Women?

Senior Editor Nina Newton Assistant Editor Amanda Johnson Creative Assistant Katherine Corrigan Family Fun Editor Beth Brubaker Gardening Dorothy Kurchak Homer Devotions Lynn Mosher, Deborah McCarragher Poetry Keith Wallis Quilting Laura Brandt Crochet Jennifer Cirka Kid’s Crafts Carolyn Arnold Feature Writers Thomas B. Clarke, Lee E. Shilo, Carol Mokry, Connie Arnold, Heide Louise Wright, Kristin Bridgman, Amy Lignor, Sheila Watson Kraklow, Scott Henderson, Theresa Ceniccola, Carin LeRoy, Pauline Creeden, Yvonne Anderson, Angela Blake Morris, Kausar Iqbal, Debra Cogger Ruby for Women 2731 W 700 N Columbia City, IN 46725 editor@rubyforwomen.com

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Title

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Still Standing Nina Newton, Sr. Editor

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Autumn Spice Apple Cupcakes Katherine Corrigan

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Now Even MORE from Ruby!

Amanda Johnson

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“School Days, School Days” Vintage Image Craft

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September in the Garden Dorothy Kurchak Homer

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Great Field of Labor Lynn Mosher

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Introducing Lee E. Shilo, Author and Poet “Muted Singing Souls” “My Weary Soiled Soul”

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Ask Beth Beth Brubaker

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Cleaning, Shining, and Glorifying Kristin Bridgman

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Ronald McDonald / Scentsy Fundraiser Maritza Bonilla

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Black Tasseled Shoes Carin LeRoy

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Yummy Banana Cake Recipe Katherine Corrigan

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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 “voice to every Christian woman,” from all walks of life, of every age, from all around the world.

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 website at www.rubyforwomen.ning.com where you can connect with other women.

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Page

Title

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Introducing Scarlett Von Gunten and iWoman Magazine Scarlett Von Gunten

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Make a Sweet Autumn Apron Vintage Apron Patterns

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Love from the Prayer Garden Thomas B. Clarke

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Autumn Lesson Connie Arnold

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Words from Proverbs 2 Amanda Johnson

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Introducing The M.O.M. System Systems for Living

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The Top Three Challenges of the Christian Mompreneur Theresa Ceniccola

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Make a Bible Sampler Quilt Laura Brandt

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Word Logic Puzzle Beth Brubaker

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Early Morning Keith Wallis

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Footprints in the Mud: What if Chocolate was Illegal?

Beth Brubaker

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Title

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Very Veggie Potato Pie Recipe Katherine Corrigan

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Treasures from the East: Dates Kausar Iqbal

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September in the Prayer Garden Thomas B. Clarke

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I’ve Known These Trees Keith Wallis

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Sometimes Keith Wallis

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Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab Recipe Kausar Iqbal

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Spicy Chicken Cajun Pasta Recipe Kausar Iqbal

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Make an Elegant Bib Necklace Katherine Corrigan

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A Teachable Heart Carin LeRoy

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The Strange Case of Bowker Creek Lee E. Shilo

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All the Pretty Little Boxes Katherine Corrigan

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Wasted Keith Wallis

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Make a Charming T-Shirt Necklace Katherine Corrigan

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A Pedestal of View Lee E. Shilo

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The Imperfect Day: Moving Ahead When Life Happens Charlotte Siems

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Answer Keys to Puzzles Beth Brubaker

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Template for Bib Necklace Katherine Corrigan

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Fall Fun Crossword Puzzle Beth Brubaker

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When the Answer is “No” Pauline Creeden

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Meet the Ruby Writers

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September September September September September September September

5: Be Late for Something Day 6: Read a Book Day 11: Never Forget 9-11 Day 12: Popcorn Day 13: International Chocolate Day 15: Make a Hat Day 16: Mayflower Day

September September September September September September September

17: 18: 19: 20: 22: 25: 26:

Apple Dumpling Day National Respect Day Wife Appreciation Day National Student Day First Day of Autumn Love Note Day National Pancake Day 3

Still Standing

by Nina Newton She decided that it was just too much work, and she was too exhausted, to go on. The loneliness, the sadness, the grief, and the pain of so much loss had simply worn her out. She couldn’t see any hope; there was no “light at the end of the tunnel” for her. Her weeping had drained the last tear from her eyes and the joy from her soul. Alone. Nowhere to go, no one to turn to, desperate for some shred of dignity, she was simply worn out from the journey. With a broken heart and shattered dreams, she tucked the tattered shawl around her shoulders and curled up in the corner on the threadbare rug, where she shivered in the cold. Can you see her? Will you touch her? Or is she you?

Many of us endure days of quiet desperation, fear, anxiety, and loneliness.

Confusion and pain from broken relationships, rejection, and financial despair plague all of us at some point in our lives. That’s because we live in a broken world where sin hovers around every corner, seeking to devour our joy. We feel so helpless in the face of uncertainty and insecurity. We long to reach out and touch, and be touched, because that is the way God made us. We need one another! But what can we do in a world that is so wounded? If you are curled up in a corner of life, shivering in your tattered garments, it is time to look up! There is hope, and there is light, and there is the power of God’s grace to carry you through!

Recently God has put a heavy burden on my heart for hurting women who are struggling to honor God and do the right thing in life, but their circumstances have seemingly presented them with only two or three unpleasant options. Perhaps someone you love has turned away from you, rejected you, and refuses your efforts at seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.

Their choices have put you into a situation where it appears that there are no good choices left for you to make. You want to do what you believe God has instructed us to do in these situations, ask and seek forgiveness, “turn the other cheek,” and “do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.” And it doesn’t work.

I remember telling one of my children that the Golden Rule doesn’t tell us to “do unto others as they have done unto you,” because anyone can do that! It takes God’s grace for us to reach out to those who have hurt us and take the initiative to restore broken relationships. But if our love is ignored and the relationship is rejected, what are we to do then? When our options are limited by the choices of someone else, we can feel trapped and resentful.

We feel that we cannot do what we believe God would want us to do because there is a wall that has been built up between us.

Sometimes that “wall” is built in the name of “setting boundaries.” If you have ever read the “Boundaries” series of books by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend, you will understand that healthy boundaries are necessary for all of us to maintain our own personal space and not become entangled in what is sometimes referred to as a “co-dependent” relationship. Boundaries are a good thing. But sometimes this concept is used as a way to “hide” from restoring broken relationships because . . . . . because what?

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Because we are afraid to admit that we might have made a mistake; that we might be wrong about something; that perhaps we have believed lies and are afraid to admit it? Or maybe we just don’t want to do the hard work that is sometimes required to restore a broken relationship.

Perhaps we are just too proud and self-righteous ever to admit that our behavior and choices played a part in the drama of destruction in which we find ourselves. Sometimes we are even afraid to reach out in an attempt to restore a broken relationship because we wonder how the other person will receive us. That is because we are all hurting and broken, and if we have been wounded deeply for a very long time, it is possible that we might reject any attempt to reconnect that comes from one who has hurt us.

So what are we to do if we feel we are trapped in a situation where there are no “good” choices left to us? What would you do? Stay in an abusive and unfaithful marriage or endure the soulshattering devastation of a divorce? Continue to “help” a child who has chosen a lifestyle of selfdestruction or protect your heart through “tough love” and refuse to enable him . . . . risking the loss of his “love”? What about if you were suddenly shocked by an announcement from your husband that he no longer loves you and you are forced out of your home into complete abandonment, homelessness, and poverty? Would you stay or go?

What would you do if you found yourself in the place of complete silence and rejection by a friend, your spouse, or your child and you knew that if you tried to “talk about it” to resolve the “issues,” that you would receive only more silence and rejection? Your choices? Very few, and none of them helpful. So many of us endure lives of quiet desperation, knowing that silence is being used as a weapon to slash our heart into a million bloody shreds. If any of this sounds familiar, whether you would admit it publicly or not, you need to know that this is not all there is!

Are you still standing? Good! Are you shivering in that corner, trying to cover your wounded heart with a tattered rag of pretense? Get up! If you were going to die of a broken heart, you would have been dead long ago, so as painful as your present situation is, if you are still alive, there is hope!

It hasn’t killed you yet, and it hasn’t killed me yet, so do not despair. Look up and see your Savior holding out His arms to embrace you, to lift you up, and to carry you through. He does not promise that life will be easy, but He does promise that He will be with us through the anxiety of every storm, through the loneliness of every valley, and through the darkest night of our soul. You are not alone, no matter what comes your way, and I can see you now . . . . you are still standing!

Image from Free Digital Photos, courtesy worradmu: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2026 Image from Free Digital Photos, courtesy graur codrin http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=982 Image from Free Digital Photos, courtesy kongsky: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1841

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Autumn Spice Apple Cupcakes from the kitchen of Katherine’s Corner What fun to whip up these Autumn Spice Apple Cupcakes for an afternoon treat on a chilly afternoon! The combination of apples, almonds, and cinnamon create a yummy cupcake that is just perfect for any autumn day.

What you need: 1 ½ cups plus 1 Tbsp flour ½ tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt ¼ tsp baking soda ¾ cup sugar 1.4 low fat or fat free cream cheese (softened) 1.4 cup unsalted butter (softened) 2 Tbsp amaretto or 1 Tbsp almond flavoring 1 tsp vanilla extract\ 1 large egg ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup milk 3.4 cup apples (peeled, cored, and finely chopped) * Gala apples work nicely

* Whisk * Electric mixer * Nonstick cooking spray * Cupcake liners * Cupcake tin (for 12) Part Two: 2 Tbsp flour 2 Tbsp brown sugar ¼ tsp ground cinnamon 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (chilled) 2 Tbsp sliced almonds Pastry blender (or two knives) Icing: 1 cup powdered sugar 4 tsp milk

Before you start: Preheat oven to 350°. Place muffin cup liners into 12 muffin cups; coat with cooking spray.

Let’s make it! In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda and stir to mix well using a large spoon or whisk and set aside. In another bowl, combine sugar, cream cheese, and ¼ cup butter. Beat with an electric mixer at high speed until well-blended.

Add amaretto, vanilla, and egg to sugar mixture; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well-blended. Combine sour cream and ¼ cup milk in a small bowl; stir with a whisk until well blended.

Combine apple and 1 Tbsp of flour in a small bowl and mix well. Add flour mixture and sour cream mixture alternately with sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat just until blended. Fold in apple mixture. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

Part Two: Combine 2 Tbsp flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in 2 Tbsp butter with a pastry blender (or 2 knives) until mixture looks like large bits of sand. Stir in almonds. Stir in almonds. Sprinkle evenly over cupcakes. Bake at 350° for 25 – 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for pan in 15 minutes on a wire rack, and remove the cupcakes from pan. After they have cooled, prepare the icing by combining the powdered sugar and 4 tsp milk in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle icing over the tops of cupcakes.

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Now Even MORE from Ruby!

Amanda Johnson Assistant Editor Ruby for Women Welcome to September! It’s the start of a new school year, the countdown to everything fall, and the launch of something new at Ruby for Women!

I’m so excited to share that Ruby for Women is expanding with the launch of a new membership page called More from Ruby for Women! This page offers even more of everything you love about Ruby for Women; more daily inspirational thoughts, parenting tips, arts and crafts, recipes, how-to articles, business advice, contests, writing opportunities, along with something new like life coaching, health and wellness, video tutorials, frugal living, business and marketing, going green and the list goes on!

Please join us for a Sneak Peek following the official launch sometime this month.

Yes, this is a membership page, but don’t worry, everything you love about Ruby for Women will continue to be free.

The membership page is an exclusive opportunity to help support the ministry of Ruby for Women and keep current services such as our blog, community page, and e-zine free to our readers! Stop by and check us out at www.rubyforwomen.com/morefromruby In the meantime, sit back, relax, and enjoy this month’s amazing edition of Ruby for Women!

~~ Amanda

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This is the original sheet music cover for the 1907 version of “School Days, School Days,” as performed by popular turn-of-thecentury crooner, Byron G. Harding, and chorus. This recording, from the UCSB Cylinder Preservation and Digitization Project, was originally produced as an Edison Gold Moulded Record. Just humming this iconic song still evokes memories, albeit for a time long past. We think this original vintage sheet music cover would make a terrific focal point for a card or embellishment for a teacher's gift. See what you can create! www.vintageimagecraft.com 8

Here it is September, and the roses are still looking great! They will take light frost and still look good. Before a hard frost does come, I snip off the buds and dry them by pinning them to the kitchen curtains. Last year’s buds are still hanging there so I’ll replace them.

It has been a good year in zone 5 for the roses. No black spot (except on one plant which may be pulled out)!!! Black spot is my greatest problem with roses. The Japanese beetles are a bother, but their season is short and I just pick them off. The little pink flowers mixed in with the roses are a mystery to me.

I brought some over from a previous home, but I’ve never been able to identify them. How they got in the rose garden is another mystery.

Roses do need plenty of sunlight, at least five hours a day. They also like plenty of water so I have a leaky hose running through the garden covered by mulch. I also fertilize them twice a year, spring and fall with 12-12-12. The rose garden doesn’t cause me much work and I really enjoy their beauty.

The new garden on the south side of the lawn is doing well. I picked up some new hostas that are yellow with green edges; they were on sale.

In the spring, I plan to set out three Cimicifuga Chocolate snakeroot plants in between the hostas. Snakeroot is a perennial that can tolerate part to full shade.

The dark leaves will look good against the white wall of the shed with the new hostas between them. Snakeroot can grow up to three feet tall and will need two feet between them.

I picked up this plant this spring before I had made any plans for it just because it was attractive. Now I know where it’s going!

September in the Garden with Aunt Dots

We’re going to run a water line from the pump over to the shed for watering. That area tends to be dry because of the large birch tree. I’ll also have to improve the soil with some peat and organic matter. Over time I’ll keep adding more plants to the outer edges and thus reduce the size of the lawn, but increase the size of the garden. I’ve become very fond of shade gardens as they don’t need much maintenance, mostly just water.

Will is very fond of sweet corn, so he planted as much as he could squeeze in here and there. It was very good! The raccoons enjoyed it too! We set up a live trap and here is one we caught. We caught 23 raccoons this summer! We put the trap in the car and took them about eight miles away near Lake Huron and let them go. A friend told us we should have marked them with a spot of paint so we would know if they came back.

We’re thinking of increasing the size of the vegetable garden next summer. It mostly depends on our health. I would like to grow a few vegetables and he would also like some room for watermelons and cantaloupe. Those items take a lot of room. I think we’ll take one day at a time and one season at a time. Mostly I’m interested in flowers as you may have noticed.

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And, as much as I dislike doing it, I’ll have to redo the garden by the sunroom. It was a big flop this summer. The daylilies did well, but they’re too big for the size of the garden. I’ll move one of them to the center and figure out what else to plant in the spring. Coreopsis are lovely little flowers and there are new colors out now. I saw some light tan/yellow ones on sale.

Maybe I should have gotten them, but there isn’t any room at this time.

By the garden shed there’s a green and white stripped grass given to me by a friend and I have Panicum Shenandoah, switch grass, in boxes in front of the garage. So I do believe I’ll try mixing grasses and flowers in the sunroom garden.

Summer still has a month to run here in zone 5, but it will get cooler and it will be time to clean up soon. Little Lily was helpful today and found a nice resting place by the pool. Don’t fall in or the frogs will get you!!!

Love the Lord who made the flowers!

See you next month,

Aunt Dots

I could save some money by moving some of the overflow from my perennial garden to this garden. Looks pretty good (picture taken in August). But there are new cultivars out now which I just have to try. I’m also interested in the grasses that are available. I have some Elijah Blue grass in the rose garden and it’s a nice contrast.

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Great Field of Labor

by Lynn Mosher The original purpose of Labor Day...

The U.S. Department of Labor says that Labor Day “is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

Thoughts on Labor Day... * I had a friend who always sent his mother flowers as his Mother’s Day wish on Labor Day! * Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons. * Most school districts start back to school a little before Labor Day. * On the silly side, it is (or was) considered the last day of the year for when it is fashionable for women to wear white. * Mostly celebrated now as the end of summer and a gateway to a new season.

What is said about Labor Day... * “Without labor nothing prospers.” ~Sophocles * “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” ~Ovid * “God sells us all things at the price of labor.” ~Leonardo da Vinci * “Labor is the only prayer that Nature answers.” ~ Robert Green Ingersoll * “Heaven is blessed with perfect rest but the blessing of earth is toil.” ~Henry van Dyke * “Before the reward there must be labor. You plant before you harvest. You sow in tears before you reap joy.” ~ Ralph Ransom But what does the Word say about labor? * “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day.

Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Ex. 20:9-11 NIV) * “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” (Ps. 127:1 NKJV) * “The labor of the righteous leads to life.” (Prov. 10:16 NKJV) * “As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor — this is the gift of God.” (Eccl. 5:19-20 NKJV) 11

* “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” (Ps. 128:1-2 NIV) * “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” (John 6:27 NKJV) All this is our spiritual labor. For what in the world’s realm are we laboring? Money? Position?

Power? Or for riches, position, and power in God’s Kingdom?

If we are to produce the harvest in our lives that the Lord desires, we must first consider ourselves our greatest field of labor. In essence, we farm ourselves. We plow, dig, plant, weed, fertilize, prune, and water our lives so that we can eventually bear fruit and harvest a crop.

We cannot reap of that which we have not first sown in ourselves.

How can we produce love, peace, comfort, giving, and all the other things God desires in our lives for us to share with others if we have not first cultivated them in ourselves?

Paul exhorts us, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58 NKJV) Even the work in ourselves.

Do we labor in vain or do we labor as God desires?

Jesus says to us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

(Matt. 11:28 NKJV)

From His feet, Lynn Images from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1556 Courtesy of nuttakit

Discovery House Publishers Feeding the Soul with the Word of God

Visit Discovery House Publishers at www.dhp.org 12

Introducing Lee E. Shilo, Writer and Author of Short Stories and Poetry My Weary Soiled Soul

Muted Singing Souls

by Lee E. Shiloh

by Lee E. Shilo The air was thick with darkness, as nighttime spread its sweetened liquid honey across a starless sky.

Not a single breath or word could swim, amongst the backdrop void of muted singing souls.

The creeping under-vines, and hidden ivy-air, meet to choke and strangle life, and time itself, from the very creviced rocks of whence they sprung.

Like a pox-ed scar upon the skin, stretched light and thinly across the cosmos.

It sits to ache, and moan, and groan, and cry in silent desolation.

This soul-less, silent siren of the dark, wails its mournful breath, like an infant stifled in a crib of thickened, smokey fog.

Please visit Lee at his writers’ group called “The Surfing Butterfly Coffeehouse” on The NetSurf Café at www.thenetsurfcafe.com/group/thesurfingbutterfly coffeehouse

Even though cast down into the puddle of God, the mud of the Almighty, or the dirt of Heaven’s gate.

A mere mention, a word, a gentle whispered wind, or smallest hint of his name.

The slightest touch of his shadow, or infinite mirrored reflections, from here to eternity, could grace the purest gold, or largest diamond bright.

Just to stand beside his shadowed, mirrored reflections, would be the very best that I could do.

To read his faded name upon a parchment, worn by the ages of centuries gone, would elevate my undeserving soul of humankind.

And leave but only happiness, peace, and love behind, my weary soiled soul. ©Lee E. Shilo-All Rights Reserved-2011

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Ask Beth

by Beth Brubaker

Dear Beth, I'm confused about the differences between discipline vs. abuse.

Both are hitting your kids . . .right? I also don't understand the idea behind not spanking your kids when you're angry. Can you tell me the differences, if there are any?

Parent of a Toddler Dear Weary Parent, Parent, There are huge differences between disciplining your kids versus abusing them. Discipline does not always mean spanking a child, though I'm not above doing so as a last resort. But you also have to have the discipline fit the crime.

Abuse however, is a tearing down of your child, either physically or verbally. In this case, it is not done in love, but cruelty. Abuse is a violent form of correction disguised as discipline, but it is not truly discipline. Discipline is done with love. Abuse is done with hate.

But what are the differences, really? Let's take a look at some examples.

Anna is with her mom in the store, and starts whining for candy and throwing fits when Mom says no. Mom drags her daughter out to the parking lot into the car, yelling the entire way about what a rotten child she is, throwing her into the car seat and smacking her hard across the face when Anna resists. This is abuse.

Abby is with her mom in the store and starts whining for candy, throwing a fit when Mom says no.

Mom firmly but gently lifts her to her feet, kneels so she can meet her daughter eye-to-eye and says “That's enough. We have to finish shopping and your behavior is unacceptable. You'll stay in the cart seat until you calm down.” Without another word, she places the child in the seat, not saying anything even if Abby struggles.

Abby starts to whine again, and Mom meets her eye-to-eye once more and states in a calm voice, “No whining. You can fuss all you want in your room when you get home, but not here. Next time you whine you'll get a swat.” Mom warned her and it's her choice whether to break the rule or not. And if she does, Mom will take her to the bathroom (never in public), and swat her little bottom with the flat of her hand (usually one hit to one or each side of the behind).

Then Mom will tell her why she got spanked, and that if she breaks the rules again, she'll get the same treatment. Mom will hug her (though not coddle or cuddle as if she got hurt) and tell her that she loves Abby very much, and she has to make sure Abby does the proper things. Mom asks if she's sorry and Abby 14

says yes and apologizes, then Mom gives her a little kiss and they go back out into the store to continue shopping. Abby didn't get the candy, Mom was firm in her demands, and the shopping is done. This is discipline.

Please note that discipline will take a lot more time to implement, because you're giving your child a warning first, then leaving it up to them to decide if it's worth disobeying. And if they do, you need to let them know it's unacceptable, and do what you promised you would do if they broke the rules. Following through is the most important thing, so don't promise what you won't do!

Spanking is not the first option in most cases, but it can be used after you have warned them.

Establish this when they're young and your kids should be better behaved - at least for the most part!

Mom could have done other things concerning her child, but you asked about hitting, so I wanted to use these examples to give you a better idea of what I mean.

Abuse usually involves yelling (not all yelling mind you‌I'm talking about the 'tearing a person down' variety), slapping the face or using a fist. Strength is also a factor. Spanking a child hard enough to leave marks is abuse. You want swats to sting enough that they get the point, but not bruise or mark the skin in any way. You're not out to physically hurt your child, just to let them know you mean business.

Spanking is a discipline for kids in the single-digit age range. When they get to be ten or older, spanking is no longer a good option because spanking mortifies the child. You're still treating them like a baby in their minds and they are striving to be more mature.

Besides, try taking your thirteen year-old over your knee when he's taller than you; it just won't work!

Do you have a question for Beth? Please submit your questions in an e-mail to bethatruby@aol.com with 'Ask Beth' in the title. We would love to hear from you!

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Cleaning, Shining, and Glorifying

by Kristin Bridgman They were grooming me way back then to become a housewife, homemaker, domestic engineer…whatever you want to call it. I call it a holy work. Please don't think that makes me sound like I have a big head, certainly not! I’ve learned that if we work as if working for the Lord, then all our work becomes holy.

Their grooming worked. I’ve been a homemaker for almost 30 years now and have always loved it. I figured if Jesus lives in my heart, then He is in my home as well. So, when I sweep the floors, I sweep for Him. When I wash the dishes, I wash for Him. When I clean the porcelain bowls in the lavatory, yes even that, I clean for Him. The one job where I have to put effort in having joy is ironing, my least favorite job. But when I praise Him through each swipe of the iron, and thank him that I have a husband who is faithful in his work that requires these shirts he wears, that he has a job at all, and that I am healthy and strong enough to be ironing, I begin to glorify Him in this job and my heart bubbles with joy that otherwise could be bogged down in drudgery. And so I thank him for my ironing board, iron, and clothing. I thank Him that we have indoor plumbing and even for that cottony, quilted paper hanging on the roll.

I don’t mind cleaning, shining, and washing because it means He has blessed me with a family to clean for and a home to be cleaned. These last two winters I met the homeless. I’m sure they wish for a floor to sweep, a bed to make, and a fridge to clean out.

I’m thankful that I live in the time era that I do. For our grandmothers, it was a little more work. I read this article below in the Historical News Paper and had to smile…it reminded me of helping my grandmother with the laundry when I was a little one. Years ago an Alabama Grandmother gave the new bride the following recipe:

Washing Machine Recipe Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water. Set tubs so smoke won’t blow in eyes if wind is pert. Shave one whole 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.

Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, then rub colored, don’t boil, just 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 and rock a spell and count your blessings.

Thank you Father for cleaning my heart and filling me with joy as I go about cleaning, shining and glorifying!

You can read more of Kristin’s posts on her blog at www.ponderingsbykris.blogspot.com 16

Join us for the Ronald McDonald House and Ruby for Women Fundraiser during the month of September, sponsored by Maritza Bonilla and SCENTSY! 17

Black Tasseled Shoes

by Carin LeRoy Last week we packed up my Dad’s clothes.

He passed away three months earlier, and it was time to clean out his closets. I made the trip up to help my Mom. She didn’t want to do it alone because it signified the end of a long, happy marriage and the finality of losing her best friend in life. It was important to help her get through the emotions of discarding his clothes.

We hauled them out and began to sort them.

Seeing his clothes brought back memories - the strange green sport coat he used to wear to church, the worn and tattered work jacket he used in winter while working in his shop, and the favorite red and green plaid shirt my brother gave him.

As we bundled up items and placed them in plastic bags, we came across a wool sweater that I remember him wearing forty years ago when I was a child. It had wide grey, black and brown horizontal stripes. I decided to keep his sweater.

My Mom kept his plaid shirt. Those would be our physical reminders of him.

I pulled out a plastic container from under the bed.

Looking in the bin, I saw a pair of shiny dress shoes with tassels that he often wore to church, well-worn from years of use. I paused and thought of whose feet had filled those shoes. It seemed wrong to throw my Dad’s shoes in the give-away bag. But I did. He no longer needed them.

My husband hauled all the bags out of the house, and we drove off to donate them. A lump rose in my throat as we unloaded the car and left all his clothes at the local Goodwill donation center.

Loss. We will all experience it in life whether it is the death of a loved one or a divorce. The memories, pain and tears will come as we work through our grief. That’s okay. God made our emotions and gave us tears. He knows and feels our pain, too.

I am reminded of the verse in the Beatitudes that says, “Blessed are those who mourn; for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4 NET). God eases our pain with His presence and love.

Someone will be walking around town in my Dad’s shiny black tasseled shoes. Since my father no longer needed those shoes, I take comfort in the fact that he’s dancing on heaven’s gold streets.

PRAYER: Lord, when life takes a turn and sorrow becomes a part of my days, comfort me with your presence and love. Bring a friend my way willing to hear my grief and see my tears. Help me to bring comfort to a friend who might be experiencing loss today.

“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers those who are discouraged. The godly face many dangers, but the Lord saves them from each one of them” (Psalm 34:18.19 NET).

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Celebrate Autumn with this delicious Banana Cake from Katherine’s Corner!

Perfect for a chilly autumn afternoon treat, or a great dessert on Sunday night. Get the kids involved measuring and pouring and make it a real family event!

What you need: Cake 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ¾ cup sugar 2 large eggs, plus 1 large egg white, at room temperature 1 tsp vanilla extract 4 large ripe bananas ¼ cup milk

8” baking pan Non-stick cooking spray Potato masher Large mixing bowl 2 medium mixing bowls Wire cooling rack Electric mixer

Frosting 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar 2 Tbsp chopped toasted walnuts (optional) Before you start: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray baking pan with cooking spray.

Let’s make it! Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combing butter, oil and sugar and mix well using an electric mixer. Beat in eggs and egg white, then vanilla.

In a separate bowl, using a fork or potato masher, mash bananas with milk. Stir half of dry ingredients into butter mixture; then stir in banana mixture.

Mix in remaining dry ingredients. Pour into baking pan. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let cake cool in pan on a wire rack.

Make frosting: With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and vanilla. Reduce speed and gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar.

Spread cake wit frosting and walnuts, if desired.

Serves 12.

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Introducing Scarlett Von Gunten and iWoman Magazine Here at Ruby for Women, we have made a commitment to bringing the best resources we can find to our readers. We seek out opportunities to connect with other teachers, writers, speakers, and coaches to share their wisdom with us in every area of life. Scarlett Von Gunten of iWoman magazine is an amazing woman who not only has stories to share that will touch your heart, but she has guidance and teachings to encourage women who are learning how to start and build an online, homebased business. Ruby for Women is honored to be able to introduce you to Scarlett Von Gunten, CEO, Editor, and Author!

“My mission statement is to inspire, motivate, connect and encourage women entrepreneurs through social media.

I have been married to my incredible husband for 16 years and we have 7 children: 3 beautiful, creative daughters and 4 adventurous sons. We live in Oregon. I am also the CEO and editor of iWoman Magazine, a digital magazine to connect women entrepreneurs with each other.

This will be a place to find out about where to begin if you’re new to starting a business, how to grow your business, where to find a great business mentor, inspiring and helpful books to read or listen to, health and weight loss tips, recipes, which tools are helpful to use and more.

I love learning & being delight-directed. Some moms like to scrapbook or quilt, I love the computer! I love social media! I love meeting people all over the world and becoming friends and helping others!

I am also a lover of quotes! I love quotes that encourage and motivate people to succeed: "Always make the other person feel important" is one of my favorites.

Dale Carnegie in "How to Win Friends and Influence People" I love books & audio books. I especially love “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. “IGNITE!” by David Kim and “The Millionaire Messenger” by Brendon Burchard.

I am writing a book about my life and the traumatic experiences I have had, including the time when my mother held a gun to my head at age 15 and threatened to kill me. You can read that story on my website: http://iwomanmag.com/mom-held-gun-head.

For more information about iWoman Magazine, please visit her website at www.iwomanmag.com

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Let’s Make an Autumn Apron!

FREE Apron Tutorial from Vintage Apron Patterns Here's a simple but elegant apron. It comes from the idea of a patchwork quilt but it offers a far simpler design.

Of course you can mix and match any fabric that you find that seems to go together. You'll have lots of fun choosing fabric imagining how they will go together.

Supply List for Free Apron Pattern Quilt Block • • • •

2- 18 inch x 21 inch pieces of fabric or quilt blocks. I used "Quick Cuts" which you can get at Walmart.

Pockets- 4 pieces of fabric 8 inches x 10 inches/2 of each color Tie- 1 piece of fabric 4 inches x 72 inches Thread to match and some contrasting thread for top stitching.

Making your Quilt Quilt Block Apron 1. Cut each piece ( block ) in half Now you have 4 pieces that are 9 inches x 10.5 inches 2. Lay them out so you have a checkerboard, apron body equals 36 inches wide x 21 inches long.

3. Now with right sides together join one top block with one bottom block, do the same to the other side. Use 3/8 inch seams.

4. With right sides together again, join the two sets together. Make sure you line the blocks up nicely so your checkerboard looks like well, a checkerboard.

5. Press all the seams open. On the right side run a decorative topstitch on each side of all the seams.

6. At sides, and hem - turn 1/4 of an inch to the inside, press, turn in again and sew in place.

Do the sides first then the hem.

7. Turn top edge in 1/4 of an inch, press, turn in again and sew in place.

Pocket - With your 4 pieces of 8 inch x 10 inch fabric 1. For each pocket - take 2 pieces of fabric right sides together, sew on 3 of the 4 sides. Leave one of the short sides open so you can turn.3/8 inch seam.

2. Turn the remaining raw edge 1/4 of an inch to the inside, press.

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3. Now fold this pressed edge down 2 inches to the front of the pocket. Press the fold.

Whichever fabric you choose for the inside, this will become the cuff that you turn to the front.

4. Sew across the still open edge using your contrasting thread.

5. Place each pocket all the way to either side of the apron, but 1.25 inches up from the bottom.

6. Pin each pocket in place, sew on 3 sides DON'T sew your top opening closed : ( 7. Tie- Fold fabric right sides together, sew along edge and turn. Note: leave an opening so you can turn it right side out.

8. Turn the tie to the right side, working the ends out well, press.

9. Hand stitch to close or machine stitch if you want.

10. Apron Top - Turn top down 1 inch to the inside. Sew close to the edge-remember you're making a casing for your tie it needs space to move.

11. Use a safety pin in one end of your tie to work the tie through the casing.

Have fun wearing your newest creation!

For more free vintage apron patterns, visit www.vintage-apron-patterns.com

Make YOUR Book a Household Name! with Amy Lignor of The Write Companion The Write Companion is now offering a review / interview package to authors and publicists for the incredible price of just $25! This package includes and interview and written review by The Write Companion, which will be posted on their website, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Twitter, Facebook, Zimbio, TV, and more! Check out www.thewritecompanion.com for more information.

Here is what other authors are saying about this great deal: I was absolutely thrilled with an interview The Write Companion recently did with a client of mine. The questions were extremely insightful, thoughtful, and delivered and completed in a timely fashion. The interview yielded tremendous exposure for my client’s book. I can’t recommend The Write Companion highly enough. They are a dream to work with! - Maryglenn McCombs, Publicist “If you want your manuscript to go from nothing to a masterpiece in a matter of weeks, you need to look no further than The Write Companion. Amy Lignor is a wizard with a pen.”

- Michelle Horst, Debut Author “Amy is insightful and compelling. It is a privilege to have my novels reviewed by her.”

- C.J. Lyons, National Bestseller “First of all let me thank you from the bottom of my toes. I am so fortunate to have found you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for having faith in my work. Secondly, I love what you have done with the book. I laughed so loud that I am convinced that you heard me over in New Mexico.” - Joy Feldman, Children’s Author 22

Love from the Prayer Garden Making Disciples

by Thomas B. Clarke Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see (Psalm 36:5, 9).

The long-lasting, lavender-blue Russian sage is loved by many gardeners, giving the appearance of an ornate fountain, spraying water this way and that. The fragrance and taste of this herb is stunningly pleasant – the silvery-green foliage is a beautiful contrast to the delicate lavendercolored flowers. In the winter, the plant stems turn silver-gray for an additional season of color.

Jesus envisioned discipleship to be a regular pattern of his Church: sharing his love, encouraging one another, revealing Biblical truths, moving in his grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. When Christ is the center of our lives, the natural by-product should be children that have matured spiritually and share in his love.

The lavender-blue spires send out sprays of tiny flowers; it is the sprays that remind me of the presence of our Lord with his unfailing love, for he is the fountain of life.

To some, however, the Russian sage is more of a nuisance plant, more similar to a weed than a flower. The matured flowers can produce many seeds that sprout throughout the garden. These volunteers can pop up in the most unpredictable places, sometimes where a plant is needed, but more often where it is not appropriate.

The bigger problem with the Russian sage is that it sends out long runners just below the ground surface. At the end of these runners, possibly two to four feet from the parent plant, new plants will suddenly emerge. Removing the volunteers and long runners has been an irritant to some gardeners, but it is also part of its beauty.

Whether a person loves the beauty of the Russian sage or is annoyed by its invasive nature, the key to remember is it is just trying to create children. Fathom that: a beautiful plant desires to create other beautiful plants in its own image.

Jesus said at the end of his ministry on earth: “Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). In essence, he was saying “Go make spiritual children, ones that are like-minded in Christ.”

The Russian sage models good discipleship in that it attempts to create more Christ-like children. Other pretty flowers also model this discipleship, but so do weeds — just as the Lord’s will is to develop disciples, the devil is also attempting to develop disciples.

We should remember this: if we stop making disciples, the weeds will continue to grow.

Christians, we have an inner beauty that others need, and the Lord has designated us to be the ones that show it. Our Lord’s unfailing love, emanating like a beautiful fountain within us, is his method for making disciples.

Copyright © 2009 Bible Discernments Excerpt from A Garden of Love by Thomas B. Clarke, a gift book about love for anyone that enjoys flowers.

Tom is the caretaker of the Gethsemane Prayer Garden in Syracuse, NY – open to the public.

A Garden of Love is available on Amazon as well as at www.agardenoflove.com.

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Autumn Lesson

by Connie Arnold Autumn is the time of year when summer sounds we no longer hear and winter’s arrival is drawing near.

As leaves slowly begin to fall, migrating birds follow nature’s call to warmer climates for them all They fly to where warm breezes blow, and somehow they just seem to know that autumn is the time to go.

The instinct accepted by each one, when no longer warmed by the late fall sun, is to fly south before autumn is done.

Migrating birds in formation fly, following their leader, not asking why, steadily soaring across the sky.

There is surely a lesson to learn from these birds, as we discern there is a refuge where we can return.

When the coldness of sin is drawing near, and we are filled with doubt and fear, a still, small voice we need to hear.

We have a leader to be our Guide, when from life’s problems we want to hide.

If we will follow, faithful and true, God’s love and peace can come shining through.

Connie Arnold www.conniearnold.webs.com

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Words from Proverbs 2

by Amanda Johnson A new school year has begun here in the U.S. Over the weekend, local retail stores were packed with parents and children buying school supplies.

Shopping bags were filled with new back packs, books, pencils, pens, and notebook paper. Young children carried crayons and markers while older teenagers picked up computer disks and calculators. A new year of learning has begun and parents are making sure their children have everything they need to make the school year one filled with learning and growth.

Seeing all of the school supplies made me stop and realize that a child can possess all of the school supplies in the world and still not possess wisdom. Unless the child knows how to use those tools he won’t be able to move forward and gain understanding and knowledge.

We do the same in our walk with the Lord. We go to church and spend time reading the Bible and fill ourselves with as many spiritual supplies as possible. Yet, if we don’t know how to use those tools then how can we expect to grow in our relationship with God? All the time in church and in the Word of God won’t move us towards His path unless we know what to do with what He has given us.

Proverbs 2:1-5 say, “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding - indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:1-5).

A River of Small Stones

by Keith Wallis Available at www.ariverofstones.blogspot.com

Poems written as “small stones,” polished moments of paying proper attention to life.

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Introducing The M.O.M System Do you struggle to stay organized? Do you find yourself writing and re-writing lists day after day?

Do you struggle to get your children to help around the house?

Do you find yourself sounding like a “broken record” constantly repeating to your children what they need to do?

Do you find that even if your husband or children offer to help it is easier to just do the work yourself than to explain it to others and coordinate them?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then The M.O.M. System is for YOU!

“Become the Household Manager (not the Household Doer)” As the household manager, TheMOMSystem helps you organize your priorities and coordinate various needs and tasks for your family. The lists save you time and energy. Start with TheMOMSystem cards and add your own personalization with details or color coding for specific people, priorities, or tasks you have delegated. This allows you to stay more coordinated and be more efficient, leaving you more time and energy for living life well (not just surviving as you fly from crisis to crisis)!

Often I found myself being the “Household Doer” instead of the “Household Manager” — I was trying to be the one doing everything, but kept being overwhelmed by my never-ending “to do” list. TheMOMSystem helps you involve your children in ways that give them clear direction, clear expectations, and clear accountability.

TheMOMSystem helps you teach them to be personally responsible for the tasks you assign them and helps you hold them accountable for communicating with you about their responsibilities.

TheMOMSystem is also a tool to help you coordinate and communicate with others who interact with your household.

Husbands, babysitters and grandparents can become more involved when you use TheMOMSystem to communicate with them.

TheMOMSystem promotes you from Household Doer to Household Manager by helping you get better organized, delegate to your family, and communicate with those who interact with your household.

To learn more about The M.O.M. System, or to purchase The M.O.M System, please visit www.themomsystem.com 26

The Top Three Challenges of the Christian Mom Entrepreneur

by Theresa Ceniccola, The Christian Mompreneur I received a phone call the other day from a college friend I hadn’t talked to in many years. It was such a treat to hear her voice and catch up on our lives! One of the things she said to me was that she was so inspired by the way I seem to have everything in balance – how I juggle my business and my family and the way I embrace my faith as the foundation for everything. While I confess that I don’t often feel like I have it all together, I have to agree that I am so very blessed to have a flexible career that enables me to put faith and family first. And I often take that for granted -- I forget that where I juggle, some women struggle.

Whether you work full time outside the home, or work full time raising your children, I’m willing to bet there are always a billion things competing for your attention. Even though people think I have the perfect balance, I must admit that being a mompreneur also has challenges! I’ve been through most of them myself – and I have dozens of clients who’ve been through them as well. So I’d like to share some of my tips for making the life of the mompreneur work FOR you – and not AGAINST you.

The Christian Mompreneur’s Trinity of Challenges Guilt: You recognize this challenge if you feel like: 1. It’s a constant battle to balance work and family and you never quite feel like you’re giving enough; 2. You have a difficult time setting boundaries and saying ‘no’ to friends, family, volunteering and pro-bono work; 3. You feel a little bit uncomfortable when it comes to sales, marketing and asking for the fees you deserve.

Overwhelm: You are experiencing this challenge if: 1. Your life is filled with multi-tasking chaos and there never seems to be enough time to do everything you want to do; 27

2. You spend all of your time responding and reacting to everyone else’s needs rather than proactively creating the business and life you desire; 3. You feel it’s easier to do things yourself than to rely on someone else to help.

Darkness: You can relate to this challenge if: 1. You feel it is isolating and lonely to run a “one-woman-show” with nobody to guide and encourage you along the way; 2. You’re not sure who to trust and where to turn for support; 3. You’re easily distracted by empty promises, “once-in-alifetime” opportunities and other activities that steer you in a different direction leaving you feeling disenchanted and confused.

Does any of this sound familiar? I call them the Trinity of Challenges (or G-O-D) Challenges, because He (of course!) is the solution. The foundation for my work is simple: create your business in alignment with your values and He will lead the way. With the support of other Christian mom entrepreneurs, you CAN follow God’s plan and walk away from guilt, isolation and darkness and into peace, prosperity and productivity!

If you’re wondering how other moms manage to “do it all” while you struggle to keep on top of laundry and bills, then I want to encourage you to visit my blog at www.theresaceniccola.com and find out how YOU can connect with me to discover the answers.

Ruby Pearls September 2011 September is Kids’ Good Manners Month!

Spend extra time with your child teaching them good manners at the table, with your adult friends, their own friends, and saying “Please” and “Thank you!”

Visit Alabaster Box Publishing, Inc. where you will find “Mission Possible”

by Deborah McCarragher

September 6th is Fight Procrastination Day! They were going to have it on the fourth, but...you know....Let today's motto be “I'm done!”

www.Godmissionpossible.com 28

Make a Bible Sampler Quilt with Laura Brandt of Wentworth County Quiltworks Bible Sampler – now that I know how many blocks I want, how many blocks do you want?

At the end of last month’s post, I was just starting to crunch the numbers for the Bible block wedding sampler’s fabric requirements. This month, we’ll finish number-crunching our layout plans.

First of all, basic quilt sizes are generally as follows: • • •

A comfortably-sized baby quilt is roughly 42”x52”.

A crib-sized quilt measures up to 45”x60”.

A cozy lap quilt is around 60”x72”.

Consult the following chart for quilts for typical bed sizes:

Crib Twin Double Queen King

Mattress Size 27 x 52 39 x 75 54 x 75 60 x 80 76 x 80

Quilt Coverlet 30 x 45 63 x 88 78 x 88 84 x 92 100 x 92

Batting Size 45 x 60 72 x 90 81 x 96 90 x 108 120 x 120

Bedspreadsized quilt 36 x 54 71 x 101 86 x 101 92 x 106 108 x 106

Batting Size 45 x 60 81 x 96 90 x 108 120 x 120 120 x 120

If you are making a quilt for a particular bed in your house, your best bet is to measure the top of your mattress and add the amount of overhang you want on each side as well as the amount you want for your pillow tuck (usually around 18”).

I decided that I’m going to make my Bible block wedding sampler a queen-sized quilt. It’ll be my most ambitious project to date, consisting of thirty 12” blocks. My basic layout has a 6” border and 2.5” sashing strips and I ordered my fabric last week. If you decide to do a quilt this big, here are your numbers:

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30 block sampler layout: 30-Block Bible Sampler Finished size 87”x101” Border – 1 7/8 yards fabric Sashing – 2 1/8 yards Cornerstones – 3/8 yard For your blocks estimate using roughly a quarter yard of fabric per 12” block (12.5” unfinished).

Batting – 90”x108” Backing – 9 yards

12- block sampler layout: If you’d like your quilt to be lap-sized, the finished size of a 12block sampler is 58”x72.5”.

Border – 1 7/8 yards fabric Sashing – 1 yard Cornerstones – 1/4 yard For your blocks estimate using roughly a quarter yard of fabric per 12” block (12.5” unfinished).

Batting – 72”x90” Backing – 4 1/2 yards

6-block sampler layout: A good beginner’s quilt is a basic 6-block sampler with a finished size of 58”x43.5”.

Border – 1.5 yards fabric Sashing – 5/8 yard Cornerstones – 1/8 yard For your blocks estimate using roughly a quarter yard of fabric per 12” block (12.5” unfinished.)

Batting – 45”x60” Backing – 3 yards Now what if you’d rather make 18” blocks or 6” blocks? Well, you’ll have to either enlarge or reduce your block patterns. There are charts online that can help you do that, or you can use the following formula: [block size wanted] divided by [current block size] multiplied by 100 equals [percentage to enlarge or reduce original block].

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For example: To enlarge: Current size = 12" and you want a 18" block 18/12=1.5 -> 1.5*100= 150% To reduce: Current size =12" and you want a 6" block 6/12=.50 ->.50*100=50% Now that you’ve got the numbers, round up your fabric because next month I’ll post our first block! As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me!

Laura Brandt is the owner of Wentworth County Quiltworks and a child of the King whose one desire is to please the Lord. She quilts and she maintains two blogs, as well as serving as a Moderator at Authorized Version Bible Believers Fellowship forum.

She’s also edited books for up-and-coming Christian authors.

Visit Laura at her blogs, http://wentworthcountyquiltworks.blogspot.com and http://laurasthoughtsonscripture.blogspot.com, her new quilting website, www.wentworthcountyquiltworks.com or the forum at http://www.avbbf.com.

Word Logic Puzzle

by Beth Brubaker

Answer on page 55.

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Early Morning

by Keith Wallis

Early morning: the silent silhouettes, the solid shadow of misty trees and the promise of light.

The frosted battle of breath and the vaguest tint of warmth colouring in the air.

This is the herald of Autumn’s chill the fanfare announcing Winter a prophecy for scurrying squirrels and the sleepy dormancy of hibernation.

The shallow clothing of Summer is archived again and wardrobes brim with bulk, armour for the battle to keep warm.

Beauty remains, though different in form; the red-gold gay regality that adorned vibrant trees reduced to carpeting mulch a blanket for oak and ash and beechy feet.

Whispered webs of glistening silk stretch between twig and branch their stealth betrayed until day hides them again.

To everything there is a season.

Every season has its fashion new apparel of praise reflecting the creativity of a God who cares.

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Footprints in the Mud What if Chocolate Was Illegal?

by Beth Brubaker Autumn is the start of chocolate season! Chocolate always melts too fast in the summertime for my taste. I keep my chocolate consumption to ice cream during those sizzling hot months. But now it's Fall and time to bring chocolate in by the truckload.

Do you know how many holidays are filled with chocolate? Halloween is a big one, as is Thanksgiving (chocolate pie), as well as Christmas, Easter...okay, so most of them have some kind of chocolate goodies. Birthdays are usually filled with chocolate cake or frosting, and the stores always have a fresh supply of chocolate just in case you're celebrating something insignificant, like Happy Wednesday.

But what if chocolate was illegal?

It's a scary thought!

Imagine people having to buy black-market chocolate. I can see it now, some guy approaches me and pulls open his coat. There, tucked away in tiny pouches is a selection of candy bars.

'Beans' would be the slang for the now illegal substance. But there's the different brands of chocolate that would need new 'street' names as well. Can you try to guess them?

Parks, Planets, and Long-Haired Ladies would top the list. Not to mention Peace, Chips, and Mr. Eds. It boggles the mind as well as the taste buds. (The answers are at the bottom of the page if you're curious.)

Maybe the government (especially the women members) would pass a law allowing the consumption of chocolate only once a month stating that the female population in America as a whole would drop in violent domestic crime rates dramatically.

No more chocolate cake, chocolate cookies, chocolate pies, or chocolate candy.

The country would turn to vanilla, strawberry, and who knows what other flavors people will come up with. After vanilla and strawberry, my mind goes blank.

Imagine ice cream without that yummy fudgy swirl or chocolate chips dotting the landscape of white or pale green. Imagine no chocolate sprinkles or hot fudge to put on top. I might just stop eating ice cream because of it!

I'd miss the variety too. At least with chocolate, you can have regular, milk, or dark.

White chocolate (aka fake chocolate- everyone knows real chocolate is brown) is just plain ole' white unless you stick something in it. And if it ain't chocolate, I ain't eating it!

And a world with no Oreo cookies? I would seriously consider moving to another planet.

I'm glad chocolate is legal and consumed by the masses willingly and with chocolaty smiles on their faces. No holiday (or Wednesday) would be complete without it!

Please remember to save the earth not only because of the environment, but it's the only planet with chocolate!

Oh, and here are the answers to the 'street' names of chocolates. How many did you get right?

Parks = Hershey Planets = Mars Long Haired Ladies = Godiva Peace = Dove Chips = Wilton Mr. Ed’s = Wilbur Want more Footprints? Beth has a blog! You can find it at http://footprintsinthemudblog@blogspot.com.

And don't forget to share her blog with friends!

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You can make this supersupersimple and charming T-shirt shirt Necklace Necklace from Katherine’s Corner This is a fun and easy project that will bring a bit of pizzazz to your autumn wardrobe! In fact, it is so cute and simple that you could make a few of these with the kids and give them as gifts to Mom or Grandma or Aunt Sue. So gather up your supplies and repurpose those worn out t-shirts that you love so much. Since you’ve already worn them forever, now you can wear them everywhere and be stylish, too!

What you need: Soft cotton t-shirt Ruler Scissors or rotary cutter Ribbon (optional) Let’s make it! * Lay the shirt on a flat surface; cut off the hem and discard. Then cut the body of the shirt horizontally into strips approximately ¾” wide (they will actually be loops). * One at a time, pull the loops open and stretch until the fabric starts to curl. Stack the loops on top of one another so that all the t-shirt side seams are lined up. * Once you have the thickness you desire, wrap the seams with a scrap piece of fabric (from the t-shirt) or ribbon (about 6” long). Tuck the end of the scrap under itself and taa-daa!

Angel Wings Friends Musing Mom has created a place where women can support and encourage one another.

She wants to dispel the idea that

"Women are afraid to help each other."

Are you interested in banding together to support other bloggers and get something in return? To go along with her new theme, being a guardian angel to her children, Musing Mom wants to share her wings with you so YOU can fly!

It’s your life. It’s your family. It’s your dream.

Join Musing Mom Media at www.musingmommedia.com and find your own Angel Wings 34

The Imperfect Day: Moving Ahead When Life Happens

by Charlotte Siems She woke up late because she stayed up too late. The kids were already off track with their chores and the dishwasher didn’t get started the night before. After attending to an unexpected detail on the computer, she barely had time to pull on some clothes before an important hour-long phone call. The school schedule was blown and there was no bread for lunch. Time for a meltdown?

You’ve probably already guessed that “she” is Me, and this day happened This Week. It was one of those days that, at one time in my life, would have sent me spiraling downward into discouragement, causing me to give up in despair and throw in the towel on following through.

Instead, we had a cheerful, productive day and got everything important done.

Earlier in my life, waking up late would have been the start of negative thinking about myself and the day to come. I would have watered and fertilized those thoughts with every glitch that came up from there.

With that habit of runaway thoughts it didn’t take much to lead me into despair about the morning, our homeschool, how much grocery money I had left and the national debt.

Then it was an easy next step to get overwhelmed and discouraged, thereby leading to decisions such as skipping tasks and justifying laziness. Ouch.

Somewhere along the way to getting overwhelmed, I would make sweeping generalizations. “I ALWAYS get off track. I NEVER follow through. These kids NEVER get their stuff done. I’m so STUPID for not getting bread…”

On and on, down to the pit of despair, much like the one under the tree in the funny old movie, The Princess Bride. Knock, knock and the door opens.

While this particular day is fresh in my memory, let me walk you through a couple of keys that helped me manage the day quite nicely, thank you.

Purpose. I know WHY we have a school schedule, so that purpose keeps me on track even when the schedule gets messed up. The purpose is more important than the schedule because the schedule is only a tool to help me get what I want. We just adapt and figure out a way to still get what we want. In other words, no freaking out, rearrange and adapt.

Awareness. By getting out of the emotion of the moment, I can make calm decisions about what is actually happening right now, including decisions about what to think and do. Every time I had a fleeting thought of panic or self-reproach, I chose to stop and come back into the moment.

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That panic and self-reproach is usually linked to wild, sweeping thoughts about either the past or the future.

These two elements kept me moving through the day calmly.

I gave instructions to the children to move forward with things while I took the phone call. We worked through school lessons an hour late and got it all done. I took a shower after lunch and made a quick trip to a nearby store for bread, returning home to have an interesting discussion with the high schoolers about post-Civil War Reconstruction. Everything got done with time to spare, and we had a pleasant and productive late afternoon.

No drama, no despair. Ahhh….a much better way of life.

We all have “off” days that start out wrong and go downhill from there. The next time you wake up to a less-than-perfect day, try these tools to keep moving forward without discouragement. You can do more than salvage the day—you can actually enjoy it!

Charlotte Siems is a home-maker, home manager, T-Tapp Trainer, teacher, speaker and author.

Her story of losing over 100 pounds with T-Tapp has encouraged thousands of people all over the world. She specializes in making home management and T-Tapp “doable” for real people and real life. She is happy to be a wife and mother of twelve children whom she has successfully taught at home for 25 years.

Wentworth County Quiltworks Bible quilt updates and a growing Bible Block-of-the-Month collection Visit Laura at www.wentworthcountryquiltworks.com and follow along as she creates her Bible Block of the Month Collection!

www.jaybirddesigns.com 36

Fall Fun Crossword Puzzle

by Beth Brubaker

Answers on page 55.

www.myjestore.com/Kathy 37

When the Answer is “No”

by Pauline Creeden When my father died in the fall of 1998, I was only 23 years old, and he was only 49. He had his first heart attack and remained hospitalized for a week before he passed away. My father’s witness made an impact on so many that his funeral had more people in attendance than any other I’d ever been to. But as his opposite, I was illiterate of the Bible, and had grown weak in the faith.

During the week while my father lay in the hospital, I refused to pray. I feared the answer would probably be “No,” as my father’s diabetes had made him grossly unhealthy. I did not know enough about my God, and now I regret not praying for my Dad.

I drove a wedge between myself and my Jesus.

This is what I regret. It’s not that I believe that if I had only prayed, my father would still be alive.

No, I believe that if I had only prayed, God would have drawn me closer to Him. And in that fellowship, the bond that I have even now with my Jesus would have been strengthened. Instead, the wedge I put there kept me from multiple blessings and joy that could have been mine.

So what do we do when we believe the answer to our request might be “No?” It’s better to ask and receive the answer ‘No,’ than to assume the answer is going to be ‘No,’ and never ask.

“David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. So the elders of his house arose and went to him, to raise him up from the ground. But he would not, nor did he eat food with them. Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead.

Children have a hard time asking for what they want when they think the answer is going to be “No” because they fear that the person they have asked will dislike them for it. They fear that in asking they are inconveniencing the person they have asked. But with God, it’s exactly the opposite.

We are never an inconvenience to Him, and He will never stop loving us!

For they said, “Indeed, while the child was alive, we spoke to him and he would not heed our voice.

How can we tell him that the child is dead? He may do some harm! When David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said “He is dead.” So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and worshipped.” (2 Samuel 12:16-20 NKJV)

When the answer is “No,” He will comfort us, and prepare us for the rejection because of His love. If we don’t ever ask the question than we never get the closeness of His embrace and comfort that we would have received if we had only asked.

My father’s diabetes had become so miserable for him that it affected his eyes, his gait, and his fitness. He lived on insulin and painkillers. Now that I am older, I see that my father is much happier with his Jesus than he would have been living in his rapidly decaying body. I can understand why God said “No.” I just regret the comfort I would have received from Jesus’ embrace if I had gone to Him.

David knew that the answer was probably going to be “No,” but he prayed desperately anyway. God loved him and comforted him in his time of prayer, fasting, and worship. And David grew closer to God in the process.

I knew that the answer to the request for my father’s life was probably going to be “No.” So instead of drawing closer to the Lord in prayer,

Now my prayer for you and for myself is that we will all go to Him in prayer, even when we believe the answer is going to be “No.” I pray that we will not reject the comfort Jesus can provide because He has to do what’s best for us even when we don’t like it. If we turn away from Him, the only one we hurt is ourselves.

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Very Veggie Potato Pie from Katherine’s Corner As the days of autumn bring chilly days and cozy evenings, this is a perfect recipe for a family supper. Comfort food at its best!

What You Need: 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese (½ coarsely grated, ½ cut into small chunks) ¾ cup sour cream (crème fraîche works best) Pre-made pie crust (from your markets refrigerator section) 2 lbs potatoes, (thinly sliced) 2 medium white onions thinly finely sliced) 1 bunch spring onions- about 6 (roughly chopped) 1 ¼ tsp nutmeg (grated) 1 tsp paprika 1 egg (beaten) Salt and Pepper

10 x 10 baking pan Non stick cooking spray Basting brush Baking sheet

Before You Start: Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray inside baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Let’s Make It! In a small bowl, mix the grated cheddar with the crème fraîche, then set aside. Roll out one pie crust on a lightly floured surface until large enough to line the baking dish with a little over-hang. Place into baking dish and begin filling with one layer of potatoes evenly distributed throughout, then a layer of onions, spring onions and chunks of cheese. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg and paprika.

Repeat layering over more potatoes, onions and cheese, then spread over half the crème fraîche mix. Repeat with 2 more layers (the potatoes will come up way above the pastry), pushing the filling down slightly, then finish with the remaining crème fraîche mix. Roll the remaining pastry so it fits over the potatoes. Brush the sides with egg, then lay the pastry over the top.

Squeeze the edges together and trim with a knife. Crimp the sides and brush the top all over with egg. Place the pie on a baking sheet, bake for 30 minutes then reduce the temperature to 325 and continue baking for 1 hr until golden, If it starts to get to dark cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Leave the pie to rest for 10 minutes and serve.

Serves 4 *Katie’s Tid Bits: Try using phyllo dough and make small individual tarts. Reduce cooking time to about 40 minutes.

www.tatterstotreasures.etsy.com 39

Treasures from the East: Dates (Khajoor)

by Kausar Kausar Iqbal Date trees are tall and majestic. They’re like a palm tree, but bear the golden fruit called dates or khajoor. Pakistan dates are quite famous and can be found in the plantations along the Makran coastal areas and Sindh. These trees are as tall as 80 feet and as old as 80 years. Each fruit is pitted, which needs to be removed before eating.

Dates are plucked from the tree, dried and then tuned into ripe dates or dried dates called Chuhara. The fruit is stored in a clean and dry area with many manual process steps. Only skilled workers perform the processing job which includes washing the dates in warm water to rid them of dust and other foreign matter. The fruit is then spread on large tables for manual sorting and grading and packed in boxes and/or, bags.

They are then sent to the larger cities for export. Many artisans also use the dried leaves of dates to make baskets or straw mats. Each part of the date is utilized in a unique way.

Date fields are interested to behold. From the ground one can see the cotton crops or the wheat crops and then along the side a row of tall, magnificent date trees. The months of June, July, and August are the busiest season for these crops. The fields transform from a sleepy little community to a bustling city filled with men and women equally busy with different stages of the harvesting process.

Dates are a wonderful fruit from heaven. Their name originates from the Date Palm, which is believed to have originated in the desert oases of northern Africa and perhaps even southwest Asia. The people of the Middle East have consumed dates as a part of their staple diet for centuries due to its high nutritional value. Apart from being rich in natural fibers, dates also comprise of a various other nutrients such as calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, magnesium, etc. Dates are rich in carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins and are cholesterol and fat free.

The rich soil and abundant sunshine in Pakistan is an ideal place for cultivating a variety of dates crops including Aseel, Karbala, Fasli and Kupro of Sindh; Muzawati, Begum Jangi, Jaan Swore, Kehraba and Rabai of Baluchistan; Dhakki and Gulistan of NWFP and a seedless variety of Punjab.

Dried dates (Chuhara) are also distributed in wedding ceremonies among the guests and are used in many traditional desserts as well. To an extent, dates can be used to cure various ailments of the stomach. They are high in iron and provide extra energy to the body and are often recommended as an early morning energy booster. In Eastern customs dates are consumed and eaten in different ways. They can be eaten raw or used to make tasty shakes. They add additional flavor to sweet dishes!

The next time you head to the grocery store, pick up a package of dates and make them a regular part of your daily diet!

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September in the Prayer Garden

by Thomas B. Clarke Many people are not familiar with the gaura, but what a joy it is! Some are taller and white, such as those placed near the main entrance to the garden. Other varieties are deep pink; my favorites are those with a delicate mix of white and pink blossoms. All varieties start to flower in mid-June and will continue in profusion through the first heavy frost.

The gaura has been aptly given the English name “wand flower” because each flower cluster sits on top of a long wand-like stem. The stems are so long and so thin that God seems to have created these flowers so we can enjoy how they dance in the breeze. Even on windless days, days where the air is so incredibly still, the flower heads gently move in response to the heat rising from the ground – dancing in the breeze.

In the Bible, the Hebrew word ruwach can be translated as both Holy Spirit and wind. As this flower dances, the gaura reminds us of the wind, the ruwach, the presence of the Holy Spirit. We may feel spiritually parched as we enter the garden – the gaura is there as a reminder of the refreshing and renewing that God wants to give us.

By September, the precious roses which sometimes go through a dry spell in midsummer have now come back as the soil gathers more moisture and the evenings get cooler. We have a number of lusciously attractive pink ‘Bonica’ roses which are complemented by two varieties of ‘Knock Out’ roses. The roses will continue to bloom through November.

Another of my fall favorites is the false ageratum which blossoms until the first frost. These short bright-blue flowers, with a hint of fuchsia coloring, add an interesting contrast to the red, orange and rust tones that are typically seen in the autumn.

The Russian sage continues blossoming in September although their color can fade to more of a soft blue-gray tone. The broccoli-shaped autumn joy comes alive with fresh, pinkish flowers that eventually change tones many times to eventually become an autumn rust color. Chrysanthemum, blanket flower (also known as Gaillardia), Japanese anemone all blossom in September, as well as some flowers that typically are found in the early summer but God decides to show their beauty one more time before the colder weather sets in.

I hope you take time to visit and use this prayer garden. As a recent visitor wrote to Faith Chapel, “What a sweet place the gardens were. So peaceful, so beautiful, and I can walk the paths easily. Yes, I was thoroughly blessed and hope to make many more visits. It’s a wonderful place to come and be quiet with the Lord.”

Tom Clarke is Caretaker of the Gethsemane Prayer Garden at Faith Chapel in Syracuse, New York www.prayergardeners.com/gethsemane/index.html and author of A Garden of Love www.agardenoflove.com which is a book about Christian love using photographs from this garden. His blog is www.prayergardeners.blogspot.com/.

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I’ve known these trees

by Keith Wallis

Sometimes

by Keith Wallis

I’ve known these trees from childhood since clambered branches scavenged knees and liberated blood.

I’ve know these trees when wind’s calamity steals and shapes and when sun’s spotlight peers through crowded branch with welcoming smile.

I’ve know these trees in ragged Winter, pregnant Spring and the birthing of Autumn.

Again, October’s kiss and changing embrace kidnaps leaf with reds and browns, sending awestruck words scampering for expression.

At close of school others now explore and seek fondly remembered footholds sending squirrels to sanctuary. ~~ Keith Wallis

Sometimes You are the indistinct spot, an out of focus horizon losing colour to the vagueries of distance.

Hedges and fences my defences against what You may ask of me.

Fields and copses of my realities exposure or shield in the conduit between here and there.

Sometimes You are the certain stone stile that bridges the immediate; breaches the ramparts of my trouble.

The path prepared for safe traverse.

Sometimes you are the staggering view that overwhelms when the mist lifts and a different clarity prevails.

Sometimes You are the warmth of the sun in the daily chill of Autumn.

Sometimes I allow You to be God. 42

Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab

by Kausar Iqbal Ingredients: 4 - 6 boneless chicken breasts ¼ cup Dahi (yogurt) 2 Tbsp mayonnaise ½ tsp Garam Masala ¼ tsp ground black pepper 1 clover garlic, chopped 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp Oregano 1 tsp red chili powder 2 tomatoes, finely chopped 2 green chilies 2 Tbsp oil or butter Marinate chicken with spices, yogurt, mayonnaise, and add seekh and barbeque. Enjoy!

Spicy Chicken Cajun Pasta Here is a yummy dinner idea that is not only easy, but very tasty! I make them about every 5 or 6 days and they’re so delicious!

Ingredients 2-3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts - cut into thin strips 2 tins mushrooms 2 1/2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning, divided 2-3 Tbsp Butter 1 1/2 cup capsicum diced 4 green onions, chopped

2 Tbsp chopped sundried tomatoes, optional 1 cup parsley chopped 2-3 cup Almarai whipping cream or Qishta (fresh cream) 1 packet of pasta of any type Salt, pepper, and garlic chopped to taste

Directions Place chicken strips into a bowl with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and marinate. After marinating, put it in a pan to tender the chicken and cover it.

In a large hot pan, place butter and chopped garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes.

Reduce heat, add capsicum, tomatoes mushrooms and green onions as well as salt and pepper.

Sauté for 6-7 minutes.

In a separate pot or pan boil the pasta. When all these things are done add boiled pasta into sautéed veggies. Mix the remaining Cajun into the cream and then add cream and parsley into the pasta. Here I used whipping cream, but it will taste better and creamier if you use fresh cream instead of whipping cream.

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Make This Elegant Bib Necklace

by Katherine Corrigan Let’s make this fun and easy necklace. A great project for a rainy day. Enjoy!

What you need: Necklace template (see below, page 56) Assorted glass gems, beads, etc.

Scissors Ultra-suede or felt Pencil or disappearing-ink marker Fabric glue Ribbon in desired color Invisible thread (optional) Parchment Paper Dictionary or heavy book or a brick wrapped in cloth Let’s make it!

Download and print out bib necklace template. Trace and cut necklace shape from two pieces of ultra-suede or felt. Arrange gems on the fabric starting at the center and working outward.

Carefully coat the back of each gem with glue and adhere each one to the fabric. Place parchment paper on top of the gems, then place the dictionary or heavy book on top of it all and let dry (make sure no glue is leaking out of the sides; you do not want to glue the parchment paper to the necklace.

Cut ribbon into two equal-length pieces; these pieces will determine the length of your necklace.

Glue ribbon to each end of fabric for ties. Let dry. If desired, turn necklace over and use invisible thread to anchor the gems.

Coat second piece of ultra-suede or felt with thin layer of glue and cover back of necklace hiding the thread and ribbon ends. Using sharp scissors (or a craft knife), carefully cut away extra fabric.

There you have it, a bib for grown-up girls!

www.katherinescorner.com 44

A Teachable Heart

by Carin LeRoy If you’ve been one to raise children, you know that each child is different. Having four, I’ve seen many traits in their personalities – the complainer, the stubborn, the verbal, the compliant, the obedient, the one who ignores - to name a few. Each child responds differently to correction. Upon giving discipline, I’ve seen my daughter (at two years old) stomp her little foot and say, “No!” One child would complain about the injustice of it all while another would give in and learn what was needed. Some kids are easier to teach than others and display many of these traits during their growing up years.

We can have these same traits when God tries to teach us. The complainer says, “God, why do I have to do this?” The stubborn one says, “No, I don’t want to.” The verbal one gives God a list of excuses not to obey. The compliant one says, “Okay, God.” Others ignore God’s voice altogether and go their own way.

Jonah ran from God’s voice and ended up in the belly of a fish. Isaiah heard God and said, “Here am I, send me.” Ananias was told by God to go out and meet Saul, a known killer, and heal him from his blindness. He responded (albeit a little verbally!) to God’s voice and obeyed even though it could have cost his life (Read Acts 9:1-19).

I recently had a friend say, “I feel God is telling me to stop being selfish.” She heard God’s voice and was willing to stop, listen, and ponder what God was teaching her. She knew God was asking her to move forward to a new place in her spiritual walk. She had the willingness to work at change. How teachable am I? When God wants to instruct me, what is my response? Am I unyielding to his words? Do I send him a list of reasons not to obey? Do I whine or ignore His voice? Or do I choose to be taught?

Having a teachable heart means that I am willing to listen and learn. Responding to God’s voice and desiring change will help us to move forward in the next stage of our spiritual journey. Just as parents instruct children to train them for life, God wants to prepare us to reach our full maturity as Christians. “Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name,” Psalm 119: 33 KJV. Ask God to teach you today. Then be willing to respond.

PRAYER: Lord, give me a heart that is teachable. Give me a willingness to listen and an ability to learn where You desire change in my life. Help me to respond obediently to Your voice.

“I will instruct you and teach you about how you should live; I will advise you as I look you in the eye. Do not be like an unintelligent horse or mule, which will not obey you unless they are controlled by a bridle and bit,” Psalm 32: 8, 9 NET.

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The Strange Case of Bowker Creek

by Lee E. Shilo Urban myths such as the legend of Bowker Creek are prevalent where I live. In British Columbia Canada, on Vancouver Island, in the city of Victoria, lays a district named Oak Bay. There one can find access to Bowker Creek.

Bowker Creek is like a Worm Hole leading nowhere in particular, or a spurting unchecked garden hose flashing about in time and space.

It is a tear in the very fabric of Space, and a chink in the hard armor of Reality. It not only sucks in people, places, and things from Oak Bay, it also spits out objects from other shifts in time, living or otherwise.

It never occurs in the same place twice, and its doorway can never be predicted. Its effects are so random, that even Chaos Theory and its Uncertainty Principle hardly applies. It can send you off to a different point in the galaxy, or a different time, or both. Of course, the inverse also applies, and these effects, objects, or beings manifest themselves in many various ways in our culture and mythological history.

Many of our unexplained phenomenon, strange occurrences, and apparitions may be attributed to Bowker Creek. The very fact that such a thing even exists, is extraordinary and phantasmagorical!

Bowker Creek is located near the hub of the Oak Bay District, just a few feet across the street from its Police and Fire Department buildings. It actually runs a winding trail underneath the ground and away from these structures. The very fact that these buildings sit right above a portion of the creek is highly disturbing.

Many old stories have evolved up through the past, reports of bizarre goings-on and sounds of terror cracking the dark covered nights have been told over and over again.

The interloping of painful shadows drift in and out of this rift in time, not living nor dead, but caught between the shifting of these dimensional tides that flow like eddies in a boiling pond of water. They are born in a cauldron of cosmic flame, and eternal blackness.

Raised in the iciness of darkened space, and trained within a collapsing singularity, made to travel between the cracks in the cosmos, they come to undo reality.

Many years ago as a young lad of ten (10), in the year nineteen sixty four (1964), I was alone, exploring down near Bowker Creek. Out of nowhere appeared a strange looking man, dressed in unfamiliar clothing. I do not have an explanation as to why I did not have any fear of this man, but suffice it to say, that innocence breeds trust.

He smiled kindly, as he peered down at me.

Being young made adults look like giants to me, but this man appeared twice the size of any adult I had ever encountered. He approached me slowly, knelt down with an extended arm and closed hand. His enormous fingers unfurled and there in the palm of his hand sat a bright glowing object of such beauty, I have never seen anything to rival it since.

He motioned for me to take it, and as I reached out to grasp it, my hand passed right through the object, and this vision of a man slowly dissolved and disappeared back into the middle of a swirling eddy in Bowker Creek.

As the years passed, and I grew older, I would encounter this object appearing and reappearing at the oddest times, and in the most unusual places.

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Whenever it did appear, it always seemed to materialize just out of my reach.

When I was in my teens, the most popular story circulating around was that of teenagers disappearing for no apparent reason, and Bowker Creek got the blame for it. The information always came from a friend of a friend that it had actually happened to. In reality, these particular teens most probably just up and ran away from a bad family situation. But that did not stop the intriguing gossip of fertile teenage imaginations.

There was one unexplained incident that never got resolved, and that was the interesting weather patterns attributed to a time warp in which Bowker Creek always got blamed.

I was taught as child to dress in layers in anticipation of the ever-changing weather phenomenon. It was not uncommon to experience up to five different weather changes in a period of one single day.

Some have seen creatures of the night and others, aliens in the day, by the wet of rain, get sucked into the earth only to be devoured, and sent back as changelings to infiltrate the source of this impending doom.

Rumors seemed to gradually subside throughout my teens, only to rear their ugly heads once again as I approached adulthood.

Reports of wailing echoes as children cried out for their mothers from the middle of the creek, which seemed to come from nowhere. Ball lightening skimming across the creek, then just as suddenly disappearing.

Even UFO's began making appearances, emerging from the center of the creek, then silently speeding off, disappearing into the ether of space. Sometimes you would catch a glimpse of birds flying over the water only to vanish into thin air halfway across.

The most disturbing was the reports of indescribable beings appearing from the depths of the creek. They would linger awhile, then turn and walk back into an unseen rift in the water and simply disappear. Those that stayed would walk the earth wreaking havoc upon the poor unsuspecting innocents.

Bowker Creek has become a requiem of solace for those souls that have vanished without a trace, into its dead silence of the night. A cheat for anything we cannot explain, and an excuse to blame anyone but ourselves.

Its water glistens transparent silver as an orb of golden moonlight reflects upon the rippling surface: and those that can hear the sound of time vibrating through the cosmos, listen while they themselves slowly vanish into time.

Decades have passed, and I am now old. Last night I took one last walk down along the shores of Bowker Creek. The same strange giant of a man dressed in unfamiliar clothing reappeared to me from when I was a boy. He knelt down and unfurled his fingers once again, and there in the center of his hand sat a glowing object of beauty.

He motioned for me to take it, and as I reached out and grasped it, he simply disappeared. The object was a moving hologram emitted by a piece of technology not yet invented, and no bigger than a Flash Drive that we use today, in which to carry our digital information. The hologram was that of a book, titled The Strange Case of Bowker Creek that I have yet to write.

THE END Read more of Lee’s stories on his website at www.shilocom.com/shilocombookz.html

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A Peek Inside Katherine’s Corner: All the Pretty Little Boxes

by Katherine Corrigan I had to restrain myself when I was at the shop the other day. I’m usually pretty good about buying just what is needed. I try not to stray too far from the list. But I am drawn like a magnet to pretty boxes. I just love them! There’s just something wonderful about putting something ordinary into something, well . . . extraordinary!

I did manage to keep my money in my wallet and just “ooh-ed” and “ahh-ed” a bit. But when I came home, I started looking around and realized that I really do have a lot of pretty little boxes . . everywhere.

In just about every room and cupboard; I even keep my tea bags in one!

There are some in the master bath closet; some velvet covered ones in our master bedroom clothes closet (no, you’re not seeing double!), I have two of the same boxes. I actually have several duplicates throughout the house.

There are some baskets, too. A few in the guest’s linen closet . . . .

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and a few baskets in the den closet holding greeting cards.

My favorite boxes have a little ribbon on them, or a beach scene (the beach always makes me think of time well-spent).

As long as there is “stuff,” I’m sure I’ll need pretty boxes. Do you have a lot of boxes, baskets or other containers that you like to keep things in?

What draws you like a magnet when you go into shops? We would love to hear from you about some of your favorite things! Please email your photos to us at editor@rubyforwomen.com and we will share them in one of our upcoming issues of Ruby for Women.

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Wasted

A Friend in Need …

by Keith Wallis

Is there something you need, but just can't seem to find? Are you looking for a recipe, a store location, or the best places to go in a certain area? Do you have an item you would like to give to someone, but no one near you needs it? Send your requests into the magazine (bethatruby@aol.com) with 'A Friend in Need' in the subject line and we'll publish it for you!

When making a request, please include a current email address for a direct reply. Those who are answering queries are to correspond to the posted email address directly, and not to the staff of Ruby for Women.

Quiet solitude.

The sadness of a vacant seat, the prospect before it revealing regal jewelled Autumn.

Trees bedecked in dripping gold, challenge the waning sun for brilliance.

Paths and grasses festooned an extravagance of coloured clothing bathed in crisp air.

Items offered must be free (except for shipping costs, agreed to be paid by the receiving party unless otherwise agreed upon by the giver and receiver). All postal regulations must be followed. Ruby for Women can not be responsible for shipping costs or lost items.

Wasted.

Ruby for Women is searching for . . .

Questions!

The empty seat a lone spectator to the performance artist hiding the greens of summer with a last brush of colour.

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

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Inspired Women Succeed Changing the Face of Success

by Jo Ann Fore Inspired Women Succeed redefines success. In this book of courage and hope, you will connect with forty brave-hearted Christian women entrepreneurs who faced unfathomable trials with heroic faith. This passionate group of women authentically shares their life-transforming stories.

Breathe in their heartfelt words and experience a rich inspiration woven throughout the book, like an intricate, delicate tapestry. Be inspired as these women discover their life’s passion. Be challenged by their words as you learn to use your own life experiences as a catalyst for success.

One common denominator runs deep through these stories: inspiration.

This book is about real women doing real life. Our goal is to be transparent, and to offer you that same permission. In some way, each of these women’s stories is a piece of our own. Maybe the circumstances of fallout are not quite the same, but the emotionally expensive lessons are quite similar.

What is an inspired woman?

An inspired woman is easy to recognize. We are passionate and seek to live life to the fullest. We can be a bit moody; at times, happy and sweet, and other times cranky and tired. We share with people who need us, too often giving our time away. We anticipate problems before they are spoken, and strive to stay strong in troubled times. Inspired women work really hard. We can do surprising, downright amazing things, when pushed.

What is success? What scoreboard determines true success? Must we be famous? Rich? Well-credentialed experts? Whether we acknowledge it or not, the way we measure success greatly impacts our lives.

As Christian women, our success is inspired from a sense of calling; measured by our loyalty to God in spite of life’s circumstances or outcome.

Inspired Women Succeed is a heart song for women; full of faithful, successful women who stepped out. Amazing things happen when women follow their inspiration.

For a free download of the first chapter, visit www.inspiredwomensucceed.com.

Jo Ann Fore (www.JoAnnFore.com) is an author, writing coach, certified Life Coach, and coauthor, alongside Diane Cunningham (www.DianeCunningham.com) of the book, Inspired Women Succeed. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of other women. Visit Jo Ann at www.soyouwanttowrite.org.

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A Pedestal of View

by Lee E. Shilo Upon this glorious sunny, wind swept day, with light so fair as to touch the cheeks of summer ladies sweet.

Perched and sitting on a pedestal of view, I watch.

Every thing of beauty present is of fine design.

A bird in flight atop the wisp of pillowed air, a finely strung, silken web, and pearls of dew, slipping down into a lush of green.

Everything in beauty's eyes is beautiful to see, and opened eyes are wisdom’s eyes, if, one cares to see.

A blade of grass, a field of dreams, a kindly deed well done.

To watch a Boulevard of life explode into a pulse of life, and possibilities is good to watch this day.

One step a journey starts, I walk a golden road.

Each step is paused and calculated well, and there upon each step I take, a cloud of dust so fine and pure does rise.

My journey has begun.

Down into a vaulted valley deep, I step, into a cloud of mystery, shrouded in a cloth of mist, so fine a gossamer's wings should fall in peril.

So soft, I step upon this land, in search of denizens within.

What creatures stir imagination, or peak an interest there?

What forces play or magic summons?

What tasty adventures await?

Another step of golden dust upon this sweet virgin land, all sounds, and smells, and feelings too, come alive again.

And there, amidst the ruby forest shining like a gem, new life abundant, clean and crisp, just waiting to be born.

In one breath I take, the very first inhaling in this land, and all ailments abandon me, I am left standing pure.

A bridge awaits for me to cross, and beckons me ever near.

With railings made of Cherry wood, and footings made of Pine, all wrapped in Gold leaf, and Sterling silver twine.

I take a step first taken, never before in time, and a footprint as a record of myself, left there for all time.

Gold dust to Pine, I reach the other side.

And looking back at golden tracks put there for all time, I wondered if I would be back to view them once again?

Below the bridge a river flows, of honeydew and time, running down as slow as treacle, winding far and wide.

There, a trail to follow and I did take, and walking slow and fine, I stepped into the heart of newness, for, the very first time.

On this trail, I walked along, past flower, tree, and bush.

An excitement in me ebbed, and flowed with every bend, and twist.

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A path unknown to me, I'd take, not knowing where the end would near, I'd rest from chance to chance.

Then, dash along the unknown trail to see what waits anew.

To take a chance, a quickened glance, of everything to view.

A park of lights, each a diamond, shone it's clear and crystal light, upon a field of clouded, pillowed golden wheat at night.

And feeding on the yellowed grass, were the unicorns of myth.

Each with a mane of white so pure, and clean, a soul would envy them, and spiral horns of many lengths, and colors never before seen.

So on I walk a wonderland in dream, and wonder if I'll ever wake, I do not hasten to.

Awaken me not, for I am in a place so profound forever is a day.

A lifetime lived where time is not, in comfort's warming place, I shall lie and walk and dance upon this land so vast, and worry not of thee.

For all its magic in this world, it's where I want to be.

Where food is tasted, heaven sent, and hunger never strife's.

Where thirst is quenched by knowledge, and all the knowledge free.

Where no questions ever asked are answered in riddled rhyme.

And any answer you would give, would be of golden truth.

Unhappiness would be an afterthought of bad forbidden fruit, and an aftertaste of human race would leave your pallet bruised.

Where sounds are music ever to your ears, and not a hurtful word is spoken.

Each voice, an instrument of angel's lips.

They would be as thick and soft as honeyed words, upon the fragile ears to hear.

Warm and pleasing, never harsh, in waves of ecstasy.

I never tire to listen.

Where sleep is not and you never weary of all its wonder-glory.

Weak is not a word you hear, nor used in virile context, and being tired is never gained, no matter how hard you try.

Only health and strength is reigned with every hard task done, and every time you want to work, the work is always fun.

So on I walk through portals, time, and worlds.

So different are they each, that I could not explain.

Nor want to keep a record ledgered for anyone to find, or a bread-crumbed trail to follow, after me, behind.

There are no footprints kept in velvet soil, a trackless trail to see.

No road, nor map to guide the lost, quite lost is where I want to be.

I traveled far and wide, this dream, and worlds I did see.

I touched the heart of newness, and swam upon its seas.

I traveled all the trails to take, and climbed upon its trees.

I lived everything that was beautiful and new.

Only to find and waken upon, a pedestal of view. ~~ by Lee E. Shilo 54 Image by Tina Phillips from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=503

Fall Fun Crossword Puzzle Answer Key

by Beth Brubaker

Word Logic Puzzle

by Beth Brubaker

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Template for Elegant Bib Necklace from Katherine’s Corner

Use this template to cut out the ultra ultraltrasuede or felt used to make the Elegant Bib Necklace craft project on page 44.

Reprinted with permission from Katherine Corrigan, Katherine’s Corner. www.katherinescorner.com 56

Visit Katherine’s Corner for recipes, crafts, give-aways, stories, and so much more! www.katherinescorner.com

www.shilocom.com/shilocombookz.html

www.compelling-creations.com/replicated/index.aspx

www.mamaslittletreasures.etsy.com 57

Invitation to Visit the Gethsemane Prayer Garden

by Tom Clarke Located in Syracuse, New York, the Gethsemane Prayer Garden at Faith Chapel is a place where people can enjoy the beauty of God our Creator and rest in His presence.

The garden is open to the public without a fee (www.prayergardeners.com/gethsemane/index.html).

The hope at Faith Chapel is that people would visit this small but intimate garden, seeing it as an outdoor sanctuary and a place to experience God and His love. There are fifty perennial flower varieties and several hundred shrubs and trees; benches are available for a quiet time with the Lord.

Syracuse is located at the crossroads if I-90 and I-81; if you are traveling from the mid-west to New England, Syracuse is a good stopping place. And if you live in Pennsylvania or Maryland and are traveling towards Montreal, please pay us a visit.

www.tatterstotreasures.etsy.com

Abundant Comfort and Grace Inspirational Poetry by Connie Arnold

www.conniearnold.blogspot.com

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A Real Change International with Sandi Krakowski Sandi Krakowski, renowned social media coach and founder of A Real Change International, has spent years developing programs that turn small businesses into multi-million dollar companies. Her personal success in the business world has made her coaching sessions, eBooks and online marketing classes extremely popular.

If you are looking to make A Real Change in YOUR life, visit Sandi at her website, A Real Change International at www.arealchange.com/blog

DoveQuill Publishing is a grass-roots company created out of our need to have a voice in the mainstream publishing world. DoveQuill Publishing is ever-busy creating family-oriented books, pamphlets, and associated products so we might offer the Christian family high-quality literature and information.

Please visit us for all your publishing needs at www.dove-quill-publishing.com

A Garden of Love

by Thomas B. Clarke A Garden of Love is an experience that takes us deep into the heart of God's love. Using flowers to paint images of Christian love, I would like to take you on a spiritual journey that touched my heart and will hopefully touch yours, revealing the depth of God's love. Thirty flowers are featured in this book, calling us to respond in intimate relationship with the Lord and the fullness of Christian love. Sense how the flowers usher in softness, gentleness, and peace as each precious plant reveals another aspect of grace or kindness, joy or forgiveness, patience or faithfulness.

A Garden of Love can be purchased on Tom’s website at www.bible-discernments.com 59

Ruby for Women is a True Inspiration to The Write Companion Any writer who comes to TWC by way of Ruby for Women automatically receives a

25% discount on all of our services.

From proofreading and editing to ghostwriting, research and reviews, Ruby for Women clients will get the very best prices. Not only that, but TWC will read the first three chapters of any manuscript and offer a full consultation for free!

Simply write to amylignor@hotmail.com to get the process started.

You can also find Amy on her website, The Write Companion, at

http://www.thewritecompanion.com

Introducing ChariT’s Inspirational Creations Always a giver at heart, I have always loved to help people. Recently I have been blessed with twin babies who have given me a new outlook on life and my purpose in the world. I wanted to not just be a 'mother' (I know we sometimes get caught up in our 'roles'), but a Christian woman living my purpose and dreams in life!

Knowing that I love to inspire and uplift others, I searched for an outlet.

Then one day it hit me! I love to wear unique and eye catching jewelry.

So why not make my own? And what if the jewelry made me feel beautiful and inspired me at the same time?

Voila! The idea was born . . .

ChariT's Inspirational Creations!

Creations!

Each piece is inspired by my inner desire given by God to motivate women to feel and be the beautiful creatures we are meant to be! Also a lover of the arts and nature, my creations include religious themes, going green, the arts, motherhood, cause awareness, and sorority/organizational jewelry!

Custom orders are always welcome! I seem to do my best creating with these!

You can find ChariT’s beautiful jewelry creations in her Etsy shop at www.chariT.etsy.com 60

The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings!"

Treasures can be found everywhere you look, and here at "Tatters to Treasures" we will bring you the bestAof vintage for your wardrobe and home. www.tatterstotreasures.etsy.com

National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs

Linda Jones, the artist and creator of Visual Visual Smiles Gallery www.LindaGJ.Etsy.com

Visit National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs and discover 90 Days to Marketing Success! The National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs was born out of a passion to connect women who are ready to create, collaborate, and contribute to changing the world.

We gather people and ideas together through online content, tele-courses, individual / group coaching, and retreats. Our desire is to unite under a common goal of helping one another to succeed and thrive in business. We are blessed to share in a common faith in Jesus Christ, and yet know that we might each choose to worship in a different way.

www.nacwe.org

Whimsical and charming artistic gifts for every occasion!

www.iWomanMag.com 61

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

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

Beth Brubaker, Footprints in the Mud and Ask Beth Beth is the “Family Fun” editor here in the Ruby for Women community. She is a mother of two very active kids whose antics are sprinkled liberally in her columns. She has been married for 13 years to her Knight in Shining Armor, and she is delighted to share with us that they still hold hands in public! Her day job is working as a fabric artist, a homemaker, and a writer. Beth 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

Laura Brandt is the owner of Wentworth County Quiltworks and a child of the King whose one desire is to please the Lord. She quilts and she maintains two blogs, as well as serving as a Moderator at Authorized Version Bible Believers Fellowship forum. She’s also edited books for up-and-coming Christian authors.

Visit Laura at her blogs, http://wentworthcountyquiltworks.blogspot.com and http://laurasthoughtsonscripture.blogspot.com, her new quilting website, www.wentworthcountyquiltworks.com or the forum at http://www.avbbf.com 62

Lynn Mosher, Devotions Since the year 2000, Lynn Mosher has lived with fibromyalgia and other physical conditions. During this time, the Lord placed the desire in her heart to write for Him. Now, armed with God’s purpose for her life and a new passion, she reaches out to others to encourage and comfort them through her writing, giving God all the glory.

She lives with her husband in their empty nest in Kentucky. On occasion, their three offspring, who have flown the coop, come to visit, accompanied by a son-in-law and three granddaughters. Visit Lynn at her blog, Heading Home, at www.lynnmosher.blogspot.com

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

Carol Mokry

“Jesus found me 37 years ago and we have been walking together ever since. He has been my help, hope and strength as I have walked through dark miles of trials and adversity. First and foremost I am a woman called to follow Jesus Christ. I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God. It is my relationship with God that has made me who I am today. In all these things I can say if God is for me who can be against me, I am more than a conqueror in Him who loves me!”

Lee E. Shilo, Poetry and Short Stories I live on Vancouver Island, in Victoria, Canada, with my loving wife Elisabeth, paranoid cat, and crazy dog. I enjoy writing Poetry, Children Stories, Fantasy/Fiction, and especially (Believe It Or Not) stories. I have been writing professionally for close to 20 years, and have numerous Published Books/eBooks in that time. At present I am Retired, but used to work in the print industry producing Wide Format Displays for Conferences and stuff. As well as being my passion, writing affords me some release of daily frustrations and everyday tensions. Visit Lee at the Surfing Butterfly Coffeehouse: www.thenetsurfcafe.com/group/thesurfingbutterflycoffeehouse

Katherine Corrigan, Recipes and Crafts Hello, my name is Katherine. I am an open minded and spiritual person who strives to always maintain a positive attitude and greet each new day with grace, dignity and gratitude. I’m honored to meet you and to call you friend! I am originally from England and now living in the US. I have had the privilege of living in, and visiting, several different countries throughout my lifetime. I hold a rare dual citizenship with the UK and the USA, and I am a proud citizen of both. I work very hard to create designs for my shops and to provide an entertaining and informative website and blog. I hope you’ll stop by. Hugs, Katherine www.madeitforyou.com www.giftsbykatherine.com www.goaskkatie.com 63

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

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. The Christian Mompreneur monthly ezine offers inspiration and support for the faith-filled business journey. If you are ready to go the distance in your business while remaining true to your values, sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at www.theresaceniccola.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 homeschooled for 14 years. I’m just an ordinary woman who lives for an extraordinary God.

Yvonne Anderson, The Doctor’s Innsite

I have been called to teach. It is one of the five-fold ministry gifts with Jesus as the Master Teacher. For a while, I had forgotten that teaching is a ministry. God allowed me to take some time off to regain my focus. I know today that teaching is my ministry and that I am called, anointed, and appointed to this field to further His Kingdom.

Connie Arnold, Poetry

Connie Arnold lives in North Carolina, is married and has two children and three grandchildren. In coping with lupus, fibromyalgia and other difficulties, she has turned to the Lord for inspiration and offers her inspirational poetry to offer encouragement, comfort and hope to others who are suffering. She is the author of Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace, Abiding Hope and Love, and Abundant Comfort and Grace plus a new 2012 inspirational calendar, Glimpses of Grace. She also writes for children and is the author of Animal Sound Mix-up and has two other children’s books under contract. You can visit Connie at www.conniearnold.webs.com or her blog, www.conniearnold.blogspot.com

Sheila Watson, Kraklow, Guest Writer, DoveQuill Publishers Sheila is the author of several books, including “Nana’s Great BIG Storybook,” and “A Mission for Leedle Burro,” as well as a cookbook filled with her “sassy recipe” articles. Sheila is also the owner of DoveQuill Publishing Company. www.dove-quill-publishing.com 64

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.

Amy Lignor, The Write Companion Amy Lignor is the founder of Write Companion. Her blog touches on various subjects important to the industry like the power of social networking for authors, the world of self-publishing and how it’s starting to make the normal way of doing business obsolete, as well as subjects dealing with the art of writing, film, books, the classics, daily life, etc. that will hopefully inspire authors while adding a laugh or two to their day.

Carin LeRoy, wife to Dale and mother of three grown children and one almost-grown teenager, has been a missionary with Pioneers since 1982.

Initially, she and her husband served in the jungles of Papua New Guinea doing church planting for 12 years among an unreached tribe. Now she works part-time as a missionary mobilizer helping to send young adults on short term trips overseas to experience cross-cultural ministry with an experienced Pioneers team. She also teaches piano, loves being a homemaker, and using her creative gifts. Her passions are family, missions, piano and writing to challenge others to live faithful lives for God. They also have five wonderful grandchildren.

Pauline Creeden is a homeschooling mother to one bright boy. Her job as a horse trainer and instructor provides opportunities for her work with “teens” of all ages and types, even the ones old enough to be her mother.

She lives in the “Colonial Triangle” of Virginia, America’s birthplace, with her husband, son, two dogs, five cats, and sixteen horses. http://www.hosannaschristianreader.blogspot.com

Angela Blake Morris, Chronicles of Three Christian Moms I am a fairly new Christian led to Christ by a friend and my daughter’s insistence that we go to church. That began a journey for me that has been awesome and inspiring. I now have my own blog page where we seek to lift up stay-at-home moms and homeschooling families. http://csahm.webs.com

Kausar Iqbal, East World Market and CD Crafts East World Market actively supports arts and crafts in Pakistan. We market creative products by underprivileged women internationally, and help them to become self-sufficient. The artisans on our team come from many small cities across the nation and are trained in a broad range of crafts. By channeling their talents, these artisans have managed to make a viable living for themselves, and have grown in their respective specializations. Now, EWM aims to showcase them actively in the American and international markets.

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Thomas B. Clarke, “A Garden of Love” I am the caretaker of the Gethsemane Prayer Garden in Syracuse, NY, and an author/publisher of Christian books. Both gardening and writing are parttime jobs for me, but they are my heartfelt passion: to help others experience Jesus Christ in a more personal way and to grow in love.

Keith Wallis, Poetry Keith Wallis is an English poet with decades of experience from the era of the “small press” to the era of “the web.” He’s been on this planet since 1949 when, by a strange manipulation of the universe, he arrived early and half-cooked. He is a husband, a father, and grandfather. His first chapbook of poems, “Wordsculptures,” owes its title to him being called a “Wordsculptor” by a colleague thirty years ago, and the name just stuck. His occupation is in engineering design, but he sees poetry as a “gifting” and works hard to keep it in shape.

Relaxation comes via dabbling in artwork and photo manipulation. He is currently a moderator at ChristianWriters.com. His particular interest is the use of the language of poetry within a worship environment – church (where he is on the leadership team) is getting used to being “experimented” on when he leads services! www.wordsculptures.com www.christianwriters.com www.wordbrief.blogspotcom

Amanda Johnson, Assistant Editor Amanda has been writing for Ruby for Women for the past six months, and she has been a free-lance writer for several years, beginning her writing career as a young teen-ager. She also works for Love Unveiled, a ministry to women in undeveloped countries around the world. Amanda brings experience as well as a passion for ministry to the work of Ruby for Women, and she has a heart for reaching out and touching the hearts and lives of women everywhere. Amanda will be working with all of our writers on their submissions, as well as assisting in keeping the Ruby for Women blog and website 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 “non-traditional student.” Eventually, I earned degrees in Classics and Philosophy, and a graduate degree in Medieval Studies: History of Theology. After teaching at a small community college in Michigan for seven years, my husband and I were blessed with the adoption of our two beautiful daughters, Gracie and Annie.

Gracie is 10 years old and Annie is 8. They were both born in China, and we were able to travel to China two times to bring our daughters home. We live in northern Indiana in a small farming community where I work from my home office. For the past six years I have been designing and creating children’s clothing and various crafts. I began writing ebook patterns for my designs in 2007, and have several patterns available for sale on You Can Make This at www.youcanmakethis.com. I have also been a free-lance writer for many years, writing for two local newspapers when we lived in Michigan. My personal blog is at www.mamaslittletreasures.typepad.com where I frequently post tutorials and patterns for crafts and other sewing projects, as well as weekly reflections on life as a woman, wife, mother, and daughter of the King.

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

All pictures and images are copyright by the authors and / or have been purchased, used by permission or are in the public domain. If any pictures or images have been used inadvertently, and they do not belong in this publication, please email us and we will immediately remove them.

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

Advertising information is available 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

Goaskkatie remove

Graphic design by Jorim http://jorimslist.com/portfolio Web Design and Creative Consultant, Katherine Corrigan of Made It For You www.madeitforyou.com Special thanks to Maritza Bonilla for sponsoring the Ronald McDonald and Ruby for Women fundraiser.

Please visit our community website at www.rubyforwomen.ning.com to see how you can help support the ministry of Ruby for Women.

Special thanks to Scott and Martin of Vintage Image Craft for sharing their amazing craft ideas with the Ruby for Women community!

The new Ruby for Women banner was created by Katherine Corrigan of Made It For You at www.madeforyou.com

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