Ruby HOLIDAY 2015

Ruby for Women Holiday, 2015 “A voice for every Christian woman”

“Her worth is far above rubies . . .”

Proverbs 31:10

Cover image by Katherine Corrigan of Katherine’s Corner

Ruby for Women A voice for every Christian woman HOLIDAY, 2015 www.rubyforwomen.com

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year!

We celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and we have so many opportunities to make memories with our families. It is also a time to recall those who are in need, and reach out to our communities, church families, friends, and neighbors. We want to wish you a blessed holiday season as you celebrate Jesus, the true Reason for the Season. We would love to hear from you!

Contact us at editor@rubyforwomen.com Cover image by Katherine Corrigan of Katherine’s Corner.

Senior Editor: Nina Newton Assistant Editor: Beth Brubaker Poet-in-Residence: Keith Wallis Feature Writers: Lynn Mosher, Katherine Corrigan, Sharon L. Patterson, Carol Peterson, Gloria Doty, Sarah Johnson, Miriam Jacob, Michelle Lazurek, Cynthia Knisley, Heather King, Lanette Kissel, Donna B. Comeaux, Linda McKee, Connie Arnold, Diana Chandler, Alisha Ritchie, Kathleen Katt Luce, Mia DeBruyne, Dorothy Kurchak, Connie Arnold, Cindy J. Evans, Ifeoma Samuel, Kim Lengling, Jewell Utt, Frances Gregory Pasch, Amy Lignor, Rejetta Morse, Norma Mezoe, Kathryn Ross, Kathleen McCauley, Mary Dolan Flaherty

In This Issue . . .

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Nina Newton, Sr. Editor

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Footprints in the Mud: When Being Productive . . . Isn’t Beth Brubaker, Asst. Editor

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Nothin’ Religious about Thanksgiving Kathleen Katt Luce

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November 2015 Calendar

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We Gather . . .

Sharon L. Patterson

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Grateful Sarah Johnson

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Pecan Pie Supreme Diana Chandler

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A Thanksgiving Prayer Lynn Mosher

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The Box that Brought Hope Jewell Utt

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God’s Blessings Frances Gregory Pasch

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Carol’s Book Club Carol Peterson

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Thanksgiving Crafts

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

For advertising inquiries, please contact Nina Newton at editor@rubyforwomen.com If you would like to share your story with Ruby for Women, please email our Assistant Editor, Beth Brubaker at bethaatruby@aol.com Also, please visit our blog at www.rubyforwomen.com where you can connect with other Christian women.

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

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Thanksgiving Leader Kathleen Katt Luce

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Thanksgiving’s Meaning Connie Arnold

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Sudoku Puzzle Beth Brubaker

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Thanksgiving Word Search

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Holiday Recipes Diana Chandler

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Blessed Gift Connie Arnold

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The War on Christmas

by Bodie Hodge Book review by Miriam Jacob

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Branded: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture

by Tim Sinclair Book review by Miriam Jacob

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God in Our Chaos Sharon L. Patterson

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My Christmas Prayer Sharon L. Patterson

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Wishing You a very “Mary” Holiday Season Linda McKee

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Holy Moments in No Man’s Land Kathryn Ross

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Let’s Not Forget Frances Gregory Pasch

An Angel’s Perspective Mary Dolan Flaherty

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Christmas in the Trenches

By John McCutcheon Book review by Kathryn Ross

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Draw Near Lynn Mosher

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Split Words Puzzle Beth Brubaker

Christmas Recipes Vintage Mama

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He Was a Gift Wrapped in Flesh Lanette Kissel

A Christmas Bill Jewell Utt

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Measuring Back Mary Dolan Flaherty

Kids’ Korner Carol Peterson

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Medal of Honor for Mom Cynthia Knisley

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The Bread Returned Norma C. Mezoe

A Christian Tree Kathleen Katt Luce

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Deep calls to deep Keith Wallis

Christmas Memories: The Visitors Mary Dolan Flaherty

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Making the Most of the Holiday Season Ifeoma Samuel

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Putting Christmas Away Norma C. Mezoe

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Sudoku Puzzle Answer Key

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Split Words Puzzle Answer Key

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Away in a Manger Crossword Puzzle Answer Key

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Ruby for Women Writers

Christmas Ornament Rejetta Morse Ten Things You Can Do to Reclaim Christmas Michelle Lazurek

The First Christmas Gift Norma C. Mezoe

Sometimes as shepherds Keith Wallis

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The Second Christmas Eve “Star” Amy Lignor Away in a Manger Crossword Puzzle Beth Brubaker Handcrafted Christmas Ornaments Vintage Mama

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Ruby for Women Magazine and Blog You have a story to tell and we want to hear it! God has given a voice to every Christian woman and we celebrate YOUR voice.

Please visit us at the

Ruby for Women blog and share your story with us! * * * *

Inspirational posts Featured bloggers FREE seasonal online magazine Crafts, recipes, poetry, and stories We would love to hear from you!

www.rubyforwomen.com

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Nina Newton, Sr. Editor 3

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Nina Newton, Sr. Editor

When I was a little girl, we would always have a Christmas tree with colored lights, tinsel, and “icicles.”

My mom loved decorating the tree, and she would let me drape those white strands of iridescent plastic all over the tree so that they looked like real “icicles.”

Well, at least they looked real in the imagination of this little girl!

The decorations I loved the most, however, were those lights that had some kind of liquid inside of them that would create little bubbles once they got hot. It was simply mesmerizing to watch those tiny bubbles floating around inside those brightly colored lights.

In this issue of Ruby for Women our writers share with you inspirational articles for making your Christmas memorable. You will find ideas for simplifying your holiday To Do list; recipes that will inspire you to try your hand at creating a few new holiday dishes; and craft projects that you can do with your family to celebrate the season.

You will find book reviews to help you discover a few great gift-giving ideas for the holidays; shortstories of Christmas memories that will give you a glimpse into the hearts of our writers; and articles to encourage you in your family life during the holiday season.

Every issue of Ruby for Women includes fun puzzles and word search games for the kid in all of us! And our amazing poets continue to bless us with their inspirational, thought-provoking poetry.

In one touching article, we hear the story of the soldiers in WW2 and their Christmas in the trenches. Another short story tells of meeting strangers at Christmas and how God uses even our struggles to teach us about His love and grace.

Back in those days, at least where I grew up, not very many people did all of the spectacular outdoor holiday decorations that lots of folks do now days. The closest we ever came to having outside decorations was a string of multi-colored lights that my mom would string up in our front window in the shape of a tree.

One of my favorite memories from one of those Christmases of long ago was going outside to play in the snow, just outside that window with the string of colored lights in the shape of a tree, and looking inside our little lake cottage to see my mom making supper.

Or perhaps she was making cookies or fudge, or some other holiday treat.

You will read the story of how one young mama, struggling to create a special Christmas for her little girl, learned how a simple construction paper tree and star made it all work out.

We have so many amazing writers who share their gift of writing with us, and we have the opportunity to be inspired, encouraged, and blessed by their words. I hope you will take a minute to read the stories in this holiday issue of Ruby for Women. You will be blessed!

We would love to hear from you, so please 4 contact us at editor@rubyforwomen.com and let us know how God is blessing you through the ministry of Ruby.

Footprints in the Mud When Being Productive…Isn’t

by Beth Brubaker, Assistant Editor The holidays are coming.

Plans are being made, schedules filled, and baking supplies bought. It’s a time when the house is cleaned from rooftop to basement, because Aunt Gertrude is coming and she’s bringing the white gloves.

It’s a time when we do the most baking- the house is filled with the smells of all kinds of goodies and savory meals, ready to feed the seldom-seen masses.

It’s a time to spend present wrapping, tree and house decorating, and seeing just how many lights we can put up before the fuses blow.

It’s a time of productivity. Or is it?

The holidays are coming. Frankly, I’ve stopped caring about Auntie Gertrude’s’ white-glove inspections, and started caring more about watching home movies of past holidays with family and friends- and making new ones.

Dust isn’t as important in a darkened room- and you’re too busy laughing at past antics anyway!

I’ve stopped caring about baking for the masses to show off my skills, and instead make their favorites with enough to take home so they can share with their friends.

I also make enough to donate to the local shelter, so those without families can enjoy the bounty that God gave us.

I’ve stopped caring about the amount of presents and perfect decorations; the few presents they did get were things they really wanted- or needed. I let the kids decorate the house, and they did some pretty wild and unexpected things!

Sure it wasn’t perfection, but it gave the house character which everyone loved- and sometimes made visitors chuckle.

The holidays are coming. And I’ve only recently learned that productivity during the holidays isn’t always productive - or beneficial.

I could clean the house myself. Not only would I be exhausted (we have three floors, not including an attic and a basement), but the kids would come in and mess up hours of work within five minutes.

Instead I have them help vacuum, mop, and wipe down flat spaces (which, let’s be honest, are the dirtiest spots in the house that get noticed), while putting on their favorite music. The house is relatively clean - meaning I’m not so tired when I spend time with relatives!

I could bake a ton of cookies myself. They would all be the same size and shape, and be decorated the same way.

Or I could let my kids help me make them, and I’d wind up with very messy cookies (maybe even a few ninja reindeer thrown in), a kitchen that needed hosing down, but two very happy kids that spent the entire morning with me. Not to mention great pictures of ninja reindeer cookies.

I could buy a ton of little presents that don’t mean as much to the kids, but look great under the tree, or I can buy one or two gifts that I’d put a lot of thought into instead.

Last year I convinced my mom to do the same thing, and she gave my daughter a certificate for a horseback riding lesson instead of a ton of horsethemed toys and gadgets. It was the best present ever!

My daughter also loves to draw, so I bought her a drawing kit with a book on how to draw horses. 5She was on cloud nine. Only two gifts, but she was ecstatic!

The same went for my son. He loves card games and Star Wars, and I found a Star Wars card game and a light saber he wanted. You’d think I’d given him a million dollars. And yes, my house had Star Wars characters and a few plastic horses entwined in the garlands. It was awesome.

I’m not a perfect parent - not by a longshot. I just started doing this for the past few years. My kids are teenagers, yet they were still happier with the time I spent with them and the thoughtful gifts than on those years where I baked, wrapped and decorated everything myself.

The relationships were more important than the productivity of the holidays. Food will be eaten, toys broken and tossed, and decorations will fade and eventually be thrown out, but relationships are the memories that remain in the long run.

The holidays are coming. Friends and relatives who I haven’t seen since the last holiday will be here with their white gloves, empty bellies and gifts galore.

And I’ll hug all of them, welcoming every single one of them into my home, dust balls and all.

God doesn’t care about productivity if there is no love or relationships. After all isn’t He the one who wants a relationship with us?

He doesn’t want my special chicken and cheddar stew, my fancy wrapped gifts, or to look at my spotless living room- He wants me to love Him. That’s all.

Which beats any gift I could ever buy!

Visit Beth Brubaker at Footprints in the Mud to read her humorous, inspirational posts. ***************************************

Nothin’ Religious About Thanksgiving!

by Kathleen K. Luce A few days before Thanksgiving a young homeschooling mother was having her teeth cleaned. The dental hygienist was complaining. “I hate spending another holiday at my sister’s house! She has to make every holiday a religious holiday, even Thanksgiving! Come on—it’s Turkey Day! What’s religious about that?”

The homeschooling mom spoke up. “Actually, it is a religious holiday. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed an annual ‘National Day of Thanksgiving’ as a day when the people of this country should give thanks to God for their many blessings. That sounds sort of religious to me.”

The hygienist became quiet. Then, “How do you know that?”

“Just this week my kids asked me how Thanksgiving began. I did some research.”

The hygienist responded. “Okay. Well, I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

I smiled and let her clean my teeth.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:20-21

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Find more fun FREE printable calendars from iMom

We Gather…

By Sharon L. Patterson We gather…

Because the comforting aromas call deliciously from the food- filled kitchen. Seasonally familiar smells summon us from harried busyness and tempt us to come away from ordinary activities. They invite us to abandon our precious technical devices. Suddenly androids and i-everything else lessen their attentive grip in favored focus of this once–a-year event. Not only our stomachs but our hearts respond gladly as our feet head eagerly to the dining room table.

We gather…

To pay tribute to the champions of the hour, the selfless chefs who have tirelessly prepared today’s sumptuous feast We celebrate them with compliments and hugs and stories of other glorious fares presented in past years’ celebrations. We make comparisons, yet come to the same conclusion: “Surely, this year’s meal is the best one ever!” And these champions humbly respond with memories of their own and tributes paid to those who taught them every recipe secret they know- mothers, grandmothers, aunts and cousins. (When they will admit it…even a mother-in-law’s contribution may be given credence.)

We gather…

For the true significance of the season. Once we have handed out our human accolades, and exchanged favorite stories, we grow quiet as the head of the family invites us to join in the chief act of the day…the giving of thanks for the measure of incredible generosity our Heavenly Father has blessed us with over the course of the year. Memories of life’s difficulties fade in the presence of the One who guided us through those difficulties. We are lifted to a higher plane through the vehicle of prayer.

We gather…

Because it is Thanksgiving Day.

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Grateful

By Sarah Johnson May your turkey be gobbled, your day full of thanks, your waist not expand, and your kids not need spanks.

May your gravy be smooth, your taters not lumpy, your in-laws be civil, your husband not grumpy.

Let Black Friday have cheap, all of your wishes, someone else be in charge of cleaning the dishes, The parades have good weather, your favorite team scoring your teens not be heard saying, “This is so boring”.

And when, in repose, you prayerfully pause, I'll be doing the same; I have a good cause-For God's given me grace and mercy anew.

And new friends this year--I'm thankful for you.

Pecan Pie Supreme

by Diana Chandler, from the “Spoondrop Inn” Place 1 ½ cups pecan halves in prepared 9-inch pie crust.

Combine the following ingredients in order listed in blender:  3 eggs  ½ c milk  ½ c corn syrup  ¼ tsp salt  ¼ tsp cinnamon  1 c white sugar  ½ tsp vanilla  2 Tbsp. soft butter Blend on “chop” setting for 3 seconds. Pour over pecans.

Bake at 350 degree F for 35 minutes or until crust is browned and filling is puffed.

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A Thanksgiving Prayer

by Lynn Mosher I love watching old programs and movies. I wish programs today were more like the ones in the ’50s and ’60s. Much more receptive to Christian values. It was a given that people went to church.

In one of the Thanksgiving episodes of Father Knows Best, Jim Anderson, the inimitable father, offers this prayer at the end of the show as the family holds hands around the dinner table. Although the name of Jesus is omitted from the end of this Thanksgiving prayer, I still love it…

“Oh, Lord, we give Thee thanks from the depths of our humble hearts, for all the blessings Thou hast seen fit to bestow on us.

We thank Thee for the food which graces our table and a roof which covers our head.

We thank Thee for the privilege of living as free men in a country which respects our freedom and our personal rights to worship and think and speak as we choose.

We thank Thee for making us a family, for giving us sincerity and understanding.

But most of all, dear Lord, we thank Thee for giving us the greatest gift a family may know…the gift of love for one another…”

And the gift of knowing and loving You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name…amen!

However you spend this Thanksgiving, and whatever surrounds you at this time of year, may your heart be filled with praise and thanksgiving, if for no other reason than you are saved by grace and filled with the living Word of God. Thanksgiving blessings to you!

Thanksgiving blessings, Lynn

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The Box that Brought Hope

by Jewell Utt The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40 Break my heart for what breaks yours, the haunting tune and lyrics, by Hillsong, kept playing in my mind as I watched empty eyes void of hope in an orphanage in Rwanda.

World Vision's founder Robert Pierce wrote the same in his Bible: "Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God." After meeting an abandoned and beaten child, he gave his last five dollars. He vowed to send five dollars each month to her teacher if she would care for the child.

Jesus wept for his people and left us to share with those in need. As we enjoy the season of Thanksgiving, may we reflect on those around the world who are not so fortunate.

Watching the sad eyes of children at the Rwandan orphanage touched my heart in a special way. I knew I could send a shoebox of gifts that would include a tract. I prayed that the Spirit of God would touch their lives and the love of Christ would shine through the words. The smallest of efforts can have the greatest effect.

Consider reaching out to a child; imagine their eyes when they open a box from you.

For information about Operation Christmas Child and how you can be involved with a shoe box party, visit www.samaritanspurse.org

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God's Blessings

by Frances Gregory Pasch As we gather round the table We bow our heads in prayer To thank You, Lord, for loving us And for Your constant care.

We thank You for our houses, Our friends and families.

We thank You for Your guidance And for Your perfect peace.

Thanks for all Your blessings, The big ones and the small, Especially for Jesus Who gave His life for all.

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Book Reviews by Carol Peterson, Author

Armor Up!

by Carol Peterson It’s all about Ephesians. Both of these great new titles take Paul’s letter to the Church at Ephesus and make interesting suggestions for how we might put on the armor of God. And both titles would make awesome gifts for people you love.

Praying the Armor of God

by Rick Stedman (Harvest House Publishers, 2015) Praying is something to be practiced, not only because it should be done consistently and continually, but also so that it becomes a natural part of our lives. Until the time when praying becomes natural, it is lovely to have a guide on how we might pray. That is one of the beauties of Stedman’s Praying the Armor of God. Praying the Armor of God is divided into two parts. Part 1 discusses the specific pieces of armor the Apostle Paul talks about in Ephesians 6:10-18. Stedman takes each piece of armor, gives a bit of historical background to it and ties it nicely to relevant Scripture on how each piece would protect aspects of our loved ones.

Stedman then gives his readers a handy method to help them remember which days to pray for which piece of armor: for example, pray on Wednesday to Wield (the Shield Faith); pray on Friday to Fight (with the Sword of the Spirit). Matching the letter of the alphabet of the day of the week and the type of prayer becomes a handy memory tool.

Part II of Praying the Armor of God contains written prayers that can be personalized by filling in the names of people we are praying for, with specific suggestions for various groups of people (men, women, siblings, teens, prodigals, leaders, etc.). The book can easily be adapted for a small group study.

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Immovable: Standing Firm in the Last Days

by Dr. Tim Riordan (Greentree Publishers, 2014) Whether Christians are sure the end days are just around the corner or far into the future, the fact is that we are surrounded by an enemy determined to attack our faith however possible. Our task is to remain strong in our faith— immovable, as Riordan says. In this book, Riordan focuses on the armor of God, in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians to help us stand firm.

Part I of Immovable explains the last days as set out in Scripture and what life might look like for modern folk. Then, in Part II, Riordan discusses each piece of armor in detail, focusing on how together they can help us stand firm in our faith. Summaries and questions for further thought at the end of the book help readers take the next step in applying Riordan’s points in tangible ways.

Although the depth of Riordan’s teaching will appeal to mature Christians, his ability to explain Scripture makes this book one that seekers and new Christians should also be able to understand and embrace.

Immovable: Standing Firm in the Last Days is available from Ruby’s Reading Corner.

Join Carol’s Book Club by clicking the big red button.

Then share with us what you think about the books we are reading together.

Carol also writes a With Faith like Hers Bible study series. When we understand the ways in which our character or circumstances are similar to women in Scripture, we get a glimpse of how God might see us as He saw His daughters of old.

Available are I am Eve, I am Esther and I am Ruth. I am Mary is a study of Jesus’ mother. From Honor Bound Books and available at Amazon.com as well as from Ruby’s Reading Corner.

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Thanksgiving Crafts and Home Décor DIY Ideas from Vintage Mama’s Cottage As we look forward to the holidays each year, lots of us become quite crafty and even if we don’t typically have time for home decorating, the holidays seem to inspire us to do just that!

In every issue of Ruby for Women we bring together a few fun, creative, crafty ideas that just might encourage you to try your hand at a new DIY project to get your home ready for the upcoming holidays.

Here are a few Thanksgiving DIY projects that we discovered in our journey around the blogosphere. Just click on the links and you will be directed to the original blog post where you can find the complete instructions for creating your own handcrafted holiday decor.

Sweet and Simple Pumpkin Candles from All You Super simple, inexpensive, and so festive! These charming pumpkin candles would make a beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner. For complete tutorial, please visit the All You website where you will find even more ideas for holiday DIY projects and home decor ideas.

Thankful Banner from Centsational Girl With a few sheets of autumn-themed scrapbook paper, a bit of ribbon, and some autumn leaf cutouts, you can make this whimsical Thankful Banner. It will surely bring some holiday cheer and autumn inspiration to your home! Complete directions can be found on the Centsational Girl blog.

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Autumn Frame Wreath from Better Homes and Gardens As we were looking for something different to create this Thanksgiving, we discovered several ideas for making a wreath from a picture frame. There are so many ways to embellish a frame with seasonal items! Here is an adorable front door wreath that you can make with an old picture frame, some chicken wire, and a few silk leaves and other autumn embellishments.

Mason Jar Lid Pumpkin found on Pinterest These sweet little pumpkin centerpieces are so cute! We've seen then painted like this, with the cinnamon stick "stems," but we've also seen then left unpainted for a more rustic, primitive look. Either way, a grouping of them on your mantle or Thanksgiving table would look so festive and charming.

They look pretty simple to make, we just might have to try a few here at our house! You can find so many more holiday home decor ideas on Pinterest but then you already knew that!

Maple Leaf Mason Jars from Mason Jar Crafts Love Here's another way to repurpose those Mason Jars stored in your pantry! With a bit of chalk paint, a leaf stencil, some raffia twine, and a cupful of popcorn or other dried grains or beans, you've got an absolutely beautiful candle holder for your Thanksgiving home decor.

Super simple, inexpensive, and fun, you could make these candle holders with the kids or grandkids and then show them off for the whole family to see on Thanksgiving Day. Complete tutorial can be found on the Mason Jar Crafts Love blog.

Folded Paper Pumpkin from Crafts by Amanda Fun to do with the kids! Scrapbook paper and card stock, a bit of glue and ribbon is all it takes to create a batch of these cute pumpkin decorations. For a vintage look, just use scrapbook paper with an old-fashioned theme, or make your bright and modern. You could even add a bit of glitter and gems if you want your pumpkins to really stand out on Thanksgiving day! Complete tutorial can be found on the Crafts by Amanda blog.

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Thanksgiving Leader

by Kathleen Katt Luce My favorite definition of a leader is this: One who sees a need and does something about it.

My friend Candace is not your typical leader. She is quiet and somewhat timid. But she recognized a need, was sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and did something about it.

Candace works for a large corporation. Every Thanksgiving season they have a huge Thanksgiving dinner for the employees and their families. Even though it’s a secular institution, she was bothered that no prayer of thanks was offered at a dinner focused on Thanksgiving.

She went to the president of the corporation and asked if she could say a prayer of thanksgiving at their Thanksgiving dinner. What a surprise when he said, “Yes!” So in fear and trembling, Candace was obedient to God. She later said that when she walked to the podium and took hold of the microphone, she actually felt the hand of God on her back, holding her up.

Before hundreds of people Candice acknowledged God and thanked Him for blessing their company.

She thanked God for their employer and for the fact that they had jobs when so many are jobless.

She ended her prayer in the name of Jesus.

Even though this happened several years ago, prayer at the annual Thanksgiving banquet is now a tradition, offered up by different employees.

It isn’t easy to be obedient to God, yet Candace was. She will never know until she is with the Lord, just how much her obedience affected others. God honors our obedience.

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

James 4:17 He [Jesus] replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

Luke 11:28 19

Thanksgiving’s Meaning

by Connie Arnold Thanksgiving isn’t just about eating or about families happily meeting, not just about turkey and pumpkin pie, or deciding whether to drive or fly.

It’s not just about gravy and dressing but also for thankfulness, counting each blessing.

Getting together is a special reason, but there is much more to the Thanksgiving season.

It’s a time to give thanks with hearts full of love for the bountiful gifts that come from above, to offer gratitude, worship and praise to the giver of all things and all of our days.

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Sudoku Puzzle

by Beth Brubaker The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 (or 9 different symbols, etc.) in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number (or symbol) only once.

Answer key on page 75

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Find more FREE Thanksgiving printables for you and your family from www.thekidzpage.com

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Holiday Recipes from the Kitchen at the “Spoondrop Inn”

by Diana Chandler

Holiday Sweet Potatoes

by Diana Chandler, from the “Spoondrop Inn” Fill a 4-quart saucepan with fresh sweet potatoes. Boil until tender. Peel and mash.

Mix together:  3 Tbsp. melted butter  1 c white sugar  ½ tsp salt  2 eggs (beaten)  ½ c milk 2 tsp vanilla Add in sweet potatoes.

Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Pour sweet potato mixture into pan.

Topping – mix together:  1 c packed brown sugar  1/3 c all-purpose flour  4 Tbsp. butter  1 c chopped pecans Crumble topping over sweet potato mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes.

Serves 6-8 people.

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Fresh Spinach Salad

by Diana Chandler, from the “Spoondrop Inn”

Dressing:  2 Tbsp. white sugar  2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar  ¼ c olive oil  1 tsp dried, crushed parsley flakes  ½ tsp salt

Mix the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate.

Salad:  5 oz. fresh baby spinach  1 red apple (not peeled), cored and diced  ½ c pecans, broken into small pieces  1/3 c Craisins  ½ c celery (sliced)  ¼ c feta cheese Serves 6-8 people.

Favorite Zucchini Casserole

by Diana Chandler, from the “Spoondrop Inn” In a large saucepan, place:  8 c sliced zucchini  ½ c salted water Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cook 5 minutes. Drain.

Sauté 1 c finely chopped onion in ½ c butter Stir in:  1 can cream of chicken soup  1 c sour cream Fold in zucchini.

Sprinkle 1/3 of an 8 oz. package cornbread stuffing in bottom of 13x9 baking dish. Spoon ½ zucchini mixture over the stuffing. Then sprinkle another 1/3 of the stuffing. Spoon the other ½ of the zucchini mixture over that. Then top with the rest of the stuffing.

Bake at 350 deg F for 35 minutes.

Serves 6-8 people.

Diana Chandler is a wife and mom who loves to cook delicious food for her family in Winston-Salem, NC. She and her daughter post these familyfavorite recipes on their blog: http://chandlerfamilycooking.blogspot.com.

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Blessed Gift

by Connie Arnold Beauty and joy were quietly born early on that first Christmas morn while a star shone, clear and bright.

Mercy, kindness, goodness and love came down to earth from heaven above, in a tiny form, filled with light.

The light of that star, touching the earth, was a beacon of this miraculous birth and the beauty that shone from within.

It hovered over this humble place, which was transformed by holy grace for the One born to save us from sin.

A song of joy seemed to fill the air as a multitude of angels suddenly was there, singing and praising God on high, proclaiming a love that will never cease, the birth of the blessed Prince of Peace, and their praises rang through the sky.

The peace and love this small infant brought was what the world so long had sought, and hearts overflowed with joy.

We too now rejoice as we celebrate and remember on this most special date the gift of this blessed little baby boy.

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Holy Moments in No Man’s Land

by Kathryn Ross "And suddenly in two tongues one song filled the night sky."

Christmas in the Trenches, by John McCutcheon

At Christmastime, my husband Ed grows out his whiskers and you might find us in bookstores or eldercare facilities as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. We’re blessed every time we cross the threshold of an assisted living or nursing home.

The men and women spending their days in such a place once had active lives, working hard, raising families, loving, and laughing. They are now in a season of total dependence. It is a privilege to share a little song and story with them, tapping into their memory and affirming their worth.

Standing before a room filling with residents, I smile and chat with them as they’re placed before me.

Some are helped with their walkers to sit in a chair.

But most are rolled in on wheelchairs or larger lounge beds. Heads slump. Hands and arms involuntarily twitch. Moans are heard, or soft fragile banter as friends greet.

We often perform in one local venue and are familiar with some of the residents—always sad to learn of someone who had passed between visits. I miss seeing them.

One this particular day, as Ed and I make the rounds of the arriving audience, a woman I have never seen before, is rolled in her wheelchair directly in front of our staging area.

For some reason, the nurse faces her chair sideways so she’s looking towards the fireplace rather than directly at where we’re speaking.

Her eyes are closed and her chin low to her chest.

The nurse says she is new, her name is Hilda, and she doesn’t speak much or connect with others. I wonder what might be locked in her mind, weary that her body can no longer support the vitality of her soul.

Some upbeat songs and a nostalgic poem or two lead us to the grand finale of our program. It is our dramatization of Christmas in the Trenches, a powerful retelling of the 1914 truce on Christmas Eve in the No Man's Land territory in France during World War I. Ed dramatically sets the stage with his words painting the bleak battlefield landscape dugout within the trenches. The English on one side and the Germans on the other are separated by only 30 yards — No Man’s Land.

As night descends, the guns quiet. It is a lonely waiting game these soldiers have become accustomed to. None know whether they will be breathing by sunrise stuck in such a confined place. So close to death.

My elder-care audiences understand such a place.

Many are old enough to have heard stories of their own father’s exploits in that very war. I marvel at what thoughts stir within them when we open the gateway to this particular story. I am about to find out.

A sentry calls for the chatter in the English trench to hush. He hears an eerie sound coming from the German side. A melody. Men's voices singing a hymn-like tune.

Well, it is Christmas, after all, and the Germans have their national landscape dotted with Christian cathedrals and a rich Christian history. Much like 27 the English do.

A hum. I hear a hum. Einsam wacht As though electrified, Hilda lifts her head and shouts wacht with me! We move into the next line in unison. Nur das traute hoch heilige Paar.

My mind is racing. Words catch in my throat. Dare I continue? Something precious is happening this instant. I close my mouth and allow a miracle. She sings alone. Holder Knab' im lockigen Haar, It’s a rich, strong, tremulous voice, ignoring the well of tears crushed between pinched eyelids. My own tears begin to fall. Unhampered. Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh! Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh! In that moment, that historical moment, that holy moment . . . I cannot continue the story. The room is awash in sniffles and a rush of tissues dabbing damp eyes. I begin to laugh. The nurses laugh.

Not to be outdone, the Brits break into a chorus of their traditional carol, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. That’s when I step forward to sing in a peppy a capella: God rest ye merry gentlemen let nothing you dismay.

Remember Christ our Saviour was born on Christmas day.

To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray.

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy--comfort and joy!

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy!

A moment passes, and another sound drifts to their ears through the dark night. Through the silent night. Through the holy night. They do not understand the words—but they surely recognize the tune.

Again, I step forward to sing. This time, it is with a bit of trepidation as I’ve had to learn the lyrics in German. I begin slowly and deliberately, careful to pronounce my words correctly: Stille Nacht!

The silent slumped woman in the sideways wheelchair moans and twitches. Heil'ge Nacht!

Again, Hilda is aroused, this time shaking her head and beating her hand on the arm of the chair. I continue, nervously. Alles schläft;

Joyful laughter and bliss-filled crying rise as though a second chorus of the song. Then subside. Hilda does not open her eyes. But, she nods her head— singing still in her soul with long ago voices from her homeland. I learn later that she is German and never became proficient in English.

Back in the trenches, the English lift their voices, singing along in their own language. And, it might have sounded like angels, piercing light through the dark night of war with the herald of peace on earth, God's good will to men of good will.

Silent Night, Holy Night, All is calm, all is bright, Round yon virgin, mother and child.

Holy infant so tender and mild.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

It was a silent and holy night, indeed, when two battling forces chose to forfeit the government of men for the government of the Prince of Peace who is Wonderful, Councilor, the Almighty God. That night . . . "in two tongues, one song filled the air."

What happened on that French battlefield in 1914 was miraculous, indeed. When men lay aside the 28 gods of this world, they can be empowered to turn No Man's Land into the Promised Land, standing firm footed in the domain of Heavenly Peace.

Ruled by the Prince of Peace. The Reason for the Season. Jesus.

I think Hilda might have drifted off to sleep before we finished the story. But, for a moment, I believe she lived a dream come true. A connection between heaven and earth in the soul of one weary, worn, wheelchair bound woman. And I am honored to be a present witness to it.

But, the story continues. Slowly, soldiers on both sides creep out of the trenches and meet in the middle ground—the No Man’s Land where none dared cross before. Together, they pass the hours swapping Christmas gifts sent from their respective homes, sharing photographs of their families, singing carols together, and playing soccer through the night watch until morning.

Not one of them is willing to fire upon the other by sunrise. They all awake in the morning with hope close at hand—not death. Light sweeps away the dark. Lives are changed. Entire regiments are recalled and refreshed with new soldiers unjaded by the visitation of the Spirit of Christmas.

But, as Ed and I bid farewell to our audience, and Hilda in particular, we’ve experienced a visitation of our own. No story or song we might have performed could eclipse the light that flooded the room when Hilda lifted her head and voice to sing.

Alive, for an instant, grasping tight to the Spirit of Christmas. Her hope. Her peace.

My meditations on Christmas in the trenches and its impact on the men in their day, and right there in the elder care gathering room, drive home to me a truth we as Christians must hold fast in our hearts through the night of these contemporary times and current events: Only Jesus brings hope. Only Jesus brings peace.

When Europe was at war in 1914, they were brother nations fighting brother nations. Their Western European history was linked together with the scarlet threads of the blood of Jesus Christ—Christian nations all.

When their man-centered governments did not place Christ on the throne as Prince of Peace, wars ensued. It continues to be a painful fact of history, century after turbulent century.

Those men in the trenches, on both sides, lived out the eternal truth: Only Christmas—the coming of Jesus Christ—has the power to silence guns. Enemies see the light of He whom they both know as the Heavenly King.

A Government exceeding all governments.

But times are much changed since then. Our world is threatened by a terroristic enemy who not only does not know Jesus as Heavenly King, but has sworn to annihilate any government of men's heart and lands that is not their own. Peace is not in their vocabulary. The No Man's Land that separates the two sides can never become a soccer field for a friendly game.

This Christmas, I reflect on the headlines, and the domestic tragedies that appear to be heightened with so much hate rampant and fueled by human governments.

Ignorance and Want, having fled the protective shielding under the garment robes of Charles Dicken's Spirit of Christmas Present, and causes unbridled havoc in society at large.

Still, I am convinced more than ever—the Prince of Peace, the coming of Jesus Christ—is the ONLY hope for peace and resolution to these ills.

We are battling a new trench enemy in this 21st century, stirred by an age-old evil called sin.

May we pray that Christmas comes into our trenches on whatever front we find ourselves fighting wars.

Be it in health, relationships, loss, living, governments, worldviews, or physical battlegrounds with guns and canons, my prayer this Christmas is that you know Jesus in the trenches with you. And, that hope in Him brings peace to your war and your world.

Don’t miss my book review of two excellent resources to learn more about the Christmas29 Truce of 1914 in this Holiday 2015 issue of Ruby for Women.

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Let’s Not Forget

by Frances Gregory Pasch Amidst the hustle bustle Of our busy world today, Let’s stop and take a minute To thank the Lord and pray.

Let’s not forget His precious gift, The reason why He came…

Salvation is in Christ alone, Not any other name.

From a baby in a manger To the cross at Calvary…

Christ entered earth with us in mind.

He came to set us free.

How blessed we are to have a God Who wants us to receive Eternal life wrapped in His arms…

It’s ours, if we’ll believe.

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Christmas Ornament

by Rejetta Morse Now I get to come outside of my box to celebrate the gifts of love for the season, but some gifts I do not see under the tree – the gifts that open hearts of love from Jesus.

The gift of love to those who mourn their loved ones; the gift of food to give to those who hunger; the gift of joy to the sick and elderly; and being a friend to both older and younger.

To bless a child with a bright smile with some toys, the gift of time to those who need attention, to witness to someone who does not believe, and give gifts of true love with adoration.

Well, soon I will return to my empty box and hope next season their hearts of love unlocks.

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 20:35

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Ten Things You Can Do to Reclaim Christmas

By Michelle Lazurek

Preparing for a recent visit from family, I realized how much work hospitality is.

All of the cleaning, cooking and decluttering; it was overwhelming. But then watching my niece running around my house, playing with my son and daughter, I quickly realized all of the aches and pains from scrubbing, washing and dusting were worth it.

Because it’s what my favorite moments of my life will be composed of—memories of being surrounded by family: the young merging with the old, all enjoying each other’s company.

Not only will these become my favorite memories, but doing the work that hospitality requires also helps me become more like Christ. I’m not only meeting peoples physical needs, but their spiritual ones as well.

One of my roles as a pastor’s wife is to get to know our congregation. The easiest way to do that is to invite them over for dinner. But that kind of hospitality that sometimes takes a lot more work than I’m willing to do.

Perhaps you, like me, enjoy having people into your home. But with demanding work schedules and other family obligations, it is hard to have people over, especially as we approach the exceptionally busy holiday season.

Hospitality is a gift. But who said it has to be such hard work? Yes, you will have to work to prepare for your guests. But there are things you can do to take the sting out of the overwhelming feeling hospitality can create.

Reclaim your Christmas list 2) So much of our time is spent shopping, wrapping and selecting the perfect gift for each person in our family. But what about making a gift rather than buying them? Are you good at cooking? Make homemade jam or cookies and wrap them in fancy paper or cellophane.

3) Make a gift basket filled with your loved one’s favorite things. For example, make a movie basket filled with popcorn, candy and two movie tickets.

Reclaim the reason for the season 4) Who says each child needs to have ten gifts each? Use the opportunity to teach your children both simplicity and the true reason for the season.

On December 1st, begin reading the Christmas story from the Bible (Luke 2 and Matthew 1 both tell the story of the birth of Christ.)

Prepare your children by telling them you will celebrate Jesus birthday on December 25th, complete with birthday cake. Sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and then give each child three gifts, representing one gift from each of the three wise men.

Highlight those gifts by making them the best most coveted items on your child’s wish list, then use their stockings to fill with other little goodies and surprises.

5) Teach generosity by giving gifts to those in need.

Operation Christmas Child, Angel Ministries and Heifer International are all ways you can spread Christmas cheer to those in impoverished countries.

Reclaim your kitchen 1) Instead of bearing the brunt of the cooking, ask your guests to bring a dish to share. Then you are only responsible for a small portion of the meal instead of the whole thing. You make the turkey; have everyone else bring a side.

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Reclaim your Christmas list 5) How about a gift that lasts all year long? A magazine subscription or flowers of the month can also lessen your stress while showing your loved ones you care. Less wrapping means less stress for you. You can also buy just for kids instead of adults or do a Pollyanna to buy for one sibling instead of all of them.

Reclaim your Christmas décor 7) Purchase tablecloths and napkins in a neutral color so it fits with any season and any piece of furniture. If you have fewer items to coordinate, you’ll have less to manage.

8) If you are feeling particularly stressed, opt for paper plates instead of dishes. Disposable products mean no clean up.

Reclaim your Christmas guest list 9) Do you always have to have a four- course meal to have people over? Make it a later time and substitute dinner for dessert and coffee.

10) Does every family member have to come on December 25th?

Space it out so fewer people have to come all at once, or better yet, have you host one family and have someone else host you.

Return the favor by bringing a side and lessen the workload for your host, just as they did for you.

Christmas is the best time to display hospitality to others. It’s the time we focus on giving our loved ones a special gift, but also we celebrate the greatest gift of all—Jesus. Why not give yourself a gift as well—the gift of a stress-free holiday! *************************************** Michelle Lazurek is a pastor’s wife and mother of two children. She is also a regular contributor to the Ruby for Women magazine, and the author of several devotional books. You can connect with Michelle on her blog, The Writers’ Tapestry: Where Writing and Life Intertwine http://www.michellelazurek.com

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Split Words Puzzle

by Beth Brubaker Words are split into three sections.

Starting from left to right, find the right combination of letters to form five words.

Answer key on page 76.

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He was a Gift Wrapped in Flesh

by Lanette Kissel Jesus was sent to us as our Christmas gift from Heaven. He was a gift that was wrapped in flesh. And because He became flesh, He knows what it is like to be us. He knows how it feels to experience fear, sadness, loss, betrayal, and physical pain. He knows love of family, the loyalty of friendship, and all that being human entails. But He also came wrapped in flesh so that He could, eventually, pay the supreme sacrifice by surrendering His life for us.

And though He did initially come as Heaven’s gift wrapped in flesh, He was that and so much more.

He was a gift wrapped in knowledge, an eloquent speaker and teacher who would enlighten us with unprecedented, first-hand knowledge of the Father. He alone could impart such valuable information from Heaven that would overshadow all of the former prophecies and prove them to be true. Only Jesus truly knew the Father, and He wanted us to be able to have the privilege of seeing our God through His all-knowing eyes. His short life on earth gave birth to the New Testament and the Christian Church, both of which would give future generations the tools and knowledge we would need to live the Christian life.

He also came wrapped in humility. There wasn’t a selfish bone in His body. He was the humblest among us and came to serve, rather than be served by us. He walked side by side with the ostracized, the outcasts, and the overlooked. He spent time among the lepers, the demon possessed, the prostitutes, those which society ignored and disgraced. Yet He saw them through the eyes of love, rather than judgment.

He came wrapped in compassion for those less fortunate, the ones who constantly suffered due to disease, deformity, and other health related maladies that had forced them to live miserable, hopeless lives before He came upon the scene. He viewed the sick and down-trodden through eyes of compassion and desired to improve their pitiful circumstances and heal them. His acts of mercy opened a new world to them, a world of freedom and normalcy they had not experienced before. He would administer His healing touch and send them off with a spring in their step and barely contained joy in their hearts.

And because He came as a gift for those of us living today, we, too, can be wrapped. We can be wrapped in His grace, and wrapped in His love, if we choose to be. If we only say “yes” to Him, we can be wrapped in His love forever. For no-one else has ever loved us the way He did, and still does to this day and beyond. We can experience a love unlike any we have ever known, and all because He first loved us.

Jesus was the first Christmas gift on that first Christmas night. And His foremost reason for coming to this earth was that we could know a Messiah who would save us from ourselves, and redeem us from our transgressions by taking them upon Himself. He would build us a stairway to Heaven and then give us a key to the gate.

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Measured Back

by Mary Dolan Flaherty

Jesus told us in Matthew 7:2, Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. I discovered firsthand that there is truth in this.

I've been dealing a lot with unhappy customers lately at my job working for a landscape contractor because of cleanup delays due to weather and holidays. When we hang up, I say things like, "My gosh, they're only leaves! Get a life!"

"Sheesh, they're never happy!"

"They complain if you don't clean up their leaves, and they complain when you do!"

"There is a bright side and a dim side. You have to put the bright side facing out."

"Yes, I realize that. But this one is definitely more dim than the others.”

She wordlessly left the counter in search of a replacement. There were none. Sold out. She checked the computer. None available online. That was that.

I suppose I had the next move because she just stood there. I would have to return home with my defective candles, I suppose? Hmmm...I don't think so.

"No one is going to turn around on Thanksgiving and go home because you have leaves on the ground when they're getting a free meal!"

I cheerfully suggested that maybe it was the bulbs that were defective. I switched out the bulbs as an experiment, and, voila! The dim one was now brightly lit! But the other one still didn't fully light. The manager huffed again. Clearly, she wanted me gone.

You get the drift. I’m complaining about the complainers.

"Well, you know, if you knock them, it can cause damage."

Recently I bought some of those battery operated window candles that go on and off automatically at a rather upscale store that I don't normally shop in.

"I didn't knock it. I took it out of the box, screwed the bulb on, and it didn't light."

When I got home, I turned the bulbs on, and I noticed that two of them were defective-one was very dim and the other had only one out of two elements lit up. So I took them back.

Of course you are. This couldn't be easy, could it? All the while I thought, “I sound like those customers who complain that their leaves are still on the ground.

In the same way you judge others, you will be judged.

Maybe the manager had a long day. Maybe she was tired of people with petty complaints, not unlike my own situation at my place of employment. I tried to be nice about the return. Really, I did! I explained the problem. Then I turned the bulbs to switch them on so that she could see my dilemma.

She huffed.

"Well, we're out of bulbs too." She huffed again.

"Can you order one?"

She huffed yet again. "Okay. It'll be $9.99 for a set of two."

It was my turn to stand there and stare at her. Very nicely, I said, "I don't think that I should have to pay for bulbs when the candles are defective."

"Okay, fine. I'll order them for no charge, but you'll 37 have to bring back two bulbs when the replacements come in."

"But only one bulb is defective."

"But they come in a pack of two."

Oh my gosh, is this conversation really happening?

"So, you want me to take a perfectly good bulb out of a fully functioning candle and return it to you so that I can get a package of two?"

"You said that there are two candles that don't work."

"No, this one works!" I said brightly (pun intended).

Then, in an effort to empathize with her and thereby assuage her attitude, I added (as if she really cared), "Look, I work with people too and I can't stand when they complain. I'm not trying to be a pain."

As soon as I said that, I heard one of my customers in my head. She'd said almost that exact same line..."I hate to complain..." and I'd rolled my eyes on the other end of the phone as she said it.

Huffy manager really didn't care. She only wanted me to leave. I was a Problem Customer. "Okay, just bring back the one that doesn't work."

Never once did I raise my voice, lose my patience, or whine. But I did expect a replacement for a defective item, and I was met with resistance. I was being very nice about it all. Why couldn't she just be nice?

Hadn't I done the same thing the week before to that customer who didn't whine, didn't lose her patience and didn't raise her voice? Yet she wanted restitution and didn't immediately get it.

After I hung up, I decided to call my cable company about that free gift card I was supposed to have gotten after signing on with them that I never got.

Oddly, no one at the company ever seems to know about that particular promotion...did I not just learn my lesson with the candles that I had to further punish myself?

Apparently not, because the 45 minute dilemma was almost comical. How does the Internet Essentials department end up with my call after I've been on hold for ten minutes?

And the supervisor of that department assures me that Tech Support would handle my problem? After another long hold, why does a mechanized voice tell me goodbye and hang up on me?

How is it that I call back and am told before the voice prompts even begin that every agent is busy helping other customers?

And finally, when I get someone who can solve my mystery, how is it that he has to open a ticket for an investigation that will take 2 weeks?

The measure of judgement? Huffiness. Eye-rolling.

Impatience. Aggravation. Wishing the problem (customer) would just go away. Wishing that people would come around to my way of thinking.

With the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Ouch.

It took some persistence on her part, and in the end, she was right. I might have thought she was overreacting, but she was paying money for a service and wanted it done to her satisfaction.

When I got home, I decided that it wasn't worth the trouble. The extra candle was going in a window that no one really sees, so I decided to just return the candle. I called the store and told the manager.

She asked if I was sure (she probably thought that I was fickle and would again change my mind).

Yes, I told her, I was sure. She was much more pleasant on the phone.

As you move through Advent, closer to Christmas, closer to Jesus, it might behoove you to remember that. When you'd like to do an eye-roll, try rolling38 them up instead of around. You might save yourself a lot of trouble. Or you can be like me, and learn the hard way.

The First Christmas Gift

By Norma C. Mezoe The wrapping was strips of cloth, the tinsel, bits of hay….

Jesus, the precious Gift of God, in a humble manger lay.

No colored lights on a green pine tree shone upon His face….

But in the sky a bright star gleamed and pointed to His grace.

First Rights – The Gem, published 112/23/12 Reprint Rights – Lutheran Digest, published Fall 2013 39

The Bread Returned

By Norma C. Mezoe

A familiar quote found in Ecclesiastes 11:1 states: “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.” (NIV) Some people translate this verse to mean that when we give to help others, in the future in some way, help will be given to us. This happened to a member of my family.

For several years at Christmas time when my children were young, we had fun giving gifts anonymously. We lived in a small town of 400 people and it was usually common knowledge those who needed help. We bought gifts not only for children, but also for adults. They weren’t expensive gifts, but were chosen with each individual in mind.

One year my younger daughter, Cathy, wanted to give gifts to a classmate and her family because their finances were limited. The gifts were placed on the family’s porch and we sat in our car at a distance, watching to see that the gifts were taken into the house.

Years passed, my children had become adults and married. Cathy’s husband, after having had four strokes and a heart transplant, eventually became an invalid and was confined to a hospital bed at home. Cathy carried a heavy load as she worked and then went home to care for her husband.

Most of her salary was used to pay for sitters for her husband while she was gone. Cathy had to work, not only for financial reasons but also because they needed her insurance to pay the many medical expenses.

That year at Christmas time, an anonymous person left a well-filled box of gifts on Cathy’s porch. As she opened the gifts in the box, she thought about those times, when as a young girl she had taken part in leaving gifts on other people’s porches.

Now she had received gifts in the same way. She had cast bread in her childhood; as an adult, the bread had returned. The promise of Ecclesiastes 11:1 was fulfilled.

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Everything to God in Prayer: A Writer’s Weekly Devotional

by Kelly Boyer Sagert “Filled with anecdotes from her own faith journey in the midst of trials, Everything to God in Prayer by Kelly Boyer Sagert is a unique devotional for Christian writers.

You will love Kelly’s warm style, grace-filled prayers, and insightful exercises designed to recharge your motivation to write. I highly recommend it!”

(Jeanette Levellie, author of Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top, The Heart of Humor, and Shock the Clock: Time Management Strategies for Writers)

Order early for Christmas delivery at Loconeal Publishing Hardback and paperback orders must be placed by December 5th to arrive before Christmas. EBook orders can be placed until December 15th for Christmas delivery.

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Kelly Boyer Sagert Freelance Writer, Editor, and Mentor In the 10th grade, I took an aptitude test and my counselor told me that I clearly should become a journalist – and I told him “no way!” That, to my 15year-old self, would feel like having daily homework for the rest of my working life.

So, I went to Bowling Green State University and earned a psychology degree, even when my English teacher suggested creative writing.

Then, eight years later, I felt a strong urge to write for a living – and, although it took me several years to actually turn writing into a full-time career, that’s what I ultimately did.

I’m also spending more time teaching writing through Writer’s Digest University, something I’ve been doing for 15 years, and one-on-one coaching, online and by phone and Skype.

I’ve been writing and editing professionally for 26 years now, with about 14 of them fulltime. Just recently, I gave up the last remnant of a staff writing job, becoming 100% freelance.

I’m helping to plan the fourth annual Northeast Ohio Christian Writer’s Conference (www.neocwc.com) and excitedly awaiting the January debut of my new book, Everything to God in Prayer: A Writer’s Weekly Devotional.

Late in 2015, a documentary where I have script writing credits will debut on PBS, and can appear on PBS channels throughout the United States for the next three years: Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story.

Here is a review from a pre-reader: “Filled with anecdotes from her own faith journey in the midst of trials, Everything to God in Prayer by Kelly Boyer Sagert is a unique devotional for Christian writers.

Emma “Grandma” Gatewood had lived an unremarkable life, earning an eighth grade education before becoming a farm wife and mother.

She had a tumultuous marriage and, after three decades, decided that she could not tolerate any more abuse, so she divorced.

You will love Kelly’s warm style, grace-filled prayers, and insightful exercises designed to recharge your motivation to write. I highly recommend it!” (Jeanette Levellie, author of Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top, The Heart of Humor, and Shock the Clock: Time Management Strategies for Writers)

When Emma was 67 years old, though, she did something incredible – she became the first woman to solo-hike the 2,000+-mile Appalachian Trail, trudging up mountains and forging streams, sleeping and eating in the wild.

I’ve been married for nearly 28 years to Don, who manages a printing department (and who bowls a mean 225 average!).

For an encore, she climbed the five highest peaks of the Adirondack Mountains and solo-hiked the Oregon Trail, beating the wagon that carried passengers by an entire week.

You can find more information at www.kbsagert.com or at my site-in-progress: 42 www.everythingtogodinprayer.com – and you can reach me at kbsagert@aol.com .

Our two sons, Ryan and Adam, are young adults.

Ryan is a published poet and a musician, and Adam After that, she repeated her feat two more times, is attending Kent State University, earning a degree becoming the first person ever – man or woman – to in special education. We have a house full of solo-hike the Appalachian Trail three times. animals, too!

Deep calls to deep

by Keith Wallis Deep calls to deep the imprint of God upon the ghost of spirit, a watermark in virgin paper, a tincture of a whisper from creation’s nativity.

We too bring gifts to the child – the twisted gold tinsel crown for a king, fragrant candle for a deity, the romantic fairy tale an antiseptic for reality.

This is a death and entrance, a lower case alpha and omega, the bracketed phrase in the sentence of eternity.

This is no stable mucked out and sterile but God among the droppings of mankind.

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Sometimes as shepherds

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

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

Sometimes as shepherds.

And we come, shepherds, slowly, and still in fear nothing to offer, nothing of worth, to this manger-cross holy place: set aside in time and space for purpose.

Each forward step a warming, glowing friendship greets us.

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

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

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

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

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The Second Christmas Eve “Star”

By Amy Lignor The move from my small hometown to the big city of Dallas was a difficult one, leaving family and friends behind to head out into the world on a whole new path. There were positives that came with the change of scenery, though. The biggest change being that the belowfreezing temperatures that lasted for months on end would become a memory.

For the very first time, my daughter and I would be able to rise in the winter mornings, later than the usual five a.m., because there would no longer be a need to slug out into the driveway and shovel a foot of snow away from the garage door in order to move the car. Snow that, I vow, seemed to multiply the moment I cleared a path.

But, as it is with life’s little surprises, that first Christmas in a new place felt as if Mr. Scrooge, himself, begrudged us the newfound warmth.

With financial issues coming on strong, a comfortable apartment had been transformed into a “Bleak Street”-like address. Shopping trips turned to the dollar store; meals became a variety of bologna sandwiches, fried noodles, and other dishes that were less than savory. Yet…that was the best Christmas I ever had.

Her name is Shelby. Then, she was a five-year-old little girl with hope, excitement, and the thrill of life gleaming in her beautiful brown eyes.

And, although we’ve all been told the story regarding the brightest of stars that lit up the sky one Christmas Eve, this is a story of the second star. A star so bright that, any person who needed someone to believe in that Christmas Eve would have spotted shining through the window of that apartment on “Bleak Street.”

The months leading up to the holiday I had scrimped and saved, heading to the dollar store in an attempt to buy gifts to put under the tree. Yes, I was depressed. And, yes, people say that gifts and money do not matter. This is true. Yet, when you are a parent, it is also true that you yearn to give your children gifts at Christmas. That yearning was immense for me. You see, Shelby has never asked for anything – no pleas were ever made to have the latest IPhone, IPad, or any other ‘I’-whatchamacallit. She asked for nothing, which made me want to give her everything even more.

Christmas Eve day we took a walk down the road from our apartment to a park, passing what you could nicely refer to as a dilapidated house. Looking up, Shelby stopped. She stared at the building, almost as if she were waiting for someone to appear at one of the broken 45

windows. I was too wrapped up in my own anger at myself for not being able to even get a Christmas tree to put in the living room.

“That just needs a family.” Her sweet voice broke me from my thoughts, and I took in the wreck before us. To me, the way the boards were bowed and the foundation was cracked, that the spots of white paint barely clinging to the structure were the only thing keeping it from falling into a heap.

“What do you mean, honey?”

Shelby squeezed my hand and pointed up to a second floor window that was barred with a cross made of old, sodden wood. “That will be the girl’s bedroom. Her family will make it all pretty again. She’ll love it!”

I said nothing. Her eyes were twinkling, as if she knew for a fact that this house the adult world would knock down without a second thought was something that could easily be brought back to life with just a little kindness.

Lifting her up into my arms, I kissed her on the cheek. “I’m sorry,” I whispered without thinking.

Pulling back, her small eyebrows furrowed on her forehead. “Why? Why are you sad, Mommy? It’s Christmas.”

The sigh I did not want to make, came out; the tears I didn’t want to appear, came to my eyes. “I couldn’t get a Christmas tree.”

Wrapping her arms around my neck, she held on tight. “Can we go back home?” ********** Walking through the door into that sullen apartment, Shelby ran directly up the stairs and into her bedroom. The guilt began to swarm over me. I suddenly thought she’d chosen to run out of my line of sight because, knowing that there would be no tree…not even a decoration to at least make this dark place look like the holidays, had hurt her.

But after about ten minutes, down the stairs she came; dragging behind her a long, odd object that I couldn’t quite make out.

Spreading it on the floor between us, I stared down at a Christmas tree created from triangles of green construction paper. My heart swelled in my chest as I stared at my little girl. She was so proud. She was so happy.

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“I made it for you.”

I didn’t know what to say. It’s quite difficult to speak when your heart has grown three times its normal size in your chest.

From behind her back came a roll of Scotch tape. “Let’s put it up.”

Standing, trying not to cry, we “hung” that perfect little tree. Even Charlie Brown could not have found a better one. And we spent the rest of the afternoon using all colors of construction paper and crayons to make amazing decorations. Shelby made sure that all animals were represented. It was a tree, I have to say, that Noah would have loved to see on his Ark. At the very end, as the sun was setting outside, she cut out a large, bright yellow star. I held her in my arms and, reaching up, Shelby taped it to the top of that tree, and we hugged so hard that I wanted that moment to never end. The apartment certainly didn’t feel sullen anymore. It was as if that big, bright yellow star had lit up the entire room.

Shelby was excited that we were going to have spaghetti that evening and enjoy the very awesome fudge that my uncle had sent to us. Shelby called Grandma and Grandpa back home to wish them a good Christmas, and the love that came through that phone line cannot be explained: a family such as mine is a cherished blessing that I wish everyone could experience. ************ Shelby is twenty-three now. Her love for animals has always remained, and she has set her future on saving them all—one at a time, if she has to. Her smile is still the brightest I’ve seen.

Her stunning brown eyes are still filled with hope and excitement. And even though she has had to stumble over some of those “life lessons” we all deal with along the way, her heart is still big and the blessing she is in my life, if possible, is even bigger. She says that I am, “the best Mom ever and a great role model.” These words affect me like you would not believe. It is a huge gift knowing that I did a good job.

I still cherish that Christmas tree. Unfortunately, with life’s movements, the construction paper became torn over time. But, as it has happened for the last eighteen years, when the “real” one gets put up this December, and the family decorations are placed on its branches, the memory of that truly perfect Christmas tree will be in the forefront of my mind. I will always see that bright yellow star because it is Shelby personified. She was, is, and will remain my personal “star” to follow on Christmas Eve, and every other eve for the rest of my life.

Merry Christmas 47

Away in the Manger Crossword Puzzle

by Beth Brubaker

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Answer key on page 77

Handcrafted Christmas Ornaments from Vintage Mama’s Cottage For many years, when my older children were small, we would always give each child their own ornament at Christmas. Every year, each ornament would have the child's name and year written on it. Then, when the children grew up and had their own families, they had a collection of Christmas ornaments that not only made their Christmas trees beautiful, but they also had years of memories to share with their own children.

In the past few years, however, it has become so expensive to buy those beautiful ornaments for each of the children (and grandchildren!) so I thought it would be fun to find a collection of DIY Christmas ornaments to share with you so that you, too, can give a memorable gift of a handmade Christmas ornament to someone special. All of these Christmas ornament crafts can be made at home, and you can personalize them with names and dates for each of your loved ones to keep for many Christmases to come.

Cookie Cutter Shadowbox Ornaments Repurpose vintage cookie cutters into shadowbox ornaments with a coat of ivory paint, some vintage sheet music or book pages. Add a bit of bling with costume jewelry pieces, beads, or metal embellishments.

Find more fun and creative DIY Christmas ornament tutorials from Better Homes and Gardens.

Ruffled Ball Ornaments from Simply Notable Simply adorable, super simple, inexpensive and absolutely beautiful, especially using a vintage print fabric for the ruffles on these Styrofoam ball ornaments.

Dress up your home in vintage holiday style with these DIY Ruffled Ball Ornaments with complete instructions at Simply Notable.

Jeweled Felt Star Ornaments Delicate stars make perfect tree or window adornments -- and you don't even need a pattern! To make, cut simple shapes from felted wool and embellish with embroidery floss, pearl beads, and crystal accents. To add visual variety to your display, change the size of star and type of accents.

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Vintage Inspired Bell Jar Ornaments from My So-Called Crafty Life Cute as a button, these Vintage Inspired Bell Jar Ornaments are made from inexpensive plastic wine glasses filled with tiny ornaments and other holiday ephemera. Complete tutorial can be found on My So-Called Crafty Life.

Bedazzled Paper Ornaments from Better Homes and Gardens For a bit of sparkle and shine, and ornaments that even the kids can help create, these DIY Bedazzled Paper Ornaments are the perfect project. Patterned holiday scrapbook paper on card stock cut outs make beautiful ornaments that you can then embellish with pom-poms, ribbons, gems, buttons, and lace.

Fluttery Chipboard Bird Ornaments from Better Homes and Gardens Detailed with glittery scroll wings and rhinestone eyes, these chipboard birds make beautiful ornaments on any Christmas tree.

Simply decorate chipboard with patterned paper and painted designs, add store-bought embellishments, and hang for all holiday guests to adore.

Sparkling Snow Bell Ornaments from Better Homes and Gardens Here’s another version of the bell jar ornaments – these designs feature vintage jewelry and other trinkets, baubles, and beads all showcased in a clear dome. Create a holiday still life inside the dome by cutting a chipboard circle the size of the dome’s base.

Arrange items onto the chipboard base, glue in place, and then add sparkly tinsel or garland. Glue the dome to the chipboard base to create your own Sparkling Snow Bell Ornaments.

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"The War on Christmas"

by Bodie Hodge Book Review by Miriam Jacob The War on Christmas by Bodie Hodge presents the issues confronting Christmas in today's world. Christmas is under attack! "When the Bible is left out, God is left out. So man, by default, becomes that authority." Man elevates himself to a position of authority above God, and demands the removal of God and His Word from every area of life.

"We now see conflicts covering Christmas. There is a war on Christmas. We must defend Christmas if we are to celebrate it. Christians must know what they celebrate at Christmas. What is the real reason for Christmas? Are we really celebrating the birth of Christ? The true gift of Christmas is Christ. Do we understand who Jesus is and what He did?"

We must celebrate Christmas in our hearts. The child in the manger is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God has come to live in our world. 'Christ-mas' means 'Christ Celebration'. "When God brought His Son into the world, all the angels worshipped Him" - (Hebrews 1:6). The angels celebrated his birth like no other in history. Christmas is about Jesus Christ. It is His birthday. As Christians, we must celebrate Christ's birth in our hearts all the time.

Jesus is God's only Son. God sent Him to earth to save us. Our faith is based on the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God. The Trinity is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Christianity is about a Person and a relationship. It is about our relationship with God, who sent His Son to earth to identify with us. When we accept Jesus into our hearts, it is the start of a new relationship with God. We are transformed into His likeness. "God has set eternity in the human heart" - (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Jesus Christ is God's greatest gift to man. At Christmas, God blessed the world with Christ's love.

"We love because He first loved us" - (1 John 4:19).

"God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life" - (John 3:16). God is our Father. We are His children. When we receive Jesus into our hearts, we become children of God. Christ is God's gift to us at Christmas. After a supernatural conception by the Holy Spirit, Jesus was carried in Mary's womb and born as a helpless, vulnerable, newborn baby. God personally supervised every single detail of His birth, so He was never at risk. “God created perfect seed for the conception that took place in Mary’s womb, thus producing a perfect man of flesh and blood untainted by sin.”

God sent Jesus into the world in a most humble way. His lowly birth was a personal reflection of God's selfless character and tender, compassionate heart. Jesus was the most humble Person who lived on earth even though He is God. He humbled Himself for our sakes. Christ convicts the human heart. He did not stay in the cradle. He pressed on to conquer.

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BRANDED: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture

by Tim Sinclair Book Review by Miriam Jacob How do we share Jesus with a consumer culture? In Branded: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture, Tim Sinclair boldly declares that sharing Jesus has absolutely nothing to do with mass-marketing and everything to do with being personally branded by Christ, permanently marked by our Savior.

BRANDED is a clarion call to turn the Christian hourglass over, to make drastic changes in order to see new progress. It is all about branding Jesus and becoming branded by Him ourselves.

Tim Sinclair specifies that when it comes to sharing Jesus with the world around us, it is crucial that we acknowledge our own unique talents and abilities and use them effectively to reach out to people within our own circle and sphere of influence. As Tim states so clearly, there is no “one-size-fits-all” methodology. How do people see you? When they look at you, what do they see? Do they see love?

When love is authentically lived out in a person’s life, it stands out brightly in today’s world. Do they see you as a lover of Jesus who cannot help but share Him? Do you speak about your love for Christ to the world?

As a Christian, you inadvertently advertise Jesus wherever you go. Tell your story with your own particular flair and style, boldly, confidently, as open and honestly as you can. Show the world how Jesus can make a striking and significant difference in your daily life. The story of your walk with Christ is your most powerful tool. Be a bright and shining example of the extraordinary power of Christ to transform a person’s life and make it totally new! Make those around you want to believe! Your own life is your greatest testimony! Remember the words of St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times – if necessary use words.”

Tim Sinclair, a top-flight communicator in today’s hi-tech, consumer-oriented world, exhorts Christians to promptly sign on for a world-class marketing campaign for the Savior and to share their faith honestly in authentic ways for God’s glory.

BRANDED: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture by Tim Sinclair is available from Ruby’s Reading Corner.

Miriam Jacob is a member of the Ruby Blogger Team as well as a regular contributor to the Ruby for Women magazine as a member of our Book Review Team.

She blogs at Miriam Jacob’s Portfolio as well as Authors for Christ where you can read her poetry as well as her other book reviews.

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God in Our Chaos

by Sharon L. Patterson “I think I will write about that…” was my comment recently when my small group met for fellowship. It was soon evident we were not there simply for the great food offered by the restaurant.

From the conversation, a theme emerged for half of our group: Two of us were in the middle of chaos in our family situations and the other two had just moved out of chaotic family conditions.

Half our group had just sent prayers of “SOS” even as the others were praying, “Praise the Lord, order has been restored.”

There are many results of chaos but perhaps one of the most frustrating is loss of perspective as we drown in a sea of loose ends: broken relationships, out of control behavior, addictions, and devastated emotions are all around with no life preserver in sight. It feels quite hellish and hopeless when we are in the middle of it.

I love the Lord’s promise to never leave us or forsake us. Several weeks ago, I planned the get together. Before I ever thought of my plan, the Lord had a perfect one; complete with life savers He brought to our fellowship.

He used faith through testimony of the two He had already lifted out of chaos. By the end of our dinner, we all left with a positive testimony, clear perspective, hope filled solutions and determined faith. Our conversation had a very positive direction.

Chaos comes to the life of each one of us. It’s scattered debris and endless details leave us exhausted as we try to figure out how the broken pieces, chards of an impossible puzzle will somehow produce lost order.

The most important thing to remember when storms and crisis leave chaos is to decide who will be God in our chaos. If we make ourselves in charge using our own wisdom and solutions to bring order we run great risk.

Strangely, the chaos we have become accustomed to simply changes into new chaos with little, if any, effective difference to our circumstances.

Stress deepens, confusion expands, temporary fixes dissolve into nothing and we find we are master of nothing.

Should we make the best choice and have God be God in our chaos, then we will be pleasantly surprised by the changes that take place. Not only that, but He can take all the sharp-edged shards, mountains of mindless and disjointed information, opposing views and directions and make purpose and meaning come together out of it all.

He sees it from the highest vantage point; He is working with the chaos that is taking place for a greater good for all that are involved, if we let Him. He who is The Way, makes one where there seems to be none. He who is Wisdom brings succinct solutions.

He who is Truth dissolves the lies. He who is Life sends us preservers and we float to shore by way of The Deliverer.

I like this last choice for my chaos, how about 53 you…shall we let Almighty God be the only God in our chaos?

My Christmas Prayer

By Sharon L. Patterson “Oh Lord!” I cry As I slip by The ladies in line ahead of me Who are arguing most disagreeably Over the store’s very last toy Each of them wants for her little boy.

“Please, help me get What I haven’t found yet…

Not just the presents left on my list, But the joy of this season that somehow I’ve missed.”

Just then, I heard Him say, “Go back to those ladies in dismay.

Help them find the answer to their need.

You have it already, and it is the right one indeed!”

“O Lord, are you asking for what’s inside my bag?”

I searched so hard and wrote Jimmy’s name on the tag.”

Somewhat reluctantly, I took out my grandson’s gift And offered it to the ladies to mend their rift.

“I can’t believe this!” said the woman to my right, “My Jimmy will get his Christmas wish tonight!”

To the other lady she offered her sincere apology, While refusing to quit hugging me.

The tug of war ended And hearts were mended.

I was left with the greatest treasure Answered prayer at my God’s pleasure.

“O Lord, you helped me get What I hadn’t found yet…

It does not matter what is left on my list, You have given me this season’s joy that I had missed.”

A grateful “Thank You, Lord” rose from my lips Then suddenly, the lady on my left slips A wrapped package into my empty bag “Don’t worry, I’ve even wrote ‘Jimmy’ on the tag!”

She offered a quick explanation…the store Searched and found there was one more!”

It had been promised and set on the hold rack But the one who ordered it never came back.

One more precious layer As to just how God answered my Christmas prayer!

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Wishing You a Very “Mary” Holiday Season

by Linda McKee As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was so distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered. “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38 -42 NIV The story of Mary and Martha is a familiar one, but I wonder what Martha’s week was like before Jesus arrived. The scripture doesn’t really say, but she could have heard that Jesus was nearby and sent someone out to invite him to their home.

We are only given snippets about the life of Mary and Martha, but I bet if we were there, we would have seen Martha running about with a “To Do” list so overwhelming it caused her anxiety levels to soar. I imagine Martha scurried quickly to and from the city’s well every morning but instead of stopping to chit chat with her neighbors, she responded with a quick “Sorry, can’t talk now, company’s coming!”

Poor Martha, there was dusting to do, cobwebs to knock down, bread to bake, food to cook, fresh straw was needed for the floor, the camel needed a bath, and she had to go to the market! I’m sure for days she got up early, and burned extra oil staying up late. With many items still left on her list, Jesus arrives, but notice this, the Bible says “Martha was so distracted by all the preparations that had to be made…”

Ironically, Martha was so busy preparing for her guest that she didn’t even spend time with the guest for whom she was preparing. Tired, overwhelmed, and frustrated Martha hears her sister’s laughter from the other room, and when she walks in, her sharp words interrupt the guests’ pleasant conversation with Jesus; talk about awkward silence!

It’s easy for me to connect with Martha. Until recently, my Thanksgiving preparations began in October. Like Martha, I made impossible lists with unrealistic expectations.

Wash the drapes, steam clean the carpets, get the dogs groomed, cook the food, and decorate the house… like Martha, as soon as I crossed one thing off my list I added three more.

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One year I even moved our upright piano by myself so I could clean the carpet underneath it! Who did I think was going to check out the carpet under our piano? Sadly, when my guests finally arrived I was “worried and upset about many things” too tired and filled with anxiety to enjoy the meal or my family.

But what about Mary? She seemingly did nothing. Yet, despite all of Martha’s careful planning, Jesus says “Mary has chosen what is better”. It might be easy to consider Mary as carefree and irresponsible, but I don’t think that’s true. I think Mary may have even asked her sister if she needed help (of course us “Martha’s” think we can do it all by ourselves) and like her sister, I believe Mary probably had a list.

But Mary’s list was much shorter; “get dressed, eat breakfast, talk with Jesus”. You see, Mary lived by the K.I.S.S. principle – Keep It Simple Sista’. Had it been up to Mary she would have ordered pizza and simply showed up. And that’s the point.

While Martha worked at making a perfect presentation, Mary engaged in the moment and by doing so made a lifelong memory. Perhaps it is the memory that Jesus is referring to when he says, “and it will not be taken away from her.”

I am always saddened when I see people trying to make the “perfect” Thanksgiving or the “perfect” Christmas, shopping for that unforgettable gift, finding the flawless recipe, or decorating a picture perfect tree. By the end of the day they are simply too exhausted to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.

“Ironically, Martha was so busy preparing for her guest that she didn’t even spend time with the guest for whom she was preparing. Tired, overwhelmed, and frustrated Martha hears her sister’s laughter from the other room, and when she walks in, her sharp words interrupt the guests’ pleasant conversation with Jesus; talk about awkward silence!”

Don’t get me wrong, I believe there is value in purposefully creating memories with our families.

However, sometimes we are so focused on lists, and perfect presentations we don’t even see our own loved ones waiting for us to put it all aside and be fully present with them. To a child, drinking hot cocoa after building a snowman is a special memory- “and it will not be taken away…”

As we begin another holiday season, remember to keep it simple. Perhaps we don’t need to move the piano and just maybe cleaning the cobwebs can wait for another day. This Thanksgiving and Christmas I encourage you to keep your lists short, engage with your loved ones, and have a very “Mary” holiday season.

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An Angel’s Perspective

By Mary Dolan Flaherty But I was reminded that it wasn't Father who made them that way. It was sin. But that's another story.

Let me tell you about this incredible year- well, really only a few months. It was more like a millisecond, since we have no "time" in Heaven.

I have one of the most difficult jobs on earth. I guess you could say I'm in sales. We don't really get into job titles where I come from. It’s difficult because I have to convince human beings a) not to be afraid, because otherwise, they won't be able to be convinced b) that I have great news.

I say it's one of the most difficult jobs on earth because in Heaven, it's much different. Fellow angels do not have to be convinced, because we don't have doubt, fear, mistrust, and don’t lie.

We don't understand these things, so when we sit around and talk it's pretty much, to coin a human phrase, "what you see (and hear) is what you get."

Difficult to play poker though - hard to bluff, if you know what I mean. But I digress.

The biggest obstacle is that humans are not used to seeing us. They don't understand the supernatural, so when one of us appears before a human they become afraid. If I can't convince that human to be unafraid; not only will they not hear what I have to say, but they won't believe. And that is perhaps the saddest thing of all.

One year I had an especially hard time trying to convince a few of these humans. It was one thing after another, and I thought, "Boy, these human beings are very hard-headed creatures. It's sad that they have such fear and mistrust. I wonder why Father made them that way."

It all started with a priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, both upright with the Lord. They had no children and were pretty far along in years for humans. One day, when Zechariah was doing his priestly duties standing at the altar of incense, Father sent me to appear to him--right in the middle of his burning incense!

Of course, Zechariah was afraid, but I was used to this. I was trained to attempt to dispel fear. I told him not to be afraid. I assured him that his prayer had been heard. He thought I meant the prayers he was offering up for the people, so I went on to tell him that his wife Elizabeth would have a son, and his name was to be John; he would be a forerunner to the Messiah.

I suppose my sales pitch needed to be stronger with Zechariah, because his response was, "How can I be sure of this? We're old!"

A holy man, but skeptical! Because he didn't believe, he was struck speechless until the time of John's birth, when his wife proclaimed that the baby's name was to be John. Unfortunate for Zechariah, but such is often the way when these humans do not believe.

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My next stop after Zechariah was a young virgin from Nazareth named Mary. This young woman was chosen by Father to bear His Son. What a wonderful girl, highly blessed to have this honor!

It would be a delight to appear to her! I was so excited about my assignment that I forgot to preface my appearance with "Do not be afraid."

Instead I blurted out, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!"

Okay, I scared her a bit and I think I confused her as well, but I quickly recovered with my "Do not be afraid" line.

I explained to her that she would come to be with child and to name him Jesus; that He would be great and be called the Son of the Most High.

She became more confused. I guess I wasn't explaining this in a way a human could understand, but truthfully, I didn't quite understand the specifics myself.

She wondered how this could happen when she'd never been with a man, and I explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her. I assured her that nothing was impossible with God. I think it was that last line that convinced her--I've been told that your closing line is what gets the sale. This young woman---what a gal!

I guess my sales pitch worked, because she pondered this for a few moments, then said, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." No more questions! Just simple and pure belief!

Joseph, her betrothed, was a little harder to convince. That's a pretty crazy story to be told by the woman you're about to take as your wife! So, Father tried a different approach. He had me come to Joseph in a dream.

Of course, even in his dream, I told him not to be afraid. I didn't want him to wake up and wonder who the dream was from! He had to know it was from Father.

Fear comes from our enemy, Satan, not from Yahweh. In his dream, I told him that he should take Mary as his wife, that what was conceived was from the Holy Spirit.

She would give birth to a son, and would call his name Jesus, because he would save his people from their sins.

I never thought I could convince anyone in a dream, but I'll tell you what---Joseph awoke from that dream and didn't waste any time taking Mary as his wife, but respected her until she gave birth...if you catch my drift.

I really like this Joseph, and the way he responded to my appearances in his dreams, so much so, that I would choose this method two more times--once to tell him to go to Egypt to escape King Herod's wrath of killing all male children under the age of two--in order to attempt to eliminate Jesus--and the third time to tell him that it was safe to return to Israel.

But again, I digress from this particular time.

You know what happened with Mary and Joseph going to Bethlehem to register for the census (talk about bad timing!) and because of the hoards of people coming to Bethlehem for the same reason, this young couple could not find lodging.

And Mary, due any day, ended up giving birth to the King of all kings in a manger, his throne being 58 a water trough.

My next assignment was to let the shepherds in the fields know that a Savior had been born.

Next thing we all knew, my friends appeared all around us--a great company of heavenly host and we couldn't help but praise Adonai.

This was great news, but back then, there was no internet, no cell phones, no CNN. There was no way to get this news to them quickly other than an angel!

We began singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

So, once again, I appeared, and because it was very dark out, the glory of God shone all around.

I guess you know the rest of that story, but let me end with this:

Let me tell you, these guys were terrified! I suppose hanging out with sheep all day and all night makes you pretty lonely.

We still appear to humans today. Maybe not in the same way, but we are all around.

So when you see this celestial being, complete with intense, blinding light, you may think you're hallucinating. We're used to it; we sometimes forget that humans are not.

You may not see us like Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds did, but we still roam the earth, protecting you, delivering you, guiding you through circumstances, ministering to you when you hurt, and watching over you.

Of course, I gave them my opening pitch...do not be afraid. What a joy it was to simply proclaim to them, "I bring you good news of great joy!

We especially look for those "on whom his favor rests" because those are the ones who have the most peace.

Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Sometimes, we even take the form of a human...you never know who might be an angel in disguise!

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Christmas in the Trenches

by John McCutcheon Illustrated by Henri Sorensen Book Review by Kathryn Ross If you read my feature article in this issue of Ruby for Women on the Christmas Truce of 1914, you’ll have some backstory to how moving this story is and how worthy of a closer look with a couple of good books.

In the picture book with companion CD, Christmas in the Trenches, the story told here is passed down from one of the survivors of the World War I Christmas truce of 1914.

Sumptuous paintings by Denmark native, Henri Sorensen, illustrate author John McCutcheon's tale of a grandfather re-telling the story of his favorite Christmas at the beckoning of his grandchildren.

In truth, there are many other tales told from WWI survivors who experienced a silent night/holy night like this on other fronts each year of the war. This particular storybook is adapted from the folk song written and recorded by John McCutcheon in 1984--and is performed, song and reading, by the author on the accompanying CD. It is one of my very favorite stories to retell. This visual masterpiece edition is a must have for every home, and in the dark days in which we now live. When it seems the world is at war with more ferocity than ever, here is a story to reflect upon as a family each Christmas Eve. Though not necessarily drawn out by the author, this story stirs the heart with a hunger for the peace and justice of God's government to reign supreme.

For more first-hand accounts of Christmas truce stories collected from interviews, letters, and diaries from World War I, you may enjoy Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce, by Stanley Weintraub, ISBN: 978-0452283671.

After reading these stories together as a family, take some time to write a Christmas card or letter to a veteran serving on the front lines and far from home. Contact your local Marine detachment for information on where to mail your cards. Keep our soldiers on your prayer list.

You may also consider making some simple Christmas ornaments and visiting a local elder care or assisted living facility with little gifts for the residents. Plan to visit and sing a few Christmas carols and wish them the hope and peace of Jesus this season. Perhaps, if you read my article in this issue, Holy Moments in No Man’s Land, you will stir a soul like Hilda and bless her heart in immeasurable ways.

Both books are now available from Ruby’s Reading Corner.

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Draw Near

by Lynn Mosher

Draw nigh to God... ...in holiness Draw nigh in repentance, for the forgiveness of sins Draw near... ...in silent adoration Draw near in unrestrained awe and praise Draw close to the Lord... ...to that Intimate Friend Draw close to the Beloved of your soul Draw alongside... ...kneeling as a petitioner Draw alongside as a listener, in deepest affection Draw closer still to the Babe in the manger... ...listen to the sweet sounds of the Newborn, as a foreshadowing of grievous sobs for a world of sinners ...smell the scent of the timbered cradle, as a harbinger of the distinctive fragrance of a destined, wooden cross ...see the Babe’s tiny hands reaching out, as impending vessels for prophetic iron spikes ...hear the gentle beat of His humble heart, as the antithesis of the future, rhythmic clanking of a metal hammer 61

Draw near to receive... ...a salvation so freely offered ...the power and strength you are lacking ...the guidance necessary to proceed through life’s events ...the tender touches of love to ease your pain and suffering ...overflowing streams of peace into your tired and hurting soul ...words of comfort and encouragement to soothe your broken heart and wipe away your tears Draw near... ...in moments of anger ...in moments of praise Draw near... ...in moments of emergency ...in moments of stillness Draw near... ...in moments of deep sorrow ...in moments of great joy Draw near... ...in moments of despair ...in moments of thankfulness “Something better has been brought to us. It is God’s promise. And by that promise we come near to God.” (Heb. 7:19b Worldwide English) Therefore, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

(Heb. 10:22 NKJV) Draw near to the King of heaven and earth! Draw near to sing Happy Birthday!

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

(James 4:8 NKJV)

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Tiny Petit Fours from Taste of Home Once upon a time, this Vintage Mama took a notion to make a batch or two (or three or four, I can’t remember for sure!) of these beautiful little cakes at Christmas. Well, of course, it is a lot of work! But these tiny treasures are so fun to make and are a delightful addition to your Christmas celebration. You can be as creative as you want, or keep them simple and sweet. Either way, this could be the start of a new holiday tradition with your children or grandchildren The complete recipe can be found at Taste of Home.

Candy Cane Fudge from All Recipes This is one of our very favorite Christmas recipes at Vintage Mama's Cottage! Candy Cane Fudge is superduper simple, and it looks so pretty on a festive Christmas plate or in a holiday gift box. We make this every year and give it to teachers, neighbors, friends, and family. They all love it, and I know you will, too. Find the recipe at All Recipes.

Christmas Sugar Cookies from Land 'O Lakes These beautiful cookies are simple circles that can be decorated with a bit of frosting and a few sprinkles, which works pretty good for the kids until they get tired of this project (which is about five or six minutes, if I recall correctly). And then mama can have the fun of creating all kinds of fabulous designs like wreaths, Santas, Christmas trees, peppermint candies, and snowflakes. They just might be too pretty to eat! The complete recipe can be found on the Land 'O Lakes website.

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Chocolate Covered Cherries from Guideposts Have you ever tried homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries?

This is one of the recipes that we tried at Vintage Mama's Cottage many years ago, and we were amazed at how easy they are to make! They are yummy, too, and make a beautiful gift all piled high on a lovely vintage plate or in a pretty Christmas box. This is another one of those recipes that has become a family tradition for our family.

French Mint Bars found on Pinterest This is one of the oldest recipes here at Vintage Mama's Cottage. We have made these scrumptious French Mint Bars for so many Christmases, I can't remember a Christmas without them. If you are in a bit of a hurry to make something spectacular to take to a holiday luncheon, or to a carry-in at church, this recipe is quick and easy. You'll be able to whip them up and pop them in the fridge for a bit, and voila! You are on your way with a plate of French Mint Bars and everyone will be amazed. This recipe was found on Pinterest.

Christmas Eggnog from Williams-Sonoma What would Christmas be without Eggnog? I am curious to learn about this history of this traditional holiday drink, but wherever it came from, it is certainly one of our favorites here at Vintage Mama's Cottage! There are so many different recipes for Eggnog that I'm sure you can find one that suits your family's tastes, here is one just in case you want to give it a try this Christmas. Image and recipe can be found on the Williams-Sonoma website.

Christmas Wassail (Hot Spiced Cider) from Sing for your Supper When my older kids were little we always had hot, spiced apple cider with cinnamon on Christmas Eve. Now that they are all grown up, they always expect a cup of steaming hot Christmas Wassail on Christmas Eve, just before bed time. Holiday traditions make special memories for all of us - here's one that's easy, yummy, and so festive! This recipe was found at Sing for your Supper.

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A Christmas Bill

by Jewell Utt So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish. Matthew 18:14 (NIV) My peaceful walk through the forest was disturbed by sounds of distress. It was a goose wildly shaking his bill, caught in some type of barbed wire. As I approached cautiously I could see it was scared. My help would only panic him more. I called Animal Control, who came right over. They sedated the bird to prevent further damage from his thrashing about. Task complete, I began to walk away.

"Wait ma'am we need some information."

"Well I don't know what more I can add." I said.

"We need a contact number for the bird.,� the officer replied.

"I don't think he has a phone." I said.

The officer was hardly amused. "Someone has to take responsibility for a vet to get involved."

"You mean they won't just treat and release him?" I asked.

"It's a goose, they're not the most loved birds. And vets can't afford to treat every case."

"So they need someone to pay for the visit. Is that it?"

"That's it. And if you can't... we should just put him down right here."

Wow, not worthy of being saved, how sad.

I thought about Christmas, it was right around the corner. The gifts and food, the travel and clothes... the bills were adding up. I must confess, a Christmas goose dinner crossed my mind. One less expense. But as I looked around I spied a slightly smaller goose hiding in the brush. My eyes filled as I realized it was his mate, waiting to see the fate of her partner. He was important to her.

Human partnerships can be as fleeting as the wind. One out of every two marriages in the US end in divorce, yet geese will mate for life. I reflected on the love God has for me - for each of His sheep, not willing for even one to go astray. So I gave my information. I would pay this Christmas bill.

The detestable reputation of the goose reminded me how quickly we can discount people we deem undesirable. Yet, God deems us all worthy. His love and compassion are a free gift He offers to everyone. May we see others, as He sees us.

As for the pair...I fed the female so she would stick around until her mate was returned, then quietly watched as she swam to his side after his release. What a blessing for both of us!

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Kids’ Korner

by Carol Peterson

Here Comes Santa Cat

by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Claudia Rueda (Dial Books, 2014; for ages 3-5) Review by Carol Peterson Whether you love cats or not, we all recognize they have attitude. Deborah Underwood (and her personal coauthoring pet cat, Bella), along with illustrator Claudia Rueda have captured the delightful snarkiness of cats in this picture book series.

In Here Comes Santa Cat, Cat desires to be Santa Claus for all the wrong reasons. But ultimately, he comes to understand the idea of giving that Santa represents. While this book is not strictly a Christian story, it is a delightful book that can be the starting point for a discussion of the meaning behind the figure of Santa Claus and the doctrine that it is better to give than to receive.

Although the publisher states the age range for this book at 3-5, the tongue-in-cheek humor makes the story appealing to older kids and adults as well.

This picture book series began with Here Comes the Easter Cat and Here Comes the Tooth Fairy Cat. Hopefully we can look forward to more adventures with Cat, Underwood and Rueda.

Here Comes Santa Cat is available from Ruby’s Reading Corner

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.

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Medal of Honor for Mom

by Cynthia Knisley My mother is in a nursing home. She receives regular doses of morphine and sedatives as needed. The morphine is to reduce pain.

When asked why she needs a sedative, the nurse replied that she becomes agitated. I asked what this agitation actually looks like, in clear terms.

The nurse reported that she tries to get up. I wanted to scream, “Then why don’t you help her get up!” This kind of assistance is evidently against protocol in the 21st century nursing care unit where my mother finds herself.

My siblings and I have been scolded for trying to assist her with personal care because, we’re told, she could fall. Almost one year later I’m convinced the real concern is about liability, not our dear mother. Something is wrong with the system.

Something is wrong with our elder care system.

How did we get to this place? Several years ago I offered to bring my parents 100 miles east to live with me and they declined, wishing to stay in their familiar community.

Now I’m told it would be very difficult for them to relocate and that I would never be able to care for them. Indeed I want to trust this advice, like I’ve tried to trust the system.

I acknowledge the positives—the friendly staff who know my parents and call them by name, the devotions and activities each morning and afternoon, and the kind ladies who serve tasty meals.

However, my mother is drugged and confined to a wheel chair all day and my father lives with a strange man after 69 years of marriage to my mother. I have many questions.

My parents appear to be caught in a web of mistaken priorities that meets with the approval of society but is starkly out of sync with the good and peaceful life they deserve for their final days. They had no idea that things would end up like this.

My story is a call for help. Medical personnel, clergy, social workers, policy makers, one and all, take note. Many of our elderly citizens find themselves in similar situations.

She is 92 years old, a nurse trained at Johns Hopkins University during World War II as preparation for war duty. She knows what’s happening to her body.

She is also a woman of courage. At age 22 shortly after burying her father she left her mother behind in North Carolina and ventured north to enlist in the cadet nursing program at Hopkins.

Her three brothers were already in service for the country and she wanted to do her part. Mother was blessed with a feisty personality and a strong will. If needed to do so, she could organize an entire army on her own. Of course she wanted to get up and out of that wheel chair!

More than 10,000 Americans turn sixty-five each day. Like my parents, they have lived productive and wholesome lives and may live well into their 90’s. At some point they too will need assistance.

In honor of my mother and thousands of others, we need to change our approach and restore dignity and peace to the aging process. This is my prayer.

The elder care system needs innovators who are creative enough to imagine radically new options and visionary leaders with the fiscal courage to make change happen.

Mother never dreamed the last stage of life would be her battlefield. If she were not so drowsy I would present her with this story---her own special medal 67 of honor. And she would be standing up!

A Christian Tree

by Kathleen Katt Luce Not getting a Christmas Tree this year? Neither are we. It’s work! Moreover, the kids won’t be coming home until after Christmas.

But still we’ll decorate, keeping it simple. We have fresh Pyracantha berries growing outside, jade succulents and a pine tree with low branches. It will smell fragrant and look festive on our mantle, especially when red Christmas ornaments are nestled in the pine branches. The crèche will go on the coffee table and Jesus will be honored.

When we do have a tree, I want a Christian Tree! I have written the nine fruits of the Spirit in my best calligraphy on nine of the ornaments. What a springboard for conversation are the words: “Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness or Self-Control.”

It’s an opportunity to explain that according to the Bible, together, these are the fruits of the Holy Spirit. If you have given your life to Jesus Christ, then all of the fruit of the Spirit is available to you, not just some of it. We simply need to exercise that fruit in our lives.

You can also write out the names of Jesus: “Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father, Emmanuel, Wonderful Counselor, etc.” Cut them out and attach each to the tree with a glue gun. It’s another opportunity to lift up Jesus in our home.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 68 Image found on The Collegian.

The Visitors

by Mary Dolan Flaherty Over a quarter of a century ago, I entertained angels. Well, it's a stretch, but they might have been. My husband brought a friend home on Christmas Eve. His name was Wild Ricky.

I don't think I ever knew Wild Ricky's last name. He wore his stringy blond hair in a ponytail, drove a Harley, and had tattoos before they were fashionable.

He looked tough, but was soft-spoken; not wellmannered, but his willingness to do anything for anyone compensated.

His thick Georgia drawl was wildly out of place in New Jersey. Wild Ricky had invited his girlfriend up from Georgia for Christmas, and this girlfriend happened to have a 10-year old son named Brandon.

I remember this very well, because Christmas Eve was Brandon's birthday, and they walked in with the guys. They were both so excited to celebrate his birthday! Brandon's mom had brought presents, and she had even gotten a cake from the bakery, with "Happy Birthday Brandon" written on it.

I was a young stay-at-home mom with a toddler. At first, I was surprised at having unannounced visitors, and then angry at being inconvenienced on Christmas Eve with this birthday party.

But I was a 26 year old kid who hadn’t learned to speak her mind yet, so I said nothing. I figured that we’d have cake, sing Happy Birthday, watch Brandon open a few gifts and these people would be on their way.

However, the guys announced that they had some last minute shopping to do, so off they went and left me alone with Brandon and his mom!

The men, being guys, lost track of time. I entertained these strangers for several hours. I can’t imagine what Brandon’s mom and I talked about.

I was a young up-and-coming-suburban-mom, and she was…well, a not-as-young-as-I-Wild-Rickykind-of-girl. I suppose we had a pseudo-party because I recently came across the pictures.

The thing about photographs is that you can look at them years later with a different perspective because the emotion is not there, as it was when the picture was taken.

All these years, whenever I’d looked at these pictures, it was all about me--- “How could my husband have brought those strangers into my home on Christmas Eve, without asking me?

How could he expect me to entertain them, and didn’t he realize that he was imposing on me and disrupting my Christmas Eve?” But when I came across these pictures a few weeks ago, I realized that I had never thought about the situation from their perspective.

The very person they came to spend Christmas with left them to spend Brandon’s birthday in the company of strangers in a strange place. And they 69 made the best of it.

Then, it occurred to me that there was another little boy who once spent his birthday in the company of strangers in a strange place. He would not remember it, because it was the day of his birth, but his parents most certainly would. His name was Jesus and His birthday is the one we celebrate every Christmas.

That little boy grew up and thirty-something years later preached these words to his followers – I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.

I was a stranger and you invited me in…whatever you did to the least of these brothers of mine, you did to Me. (Matthew 25:35) (bold emphasis added)

Brandon will be 39 this year--not much older than Jesus was when He spoke those words. I’m so thankful that I was a 26 year old kid who didn’t know how to speak her mind. What a tragedy it would have been not to invite them in.

Maybe God really did send them to me, and it took me twenty-nine years to figure it out!

We are told in Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some people have entertained angels without knowing it. We really never know who we are entertaining, do we?

Happy birthday, Brandon, wherever you are.

Visit Mary Dolan Flaherty on her blog at SonRise Insights to read more of her inspirational articles.

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Making the Most of the Holiday Season

by Ifeoma Samuel For unrelated reasons we simply cancelled on our usual holiday visits and partying and decided to do something unusual. We certainly wanted to stay away from the holiday noise and hullabaloo; a rather quiet Christmas holiday would do just right.

Guess what we did?

We took a long drive to another part of town. The road trip was long but very enjoyable because it was our first family road trip together.

To make the most of the holiday, you need to be intentional with spending time with family, friends, the church, neighbors etc.

As a homemaker, we become absorbed with organizing a perfect holiday experience while truthfully we miss out of it ourselves.

We prepare awesome get-togethers and forget to enjoy these experiences ourselves.

The holiday fatigue grips most of us in the peak of our eventful planning and organizing. The exhaustion wears us down and we get tired before the holiday actually begins, literally.

Are you getting ready for this holiday? Thinking of doing something spectacular?

How can you avoid the holiday fatigue while making the most of Christmas?

Try Something Different: Personally, I dislike being stuck in a routine. When we tried something different as a family and it paid off!

Sometimes getting out of the routine as a matter of fact can be helpful in avoiding the holiday fatigue. I had some exciting benefits when we chose a different plan for our holiday: I reserved my energy for my family alone! I don’t want to sound selfish but sometimes a private time with your family is a rewarding bliss.

I was rescued from my anxiety and needless worry of caring for our guests.

I was relieved from the prep work of cooking, decorating, rearranging and everything in between.

71 Boy! It was good spending time hand in hand with my hubby in the company of our little daughter.

“Different” for you can be home cooking and opening your doors to neighbors, visiting family or friends or long distance trips or serving at the homeless home or whatever good that brings joy into your heart while keeping Christ in the center of it all.

Remember, your family is unique. Different must be tailored into what suits your needs.

Plan ahead: Every homemaker understands the energy drain. You know what this means?

Planning helps you identify what suits your family needs, financial pocket and expectations.

You need to make the most of your holiday as a homemaker while you don’t miss out of the moment, so plan as much as you can.

It is important that you make do of “what” and “who” you have at the moment.

The “who” might include finding helping hands with decorations, cooking, purchasing and sending gifts etc. This can be such a stress-reliever.

The “what” could mean finding space to spice up your holiday with items that you can afford.

Quit second-guessing: To make an exciting holiday, quit second guessing your choices - find contentment. Avoid over-thinking and trying to wrapping your head around creating a perfect Christmas experience.

Have fun: Get into the right frame of mind. When the cake isn’t perfect or the ice-cream doesn’t taste right, smile and get on with the next thing. Don’t sweat it!

This all trickles down to the original question: How Can you make the most of this holiday?

If you take out the joy of the season, then you have taken out the beauty.

Find joyful moments and be grateful for them.

We plan to have a fulfilled time this year and I trust you would do the same!

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Putting Christmas Away

by Norma C. Mezoe I’ve put Christmas away for another year, the trimmings and wrappings and times of good cheer.

The tree, once adorned, stands shamefully bare of the tinsel and bulbs once hung there with care.

The gifts under the tree are all stored away; now little is left of that wonderful day.

Yet, I’m reminded that’s only one part.

The important thing is to keep Christmas tucked away in my heart.

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Discover more of Pauline’s Christian fantasy books on her website, Pauline Creeden

Visit Katherine’s Corner for monthly giveaways, weekly blog hops, recipes, and crafts

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Sudoku Puzzle Answer Key

by Beth Brubaker The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 (or 9 different symbols, etc.) in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number (or symbol) only once.

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Split Words Puzzle Answer Key

by Beth Brubaker Words are split into three sections.

Starting from left to right, find the right combination of letters to form five words.

LOVING GENTLE KINDER DEVOTE SERVES

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Away in the Manger Crossword Puzzle Answer Key

by Beth Brubaker

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Rediscover Traditional Fiber Arts at Vintage Mama’s Cottage Kelly Boyer Sagert is a professional writer, editor and coach with decades of experience. She is a member of the prestigious American Society of Professional Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). She is an experienced ghostwriter, as well, and has nearly a decade of professional search engine optimization experience.

What writing or editing work do you need to have done? Do you need a speaker or trainer? Contact Kelly for more 79 information.

Visit Donna B. Comeaux and read more inspirational articles on her blog, A Writer First.

Visit Heather King at Room to Breathe to read her inspirational posts.

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

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Anchor of Promise, a support and educational blog for parents with hurting and troubled teens.

Revision for Women offers entrepreneurial advice, business and life coaching, and online courses for building your business.

Visit Vintage Mama’s Cottage where you will find eBok patterns to guide you in creating little treasures of wearable art for YOUR little treasures!

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Meet the Ruby for Women Writers Miriam Jacob is an author and poet in cyberspace, having published a series of E-Books at Lulu.com. She is a book reviewer at CHRISTIAN BOOK DISTRIBUTORS, BARNES AND NOBLE, GOOGLE BOOKS and HARPER COLLINS CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING (BookLook Bloggers). She writes reviews for Christian books, in the categories of literary fiction, non-fiction, poetry and politics. Her articles and book reviews are published on her blog: “AUTHORS FOR CHRIST” Miriam is a member of the Ruby Book Review Team.

Lynn Mosher, Devotions

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

Katherine Corrigan, Recipes and Crafts Katherine is a blogger at Katherine’s Corner, an artist, designer, tea drinker and hug giver. She has been a contributor to Ruby for Women for 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.

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

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

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

Norma C. Mezoe began writing after a crisis in her life.

She has been a published writer for thirty years. Her writing has appeared in books, devotionals, take-home papers and magazines. She lives in the tiny town of Sandborn, Indiana where she is active in her church as clerk, teacher and bulletin maker. Contact at: normacm@tds.net

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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.

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.

Jewell Utt has served in church leadership for over twenty years. She is the director of a local food pantry and the women’s ministry leader at her church. Her desire is to encourage women through writing, speaking and music. Jewell is a resource speaker for schools, churches, and women's events. She has been married for thirty-four years and has three grown sons. Contact her at: jewellutt@yahoo.com visit her website at: www.jewellutt.com.

Connie Chandler lives in a Hobbit Hole in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she teaches and serves in international refugee ministry. She loves studying the Bible, trying new things, listening to stories, going on adventures, and drinking hot tea. She sits in a wheelchair because she has a disability that weakens her muscles but not her spirit. She shares the stories of God’s strength and faithfulness in her life on her blog: conniesbowlofcherries.blogspot.com.

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

Gloria blogs at www.gettingitright-occasionally.blogspot.com

Amy Lignor is the bestselling author of the YA/Inspirational series "The Angel Chronicles," as well as the adventure series, "Tallent and Lowery." The Editorin-Chief of Hallowed Ink Press as well as Suspense Magazine, Amy is a lover of historical research, libraries, and literary works.

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Sharon Patterson, retired educator, career military wife, and leader in women's ministry, has written inspirational encouragement in various forms from greeting cards to short stories, poetry, and Bible studies for over thirty years. She has authored three books: A Soldier's Strength from the Psalms (2007); Healing for the Holes in Our Souls(2008); and Where Is Happy?(2011). She is a contributing author for Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Answered Prayer; also Gettin' Old Ain't for Wimps (Karen O'Connor,2004) and Special Strength for Special Parents (Nina Fuller, 2006).

She and her husband Garry live in Round Rock, Texas. They have three sons and five grandchildren.

Melissa Zelniker-Presser

lives with her wonderful husband Shlomi and their three children Avery, Collin and Meadow in South Florida. Melissa was born and raised in a Jewish home and later found Jesus at the age of 35. Shlomi, an Israeli Jew, was not far behind, finding the Lord shortly thereafter. Both Melissa and Shlomi are practicing attorneys in the criminal justice field. Their journey is one of brokenness, mercy and redemption. You can read her blog posts at Work for the Cause Not the Applause.

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.

Michelle S. Lazurek has been a pastor's wife for over twelve years. Whether it is through writing counseling material, organizing ladies retreats or mentoring women in her church, Michelle considers each day an opportunity to find her place in God's story. In 2007, Michelle and her husband Joe planted Praxis Church.

Michelle holds a Master's degree in Counseling and Human Relations from Liberty University. She has two beautiful children: Caleb and Leah. Michelle provides tips for busy writers on her blog The Writers’ Tapestry: Where Writing and Life Intertwine http://www.michellelazurek.com

Alisha Ritchie is a wife, mother of two wonderful children, Physical Therapy Assistant by profession, and dedicated church member and Sunday School teacher. She resides in the small town of Stanfield, North Carolina, where she enjoys writing, spending time with her children, and ministering to others through her work and small group Bible studies. You can read other devotions she has written on www.christiandevotions.us.

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Stacy Flury is mom to two grown daughters, the youngest of which is homeschooled and will graduate next year. She has been married for 32 years and lives in New Jersey.

In addition to being a wife and a mom, Stacy is the writer of the blog Anchor of Promise, a support and educational blog for parents with hurting and troubled teens. She is currently writing her first book, Anchor in the Parenting Storms: Survival Devotions for Parents with Teens in Crisis.

Kathleen Katt Luce is a registered nurse, married, the mother of two and grandmother of seven. It brings her great joy to share Christ with the lost and lonely. Over the years she's learned a great deal while facilitating Bible studies. She's found herself on college and university campuses, the beach, the streets, the hospital, the jail and the facility for incarcerated teens, sharing God’s message of love. She is also an online missionary with Global Media Outreach. She has seen countless lives transformed when people turn away from sin and turn to Jesus. The changes God makes are real and lasting.

She writes a blog: www.kathleensfaithwalk.com

Ifeoma Samuel is privileged to be a Woman after God’s heart and is happily married to her sweet heart Obiora Samuel. She is the author of the new book My 30 Days Journey To a Fulfilled Life. You can find her blogging regularly at Purposeful and Meaningful You can also connect with her on Pinterest, Google+ and on Facebook.

Cindy Knisley I have been an educator for 24 years in a suburban Philadelphia high school, I have always enjoyed language and writing. Teaching German and Latin trained me to respect the nuances of structure and story as well as the power of words. Three years ago I felt called by God to leave the work I loved in order to support my aging parents. My home is in West Chester, PA, where I tend a "secret garden," enjoy my grandchildren, attend church, and write.

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

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 86 SonRiseInsights.blogspot.com.

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

You can find her blogging about these times with God at her devotional site: Room To Breathe: http://heathercking.wordpress.com/

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.

Many of Miss Kathy’s inspirational works and discipleship tools are designed to minister to all ages—all at the same time. 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.

Christie Browning has more than 20 years of writing, developmental coaching and teaching experience. She is a four-time Hoosier State Press Association Award winner with two first-place designations for her editorial feature stories.

Originally from Tennessee, Christie now resides in Indiana. www.revisionforwomen.com

Frances Gregory Pasch’s devotions and poems have been published in devotional booklets, magazines, and Sunday school papers since 1985. Her writing has also appeared in several dozen compilations. Her book, Double Vision: Seeing God in Everyday Life Through Devotions and Poetry is available on Amazon.

Frances has been leading a women’s Christian writers group since 1991. You can contact her at www.francesgregorypasch.com.

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 gardeners resource that encourages others to find their hearts in the sunshine and soil of South Jersey. https://www.facebook.com/GardenCumberland 87

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 has been a Christian since her early twenties, and has been married to her "Knight In Dented Armor" since 1997. She is the mother of two teenage children and two cats (she still hasn't told the cats they were adopted...Shh!) Her oldest child has Asperger’s, which helps her see things a little differently through his eyes.

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 emails 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 14 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 88

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 connie@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 Website design by Blog Art by Katherine

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