Ruby june 2016 by RUBY magazine

Ruby for Women A voice for every Christian woman JUNE, 2016 www.rubyforwomen.com www.rubyforwomen.ning.com

Summer has officially arrived! Here at Ruby for Women we are so excited about all of the new developments we have to share with you . . . we have recently reorganized the Ruby for Women community at www.rubyforwomen.ning.com and the Ruby for Women magazine is now available in print! Stop by the Ruby blog and click on the link to purchase your copy of the latest issue of Ruby for Women http://www,rubyforwomen.com Let us know how we can be an encouragement to you today. We would love to hear from you! Contact us at editor@rubyforwomen.com

In This Issue . . . Page

Title

Who am I? Nina Newton, Sr. Editor

Footprints in the Mud: Anything versus Everything Beth Brubaker, Asst. Editor

Double Numbers Puzzle Beth Brubaker

Voice of a Sparrow Joan Leotta

Faith of a Rose Rejetta Morse

Page 7

Page 12

Reconciliation: Our Constant Ministry Sharon L. Patterson

Carol’s Book Club Carol Peterson

Dad’s Day Delights Marilyn Lesniak

Father’s Day Gifts You Can Make Vintage Mama

It Took a Five-Year-Old Vicki Killion

Ruby for Women Prayer Corner Emotional Pain Made Holy Kathleen McCauley

Page 13

Page 15

Ruby for Women is an online Christian women’s magazine that offers words of hope, inspiration, and Assistant Editor: Beth Brubaker encouragement to women everywhere. Knowing that every woman has a story to tell, we seek to give a Poet-in-Residence: Keith Wallis “voice to every Christian woman,” from all walks of life, Feature Writers: Lynn Mosher, Katherine Corrigan, of every age, from all around the world. Sharon L. Patterson, Carol Peterson, Gloria Doty, For advertising inquiries, please contact Nina Newton Sarah Johnson, Miriam Jacob, Toni R. Samuels, at editor@rubyforwomen.com Cynthia Knisley, Heather King, Lanette Kissel, Marilyn Lesniak, Connie Arnold, Connie Arnold, If you would like to share your story with Ruby for Ifeoma Samuel, Alisha Ritchie, Donna Comeaux, Women, please email our Assistant Editor, Beth Jennifer Workman, Joan Leotta, Jean E. Wieben-Hill, Brubaker at bethaatruby@aol.com Also, please visit 1 Stan Popovich, Ifeoma Samuel, Jewell Utt, Frances our blog at www.rubyforwomen.com where you can Gregory Pasch, Amy Lignor, Rejetta Morse, Norma connect with other Christian women. Ruby for Women C. Mezoe, Kathryn Ross, Vicki Killion, Mary Dolan 65 S. Niles St. Flaherty, Jean Ann Williams, Laura L. Zimmerman, Columbia City, IN 46725 Pat Jeanne Davis, Kathleen McCauley editor@rubyforwomen.com Senior Editor: Nina Newton

Page

Title

Be-YOU-tifully YOU-nique Mary Dolan Flaherty

Let Go and Let God Laura L. Zimmerman

Page 17

Managing your Fears with the Help of God Stan Popovich

Beauty and Splendor Connie Arnold

Have Faith Connie Arnold

Filled with Glory! Lynn Mosher

Spiritual Keepsakes on Trial-Laden Road Trips Kathryn Ross

Page 19

God’s Mercies after Suicide Chapter 3 Jean Ann Williams

Lose Weight Get Fit & Change Your Life Carol L. Doyel

Bring a Cowboy Home Gloria Doty

Page 25

A Garden for the Young at Heart Sarah Johnson

Living by Example Laura L. Zimmerman

Itching Ears Jennifer Workman

Still and Steadfast Kathleen McCauley

Down the Lane Puzzle Beth Brubaker

Get in the Game Donna Comeaux

Puzzle Answer Keys

Meet the Ruby Writers

Credits and Copyrights

Page 34

Page 43 Jean Ann Williams, author of Just Claire and God’s Mercies after Suicide

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Who am I? Nina Newton, Sr. Editor “Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name, would care to feel my hurt? Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star, would choose to light the way for my every wandering heart? . . . . . . Not because of who I am, but because of what you’ve done. Not because of what I’ve done, but because of who you are.” “Who Am I?” Casting Crowns I am always reminded of the gift of salvation through grace when I recall my own journey to Jesus. As a little girl, I had only heard of Jesus on my grandma’s old record player when we would go to visit her. Although she never attended church, and was very sad and lonely in her later years, she loved to listen to “The Old Rugged Cross” and “In the Garden.” There was a picture hanging on her wall, rather faded and ragged around the edges, of the beautiful angel gently guiding the two small children across a rickety bridge over a raging river. The music and the picture were my only knowledge of a God Who loved me enough to send His only Son to be my Savior. Until one day, as a teenager, I finally heard a salvation message, heard the Gospel spoken into my slightly tattered soul. My young heart was receptive to that new discovery, and for my whole life I have been in awe of His amazing grace. And so, when I first heard the words to this song by Casting Crowns, it immediately felt like my very own story, because I still wonder (after all these years!), who am I that God would even notice me – or care about me. I asked myself that same question just the other day when chatting with a friend about an upcoming writers’ conference that I will be attending. As it turns out, through no effort on my part, someone told someone who told someone who invited me to present a workshop at this writers’ conference about self-publishing and creating a digital document. I had the privilege of attending the Philadelphia Christian Writers’ Conference last summer, and now I am honored to be going again this year. This time I will be presenting two workshops for the other writers in attendance. I will again be encouraging writers to take the next step, even if no one else recognizes the value of their stories, and get their writing in front of people who need to read it. In addition, I will have the opportunity to inspire (hopefully!) even one writer who might be discouraged or fearful not to give up in a second workshop. Tell your story; even if you think no one is listening, even if someone (or several “someones”) have not yet recognized the gift of your story . . . tell it anyway. Write it down, do your best, careful work, but tell your story. We are losing our stories because so many of us are afraid to tell of our own jouney. 5 So I am again confronted with the question: “Who Am I?” that I would have this honor of sharing a few words of encouragement and inspiration at a writers’ conference. I don’t know, but I do know that God has put in my heart a passion for helping others tell their stories, and so off I go!

Footprints in the Mud: Anything versus Everything by Beth Brubaker, Assistant Editor

How many times have we been told that we could do anything? We can be anything we want to be, as long as we work hard, study, and make the right connections. However, too many times I hear ads and commercials say that we can be anything and do everything- and our brains absorb this information as fact. Words have power. We let them influence us. This can be good, but it can also be very bad. Take the at-home mom. She can not only be a mom (be anything), but she can also work fulltime, have an at-home sewing business, be a ministry leader at her church, while teaching the kids to sell lemonade on the corner while facepainting next to the lemonade stand (do everything). We’re not allowed to be one thing anymore. We’re not considered productive unless we’re doing anything and everything. At least that’s what we’re led to believe. Let’s take another look at that at-home mom. A few years back she was a Proverbs Thirty-One woman. She stayed at home, ran the household, had that at-home sewing business, and even had a garden that supplied fresh veggies and herbs for home-cooked meals. She was ‘Anything oriented’- but her focus was on her family. She could do anything, but kept her ‘Anything’ interests small to benefit her husband and kids. Now she spends her days working outside of the home, letting the at-home sewing business dwindle.

The garden is dead and weed-ridden, and most meals are either take-out or quick, with maybe a crock-pot dinner somewhere in between. Her husband and kids hardly see her anymore, and the family isn’t as close as it used to be. She is now an ‘everything-oriented’ person. Not only does she pursue as many of her interests as possible, she is trying to do all of them as much as possible. She fell for the “anything and everything” hype. And her family is paying the price. Why do I know so much about this woman? Because this woman is me. The fact is, I needed to work. I had to. But in doing the work, I got caught up in the “everything” instead of focusing on the “anything.” You can be one or two of anything you want to be, but when you try doing everything (even if it is to help support your family), your balance is thrown off. Think of a juggler. He might be able to juggle one egg and one bowling ball, but when you start adding an apple, a watermelon, and a glass ornament, something will be dropped sooner or later! My family dynamic can’t handle me trying to do Everything. So I’m working my way back to being Anything - with a family-oriented purpose. This is what works best for us - at least until we are emptynesters. 7 Maybe your family dynamic is different. You might be able to handle more, or handle less. I’m just here to warn you just how easy it is to fall into the “Everything/Anything” pit.

God doesn’t want us to do or be Everything. That’s His job. He wants us to do His Anything to glorify Him - that’s why He made us.

You’d think by now I’d have all of my interests figured out- but I don’t! Things started going downhill the moment I let the world tell me I wasn’t doing enough.

We can be Anything. Frankly, I’ve had enough of the world telling me what to do and who I should be!

But only God is Everything. And His job is not one I even want to try to handle! I’m not saying we shouldn’t try out new or different interests, I’m just asking you to think about how many you take on at once.

Now I let God’s Word do the talking. With His help, I’m getting off the Everything track and stepping back onto the Anything path. Anyone want to join me?

Visit Beth on her blog, Footprints in the Mud, for more humorous and inspirational posts.

Double Numbers Puzzle by Beth Brubaker

8 ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 45

Voice of a Single Sparrow by Joan Leotta Alone I'm valued at one half cent of the Bible's two for one penny pair, despite my low price, I sing in poems my voice determined to fill the air with thoughts and songs, prayer and praise, sharing quiet musings, and inner fears and rage. My humble chirp, my voice is heard, for I'm not just a sparrow I'm Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own beloved bird.

Faith of a Rose by Rejetta Morse The rose – like you – believes with faith that lives down in your soul; as God prepares you to blossom and one day, be made whole. You sleep softly in His strong hand through all the bitter storms; and grow tenderly to the sun as summer’s brightness warms. You feel forsaken and alone— it seems such a long wait; as God prepares your blossoming with hope - He is not late. You sense the shortness of dark nights – the time to bloom is near, and with anticipation that your buds will soon appear. The daylight lingers more each day – your faith has come alive; and like a butterfly set free, your season has arrived. Your woody stems press to the sky with all their painful thorns; your silky buds burst open wide as God creates your forms. Your leaves of petals now unfold with fragrance of sweet praise; your long-awaited season bright is now a brand-new phase. Your petals float in the warm breeze as your sweet fragrance flows. Strong faith; is all it asks of you to be a lovely rose. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 10 Luke 12

Reconciliation: Our Constant Ministry by Sharon L. Patterson

Perhaps like me, you sometimes find it difficult to wrap your mind around what ministry God is asking from your life. Has there been uncertainty about your calling at times? Is clarity clouded concerning your mission? Does the Lord have a ministry expectation from us that is constant no matter what else He has purposed for our lives? Surely to love one another is the overarching call of God on us as believers. He defines the operational part of that call with a very significant ministry word: Reconciliation. The scripture that is the springboard for this constant call on our lives is 2 Corinthians 5:18-22 (ESV): “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. To be a reconciler means that we have been reconciled to God through rebirth by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We have met our own sinful nature with all its good and bad. The Holy Spirit revealed the truth of the message of the Gospel that faith in Christ Jesus has made us a “new man” (woman). We have been inducted into the process; we know what being reconciled to God feels like. Here is another term that brings the definition of a reconciler into an even clearer light: Repairer of the breach.

It is found in Isaiah 58:12 (KJV): “And they that shall be of you shall rebuild the old waste places: you shall raise up the foundations of many generations, and you shall be called, ‘The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in.” We are all meant to be repairers and restorers. To become that, we have to be truly restored to intimate and full relationship with God. Forgiveness, repentance and accountability are steps in that process with us and will be part of the ministry we do as repairers and restorers. I think a couple more definitions will clarity further what we as reconciling repairers and restorers do: The re-establishing of cordial relations, and Getting two things to correspond; the act of making equal or uniform. Wow, when you consider that last one, it sounds as if some true change has to occur, doesn’t it? God’s heart in reconciliation is the reestablishment of fellowship with Him and with others. It is produced by Godly sorrow that leads to repentance and accountability. It is greater than the expulsion of our “guilt” against God or another person. Sometimes, the expression of “I’m sorry” is said simply to relieve the conscience. Without action, the one with whom reconciliation needs to be made may see such an apology as insincere. Godly sorrows’ profound affect comes from knowing 11 the pain we have caused God or others and wanting to make the necessary steps to repair the relationship.

Often, when possible, that will be followed with actions described by the words synonymous with reconciliation: reunion; appeasement; understanding; bringing back together; harmonizing, balancing, squaring, adjustment, settlement, resolving, compromise, and remedy. Do you hear the active process involved in these words? God has appeased his anger toward our sin; He has brought us back together with Himself; He has remedied our sin problem; He has broken down what separated us. Is this sounding like a great ministry for us to continue or what?

Sometimes, the expression of “I’m sorry” is said simply to relieve the conscience. Without action, the one with whom reconciliation needs to be made may see such an apology as insincere.

What I love about this ministry of reconciliation is that the “how to” is simple…not easy, but simple. It is based in the truth of the Word and on the reliance of relationship with God’s Holy Spirit within us. It was never meant to be carried out simply by our human efforts, opinions, or understanding. It must first be our experience before we can understand how to help others reconcile. We gain Divine Wisdom, learning how to obey God. We seek His timing, His steps through surrender to what He speaks in His Word and by the Holy Spirit. And always, we pray before we enter into any situation needing reconciliation. So, as you seek clarity of mission, passion of ministry, and your individual calling, may you truly sense God’s first and constant ministry to you and through you…to be a reconciler, a repairer of the breach, and a restorer of paths!

Book Reviews by Carol Peterson The Name of the Lord is…Volume One: Pretty Awesome, Great, Glorious and Like Totally Excellent! by Stephen Olar One of the great things about the Bible is that it shows the character of God. While our human words can be pretty limiting when it comes to describing God, it’s nonetheless helpful to growing our relationship with Him when we try. That’s one thing I love about Olar’s Bible study, The Name of the Lord. Olar’s easy writing style makes this Bible study fun to do. Yes, there are lots of study questions and charts to fill in. And those are thought provoking and comprehensive. Olar’s way of sharing information and asking questions however makes the process less daunting and more of a joyful activity. You just have to read the book title, to think that young adults might enjoy this study. It’s “like totally excellent!” I’d recommend this study to all ages 12 though. It reminds us that knowing God is joyful and our study of His character should be, too. Bible School Dropout Publications, 2015

Dad’s Day Delights Recipes from Marilyn’s Treats The month of June announces the true beginning of summer! And the most important celebration in the month of June is Father’s Day. Give Dad a break on his special day, and serve up a few of these “masculine” dishes with recipes from Marilyn’s Treats.

Chili Dog Pizza “Chili Dog Pizza is not just for kids. Adults enjoy it, too! When my husband ordered this from a nice family restaurant we frequent, I thought he was crazy. When they brought it to the table with the cheese running down, chili, hot dog pieces, onions and mustard swimming on top, it smelled soooo good! This one offers an easy, fast, and different menu option for your family. Dad will love it!”

Grilled Parmesan Asparagus “Do you get as excited as I do when grilling season comes around? With a working farm just down the street, the first crop of the season is asparagus. This is the time when my prodigal son returns for the life of “eating at mom’s” every Sunday. This is my time to cook the meals I love and set another plate or two at the table. The meals of sausage, salmon, hot dogs, chicken, burgers, fresh veggies, sautéed mushrooms and onions become common and the fresh summer sides overflow my counter. Sports events are on the television and conversations take place in the kitchen and living area. And in case you are wondering, when I get a good big fire going in the grill I do go overboard and make enough variety for the week! Yum!

Grilled Pork and Sweet Potato Kabobs Rosemary infused marmalade gives great flavor to pretty sweet potatoes, zucchini and pork. These are delicious! I used onion & garlic marinated pork and added sweet onion pieces and green, red & yellow bell pepper pieces to the kabobs. The marinade tastes wonderful. These kabobs were a real kid-pleaser. You can find these recipes as well as more Dad’s Day Delights on Marilyn’s blog at www.marilynstreats.com

Father’s Day Gifts You Can Make from Vintage Mama’s Cottage Not only is this banner card fun to make, it is a project that you can use up bits and pieces and tiny scraps of ribbons and other fibers, as well as solo vintage buttons and any other ephemera you might have hiding out in the back of your scrap booking or craft drawer. In addition, you can send this banner card through the mail, and it can be displayed year ‘round on a mantle or shelf to remind Dad or Grandpa that they are loved and thought of often. Make your own Father’s Day Banner Card with the FREE tutorial and instructions at Vintage Mama’s Cottage.

It Took a Five-Year-Old by Vicki Killion Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 It was two days before his fifth birthday when we got him - our first foster child. We were as nervous as firstime parents of a newborn. That first night at our house, we were both afraid to go to sleep. What if he got up in the middle of the night? What would he do? Where would he go? And on top of that, I had to throw a birthday party for a five-year-old in two days. Not knowing much about his background, we handled him with kid gloves - so afraid of adding to his trauma. What if we said something wrong and set him off into a rage? The words of Sheila, the previous foster mom, kept echoing in my head - "Don't be afraid of him." But I was. Foster Parent training classes had warned us, among other things, that some foster kids eat like horses or hoard food for fear of not getting enough. It seemed like all I did those first few weeks was feed him and clean up. I was afraid to say "no" to his frequent requests for something to eat. Our days started at 4:00 or 5:00 am when he would quietly patter to our room and ask, "Can I get up now?" Being in our 60s, my husband and I soon realized we had gotten more than we bargained for. At night we dropped into bed exhausted. What had we gotten ourselves into? Three months into it now, things are going smoother. Meals are routine with just a snack in between. He sleeps a normal schedule - most nights. An occasional "time-out" takes care of the typical childhood misbehavior. There is less tension and lots more laughter. Why was I so afraid of a five-year-old? Was it because I was relying on my "own understanding" instead of leaning on God? In hindsight, I see how God provided the strength, the energy and the wisdom to be a foster parent to this child. All I had to provide was the love. After all, isn't that all Jesus asks us to do anyway, to love our neighbor?

Vicki Killion is a retired nurse. She and her husband have become foster parents within the past year and are experiencing both the joy and the challenges that brings. She has a desire to write and to share the things she has learned through her years of living. 15 First Rights â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Christiandevotions.us â&#x20AC;&#x201C; published February 21, 2016

Ruby for Women Prayer Corner Emotional Pain made Holy by Kathleen McCauley Lord, there is pain and I want out!! I call to you, but I know it is mine. Emotional pain is so lucid – at other times mysterious. Where are you in it? How can you help me? When will you help me? I will ride the waves of joy and ecstasy and give you your due glory – But in despair, what am I to do? Thank you or curse you? It extracts all my energy and vision… how am I to serve you in this state? You hold and contain ALL!!! You make all things holy and whole. I know this to be true – so I must blindly believe that my shattered inner world can become whole and holywhen abandoned to you. Hold me then, until all that is within me is healed, whole and holy in your sight. Amen.

Be-YOU-tifully YOU-nique Embracing who you are; becoming who you were made to be Be Your Best You by Mary Dolan Flaherty I recently read an article about Scott Jurik, an ultrarunner who ran the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 46 days, eight hours, and seven minutes breaking the record for the fastest time. Every year thousands of people carve out five to seven months to hike (not run) the 2,190 miles of trails that run from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. Only one out of four actually completes it. Scott did it in less than two months, averaging 50 miles a day. A conditioned hiker—one who has hiked the trail for a while—does about 16 miles a day. While Scott’s undertaking and statistics are impressive and amazing, I had to wonder why anyone would choose to beat their body the way that he did. He tore his quadriceps and pushed on, limping for 37 miles one day instead of his average 50—still way more than the average hiker.

Where do you long to the best? Are you hoping to be the next Beth Moore and write brilliant Bible studies? Or do you want to be a dynamic speaker like Joyce Meyer and hold life-changing conferences? Perhaps you’re hoping that the book you’re writing will be the next New York Times best seller. Maybe you’re not seeking recognition on a grand scale, but you want to be the best sales person in your company. The homeowner with the nicest landscaping. The best mom in the school. Or just the best mom in your own home. Maybe you’re like me, and you tend to compete with yourself and compare yourself to others like you—always coming up short. Can I tell you a secret?

Why do any of us desire to be the best? What is it that we seek when we compete and compare? Are we searching for validation? Acceptance? Approval? Fame? Love? I run, but I’m no Scott Jurik. Not even close. I should clarify—I jog. I have an app on my phone that tracks my miles, time, and calories burned. I’m always trying to beat my best time.

You’re only as good as the next best one who is striving to be the best at what you do. If you aspire to be the greatest, what will you have to give up in order to get there? And what price will you have to pay to stay there? You may bask in the glow of accolades, revel in the glory and fame, and pat yourself on the back for achieving your goals, but then what?

Why? Because I’m competitive by nature. But it occurred to me in the middle of a run the other day that what I’m doing is futile and somewhat ridiculous because I will always be trying to beat my time. I’m only as good as my next best run.

What happens when your popularity wanes, someone else surpasses your sales, and the next door neighbor wins the coveted prize that you held for three years in a row? 17 Worse, when your child screams, “I hate you!” and you believe the lie that you must be the worst mother in the world?

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t strive to achieve your goals, but what is your motivation? Why do you want what you want? If you’re looking for validation through popularity or affirmation from people, it will always be inconsistent and fleeting. People are unpredictable in their devotions, and as soon as the next best one comes along, admirers tend to shift their focus toward that one. If we base our acceptance of ourselves on the approval of others, we set ourselves up for rejection. And if we constantly set certain standards for ourselves, we set ourselves up for failure. I’ll let you in on another secret. There is one thing of which you can be the best, and it’s God-approved. You can be the best you. There is no one else like you. You’ve heard it a thousand times. But think about it: Nobody can write your story, speak your testimony, sell with your personality, or mother your children quite the way you can.

Only you can do that. There is no competition to be the best you because no one else qualifies. The only competition is the one you set for yourself. Or against yourself. And if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? We are more than conquerors, and nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:3, 39). So take heart—no matter what you do or don’t do, He thinks you’re pretty terrific. It matters little to God if you are today’s best or most popular. He approves of you, regardless of where you think you fall on the spectrum. We don’t have to break any records for God to notice us. Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance (Colossians 3:23-24). Isn’t that worth more than the accolades of man?

Visit SonRise Insights for inspiration, encouragement, and wisdom for your daily walk.

Let Go and Let God by Laura L. Zimmerman “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

This past week we said goodbye to my thirteenyear-old daughter as she left on a class trip for Boston. It was not only the furthest she’d ever been away from us – three hundred and seventy two miles, to be exact – but also for the longest period of time – four days. When we first signed her up, I had the option to go along as a chaperone. I dismissed it after I considered how she would grow in confidence without me by her side. However, the closer the trip came, the less comfortable I was with the fact that my baby – my baby! – would go away for four whole days to a place I’d never been to, nor could I get to in any decent amount of time if an emergency arose. Panic set in. What if she got separated from the group? What if she got one of her migraines? What if she lost all her money? Her glasses could break. She might lose her tablet. She might be too cold. Or too hot. How in the world would my baby survive without me? (Insert blubbering, hysterical mother as seen on YouTube.) What if, what if, what if?... I confided all my fears and thoughts to a friend of mine via email. Then came her response: Let go and let God.

She said it was a phrase from one of her toddler’s Bible movies. It was a catchy song and as he watched it over and over and over again – it became something that stuck with her. Something worth remembering. We all have those times when we just need to ‘let go’ and we definitely need to ‘let God’. Oh yes. Let God. It became clear there were a thousand other scenarios I could create, if I allowed myself the time and effort of so much worry. No matter how close or far my daughter traveled, there would always be room for some hiccup in the plans, some danger that might befall her. I just needed to ‘let God’. Let God protect her. Let God comfort me. Let God fulfill all the promises written in His Word. Let God be God. I knew ‘letting God’ didn’t assure my daughter would avoid any of those fearful situations I’d imagined, or even ones I hadn’t. It meant that no matter what happened to her – good or bad – He is in control. Always. He will be by her side every step of the way. And He will be by mine, as well. I’m thankful I can ‘let go’ and ‘let God’.

Managing Your Fears with the Help of God by Stan Popovich Dealing with fear and anxiety can be very difficult. As a result, using the help of God can be very effective in managing your fears. With this in mind, here are some suggestions on how a person can use the help of God in his or her own struggles. The first step a person should do is to start talking and praying to God. A person can go to church or to a quiet place during the day to tell God that they are having a problem. They should tell God how they feel and ask God for some of his help. A person could also review the Bible and read some articles on trusting in God and then apply these concepts in their life. Each and every day, a person should make it up a habit to talk to God and ask for His help. Remember that the one source that a person should use as a basis in managing their fears and anxieties is using God as a basis in dealing with their fears. Why? The power of God is the one power that is stronger than your fears and anxieties. Also, God loves each one of us and he is the one person who has the power to solve all of our problems. He will help you if you ask him to. When using the help of God to manage your fears, a person needs to be aware of how God is working in their life. Most of the time God works in mysterious ways and the answers he provides might not be that obvious. A person must be aware of God being in their life even when they are dealing with their fears and anxieties. A person must also be sensitive to the answers God gives them. Some people think that the answers that God provides must be religious in nature. That is not always the case. God may provide the answers in a way that might not be religious in nature. These answers could involve basic psychology and cognitive techniques that deals with how to manage fear and anxiety. The point to remember is that although a person may use these psychology methods, its important to use God as the center of everything in your life and in your struggle. If you have trouble, talk to a member of the clergy or a professional counselor to help deal with your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help. Finally, the most important thing is to continue praying and talking to God. Talk to God as if you were talking to a friend. Read the Bible and pray hard. Be persistent and be open in the avenues that God may provide to you in solving your problem. It is not always easy, however God is in control and he will help you if you ask Him.

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods” – an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/

Have Faith by Connie Arnold When our way seems smooth and the day is bright, it’s easy to have faith in God’s love and light. But when the way grows rough and the light is dim, it’s much harder to keep our faith in Him. We need to remember to focus our eyes on the light of God’s love and the ultimate prize. As we travel through life’s obstacles and every roadblock, we can cling with assurance to our faithful, strong Rock. It is in our weakness that God’s strength is most revealed, and in times of danger when He is our sure, strong shield. As we release our fears and seek God’s blessing from above, we discover the great mercy and fullness of God’s love.

Filled with Glory! by Lynn Mosher No room for Moses. God gave Moses an enormous job: to build the tabernacle in the wilderness. Following very explicit directions for structuring the tabernacle, Moses fulfilled all God’s commands. When Moses finished it, “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle…And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Ex. 40:34 KJV, Ex. 40:35 NKJV) No room for Moses…because the cloud mass of God’s holy presence descended upon the tabernacle and filled it with His glory. The Shekinah glory, a symbol of God’s visible presence. It not only covered the tabernacle but it also filled it. This is where God met with His people. And where the priests met and served Him. The priests could not enter into the holy place unless they presented a sacrifice of blood on the brazen altar. Without the sacrifice, their access behind the veil was denied, along with the bread of the presence, the light of the lamps, and the privileges of the altar of incense. The same miraculous, Shekinah Light that filled the tabernacle now fills heaven as John the Revelator saw it, “I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Omnipotent [Himself] and the Lamb [Himself] are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun nor of the moon to give light to it, for the splendor and radiance (glory) of God illuminate it, and the Lamb is its lamp.” (Rev. 21:22-23 Amp) Peter, James, and John experienced that same Light as it surrounded Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. The same glory-light also blinded Saul/Paul on the Damascus Road. The same glory appeared on Moses’ face after being in God’s presence. Ezekiel had a vision of that same glory of the heavenly temple, as he said, “the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord; and I fell on my face.” (Ezek. 44:4 NKJV) 23 As there was no room for Moses, there was also no room for the priests, “And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not continue.” (1 Kings 8:10-11a NKJV)

When the priests removed themselves out of the way, the presence of the Lord occupied the tabernacle with His fullness. As the disciple John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30 NKJV) When we remove ourselves out of that internal tabernacle, allowing God to sit upon the throne of our life, He fills us with His fullness. He comes into the earthly tabernacle of our being and the Shekinah begins to glow in the most holy place of our soul, pouring its waves of glory throughout our whole being. It is the Light of heaven, the Lamb upon the mercy seat of our soul. In His presence, we, too, will fall on our face. No room for Moses; no room for the priests. No room for me? No room for you? May you make room for the glory of the Lord to fill your tabernacle! “Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!” 1 Chron. 16:29 NKJV

From His feet, Lynn

Visit Lynn Mosher on her blog to read her daily devotional and inspirational posts.

Spiritual Keepsakes on Trial-Laden Road Trips by Kathryn Ross

June is that time of year when we’re packing bags, planning vacations, and hitting the road for adventure! We seek opportunities to make family memories and add to our souvenir scrapbooks. Back in my Navy wife days, we had vacations built-in to our lifestyle. Every six months to two years we shipped across country, or overseas, to some new billet destination. The time allotted for moving from place to place became like a working vacation—hitting the road for adventures with opportunities for family memory-making fun. Only, instead of packing a few suitcases to the purpose, we took our entire household of possessions. I remember the summer we moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho. After I watched a stranger in a tractor trailer truck drive away with all our worldly goods, trusting them to be safely delivered to our new home, my husband and I loaded ourselves into two cars. We split our two toddlers between us (I got the cat) and set off on a four day cross country drive. According to the map (no GPS in those days) our destination was just on the other side of the Grand Teton Mountain Range. I was familiar enough with the mountainous areas along the eastern parts of the country, but soon learned the folly of judging the mountains of the great Northwest in the same way. There is no comparison. Leaving Connecticut behind, our bon voyage certainly afforded plenty of vacation-type pleasures. We collected postcards from the numerous states we passed through and sought routes with the best prospects for sight-seeing.

Staying in hotels with small children and a pet does have its challenges, but the novelty of sleeping together in one room with snacks, in a different state each night for almost a week, was exciting. If not that, just stretching out after a long day on the road was welcome. As we sped past miles and miles of open prairie, I tried to imagine Ma and Pa Ingalls with Mary, Laura, Baby Carrie, and Jack the dog rolling along the same vistas in a covered wagon seeking their “little house” about a hundred years earlier. How many pioneers crossed those wide open plains, I wondered. Eventually, something gray and far away loomed into view. Seeing the Grand Tetons from a distance, I believed we were only a couple of hours drive from our new home. Enjoying the epic view before me, I marveled at the tall, pointed peaks. They were like nothing I’d ever seen before. As the car climbed higher, I anticipated the great valley on the other side where the land would level off and our journey would soon end. How wrong I was. Just as we’d reach the peak of one mountain, two more loomed into view eerily framed by lowhanging clouds blocking further vision. With a deep breath of resolve I soldiered on. Surely, the end of the line would be just around the bend of this mountain. But, alas! Yet another three taller peaks jutted high before me. The four-year-old in the back seat shouted, “Are we there yet?” 25 I sighed. There was nothing for it but to press on for the prize of the other side.

The day wore on. The hours passed. I had yet to see any end in sight. Discouragement settled into the passenger seat to keep me company. I wondered if we’d taken the wrong road. Surely there was a better route through these mountains. Something that wouldn’t take so very long. A backway to cut out the endless up and down and over and around at higher and higher altitudes. However, this was not to be. The map was very clear. There was only one way—and this was it. I forced myself to be the grown-up. No melt-downs. No impatient tantrums because things weren’t happening fast enough to suit me. No. This was the way and I was to walk in it. Or, in this case, drive. During that long, long day, I fought fatigue and battled boredom. Beautiful as the mountains were, after so many hours the scenery blended into a great froth of fog, pine trees, and jagged peaks. I was afraid I’d fall asleep at the wheel and plunge over the cliff’s edge towards destruction. The promise of reaching a climax up and over one mountain left me with the trial of yet another. And, another. And . . . another. This was not a road trip for the faint of heart.

Even so, the car had a full tank of gas, and was thoroughly prepared for the mountain climbing job when we’d left that morning on the last leg of our journey. I needed nothing more than fortitude to the task—but I was so very weary of all these seemingly endless mountains! In truth, the novelty of the first mountain peak had long worn off. I felt like giving up. I’d never see flatlands again, I thought. I wanted to find the first rest stop, call mommy, have her send a helicopter, pluck me out of this cross country madness, and send me back home with kids, cat, and what-all. I didn’t want to move in the first place! I’d gotten pretty comfortable in Connecticut. The digital clock in the car dashboard clicked the hours away. Time passed. What a treasure the gift of Time is! God gives us ample in each season. Sometimes, we think it too much—sometimes too little. But, in the end . . . there is an end. The map clearly showed there was another side of this mountain range. Each mile, each moment, ticked closer to the reward of an end. As I mused on this little truth, the car rose up and over one of the peaks. That was about the time Hope rose up—and unseated Discouragement from riding shotgun on that trip. Hope always travels with Encouragement, you know. They’re the best road trip buddies to be going on with! And, sure as the map promised, before nightfall the road through those mountains finally ended. A late day sun split the clouds asunder and blue sky spread like the sea above me. Jagged peaks disappeared—left far behind. A great expanse of land rolled out and around, 26 surrounding me like a plush carpet. We were in a new place with the promise of great adventure in a new home.

True, I’d have to brave those Tetons again when we’d be transferred back to the east coast two years later. But I knew better what to expect. Though challenging, the scaling of the Grand Teton Mountains that day enriched me. I was stronger for conquering them. I kept to the road. Did not fall asleep on the job. Did not run off the cliff. I learned to trust the Divine Map—He who orders my every step, my every mile. In His strength I controlled my temper when frustrated. Kept my cool when tempted by fear. I was prepared for the next trip and could cheer on others facing journeys much the same. Through a wealthy season of personal experience, I’d grown into greater things.

The spiritual souvenirs of my trip have been more valuable to me through the years than a collection of postcards. With such life-travel keepsakes, I now know to listen for the voice of Hope and Encouragement navigating from the passenger seat of a trial-laden road trip. These companions—along with their travel buddies, Patience and Endurance, must be packed first when the next moving season presents me with the adventure and opportunity for bon voyage. Trusting the Map’s ordered steps, I am confident that I will arrive at the determined destination in the gift of due time.

27 To hear a dramatized version of this inspirational article, visit Miss Kathy at www.thewritersreverie.com and click on the PODCASTS tab to find the episode link.

New from author Jean Ann Williams

Just Claire ClaireLee’s life changes when she must take charge of her siblings and depressed mother, and she finds relief in the lies she tells herself and others. Frightened by the changes in Mama, ClaireLee just knows she’ll catch her illness like a cold or flu that hangs on through winter. Deciding she needs to re-invent herself, she sets out to impress a group of popular girls. At the slip of an untruth, she deceives her way into the Lavender Girls Club. Her best friend Belinda will not be caught with the likes of such shallow puddles. ClaireLee drifts further from honesty, her friend, and a broken mother’s love, until one very public night. The spotlight is on her, and she finds her courage and faces the truth and then she saves a life. Just Claire is now available from Amazon.

Lose Weight, Get Fit & Change Your Life – With 4 Powerful Principles by Carol L. Doyel Carol Doyel is Editor-in-Chief and Founder of LivingBetter50.com. She is a graduate of The Full Gospel Bible Institute and has a passion for women’s ministries, issues and lives. She and her husband of 26+ years have three grown kids and four grandchildren. They currently reside in southern CA. Her desire is to inspire women to live better physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. 29

The Magnolia Series by Author Gloria Doty  Bring a Cowboy Home  Loving a Cowboy  Riding with a Cowboy

Now available for purchase in the Ruby for Women community!

Coming soon!

God’s Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart by Jean Ann Williams EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third chapter from the book, God’s Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart by Jean Ann Williams. We will be publishing one chapter from her book in each upcoming issue of Ruby for Women to share her story with you. We trust that God will use Jean Ann’s story to be a blessing to you. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the English Standard Version (ESV), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a Division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. *************************************

Chapter Three: A Short Time Later “I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” —2 Samuel 12:23 “Jean.” My husband spoke my name, and I looked up from where I sat on our leather sofa. The gurney that hid Joshua’s body inside a black bag rolled into our living room. The young men attending paused. I stood. Their eyes grew wide as they watched me, mother of Joshua. The men bowed their heads and rolled my son toward the front door. I reached Joshua before anyone could stop me. “Wait!” Wailing reached my ears from the steps at the opened back door. My daughter leaned into her husband’s protective arms, her hands covering her face. Doesn’t Jami want to say good-bye? I wondered. Joshua’s dog, Heinrich, whined at Jami’s side. I looked down to where my son’s head lay hidden and unzipped the plastic to see his gentle and now peaceful face. “Good-bye, my son.” I kissed his forehead. “I’ll love you forever.” I kissed his lips. My husband’s arm cradled my shoulders. “That’s good, honey.” He nudged me backward. Joshua’s death bag zipping shut crackled and echoed. No, no, no! I’m not done. The wheels of the gurney stumbled over the threshold of the open door. At the sound of its rattle, my soul shattered into a zillion pieces, and I dropped to the floor. Hands grabbed. Hands settled me on the sofa. I choked on my sobs, not able to catch a full breath. Soothing feminine words. “She’s getting too hot.” A cool cloth reached my cheeks, but I could not stop crying. My throat burned raw with my wailing. My daughter tipped a glass to my lips. “Mommy. Drink this.” Water? Nothing could quench my thirst for my lost child love. We cannot bear this horror, dear Lord. Hold us. Oh, I know You’re here, God. Hold on to us!

A Mother’s Memories I enjoyed giving my first two babies lots of cuddling. With Joshua, I showed affection in the same way. Having had problems with milk fever after each birth, I nursed my first two children for only a short time. When Joshua was born, the doctor prescribed a new medication for milk fever that would not ruin my milk. That time, I was able to nurse for much longer. That was a good thing, for my little boy suffered from many illnesses, and my milk sustained him. As Joshua grew into a toddler, he showed affection by patting my cheek and saying, “Ah, baby.” Before bedtime, I had better not forget to give him a hug. If I did, as I turned out the light, he’d say, “Mama!” I would flip on the switch and see his arms outstretched for that hug. Stooping to him, Joshua wrapped his pudgy arms around my neck and squeezed. I cherish my son, Lord. Thank You for bringing him into our family. Thank You that the older children cherish him as well. In Jesus’s name. Amen ***************************************** In this stirring memoir Jean Ann Williams shares her son, Joshua’s, life and also his untimely death at age twenty-five. Being a woman of faith, in each chapter she shares thoughts and scriptures which have given her comfort and support in the hopes her journey can help others. The book is a must read for anyone who has lost a family member to suicide. Gloria Horsley Ph.D. President of Open to Hope Jean Ann Williams has written a powerful book, full of pain and joy, despair and hope, all in the form of short, pithy devotions. This author understands the agony of losing someone to suicide, because her son took his life and shredded his family’s heart. However, though Williams clearly spells out the agonizing grief she endured after her beloved son’s death, she also shows God truly does offer a Light at the end of the long, dark tunnel of loss. And as the author takes us on this long journey out of overwhelming darkness, she also enables us to feel the everlasting arms underneath her, carrying her and healing her every step of the way. If you or someone you know has lost a loved one through suicide, please get this book. It will bless and minister to you as often as you read one of its devotions or reflect on the words within its pages. Kathi Macias, author ***Kathi Macias (www.kathimacias.com) is a multi-award winning author of more than 50 books. She lives in Southern California with her husband, Al. You can connect with Jean Ann Williams and follow her journey as she experiences God’s mercies on her blog at Love Truth: Hope after Suicide.

Wacky Wordies Puzzle by Beth Brubaker Can you figure out what these “wacky word” combinations mean? Over, under, beside, below . . . . big or small, short or tall?

ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 45

Visit Kathryn at The Writers’ Reverie for encouragement and inspiration.

A Garden for the Young at Heart by Sarah Johnson Garden: a piece of ground, often near a house, used for growing flowers, fruit, or vegetables. That’s like saying a rose is a collection of petals growing on a thorny stem… Personally, I believe gardens have secret identities shared to individuals, in different facets, as they are willing to perceive them. And in every garden, there is the elusive vision that the caretaker imagines, full sprouted, free of weeds, all the flowers arrayed at one time. This garden, encouraged by fertile imagination is the one shared with friends as they walk along a garden path and beyond the terrace to the lawn, where to the casual observer, there is only grass, but to the visitor who sees by way of the imagination of their gardening friend, there are sounds of birds and scents of unblossomed myrrh. Our visit to the Young’s garden is an invitation to the imagination. Barbara has a knack for combining color and texture. The perspectives are terrific: there is nowhere to stand—not even the middle— where looking in any direction, there aren’t amazing views. One is certain to ‘hear’ children as they frolic, even the laughter of their own childhood echoing through memory. As you peruse the pictures, read the captions, engage your thoughts to smell, hear, and touch the garden around you—a garden only you can perceive.

Variegated Maple is a great color contrast with pink azalea and hydrangea

Wisteria 34

The Greeter welcomes all visitors to the garden . . . . and the variegated Willow forms a sprawling shrub that repays its gardener with amazing structure and color.

Recycled greenhouse The foundation of a neighboring property remained after a fire, and the greenhouse was discarded by a neighbor. The Youngs bought the burned property next door and blended the two to create a new growing space.

Mystery footsteps appear sporadically along the garden path.

Overall, both red and yellow foliage keep plenty of color, even when flowers are not in bloom.

Cuppa?

Beyond the usual plants and stepping stonesâ&#x20AC;Śyou can almost hear the echo of giggles.

Red, Green, Yellowâ&#x20AC;Śone theme throughout.

What mysterious tracks?

Living by Example by Laura L. Zimmerman

“…Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength… Impress them upon your children…” Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Something interesting happened yesterday. After a glance around the house, I realized it needed a face-lift and kindly asked my two older daughters – ages thirteen and ten – to please clean up and dust.

And then it hit me. Our children are so eager. So eager to please. So eager to do good. So eager to do what makes us happy.

As they busied themselves to the task, I buried my head in recipes in search of something that would appease the masses for supper that night.

My mind quickly reflected over the previous week, of encounters I’d had with her in tow, eyes watching, ears listening:

A few moments passed, and I heard a noise from the bathroom – a thud, then heavy breathing. What on earth could be going on?

The day I was in a hurry to get through the grocery store because we were already late, and I huffed and rolled my eyes at the cashier who worked just a tad too slow. How had I shown my daughter patience?

Upon investigation, I found my four-year-old daughter, broom in hand, as she struggled to push her pile of dirt around the floor. (Not really anywhere specific, but she worked hard, anyway.) She gave me a somber look and announced, “I’m helping to clean, too, mommy. I cleaned the bathroom and I sweep.” And so she had. A quick perusal of the porcelain paradise revealed a sink absent of toothpaste skids, and a toilet shinier than it had been that morning. The hand-towel sat soaked through, a lump in the corner. She’d used just plain water in place of cleaner, but I didn’t really care at that moment. This little girl cleaned the bathroom without being asked. And she’d done a fantastic job, in my opinion. My heart soared. It was a proud mama moment, worthy of Facebook and a whole host of bragging on Twitter.

So what kind of example have I been for them to eagerly follow, when it comes to my spiritual life?

The time I rolled up to a stop sign at the same time as another car, pulling forward quickly, assuming I had the right of way. How I had taught my daughter kindness? The morning I used harsh words after she changed into a princess dress, tutu and flip flops, when all I’d asked her to do was put her shoes on so we could get out the door. How had I demonstrated joy to my daughter? I considered my own spiritual walk, and the times I’d failed to model Christ for my children. But thank God we are forgiven and thank God for second chances. I’m thankful that even through my mistakes, God can still use me as a light in this darkened world. That He can use me to teach my children to do the same. 37 How have you been a light in the darkness for the little ones around you today?

Itching Ears by Jennifer Workman “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” (II Timothy 4:3, KJV)

Praise God for his uncompromising word! My prayer is that this article will convict those who need convicting and most importantly bring about spiritual transformation in the hearts of all who behold it. In Jesus name. As we take a close look at our world today, it is quite evident that we live in a time where as people need God in their lives more than ever before. Although people are excelling in their educational, business and other “societal pursuits,” many are still without God and many that seemed to have had a good relationship with the heavenly father, is drawing further away from him, following after the “deceitfulness of riches” and the “cares of life” (Mark 4:19, BSB).” And, that same “mindset” has infiltrated our churches and religious organizations disguising itself as “the prosperity gospel.” I am in no way trying to “bash” anybody and this article is not intended for that purpose but, it is intended to expose the traps and wiles of the Devil. Today the “prosperity gospel” seems to be at the forefront of all that is pontificated in many of our churches as well as in the world as a whole. Having stated that, let’s go a little deeper, shall we. The Bible talks about people having “itching ears.” It goes on to say that people (I’m paraphrasing) place leaders in position of authority to tell them what they want to hear to tickle their ears. Many people would much rather hear that the “Lord will bless you if you give, turn around three times and say money cometh,” than, “you need to repent of your sins, for the kingdom of God is at hand” (Matthew 3:2, NKJV). But, it is that same truth of the word of God and not a lie that is going to truly set them free.

I don’t know about anyone else but I would much rather hear the truth than a lie. For instance, in a relationship with a husband and a wife, the wife asks the husband how the dress she has recently purchased looks on her and without deliberation, he tells her something to make her feel good although the dress is not “figure flattering” and makes her look fat. Although no one is really being affected by what he stated, a “lie is simply a lie!” But what bears “heavy weight” is what we are being fed every day and if what we are being fed everyday isn’t the truth but a lie, we need to check the source and ask God to help us to receive the “word of truth” with gladness, whether is it what we want to hear or not because in the totality of it all, it is our souls that are at stake! So, I implore you that in all that you do, seek God. Chase after him with all that is in you, for he is near and his arms are opened to you because everything on this “side of life” will perish but the word of God remains forever. Don’t allow the lure of riches, the deception of the enemy and selfish ambition hinder you from moving forward in God and him leading and orchestrating your life as he sees fit. For as the Bible emphatically states that “God is coming back again” and my prayer is that we all will be ready for his great coming so that we will be able to hear him say “Well done.” (Matthew 25:23, KJV) 38

Still and Steadfast by Kathleen McCauley These words have recently been put on my heart to ponder and I am not sure why God has given them to me. These are adjectives I find to be common in my relationship with God. But as I reflected on one of my journal entries from December, these words came crashing in. I have contemplated them in light of motherhood. In one of my journal entries I wrote: I hope they (my children) see a holy woman. A woman totally grounded and available to them, not controlled by the whims of this world, but rooted in family, home, prayer and peace. I know what being still looks like internally and in prayer, but how does it look in my family life, in my domestic life? To be still does not mean to be stoic, or to be even all the time. It has more qualities than that. Being still is being intentional in my energies and my vision. The stillness that I want to share with my children is rooted in my stillness with God or is perhaps a subset of it. My ability to be still before the Lord speaks of confidence, courage and calmness. Bringing this quality of strength into my parenting has a calming effect. It is as if I have more within my heart that is grounding me and keeping me steady in the time of trial and intensity, which happens often in parenting. To tell you the truth, I never really thought of this attribute of stillness accompanying parenting. It almost seems contradictory. Unless a parent is sitting at a ball game or an event, they hardly stay still, for their need to drive and attend or supervise children is endless. When we are driving our children to an activity or event, there can be noise and commotion all around us, but we know how to put all of our attention and our focus on the task at hand: being a good driver in the bad traffic. This focus comes from deep within oneself; it is also something that comes with time and practice. The children in the car do not explicitly recognize your awesome driving and focusing skills, but they never doubt you for one second or fear youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d give up on driving. This is the same atmosphere we can set with our children on an everyday basis, with a trained sense of stillness that can send a message of calm strength and assurance. Then when unexpected challenges, surprises and the troubles of parenting come before us, it is this stillness that keeps us balanced and grounded in the understanding and belief that God is at work and we can be STILL long enough to let Him work through the situation, in our heart and in the lives39of our children. Stillness buys me time and quietness to hear the intuitive voice of my inner world which is led by the spirit. When I work from that source, the results are usually more healthy, calm and natural. Amazing!

And then there is the concept of being STEADFAST: to be firm, fixed, steady, settled or established. We don’t ordinarily use these words to describe parenting either, but let’s connect the dots. We hear in scripture of God’s steadfast love for us. How can we capture that same STEADFAST love of God and model that for our children? Some of us do it already and don’t label it as STEADFAST. I think steadfast has to do with conviction and intentionality. Sometimes I doubt myself because I don’t want to think I am being STEADFAST and all I am doing is enabling my children. Periodically, I’m told I do too much for them - then I’m told they need me. What I have come to realize is that they need my STEADFAST love and attention. They need to know I am anchored and fixed in their camp. This is what distinguishes parenting as a job vs. parenting as a vocation. What does that mean??? Being steadfast takes me way beyond the job description and takes me to the heart and soul of parenting which includes my emotional commitment and being grounded for my children. STEADFAST sounds very noble but beware, it can also be tricky and if not balanced correctly, in prayer and healthy equilibrium, it could make you into a martyr. And young people can identify a martyr and repel them faster than you think. So, I must pray. And this is where STEADFAST can flourish and bear great fruit. Rooted in Christ and prayer, my STEADFAST love will then be the distinctive difference in the way my children experience home and parenting. It will add a fuller dimension to my children’s sense of self, from which my children will draw strength and feel confident. Most of this goes on in the nonverbal interactions between parents and children including scolding, warning, and playing with our children. This is where we can express a strong message of STEADFAST LOVE. In today’s world we need to be very careful not to be pulled away from our commitment to our children. This is not only a commitment of time; it is the commitment of our hearts, our focus, and our energy. Monitoring ourselves in this way is almost counter cultural; it requires us, as Webster defines it in antonyms, that we not be “changing, not fickle, or wavering. It brings us back to: STILL. It is here that the combination of STILL and STEADFAST ring true in parenting. It will guide us as parents and give the rightful glory to God who gifted us with children and parenthood.

Down the Lane Puzzle by Beth Brubaker

ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 45

Katherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

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Get in the Game by Donna Comeaux I had no intention to watch the Invictus Games aired on television several weeks ago. I stumbled on the games during my search for a good movie, which was a result of my withdrawals from the winding down of the basketball playoffs. Unlike most women, I’m a sportaholic—a wannabe who would have loved the chance to compete with the boys. But three things hindered me: 1) I don’t look the part; 2) I’ve always been a girly girl who loves lace and ribbons, well-manicured nails, and a perfect cosmetic face; and 3) I have weak arms and legs, a slow gait, and an insatiable need to overthink the game. That kind of thinking might have landed me a great coaching job. Wouldn’t that be something? I can sit in front of a television and out-coach Popovich and Belichick any day of the week. Unfortunately, I received no offers for their position. Too bad. It would be nice to look forward to winning seasons, not to mention how much fun I’d have recruiting star players. Awww . . . come on, go with it. It could have happened, couldn’t it? Okay, I concede that I’m out of my mind. Still, season after season I sit glued to the television and freely voice my opinions on what plays should have been called in the huddle. I just wish once in a while the coaches would take my advice. The Invictus Games, however, gave me a fresh perspective and pushed me to think far beyond the finish line. As the cameras rolled, I cringed at scarred bodies and several times I rubbed my thumb over the guide button on the remote when I was tempted to search for a different program. But the longer I lingered on the Invictus Games, the more my heart opened up to their courage. It occurred to me that these courageous souls were accomplishing things I would never attempt. Why? As I pondered that question throughout the rest of the day, I came to one blatant and embarrassing conclusion: that I had no motivation to work that hard. Yet, I couldn’t shrug off the need to feel their sense of pure, unadulterated pride, or the hope to one day see that same gleam in my own eyes.

More than anything, I wanted to experience that kind of joy. Makes for a miserable combination when you want something so bad but are unwilling to go through the trials and tribulations to obtain it, doesn’t it? We’ve all been in this dilemma at least once in our life and it can be overwhelming. Take our wellintended New Year’s resolutions, for example. Many of us probably didn’t get through February before we gave up on the idea of losing weight, giving up chocolate, training for a marathon, praying first thing in the morning, or practicing more patience with the children. I can’t help but wonder where we would all be if Jesus had given up on us and thrown in the towel. Maybe his breaking point would have come when his disciples asked the silly question, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1 – NIV Version) Perhaps he would have stamped his foot and opened the earth so the Sadducees and Pharisees would fall to their demise after attempts to trap him with trick questions. Or maybe he would give up at the first sound of the whip just before Roman soldiers landed spike-riddled leather across his back and tore out hunks of his flesh. Jesus endured a lot. He bridled his tongue and kept a tight rein on his power throughout his adolescent years because the time had not yet come for him to reveal himself fully. He refrained from burdening the priests in the synagogues with his knowledge. Can you imagine the rage some of them would feel if a child had interpreted the meaning of the scriptures? On foot, Jesus traveled for miles, teaching and performing miracles so that many would believe he had come to give them life, knowing that many of them would later betray him and cry out “Crucify Him!” All that waiting and restraint took patience, planning, prayer, and keen eyes on the prize. 43 Competitors in the Invictus Games are running a race to win. Some can’t wait to feel the weight of a medal around their neck.

Others couldn’t care less about the gold, bronze, and silver. They look earnestly toward the sense of accomplishment they’ll feel when the games are over. Many dare to say they’ve run the race on behalf of fellow soldiers, a lost parent, or an ailing child. No matter what their reasons might be for entering the race, these gallant competitors feel enormously successful without one shred of tangible evidence for their achievements. However, in order to experience this fulfillment, everyone must get in the game and compete. The Word of God says: “Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” (I Corinthians 9:25-27) So, you and I must . . . “Run in such a way as to win the prize.” (I Corinthians 9:24 - NIV Version) “. . . run to win.” (I Corinthians 9:24 - New Living Translation) Don’t be deceived. Running this Christian race is difficult. It takes discipline. Perseverance. Patience. Self-control. Belief. Faith. Love. Consistency. Hope. Consider this: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

In all your endeavors, if you have not suffered through your trials, you have most likely quit the race before your sufferings could produce perseverance, and your perseverance, character, and your character, hope. I encourage you to try again. This time suffer through it as you daily renew your mind by remembering “For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:24-28) Don’t give up. Don’t grow weary. Remember . . . “The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:8-9) Giving up isn’t an option for those who love the Lord. We’ve been called to persevere, remain steadfast, run and not faint. My dear fellow believers, gird yourselves with the word of God, hold tight to the shield of faith, and in the name of Jesus Christ get in the game and compete for the imperishable prize that awaits us. There isn’t a battle too hard for God. You can, indeed, do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13) Amen. 44

Double Numbers Puzzle Answer Key by Beth Brubaker

Wacky Wordies Puzzle Answer Key by Beth Brubaker

Down the Lane Puzzle Answer Key by Beth Brubaker

Meet the Ruby for Women Writers 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 Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose for her life and a new passion, she reaches out to others to encourage and comfort them through her writing, giving God all the glory. She lives with her husband in their empty nest in Kentucky. On occasion, their three offspring, who have flown the coop, come to visit, accompanied by a son-in-law and three granddaughters. Visit Lynn at her blog, at http://lynnmosher.com

Katherine Corrigan, Recipes and Crafts Katherine is a blogger at Katherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner, an artist, designer, tea drinker and hug giver. She has been a contributor to Ruby for Women for five years. She is originally from England. But she has lived in the USA since 1975. She holds a rare dual citizenship with the UK and the USA and is a proud citizen of both. She greets each day with grace, dignity and gratitude. Thanking God for her strength as she continues to encourage others and moves forward despite her physical challenges. She is happily married and has five grandchildren. http://KatherinesCorner.com

Jennifer Workman is the founder of Simply Victorious Ministries, a ministry founded on the infallible Word of God. She has been actively involved in ministry all of her life and has ministered to seminary students, the religious community, high school students and female prison inmates. Jennifer has more than fifteen years in the radio, television and publications arena. She is the Inspirational Host and Producer of "Simply Victorious for Life," a monthly inspirational podcast aired via Faith Filled Family and Family Filled Youth. Contact Jennifer at http://simplyvic.webs.com or http://jyworkman.wix.com/jennifer

Laura L. Zimmerman resides in Lancaster County, PA and is a homeschooling mom to three beautiful daughters. She is thankful for a supportive husband, who is always quick to encourage her love of singing, reading, writing or drinking coffee. Laura enjoys writing young adult and middle grade fantasy fiction and hopes to encourage children to a relationship in Christ through her work. You can find out more about Laura at her website and blog www.lauralzimmerman.com on Twitter @lauralzimm , and on Facebook

Rejetta Morse enjoys writing poetry so she can write about God and how He speaks through nature. Writing poetry is a new found purpose and hobby she discovered over recent years which brings her joy, peace, and encouragement. She also enjoys reading poetry and is working to learn more about the craft of poetry. She spends her free time singing with her church choir and listening to gospel music, watching biographical movies, and encouraging other people.

Sharon Patterson, retired educator, career military wife, and leader in women's ministry, has written inspirational encouragement in various forms from greeting cards to short stories, poetry, and Bible studies for over thirty years. She has authored three books, and is a contributing author for several of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She and her husband Garry live in Round Rock, Texas. They have three sons and five grandchildren.

Donna Comeaux resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her husband, Glenn.

Together, they have two children and five grandchildren. She draws inspiration from her life, the life of others, the news, and her wild and vivid imagination. She is a freelance writer and has written several poems for funerals and weddings, and is in the process of editing her first completed family saga, White Castle. She wrote her second novel, Taken by Choice, and a short story, Selfish Ambition, in 2014.

Mary Dolan Flaherty is a quirky gal who loves to encourage people and make them laugh. She writes and speaks with self-deprecating humor and transparency, saying what most people think but won’t admit. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, whom she affectionately calls Hubbles, and has two grown children and two grand-dogs. Mary enjoys hiking, theatre, music, gardening, and traveling and can be found blogging at SonRiseInsights.blogspot.com.

Kathleen McCauley has been an active retreat leader for over 25 years.

She received her professional training as a Campus Minister and retreat leader at the University of Dayton. Kathleen enjoys working with adults in their cultivation of spirituality and personal growth. Prior to her work as a Career Counselor at Neumann University, Kathleen served as a Resident Minister for eight years at St. Joseph’s University and seven additional years giving retreats for local churches and community groups. You can contact Kathleen to learn more about her retreat work at kathleenmccauley1@msn.com

Joan Leotta has been playing with words since childhood. She is a poet, essayist, journalist, playwright, and author of several books both fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. She is also a performer and gives one-woman shows on historic figures and spoken word folklore shows as well as teaching writing and storytelling. Joan lives in Calabash, NC where she walks the beach with husband, Joe. www.joanleotta.wordpress.com and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joan-LeottaAuthor-and-Story-Performer/188479350973

Kathryn Ross is an enrichment artist, writer, speaker, and independent publisher at Pageant Wagon Publishing with a mission is to nurture the seeds of all good things, innocence, and beauty in the human heart. Her books and storytelling programs engage young and old with dramatic flair. She lives with her bookseller husband, a storyteller in his own right, and two literary cats. Inspired by the stillness of birdsong and silent reflection, teatime, God’s Word, classic literature, and the arts inform her words with a splash of old world elegance. Timeless truths leap from the page and the stage through Pageant Wagon Publishing and Productions. Weekly doses of enriching words and images stir the heart through her blog at The Writer’s Reverie.

Carol Peterson, Author My mission as a writer is to educate, entertain and inspire– children, their teachers and parents, other writers, and readers of all genres. As a children’s writer I try to “Make Learning Fun” by helping busy teachers address curriculum accountability standards, and encouraging other writers to do the same. You can connect with Carol at her blog, Carol Peterson, Author Carol is a member of the Ruby Book Review Team.

Sarah Johnson writes, photographs and gardens from her home near the tidal marshes of the Delaware Bay. Her work is inspired by the glory of God’s creation and the nuances of light in life, from that of literal sunshine to the shadow-dispelling joy of serving her Creator. Herding three cats, two children and a husband, keeps her busy between editing flowerbeds and weeding paragraphs. She is the editor of 'Garden Cumberland', a gardener’s resource that encourages others to find their hearts in the sunshine and soil of South Jersey. https://www.facebook.com/GardenCumberland

Marilyn Lesniak is the owner, writer, and most times photographer at Marilyn's Treats. She loves to learn new things and is always improving her recipes, blog designs and articles. If you need guidance she is there to help but is the first to remind you most everything she does is an adventure in trial and error. Come visit in her office/kitchen and see what trouble she is brewing up now at www.marilynstreats.com 49

Connie Arnold lives in North Carolina with her husband, Tom. They have two children and three grandchildren. In dealing with lupus, fibromyalgia and other difficulties she has trusted in the Lord and shares her inspirational poetry to offer encouragement, hope and comfort to others who are suffering. She is the author of Peaceful Moments of Love and Light devotional, A Symphony of Seasons, Abundant Comfort and Grace, Abiding Hope and Love, and Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace, as well as three children’s books, Animal Sound Mix-up, Count 123 With Me, and Olive and the Great Flood. You can visit Connie at her website, www.conniearnold.webs.com or blog, www.conniearnold.blogspot.com

Keith Wallis, Poet-in-Residence Keith Wallis is an English poet. He is a senior part of the leadership team of Houghton Regis Baptist church. An engineering designer by trade, he brings an eye for detail as well as faith into his poetry. As well as being ‘poet in residence’ at Ruby magazine, he is a moderator at ChristianWriters.com. His blog of ekphrasic poetry is: http://wordsculptures-keith.blogspot.com/ where you’ll also find links to his books and his other blogs. Married to Val in 1970, he has two sons and three grandsons. The eldest grandson is disabled and cannot communicate verbally. Though not an ‘academic’ (school was a disaster!) he was always fond of writing. He began submitting work for publication in the 1980’s after being encouraged by a community writer in residence.

Beth Brubaker, Assistant Editor Beth is a humorist poet and songwriter, and her day jobs include homemaking, writing, and paper and fabric arts. Beth's passion is the written word, and is developing ways of sharing her brand of humor with the world through poems, songs and stories. She enjoys sharing her struggles and experiences with others, to encourage them to find their own passions and attain what they want out of life- and to find joy and humor along the way. Don't miss Beth's columns and puzzles in every issue of Ruby for Women! You can read Beth's posts on her blog Footprints in the Mud at http://footprintsinthemudblog.blogspot.com or email her at bethatruby@aol.com.

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 15 years old and Annie is 13. They were both born in China, and we were able to travel to China two times to bring our daughters home. We live in northern Indiana in a small farming community where I work on Ruby for Women in my home office. I have worked for several years offering my handmade and refashioned garments and accessories in a local boutique under the creative name of “Vintage Mama’s Cottage.” My personal blog is at www.mamaslittletreasures.com

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 by contacting us at editor@rubyforwomen.com Questions? Email Nina @ editor@rubyforwomen.com or Beth @ bethatruby@aol.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 Beth Brubaker, Assistant Editor bethatruby@aol.com Advertising inquiries should be directed to editor@rubyforwomen.com Creative Consultant, Katherine Corrigan of Blog Art by Katherine http://katherinescorner.com/blog-art/

Please visit the Ruby for Women blog for information about submissions, advertising, or to read previous issues of the Ruby for Women magazine. www.rubyforwomen Special thanks to Dawn Nicole for the beautiful June 2016 calendar www.bydawnnicole.com Website design by Blog Art by Katherine