Ruby spring 2015 by RUBY magazine

Ruby for Women Ruby for Women Ruby for Women

A voice for every Christian woman Spring, 2015 A voice for everyAutumn Christian2013 woman “A voice for every Christian 2014 woman” Summer,

“Her worth is far above rubies . . .” Proverbs 31:10

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

Spring has finally arrived! And with the new season comes the joyous celebration of Easter. Here at Ruby for Women, we continue to reach out to women all over the world with God’s words of hope, inspiration, and encouragement, and provide a place where every Christian woman has the opportunity to tell her story. Won’t you join us on this journey of discovery and share your story with us soon? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at editor@rubyforwomen.com Senior Editor: Nina Newton Assistant Editor: Beth Brubaker Devotions: Lynn Mosher Poet-in-Residence: Keith Wallis Feature Writers, Katherine Corrigan, Sharon L. Patterson, Carol Peterson, Gloria Doty, Christie Browning, Miriam Jacob, Michelle Lazurek, Connie Chandler, Heather King, Lanette Kissel, Donna B. Comeaux, Melissa Zelniker-Presser, Jean Ann Williams, Doug Rose, Sarah Dale, Debra Sanchez, Mia DeBruyne, Rhea Riddle, Carrie Ann Tripp

In This Issue . . . Page

Title

Keeping up with Ruby Nina Newton, Sr. Editor

Feed your Flame Beth Brubaker, Asst. Editor

Page 6

10 Fun and Easy Spring Craft Projects

The Berries that He Grew Mia DeBruyne

Companion of the Garden Lynn Mosher

That I Might Live Keith Wallis

The Moment that Faces Many Ways Keith Wallis

Mom on the Run Debra Sanchez

Introducing Beth Brubaker, Assistant Editor

Fallen Phrases Puzzle Beth Brubaker

Page 7

Page 15

Page 16

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

Page 18 19 21

Title

Page

My Testimony Sarah Dale Spring Recipes for your Easter Celebration Vintage Mama My Daddy’s Dance Rhea Riddle

Carol’s Book Club Carol Peterson

The Twenty-Five Cent Purchase from a Heart of Gold Sharon L. Patterson

Math Square Puzzle Beth Brubaker

Having a Heart for God Tracy Fox

Page 19

Little Chick Coloring Page

Grandparents’ Day Doug Rose

A Dad Remembers Doug Rose

Cryptogram Puzzle Beth Brubaker

The Heart of the Cross Melissa Zelniker-Presser

The Bride of the Lamb Miriam Jacob

Page 25

Title

Plenty Sharon L. Patterson

The Legacy Sharon L. Patterson

Reclaiming your Peace Michelle Lazurek

Giving Up Appearances Christie Browning

The Grace of the Cross Lanette Kissel

International Ministry Right Here at Home Connie Chandler

And the Walls Cry Out Keith Wallis

The Face of Love Lanette Kissel

A Child Who Would Be King Donna B. Comeaux

Everlasting Name Change Carrie Ann Tripp

God’s Mercies after Suicide Jean Ann Williams

Kids’ Corner Carol Peterson

Page 29

Over and Beyond Keith Wallis

Simon of Cyrene Donna B. Comeaux

Meet the Ruby Writers

Credits and Copyrights

Page 45

Page 48

Page 51

Page 54 Page 39

Little Bunny Coloring Page

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

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

Calendar image courtesy of free wallpapers at http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2015/02/28/desktop-wallpaper-calendars-march-2015/

Keeping Up with Ruby Nina Newton, Sr. Editor

It is absolutely amazing to see how God has been blessing the ministry of Ruby for Women! Over the past six years we have had the opportunity to share the words of so many writers who have generously participated in the work here at Ruby. We have grown from a small online magazine, originally just a simple PDF document of 15 – 20 pages each issue, to our current format of a digital document, frequently filled with over 80 pages of inspirational articles, short stories, poetry, book reviews, crafts, recipes, puzzles and so much more. Some of our writers have been with us since the very beginning, including Beth Brubaker, who has had her column, “Footprints in the Mud,” in every issue of Ruby. In addition, Beth has written the “Ask Beth” column, as well as all of the fun puzzles you will find in every issue. We are so honored and blessed to have Beth working with us now as our new Assistant Editor. Beth will be working directly with all of our writers, doing scheduling of articles for upcoming issues, and working with me on the editing process. She will also be managing the Ruby for Women Writers’ Facebook page to stay in communication with all of our writers, and keep them up-to-date on submission deadlines and themes for new issues of the Ruby magazine. In addition to having a new Assistant Editor, Ruby for Women is once again offering opportunities for advertising in each issue of our magazine, as well as on the Ruby blog and on our social media sites. This is a great opportunity for you to get the word out about your family-friendly, home-based or online business. We are gaining new readers with each issue of Ruby for Women, so let us know if you would like to advertise in an upcoming issue of Ruby

Another exciting opportunity that we are investigating is offering the Ruby for Women magazine as a print publication. This is something that we have been contemplating for quite some time, and we have received many requests over the past six years to make Ruby available in print. We’ll keep you posted on our progress on that front, and be sure to let you know when that project is ready to go. If you are a writer, or you know someone who feels that God has called them to share their story with others through the written word, we would love to hear from you! Here at Ruby for Women our heart’s desire is to share your stories with the world. We know that everyone has an important story to tell, and your voice needs to be heard. The summer issue of Ruby will be published in May with submission deadline of April 1. Please visit the Ruby for Women blog and click on the “Submissions” tab at the top of the page for all the details. Then, contact Beth Brubaker, our Assistant Editor with any questions you might have. As we welcome Beth to the position of Assistant Editor, we also want to recognize and express our gratitude to Amanda Johnson, who served as our Assistant Editor for the past five years. Amanda has such a heart for the Lord and loves to share His word with other women. With an opportunity for a full-time job working with horses (one of the loves of her life!), Amanda has taken a break from working with Ruby, but she 5has promised she will visit us often! Thank You, Amanda . . . . we love you!

Footprints in the Mud: Feed Your Flame by Beth Brubaker, Assistant Editor

We all start out with a pilot light - that little spark that inspires us to do bigger and better things. However, many of us wait for others to feed our flames and take us to the next level instead of finding our own fuel. It might work for a time, but when the fuel from others runs out, we often find ourselves back where we started – with just that tiny flicker of flame. We can’t just wait for someone else to build up our fires. There’s nothing wrong with having support to keep the flames going, but the bulk of the fuel has to come from within. Cakes bake from the applied heat, but cakes wouldn’t be the yummy, fluffy things they are without their ingredients! This not only applies to our lives at home and in business, but also to our spiritual lives. God gave us the Holy Spirit in our hearts, but it’s up to us to apply the heat and fuel the fire. We can be inspired by others, but it won’t last long without our feeding and fanning those flames by praying, reading the Bible, going to church, and fellowshipping with others. We can’t just sit there and wait for an epiphany - we have to look within ourselves and our environments and seek an epiphany through God. Believe me- I’ve done the sitting and waiting thing and it just doesn’t work. What would make more sense - a writer that waited for a publisher to come and discover her book, or for the writer to contact publishers? No one will hand us our dreams on a platter- not even God will just hand us everything we want- we have to be ready and pray for it. Pray. Read. Attend church. Fellowship. Dance around like your spirit is already on fire and the flames will grow. I’m wearing bunny slippers when I dance - just in case someone is making a YouTube video! Visit Beth on her blog, Footprints in the Mud, where you can read more of her inspirational, humorous posts. You can also contact her at bethatruby@aol.com

Image courtesy of www.all-free-download.com 6

With every new season comes the excitement and anticipation of all that lies ahead in the coming days. One of the best ways to celebrate the changing seasons is by being creative! There are so many fun ways to decorate your home and garden, as well as ideas for creating new garments for you and your family that we always like to share a few seasonal craft project ideas with the Ruby readers. If you have little ones around, it is great fun to teach them creative expressions through art and craft projects. But, no matter your age, getting crafty is always the perfect way to celebrate the changing of the seasons. In this issue of Ruby for Women, we have collected ten of the best spring craft projects and ideas that we could find! We hope you will have fun trying a few of them. And don’t forget, we would love to see pictures of YOUR craft projects! You can send your pictures to us at editor@rubyforwomen.com and we just might feature YOU in an upcoming issue of the Ruby magazine.

Spring Baby Grass Wreath from Make It Monday Bright spring green “grass” made with eyelash yarn makes the perfect background for the delicate white and pink embroidered flowers on this beautiful spring wreath. Tied up with a pink ribbon for hanging on your front door or garden shed, this fun spring project is quick, easy, and inexpensive and best of all – you could make it with the kids or grandkids in a “Crafternoon.” You can find the complete tutorial at Patty Schaffer’s blog, Capture the Details, on this Make It Monday post. 7

Mason Jar Pincushions from The Enchanting Rose Do you have little ones who would like to learn to sew? This fun spring craft project would be a great way to get them started. Put together their own little sewing kit in one of these adorable Mason jar pincushions, and then start the first lesson! Mother’s Day is coming right up, too, and Mom or Grandma would be delighted with a charming little vintage pincushion made from a Mason jar. Complete tutorial is available from The Enchanting Rose.

Mini Resurrection Garden from Pixgood What a fun way to celebrate Easter! Everyone in the family can join in on this craft project, and then when the weather gets warm enough, you can display this beautiful planter all summer. A simple clay pot, grass seed and potting soil, a few small rocks and twigs and you can tell the story of the Resurrection. More ideas from Pixgood where you can find lots of “pins” for spring.

Vintage-Button Easter Eggs from Pixgood Super simple, yet absolutely gorgeous! These vintage-button Easter eggs can be created using either Styrofoam egg-shaped forms, or any plastic Easter eggs. Buttons can be pinned on if using Styrofoam forms or glued on using a hot glue gun if using plastic Easter eggs. You could also add ribbons and lace, jewels and gems, and create your own masterpiece Easter eggs to welcome spring and celebrate the joy of Easter. More ideas from Pixgood! 8

Rain Boot Planters from the Decoist How cute it this! Outgrown or mismatched rain boots turned into spring planters on the garden gate! And even if you don’t have any leftover rain boots in your house, check out your local thrift store. Perfect for dressing up a deck or fence, inexpensive and absolutely charming!

Spring Rain Globe from Glitter Girl’s Club Blog Tired of that old, weary winter snow globe? Looking forward to gentle spring rains and new blossoms in the garden? Then why not make this cute little Spring Rain Globe to chase away those winter blues? We found this adorable DIY project idea on the Glitter Girl’s Club Blog, along with TONS of other great craft projects, including complete tutorials.

Laverne the Easter Chicken from Red Brolly So many bunnies this time of year . . . . we thought it would be fun to share this Easter chicken with you! Laverne the Easter chicken was discovered on the blog of Red Brolly. Lots of other ideas and free tutorials over there, as well! So many craft projects, and so little time! 9

Three-Hour Rag Quilt from the Bright Green Door New baby? Another grand baby? Busy mamas and grandmas still want to make something special for all of their precious little ones, but time is limited. Here’s the perfect solution! In one afternoon you can whip up this beautiful rag quilt (or two or three!) and share your love with those babies in a handmade gift that they will cherish forever. Complete tutorial can be found on the Bright Green Door blog.

Tiny Hanging Pansy Vases from the Minimalist Can’t wait to get out into the garden? Take a few small glass jars (these are baby food jars and they are SO cute!), add a bit of ribbon and transform them into cute hanging vases. Pop in a tiny bouquet of pansies and you’ll bring a touch of spring time to any room in your house! This idea was found on the Minimalist website, where you can find lots of other creative craft ideas.

Bunny Jar from Food Ideas Recipes There are just so many amazing craft ideas and tutorials available that it would be impossible to make everything that catches your eye. Seems like the Mason jar trend is only growing by leaps and bounds, with everything you can imagine being tucked into a vintage jar to put on display. This cute Bunny Jar (endless number of ways to create one of these!) is filled with “grass” and Easter candy eggs, with a little chocolate bunny nestled on top. Painted lid and a bit of raffia ribbon and there you have it! 10

The Berries that He Grew by Mia DeBruyne Once upon a time God made a little girl. This little girl was filled with love for life. She saw the beauty of the rainbow and wished upon God’s stars at night. In the summer sun she sat amidst the berry patch eating her fill of God’s wonderful fruit. She gathered dandelions to braid into bracelets, necklaces, and crowns, thus dressing herself as a queen in the beauty of God’s creation. She sang songs of joy while building castles from rocks, sticks, and sand. This was all very pleasing to God. He saw how good it was. But then one day the winter came. No longer could she play outside. God asked her to leave behind the beauty of His summer joy. He called her into the dark of night, carefully covering her with His precious cloak of prayer. He taught her how to call on Him whenever she needed His care. The world inside was a scary place, no safety could she find. But here God taught her many skills to help the girl survive. God gave the girl a passionate thirst for learning and inquisitiveness. But since the girl could not yet read, God gave her His extra special gift of insight and perceptiveness. Although this gift was necessary, it came with a burden to bear. Not only did the girl gain knowledge but she also gathered fear. Along with fear came loneliness, but again God’s mercy was there. God sent her a special creature covered with dark hair. This creature was a dog that never left her side. The dog and she were the closest friends the world could ever find. His furry coat carried away her many tears, while his soft and fluffy ears listened to every fear. Inside this house there was work to be done. But no one seemed to know or care. Again God sent the girl another gift. He taught her right from wrong. The girl now knew just what to do. She had great drive and self-control, but again this gift came with a burden to bear. This life of purpose told her that perfection would get her somewhere. Somewhere was better than there. So with her hope renewed, the girl now flew to remake God’s broken world new.

Within this house there was a great need for all to know God’s love. God then sent the girl another gift, both precious and from above. This gift was God’s compassion. God taught her how to listen to everyone’s worries and fears. She gave away her precious presence so all would know God cared. This gift too came with a heavy load to bear. The burden here was self-made pride. To be so important to all, made the little girl feel tall. God did not want that at all. What good to Him would this little girl be if she thought she was all to all? God allowed another gift to fall upon this girl. This gift was given to make her meek and close to Him. Others, out of their own brokenness, would tell the girl that she was small. The girl believed those bigger than she, and saw herself with shame. Then God offered her His greatest lesson. He taught her to forgive. This may seem cruel, but it is not. It’s a blessing in disguise. When God calls you close enough to empathize with those who’ve hurt you through and through, you’ve been given the gift of seeing with His eyes. This is God’s greatest gift. Then the girl could turn her eyes within, and see herself anew. God showed her what He saw within her heart and soul. He showed her His many gifts. He let her see her brokenness. He showed her how it felt to set her burdens down. Then He left her with the choice to carry her own sin. He taught her of His Son who died to set her free. He showed her to the door, and allowed her to see, the beauty of His creation waiting endlessly. He told her there was no need for her to stay inside. He said it was no longer winter, that spring had arrived. He invited her to take His gifts, but leave the burdens behind. Once again He wanted her to please come to play with Him. He wanted her to see His stars, and marvel at His rainbow. He wanted to watch her take His flowers and braid them into beautiful bracelets, necklaces, and crowns for Him. He asked her to please sing for Him, and build His 11 castle anew. He asked her to enjoy - the berries that He grew.

Companion of the Garden by Lynn Mosher

In ancient times, when a Persian king wanted to bestow a special honor on one of his citizens, he granted that person the status of being a companion in his garden, which gave the person the privilege of walking in the garden as a special friend of the king. In the beginning, God granted man the privilege of being His companion and walking with Him in His indescribably, beautiful paradise garden, which He created for man’s first home. It contained no thorny buses, no stones of obstruction, no offensive weeds, and no broken stumps. All was perfect for man’s delight...to walk in the garden with his Maker. When sin entered the garden and broke this companionship, it was necessary to bring man back into fellowship with his Maker. Through the salvation Jesus offered on the cross, man was brought back into perfect union with the Lord. This is now heaven’s delight. How sweet is that companionship we can enjoy, walking in an atmosphere of fellowship with our Beloved, what can be compared to a garden? Solomon wrote so intimately about his loving relationship with the Shulamite in the Song of Solomon, which not only represents a husband and wife but also represents the church as the Bride and the Lord as our Bridegroom. The Lord says of us as Solomon said of his precious bride, “You are like a private garden, my treasure, my bride! You are like a spring that no one else can drink from, a fountain of my own.” (SOS 4:12 NLT) The Shulamite said, “I am my beloved’s (garden) and my beloved is mine!” (SOS 6:3a Amp) She told her beloved, “You are a fountain (springing up) in a garden, a well of living waters, and flowing streams...

(You have called me a garden, she said)...blow upon my garden, that its spices may flow out (in abundance for you in whom my soul delights). Let my beloved come into his garden and eat its choicest fruits.” (SOS 4:15-16 Amp) Songs of the garden have always been in man’s heart. Charles Austin Miles penned a song in 1913 when he wrote the words and music to the beautiful hymn In the Garden. His inspiration for the hymn came after reading the biblical account of Mary Magdalene and the others visiting the tomb of Jesus. He wrote these tender words... “I come to the garden alone While the dew is still on the roses And the voice I hear, falling on my ear The Son of God discloses And He walks with me And He talks with me And He tells me I am His own And the joy we share as we tarry there None other has ever known.” I wonder...am I that resplendent garden my Beloved loves to visit? Am I a lovely, fragrant field, full of sweet-scented blossoms, or am I a patch full of stink-weed? When I visit my Beloved for companionship in His garden of Easter gladness, my soul thrills in His presence. He walks with me. And He talks with me. And He tells me I am His own. “And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” May you walk in precious companionship with your Beloved Lord in a special way this Easter season. 12 Easter blessings, Lynn

That I Might Live

That I might live is written heavy lettered indelible in the golden book by a pen - broken handed pained and bloodied by excommunicated sin.

That I might die is written in the sand daily stolen by the tide of love revealed in bread and wine that I might live.

~ Keith Wallis 13

The Moment that Faces many Ways

This is the moment that faces many ways: A dozen men looking backward and facing the comfort of history the gentle remembrances the ritual of familiar things the benevolent God who delivers his people a meal that speaks history in every crumb. The promise of a new order of things where peace and justice rule. This is the moment that faces many ways: A recent history more turbulent; the noisy exuberance on a journey into Jerusalem crowdly accolades and the remembrance of scriptures. Then the storming of the fortress of the privileged; strewing tables, scattering animals and temple coinage in a rage that was not anger but the raising of a flag of war. A dozen men as uncertain of yesterday as they are of tomorrow. This is the moment that faces many ways: The end of the beginning, the beginning of the end, the promise of a tomorrow cloaked in pain and separation. A wondrous horrible day when the robber of souls claims his victory and darkness grips its noisy festivity in the abyss of time.

~ Keith Wallis

Mom on the Run – 21 Ways to Get More Out of Your Day by Debra Sanchez Rush, rush, rush. Everyone is in such a hurry these days. Parents have so much to do and so little time to do it. Today’s economy has made it necessary, in most families, for both parents to work, often more than one job each. Kids are more active in school and community activities than ever before. They are in sports, music lessons, scouts, church groups, and other things that need to be juggled into 24 hours. And that doesn’t include the time spent at doctor and dentist appointments. When my family was younger, they kept my juggling skills well-tuned. A dozen years ago, our sixteen- year-old daughter was active in soccer, church youth group and many school clubs. She also had a part-time job. Our 8 year-old had piano lessons, Brownies and played softball in spring. My husband worked long hours and he also coached soccer year ‘round. I had two jobs, helped with my daughter’s Brownie troop, edited our church’s newsletter, and in my “spare time” I was working on my college degree. With our hectic schedule, there were a lot of things that I wished I had time to do. One day, while sitting in the car waiting for my daughter to get out of school, I realized that I did have time to get a few little things done. We all have times when we just sit and wait. I came up with this list of things that can be done while you wait. Some can be done anywhere, but everything on this list can be done in your parked vehicle.           

Read the newspaper Read a book Read a magazine Knit or crochet Sew or mend Fold laundry Listen to news Listen to music Listen to an audio book Do word puzzles Take a five minute nap

         

Eat your lunch (or snack) Plan your menu Make your grocery list Clip coupons Update your calendar or day planner Balance your checkbook Pay your bills Enjoy the scenery Relax in the peace and quiet Write something

Consider some of the routine tasks that you have to tackle in your own life. Think about the kinds of places where your life parks you in “hurry up and wait” situations. Plan to use some of that waiting time to do simple tasks that might not get done “later” when you are exhausted from your chaotic schedule. Bring your supplies, tools, or ideas, whatever you need to do the job. Or maybe just bring a travel mug with your favorite beverage and relax. Whether you use your down time to catch up on chores, to make plans and lists, or to relax and catch your breath is up to you. After all, your time is yours. 15

Introducing Beth Brubaker, Ruby for Women Assistant Editor We are excited to introduce you to our new Assistant Editor, Beth Brubaker! Being a Philly girl has helped Beth develop a sweet and sometimes snarky sense of humor and it shows through in everything she does - including her columns, articles, and blog posts, with goals to become a published author. She also is a humorist, poet and songwriter. Her work has won awards, and her first video was shown at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference as well as the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference in 2014. She has worked with several magazines including Crafts, Cotton Spice, and Ruby for Women, with an honorable mention in Writer's Digest writing prompts, and four awards at the West Branch Writer's Conference for every category she entered, winning two first place slots for Advanced Poetry and Blog Post, second place for Personal Experience, and third place for Children's Story. Having lived in Philadelphia all her life, she desires to build a strong community. She runs communitywide programs to raise funds for the local Recreation Center, and runs her church's Bread Ministry to help feed local families. Beth has been a Christian since her early twenties, and has been married to her "Knight in Dented Armor" since 1997. Beth is the mother of two teenage children and two cats (she still hasn't told the cats they were adopted). Her oldest child has Aspergerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, who 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. Please join us in welcoming Beth to the Ruby administrative team. You can connect with Beth at her blog, Footprints in the Mud, where you can read her humorous and inspirational articles on family life, parenting, and her adventures as a Christian wife and mother.

Footprints in the Mud 16

Fallen Phrase Puzzle by Beth Brubaker

ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 61

Rubyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reading Corner the next time you are shopping for books. 17

My Testimony by Sarah Dale I feel as if I've shared this story a thousand times, yet it never gets old or weary. Before May 2014 my relationship with God was not much of anything special. I believed He existed. I believed that there was a Heaven and Hell and that one day I'd land myself in one place or the other. What changed you ask? Cancer. In April 2014 my birth mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. There was no reason for it and the entire family was shocked. She had never smoked a day in her life and didn't surround herself with secondhand smoke. Further testing showed cancer all throughout her body. Stage 4. No cure. My birth mother and I didn't have the ideal mother/daughter relationship. She lost custody of my brother and me when we were very young. Our dad raised us with our step-mom and the struggle we went through growing up wasn't pretty. A lot of resentment, anger, hurt, and frustration led to a tense relationship. In the beginning of 2014, we had begun to rebuild a relationship as I was to give birth later that year to my second child. She wanted a chance to be a part of our lives. My mom had done the one thing I never expected. She bought a plane ticket to visit once my son was born. We were ecstatic and my mother was tickled so much that she couldn't stop bragging. Life was going great. When she found out she had cancer I began to see the strength I never knew she had. I traveled to Florida from my home in Virginia to spend the month with her that April. My husband was deployed with the Navy, so my daughter and I were able to bond with my mother that month. Countless doctor appointments led us to put our differences at rest and focus on what little time we had left.

During one visit to the doctor, she asked me, “Why is God punishing me?” At first I was speechless. How can I, someone who wasn't fully walking in the path of God, answer a dying person's question? Somehow, the words just spilled out of me. “Mom, God isn't punishing you. He sees how much you are suffering here one earth. (She had been depressed for years), He's choosing to end your suffering so you can live a life free from pain.” For the first time ever, I didn't feel as if I was blowing wind when I said those words. The night my mother went to be with Jesus, my family and I were by her bedside. Before she allowed the morphine to take her under, (she didn't want to suffer, but knew it was time), she looked at each of us and addressed us by name and said, “I love you.” I was blessed with being able to hear her final heartbeat. My sister, born after my mother lost us, used her stethoscope and had me listen to the irregular heartbeat...the final thump. During that moment, my sister had rested her hand on my belly, at the very same time my son began to squirm and kick. I truly feel that God's presence was in the room as she passed over into Heaven. Today, a little over nine months have passed since my mother took her final breath. My son is a happy, loving, sweet little boy. I have joined a church, met an entire circle of friends in the Christian community, and have been diving under the waves of my walk with God. Writing is what I'm called to do, and I feel that God is leading me towards the life He created for me. My birth mother wasn't only put on this earth to give 18 me life, but to ensure that I have eternal life with our Heavenly Father.

Welcome spring with one of these sweet treats as you celebrate Easter with your family. Pretty pastel colors make a bright, sunshiny presence in your kitchen and on your table. We would love to see pictures of your creations!

Tiny Bird’s Nest Cookies from Cooking on the Side These tiny Bird’s Nest Cookies are so adorable! Wouldn’t a batch of these cute nests be so fun on your Easter table? The kids will be delighted, and even the adults won’t be able to resist these beautiful little cookies. You can find the complete recipe on the Cooking on the Side blog.

Easter Bunny Cupcakes from Betty Crocker Who doesn’t love Betty Crocker? Our old Betty Crocker cookbook is over 40 years old, and we still turn to it for all the tried-and-true recipes that have become traditions in our home. There are lots of different recipes for making Easter Bunny Cupcakes, but we thought that we would go with our old friend Betty Crocker again for this fun, sweet treat to celebrate Easter.

Lemon Pie Bars from Alpine Berry Springtime just seems the perfect time for the sweet, tart flavor of lemons! That soft, yummy yellow color brings a touch of sunshine to your day, and reminds you that the warm weather is just around the corner. We found these gorgeous Lemon Pie Bars on the Alpine Berry blog and thought it would be fun to share them with you. Let us know if you make a batch, and send you some pictures so we can see how they turn out!

Carrot Cake from Cooking Classy The recipe that we found on the Cooking Classy blog is an adaptation of a recipe originally found at Allrecipes.com and it claims to be the “best every Carrot Cake.” Think that means we should give it a try! Wouldn’t it be fun to treat your family to this cute cake for supper one evening this week, just as a reminder that spring is coming? Besides the fact that it is cute, it is also full of carrots, nuts, and applesauce – and you could even add some raisins, too!

Grasshopper Pie from My Frugal Adventures Delicate mint green with dark chocolate – the perfect combination for this springtime treat. Don’t tell the kids that there aren’t REAL grasshoppers in this pie, and let them go on a big adventure when you serve up this Grasshopper Pie. We found this recipe (quick and easy!) on the My Frugal Adventures blog.

My Daddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dance by Rhea B. Riddle

The deep summer night was a bit more than warm; a moist upper western wind was blowing with sudden downbursts bringing strangled gusts as though it was trying to gain the strength to stir all of the misty clouds into a "full blown" straight - line wind. I would worry about that later. In the meantime I was enjoying my porch swing in the delicious darkness; I was (at that time) a night person. I scratched Zebo's ears, and ran my fingers through his curly red hair, the soft sounds that escaped this throat sounded like the purr of a cat; my sweet, gentle, loving cocker spaniel. The blackness was complete; we lived in a country neighborhood. There was a house to the left of us and one across the street, other houses resided down the road on the other side of the barn. Distant security lights shed their glow in tight circles and invaded my yard not at all. I found an oldieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s station on my radio; it sat in the frame of the raised window, and it seemed to intertwine melodies from my memories in the swing chains singing in the breeze. The wind pushed from the other side, and a rhythmic metallic creaking added another layer of music to the night around me. My husband wouldn't be home from work until midnight and I was experiencing a strange euphoria; a lightness, a secure feeling of peace, yet excitement was in the wind around me. I slipped my precious pup over to the pillow nestling by us, and settled him. I left the porch and wandered through the yard I knew by heart. I circled the huge sugar maple; the one we once tapped, and spent at least seventy dollars trying to cook it down to syrup, we got about a pint; it was good, but we never tried again! We had inherited, for a while, an old green glider, it sat in the grass. I sat on it and glided for a while. Its music wasn't pleasant; it grated, and awakened Zebo. We walked together on the lawn. The music changed; it was from an even older era. It beckoned; I complied; tossed off my sandals, the grass was not cool but comforting. My toes wiggled through the thick mat; I gazed at the lawn as though it was a living, moving being. White heads of clover were undulating in the moonlight adding to the, almost surreal, moment. I breathed in great gulps of fresh country aroma; I call it the "green" smell; grass, trees, flowers, freshly turned earth, it all drifted around me on the westerly Kentucky wind that lifted my skirts, tousled my hair, and breathed down my neck. It caused me to sway to its rhythm and to my Daddy's favorite songs drifting from the little plastic radio sitting on the window sill, the ones that grabbed my heart. I turned into the wind; I positioned my arms, as though he was holding me (trying once again to teach his graceless little girl to dance, to feel the beat) guiding me, leading me as he whistled to the melodies drifting on the wisps of the frisky wind. 21

I twirled, whirled, dipped, and circled. I stumbled; I laughed, and I cried in my Daddy's arms one more time, on a hot Kentucky night, with storm clouds rolling in; my puppy nipping at my heels. A low chuckle lifted to the tree tops as I whispered, "Must you go?" The car headlights broke through the heavy night and turned into our driveway as I gave God thanks for memories that had—for a moment— become flesh, breath and dancing feet. Because of this one night of memories I have learned a beautiful thing, "The important thing is not keeping time to the dance; but the time of dancing.” Love you Daddy! Thank you Father for the earthly Father you chose for me, for the years past and the future we shall spend together. And thank you for words of yours he lived daily, they caused me to have a clear understanding of the kinship we all share! 1 Corinthians 13:3-10 The Message (MSG) If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled. The Message (MSG)Version 22

23 Calendar available from www.9calendar.com

Visit Jean Ann Williams on her blog, Love Truth: Hope after Suicide, to read about her journey through grief following the suicide of her son, Joshua.

Discover more of Paulineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christian fantasy books on her website, Pauline Creeden.

Tracy Fox, Life Coach and author, at Having a Heart for God. 24

Book Reviews by Carol Peterson, Author Free is Fun! Here’s a little gift for you from some great writers: FREE BOOKS! Many writers give away the first book in a series. That helps develop fans who want to read their next book and the next—even if those books aren’t also free. Here are two free books that hooked me. The first books in both of these series were free. Reading them made me want to read the next book, too. But each of these books also stands alone—they have a satisfying ending all by themselves. Grab these books while they are still free (in electronic format). Like me, maybe you’ll want to spend a few pennies on the next book, too. Then head over to Carol’s Book Club and tell us what you think of the books. Click on the big red “Carol’s Book Club” button above and join us as we read along together, and then join the conversation!

Untamed Land by Lauraine Snelling (historical fiction) If you like historical novels, you will like this one! Set in the Dakota Territory, Untamed Land is the story of Norwegian immigrants who make a home in the harsh, wild land of North America. This story is not for the light of heart. It tells of the harsh life of settlers in the wilderness, clearing land, building log and sod single-room houses and simply surviving, spending whatever extra time was left over to build a future for their families. The main character, Ingeborg survived the miserable travel aboard ship from Norway to America. She was stronger physically than her sister-inlaw. But ultimately when tragedy struck her family, she was only as strong as her faith. And her faith proved as fragile as life in the bitter land of the Dakotas. Untamed Land is the story of Norwegian immigrants in America and the story of how their faith helped them withstand and triumph over the struggles they faced. Lauraine Snelling is an award-winning author of over 60 books. 25

Secrets by Kristen Heitzmann (contemporary fiction) Do you like a good mystery? Secrets is not so much of a who-done-it as a where-is-it and what-is-it? We meet and follow Lance Michelli from New Jersey to a convent in Italy, and then to a villa in the Napa countryside of California. He’s been sent on a quest to discover “something” that his dying grandmother wants him to find. Who or what, even he doesn’t know. His only clue is a villa that was once owned by his family. When Lance arrives, a young woman has bought the villa and is renovating it, with plans to open it as a bed and breakfast. Lance must move fast to locate whatever his grandmother wants him to find before the villa is opened to the public; or worse, before the secret is uncovered during reconstruction or hidden under new construction forever. Along the way, we learn that the young woman, Rese, has secrets of her own. Secrets has some interesting cuisine play, a little romance and a bit about Italian wine-making in the Napa Valley. All round out this story about God’s love and redemption. Both of these books were unanimous thumbs-up for our book club. Have you read either of them? Will you? Join our book club by clicking the big red button. Then share with us what you think. 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 will be released winter 2014 for a Christmas study of Jesus’ mother. From Honor Bound Books and available at Amazon.com as well as from Ruby’s Reading Corner. Carol is a member of the Ruby Blogger Team, and she can also be found at www.carolpetersonauthor.com

The Twenty-Five Cent Purchase from a Heart of Gold by Sharon L. Patterson As a woman who balanced a teaching career and motherhood, I’m uncertain where one left off and the other began. Teaching preceded motherhood by ten years. I had been told that I couldn’t have children, so I settled into accepting the hundreds who came through my history classes as God’s gift of children to me. One Wednesday night at church our pastor invited all of us who didn’t have children to come for prayer. A year later, I received a miraculous answer to that prayer- my firstborn son. Nineteen months later, his brother- miracle number two- arrived and motherhood began. Thinking surely my ten years of teaching would give me an instant edge on parenting, I launched confidently into my new position in life. Notorious for lists of important things to do, I began early to focus on what I would teach my children. At the top of my list were Godly values, Bible stories, history, and French (my second teaching field) as soon as they could read. I also wanted them to understand the significance of wise purchases early on. I did get to mark off the top priorities on my lists, but not nearly as efficiently as I’d hoped. Oh, they learned the Bible stories and Godly values quite young, but history was a much longer and tougher learning. I’ll never forget our trip to Washington, D.C. when I asked the boys to keep a journal of the adventures and history they saw at ages nine and seven. After my umpteenth comment of historical insight, the youngest turned to me and said, “Are we finished with history yet?” The journals were abandoned, and my bruised ego retreated into the land of “no further comments”. They never did learn French. When it came to teaching my children the value of spending money wisely, I must say, it was much smoother sailing.

I laughingly remember sending the boys to the local five and dime store (replaced now by numerous stores whose names have multiplied by 10). I gave them five dollars and instructions to purchase the very best value they could find for the money. An hour later, they rode up in the driveway with their prized purchases in tow. The youngest was holding a plastic bag bulging with water and a small gold fish swimming rapidly in his transparent encasement. The oldest had a bag of fish food. There was even change. A great bargain, for sure, despite the fact we had nothing in which to place the homeless waif. Hmm- perhaps a bit more teaching was needed! Not terribly long after the fish purchase, it seemed my eldest grew to love bargains and garage sales. One afternoon, he came through the door with, “Mom, I bought you a great gift! You won’t believe what I got for only twenty-five cents! From a plastic bag, he drew out a pair of the most gorgeous brown leather pumps I had ever seen. My sweet son knew his mother’s great penchant for shoes. My closet was lined with specially built compartments that housed some pretty incredible pairs (bought on sale, of course!) I looked at the shoes in awe and then noticed one slight problem. “Sweetheart,” I said, “they are just beautiful but they are a size ten and mother wears a size 6!” With no hesitation, he replied confidently, “That’s okay, mom. Just put them in the closet. You will grow into them!” It wasn’t the great bargain for twenty five cents that touched my mother-teacher’s heart that day. It was my son’s “heart of gold” that left me with a precious and amusing memory of inestimable value. 27 Heart of Gold Image: http://www.rshcatalog.com

Math Square Puzzle by Beth Brubaker Use the numbers 1 through 16 to fill the spaces in the grid and complete each numerical expression. Each number is used once.

ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 61

Having a Heart for God – 365 Days of the One Minute Bible Study by Tracy Fox Having a Heart for God is a daily devotional for busy adults seeking to be inspired by God’s word on a daily basis while learning about the Bible. The devotional’s entries are “best of” selections taken from the successful “One Minute Bible Study” e-mail devotional already popular with thousands of readers. Written in a chronological 365-day format, each devotional contains a Scripture reading, explanation/application, reflection question for the reader to ponder, and a relevant quote from a prominent source. “One Minute Bible Study” is to educate men and women on the biblical principles and strategies that can be used daily. Each study is thoughtfully researched and broken down into bite-size, inspirational and applicable biblical truth. hat sets the “One Minute Bible Study” apart is that readers will be both educated about the Bible and inspired by God’s Word daily. The result will be more peace, more purpose and more connection to God’s will for your life. Amazon review: “This is the most authentically heartfelt, best-researched, practical and well-written devotional I have ever read! It's truly a blessing.” "Tracy Fox loves God and loves to help people engage with Him through His Word, pretty winning combo if you ask me!" - Lisa Harper, Author and Women of Faith Speaker

Tracy Baumer Fox has been teaching the Bible and its lifechanging principles for over 10 years. In addition to forming her company, Having A Heart For God, Tracy also is a published columnist, founder of The Darien Lenten Luncheon, and an NYU fulltime professional, certified Life Coach. For more information, contact Tracy Fox at 203 856-2906

www.HavingAHeartForGod.com

Reclaiming Your Peace by Michelle Lazurek “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 “Is this what you want from this relationship?” This was an odd question for the Lord to ask me at three in the morning. I immediately sensed he was speaking about a relationship I had with a loved one. For years, I had attempted to keep the peace, despite all of the times she selfishly put herself before me. I thought I was keeping the peace by overlooking those snubs, sweeping them under my emotional rug and hiding them in the closet, hoping I’d never have to look underneath. I thought peace meant absence of conflict and it does. But peace also means “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations.” 1 I had forgiven her for what she’d done, but every time she repeated her offenses I’d realized something: I had a relationship with her, but did she really want one from me? Even God doesn’t want a relationship with people who only use him for personal or material gain. God never forces us to have a relationship with him and we shouldn’t force others into relationship either. If we are keeping the peace at the price of becoming a doormat, we aren’t allowing others to become true disciples of Christ. We are making peace for them, but putting ourselves in turmoil in the process. After a tough conversation with my loved one, we parted ways. It was difficult, but it was what was best in light of the current state of our relationship. When it was over, I thought I’d feel sadness or guilt over what I had done. But I actually felt something I didn’t know I was missing: peace. As Christians, we are to work to achieve peace when it is possible, but sometimes peace is achieved through cutting off the toxic relationships in your life. 1

www.merriam-webster.com

Visit Michelle on her blog to read more of her inspiring and encouraging posts.

The Grace of the Cross by Lanette Kissel “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1: 18 NIV We no longer wear a look of shame upon our face, since Jesus willingly stepped in and took our place. All of our guilt and shame have turned into grace. We’re no longer forced to reap what we sow. Our sin and shame became His row to hoe, since He was willing to take our place on death row. He was willing to die for us, just as He said. There was no-one holding a gun to His head. By His own choice, to His cross He was led. Our personal sin and shame won’t be revealed. And no longer in the grave are we sealed. For by His wounds, we all have been healed. But for the grace of the cross, we all would have perished. Jesus gave His life for us. Our Lord deserves to be cherished. 31

The Face of Love by Lanette Kissel Our Savior’s sad eyes wore the look of love, while other’s eyes would have been filled with hate. . Most would have run from the horrors of the cross, but the brave Jesus willingly accepted His fate. As He was hanging on the cross in agony, the vicious taunts of the angry crowd He heard. “Summon His angels if you’re the Son of God.” The sound of love heard every hateful word. His own sweat mingled with His blood as it flowed from a thorn encrusted crown. His own blood found its way to His lips. He knew the taste of love as it trickled down. The eyes, the ears, and the mouth of love had grace to say, “Forgive them for what they do.” The sweet face of Jesus is the face of love. He’s the one who gave Himself for you. He is our sinless and blameless Messiah. He was an innocent if there ever was one. The only one pure enough in His perfection. The only one worthy to be called God’s Son. He is the Lord of compassion and mercy. His heart filled with such amazing grace. He was capable of the ultimate love. It was mirrored in every image of His face. Chorus: Our precious Savior’s face is the face of love. He endured the horrors of the cross for me. And He is the look of love. The sound of love. And the voice of love…to me. He is my all…my everything. He is everything to me

A Child Who Would Be King A Child Seeks God by Donna Comeaux If you're a parent, at some point during your parenting years you've asked yourself "Where did I go wrong?" When our children are forming in our wombs, we are determined to raise them to perfection. Somewhere along the way, you and I forgot that our children will one day grow up and find their own way, whether we like it or not. Children tend to experience a time in their lives when they feel a need to express their rebellion. This rebellion isn't always dependent on our parenting skills. Sometimes children do what they do because they feel they have that right. But the word of God teaches us that doesn't have to be the case. The story of King Josiah is a love story between the king and God. At the tender age of eight (8) years old, Josiah became king of Israel. He had every material wealth known to man. What he didn't have was a godly home. His parents defied God. His neighbors worshipped idols. And he lived in a city and a region that was filled with detest toward God. All in the name of religion. Within the books of Kings and Chronicles is 400 years of history. For a hundred years or more the books God had given Moses were buried under thick layers of dust and underneath tarnished silver and gold and sheets of cobwebs. After Josiah's evil father, Amon, was assassinated, Josiah became king. It wouldn't be a surprise if he followed in his father's evil footsteps, but that didn't happen. Josiah began to seek God. The Bible doesn't say a prophet came to him and spoke the words of the Lord. The Bible doesn't say he went on some tangent and questioned one scribe after another in his search for God. The word simply says he sought God, and it doesn't seem to imply that any one thing in particular prompted this search. During his search, he decided to tear down the evil around him. In the midst of his zeal, he commanded his servants to repair and clean the temple that had been left decimated by years of neglect. During these cleanup efforts, his servants found the books God had given Moses. When King Josiah's secretary, Shaphan, read these books to him, the king tore his clothes because he was greatly disturbed by the peril he and his people were in. King Josiah doesn't stop until every Asherah pole, idol altar, and dead priests who officiated over these evil ceremonies were dug up and burned and crushed to powder. There are a number of lessons to be learned from King Josiah. 33

Being a child doesn't justify foolish behavior or defiance toward God.

It isn't impossible for the young to lead and serve God.

Being young doesn't give you the right to rebel.

God is capable of working through one man in order to save an entire generation.

God has been known to extend mercy and withhold his sentence upon man in order to save those he chooses to save.

Josiah had worldly possessions; was a ruler of a nation; but he sought the Lord God. Those who have wealth and are in power can seek and find God, if they are willing.

Josiah lived in evil times much like ours, if not worse.

God still carried out his plan to hold Israel accountable for their sin. He just didn't allow Josiah to live to see it. This is, in my opinion, God's mercy extended once again on those who love him.

We can lead a people to salvation if we first do what's right.

10.

Children can make up their own minds to obey the Lord God.

11.

Studying the word of God does not equate with obedience. You can study and not be obedient, which in turn renders your study useless.

12.

God's word can change you, your family, and the world.

13.

Notice that Josiah didn't respond to God's word with indifference. After he heard the word, he acted upon on it with zeal.

14.

God's word is our compass.

15.

Just as Josiah cleaned the temple, we must take care of our temple for it is where God dwells. That means we must feed our souls with God's word and live exemplary and holy lives. (I Corinthians 3:16) How on earth can "50 Shades of Grey" help us take care of our temple? 34

16.

How in the world did the people of Israel lose the only copy of God's word? They treated it as a keepsake and hid it in the temple. They stored it when they should have used it as a guide to live by. How many copies of God's word are hidden in your closets? What can you learn from the word if it's buried under rumble?

17.

Ask yourself this: What is the most common thing found in the church's Lost and Found? The Bible. Why? See, we aren't any different today as the Israelites were many years ago. They had one Bible and lost it. We have many and don't study it. This has fostered a biblical illiteracy of enormous proportions.

18.

To prepare God's people for their restoration messy. King Josiah had dead bodies exhumed and burned to powder, alters created for human sacrifices demolished, Asherah poles torn down, regions cleaned from incense, and the temple cleaned and repaired. It is never easy to begin again. But it wasn't easy for Christ either as he walked up that Calvary hill and gave up his life. He was filthy with spit, dirt, and grime, cuts and bruises. He endured pain, loneliness, and slander. But God gives us all that we need to survive the climb. Trust and obey and receive everlasting life.

Don't be so impatient. Wait on God. He will reveal his glory. Continue your struggle. There's a banquet table being prepared for us.

Visit Donna Comeaux at her blog, A Writer First, to read her inspirational posts and short stories.

Everlasting Name Change by Carrie Ann Tripp

Changed.

And Elizabeth is actually my sister's given name.

Different.

I have to ask myself what happened when God changed Abram's name to Abraham.

I've been thinking about how God changes people. Particularly about how he changed people's names.

For 99 years he had been known as Abram, his given name. We aren't talking about a teenage name change. We're talking a century.

Abram to Abraham Sarai to Sarah Saul to Paul Simon to Peter It seems such a little thing. Women get married and change their names every day. People start businesses and choose names that represent their product, brand, or philosophy.

We aren't talking about a whim here, either. We're talking about God. It's not like you're walking back into church telling the story of chugging a gallon of milk without taking a breath at youth camp only to discover it expired a month ago and was full of chunks seconds before you literally blew chunks over the 50 youth gathered around you cheering, and now they all call you Chunky Udder. This isn't that story.

We give people nicknames based on their characteristics, habits, or humorous one-time events. My sister's name was Beth all of our childhood. The story in our family is that I wanted a sister named Beth. When she started school in a new district in 8th grade she decided to go by her given name, Elizabeth. I think I'm the only person, her older sister, who hasn't made the switch. It's not her name. Not who she is to me. (No, I'm absolutely not tearing up as I type this in a restaurant eating by myself. Sniff.) We'll be at a gathering where I'll hear someone call, "Elizabeth!" And I wonder who they're talking to.

This is standing in the town square wondering why the person named Abram won't answer the individual who has hollered his name at least ten times. This is becoming annoying to all the people who keep thinking you're some guy named Abram. This is you not realizing that you were Abram before God changed your name and now you are Abraham. Ok. So you're thinking I've lost many mind today, aren't you? Let me make Abraham a different name and see if you can connect. My name used to be Gossip, but God changed37 it to Confidant and Counselor.

Every day someone recognizes me by my old name, Gossip, and tries to get me to respond to that name, but I didn't change my name, God did. People confide in me because they know they can trust me to keep their personal information just that, personal. Maybe your name used to be Cutter and people still call you that. Or Addict, or Adulterer, or Hypocrite, or Cheater, or Thief, or any of a million other things. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. Ezekiel 36:26-27. Did God change your name?

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. Ezekiel 36:26-27. Carrie Ann Tripp is a sold-out God follower. Her

Yeah, people may not ever forget who you were before. And in some cases that's smart of them. (Please note the SOME cases.)

faith is as much a part of her as any physical vital organ; it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a piece of clothing that she can change into or out of depending on situations or styles.

However, what people call you won't influence God's name for you. Just like my sister will always be Beth to me, you will always be known to God by the name He gave you. That name change is eternal.

Carrie Ann is the wife of Chris and mother to teenagers Cameron and Lillian. She teaches preteens and teenagers both at church and in the local public school system. Carrie Ann has a heart for encouraging and inspiring those placed in her path to seek out everything God has created them for: His will, their calling, and the advancement of His kingdom through their gifts and talents. She has personal experience battling against various strongholds present in many women and teensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives, and is called to speak out and up to help those in chains of bondage find their freedom in Christ. Carrie Ann publishes a blog. You can also find her frequently on Twitter or Facebook . She is an energetic inspiring speaker and is still available for a limited number of speaking events in summer through winter of 2015. Carrie Ann has 38 started booking speaking engagements for 2016.

God’s Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart by Jean Ann Williams

“When our children die, we want their lives to have mattered. We long for the world to know they were here.” ~ Jean Ann Williams God’s Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart is a devotional intended for mothers who’ve lost children to suicide. This book is a friendly, approachable, inviting book that helps mothers feel welcome and at ease, and to allow them a peaceful time to reflect on their loss and the child they miss. Each chapter has three sections. The devotional begins with Scripture and then the author tells the story of her loss, and then ends in a prayer. The second part is of the author’s anecdotes and memories of her son. They are short and sweet, with a dramatic style rather than a how-to. The author shares moments in her child’s life and recalls how she felt to see the different stages of growth and challenges he faced in life. The concluding part to each chapter is a journal page for the readers to write their memories of their child. It allows them space for memories and grieving, a prayer of praise, and a Scripture of encouragement. When a mother has lost a child, there are times when it’s hard to mingle with other people. Each chapter in God’s Mercies after Suicide can be read and journaled in within the privacy of a mother’s home, giving her a bit of hope and rest for another day. The book is distinctive in that it combines coping with the pain of loss while encouraging mothers to search for their own blessings. The book reaches out from its pages and wraps mothers in the warmth and love of their heavenly Father. It has been stated by sufferers of loss to suicide that the topic of suicide is taboo, and that the survivors feel they’ve been isolated from the normal hum of life. In truth, the ones left behind after the suicide do have a valid point. Included in the preface of the book is this paragraph: “I’ve written these devotions for those mothers who have shared the deep heartache of a child’s suicide. Through my writing, I believe God wants me to share from my heart to theirs, by encouraging them and giving them ways to cope. Mothers can have hope and a due measure of peace after a suicide. God has helped me, and He wants to help other mothers. The loss is horrific, but God is faithful. He brought me through this dark time, and He wants to do the same for all mothers.” Mothers of loss from suicide face separate concerns—concerns that are not taught nor thought about when they become parents. No one wants to consider that they’ll give birth to a child who could die by suicide. The mothers who endure this type of pain need a resource that considers their exclusive struggles and offers honest help from one mother to another—not in a step-by-step format but in story form, which draws the reader into a world they may know all too well.

From the Preface to

God’s Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? —Isaiah 43:18-19 I had a dream. I dreamed the nightmare never happened. Our son Joshua never passed on to the hereafter. He married and had children. Then I woke, and knew the dream was only that—a dream. We live with our reality. I’ve written these devotions for those of you who have shared the deep heartache of a child’s suicide. Through my writing, I believe God wants me to share from my heart to yours, by encouraging you and giving you ways to cope. You can have hope and peace after a suicide. God has helped me and He wants to help you. The loss is horrific, but God is faithful. He brought me through this dark time, and He wants to do the same for you. A yearning to write this story came five years into my journey of loss. I sensed a dawn of courage within myself, but I haven’t come this far in a blink, nor on my own. Although I knew I’d lose my nerve, only to gain it back time and again before I completed my story, I also knew I’d have the help from Lord God, and the folks He sends my way. Am I full of courage? Yes! Yes, I shout, with God’s hand upon me. God, when I falter, I pray You will renew my strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jean Ann Williams began her writing career in 1994 by reading a stack of books on the craft of writing. Since then, Jean Ann has published over 100 articles and short stories on the topics of Christianity, health, travel, friendship, relationships, family life, Sunday school take-home papers, and the loss of her son by suicide. She has two completed and professionally edited books, Just Claire and God’s Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart, for which she is seeking representation. In her free time, Jean Ann enjoys reading and reviewing books and mentoring young writers for the next generation. Jean Ann lives with her husband of forty-four years, Jim, on a one acre goat farm with a flock of hens. In 2013, she took up archery and hunts big game for food with her custom-fitted bow for short people. To learn more about Jean Ann Williams visit her on Face Book, Twitter, and her blogs Love Truth and Jean Ann Williams: Author. Cover photo by James D. Williams 40

Kids’ Korner by Carol Peterson Children love books. Very young children especially love books they can interact with even if they cannot yet read. What could be better than a furry board book that tells Bible stories to young children in delightful rhyming text? ZonderKids publishes a wonderful series of Furry Bible Stories board books for very young children. Little Lion’s Bible, Little Lamb’s Bible, Little Chick’s Bible, and Little Bunny’s Bible feature delightful rhyming text by PJ Lyons (The Wonderful World God Made, Kregel Kidzone, 2004). Little Lion’s Bible is a soft, cuddly Bible that children ages 2 to 5 can call their own. Throughout this plush-covered book, Little Lion learns that he is loved and cared for by God as he hears about God’s faithfulness in stories from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. With sweet, rhyming text and colorful illustrations, this soft and cuddly character storybook Bible is sure to become a classic with preschoolers.

Little Lamb’s Bible tells the story of how Little Lamb learns that he is loved and cared for by God as he hears about God’s faithfulness in stories from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

In Little Chick’s Bible children ages 2 – 5 learn about God’s love and faithfulness along with Little Chick through stories from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The Little Bunny’s Bible helps children discover, along with Little Bunny, that God is loving and faithful as they hear stories from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. These books are fun to hold, pet and love. Kids will also love the stories that help them learn some of God’s truth. Isn’t developing a love of God’s Word what we all want for our kids?

Here are a few fun activities to share with your children as you read these books together: Memorization 

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Even very young children take pride in memorization. Pick a short, easy-to-remember verse from Scripture and help your child memorize it. Here are a few verses simplified for young children: God so loved the world. (John 3:16) In the beginning, God made heaven and earth. (Genesis 1:1) This is the day the Lord made. Be glad. (Psalm 118:24) I can do everything with Jesus’ help. (Phil. 4:13) Trust in the Lord. (Proverbs 3:6) Don’t be afraid. God is with you. (Isaiah 41:10)

Illustration The beauty of picture books is that they combine both words and illustrations. Ask your child to draw and color what one of the stories means to them. Have them explain it to you in their words. Use it as an opportunity to share the Bible story with them in more depth. Little Lion’s Bible, Little Lamb’s Bible, Little Chick’s Bible and Little Bunny’s Bible are now available from Ruby’s Reading Corner.

Carol Peterson writes to educate, entertain and inspire. Her books for the classroom (grades 4-7), supplement curriculum—math, social studies, history and science. Available on Amazon.com or ABC-CLIO.com and from Ruby’s Reading Corner.

Little Bunny Coloring Page

Little Chick Coloring Page

Grandparents’ Day by Douglas Rose Thought for today: “Lord, you remain forever, your throne from generation to generation.” Lamentations 5:l9 An early spring rain brought flooding to an area near one of our local elementary school neighborhoods. Many homes had to be evacuated due to flash flooding. When the flood waters finally subsided, many of the residents returned to find everything either ruined or damaged in their homes. The next week students were asked to bring school clothes for the needy neighborhood children. One little girl named Annie who lived with her grandmother (who was pretty low on the economic scale herself) gathered up some of her used clothes and brought them to school in an old bookbag. As she placed the clothes beside the new ones other students brought, she looked inside her own soiled book-bag and reluctantly pulled out a small white “My Little Pony” figure and said: “ Here— please take this--they just might have lost all their toys, too!.” Annie’s Grandmother is teaching her one of life’s most important lessons—‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” What an important legacy to pass down from generation to generation. Talk about Godly grand-parenting! Annie’s family might not have much, but they are teaching their grand-daughter the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” — to share what she does have. Prayer: “Thank you God that you shared your Son Jesus Christ with us—help us to remember to happily share what we have with others in need. Amen.”

A Dad Remembers by Doug Rose Being a Dad is really priceless; I love it with all my might. Deep down there's a glow of contentment delivering a thousand warm delights. There's something about the hallowed walls that I lovingly call Home Sweet Home. To me, it’s the best place in this world and I never want to roam. Sitting here beside the warm fireplace, happy children playing at my knee; being a Dad for me is priceless it's the only life for me.

Cryptogram Puzzle by Beth Brubaker Decode the message by finding each substitute letter or symbol. ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 61

Visit Vintage Mamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cottage for creative inspiration and unique wearable art for you and your Little Treasures

The Heart of the Cross by Melissa Zelniker-Presser

In silent prayer and meditation today before the Lord, I felt the gravity of my salvation. I saw the burdened cross before me and heard the voices of many who deny Christ or any other divinity at all. I concentrated on the cross itself, its message and its messiness, its complications, it’s symbolism and its simplicity. How could a dying man’s place of execution evoke such differing emotions? I saw on that cross that I staked my life there. My hope, my joy, my pain, my affliction. And on it I saw God’s grace, His mercy and His love. I saw the blood of the lamb that died for the sins of the world, and I saw the persecution. If it is just a place where someone, a no one was executed, why then does it cause so much controversy? On the other side of that are the people who have died for that cross. That “piece of wood” that place. The cross for them was so much more than death, it was in fact life. That everything they had was invested in that wood, the place where Jesus died. That those martyrs count it an honor to die in Jesus’ name. I wondered, where was my hope before Christ? Where did I stake my life? I tried in various books, and religious practices and people. I tried in solitude and self -discovery. My hope was implanted within myself as the world teaches us that a simple inspirational quote or mindfulness or an Oprah show may help us find hope in this lonely and desolate world. And in all those things I found those “pleasures” or “ideas” if you will to be so temporal in nature. Many times I found myself without hope even in the midst of watching, reading or participating in those things. I constantly felt the need to be satiated, to have a sustaining and lasting hope, an everlasting peace. But to no avail I found ALL ELSE FAILED.

I find myself these days running to the cross in all my need. God meets me there in plenty and in want. I thank Him regardless of the circumstance, the good and the bad. Because I know in all things to have an eternal perspective beyond what this world can offer. I have learned Jesus has nothing to do with religion. In fact, He preached quite the opposite. And I see myself organically in worship, no walls or doors, just me and the cross, the one I bring myself to daily. My check in. It is the center of the universe. The hope that never fails. The peace that never fades away, regardless of the circumstances around me. It is a big thing to say that I know the meaning of life, that thing you’ve been chasing, that satisfaction you cannot feel, that longing. But I can tell you unequivocally that it rests in that old wooden cross, deep inside it’s layers of suffering and love. I find that many do not know what “the gospel” means or what the “good news” is. The good news is that there is a reason and purpose for your life and when you are able to put away the world’s views in your head, the noise, the background, even those closest to you and let the universe be still, place yourself at the foot of the cross. Fix your eyes on it. It will dance and move in your heart as a feeling you have never felt, a closeness you’ve never known, a depth of soul that cannot be adequately explained in words. Buried deep inside that beautifully grooved cross is the heart of God. If you reach out, you will feel its pulse. It is the heartbeat of God, calling you to 47 Him. May you know Him, may you love Him, may your soul be at rest in Him this very day.

The Bride of the Lamb by Miriam Jacob JESUS is ours, yours and mine. Christ is pure loveliness. He is our beloved Bridegroom. We are His Church, His Bride. We are the Bride of the Lamb. Jesus is our Well-Beloved. His vineyard is our hearts. We are His. He bought us with a costly price. It cost Him everything, His very life. Christ shed His life’s blood for us. He set us apart for Himself. He made us His vineyard. He hedged us in and fenced us around. He tended us to yield good fruit. Our hearts are His vineyards, planted where He can use us most, in the right place, at the right time, to bear much fruit for His glory. God’s unmistakable grace will yield the fruits of the Spirit in us, planted in a very fruitful vineyard, to serve Christ, and to bring the most glory to Him. We are called to light up His way and show others His light. The choicest clusters come from the vineyards of our hearts. His sweet fragrance emanates from us. The richest and heaviest fruits come from sharply cut vines. The choicest flavors and most fragrant aromas come from sharp-edged swords of trials and tribulations that cut into our hearts. We bear our best fruit during our worst trials. Our sorrows drive us to Him who wipes away our tears. We lay our sorrows at His feet and arise, comforted by His embrace. THE FRUIT OF FAITH - Trials dig the vineyards of our hearts to make us more fruitful and store vital nourishment at the roots of our vines. Trials fertilize the soil in which faith grows. THE FRUIT OF LOVE - Christ’s tender heart delights to love. Jesus hedges us in affectionately with His goodness and grace. Christ pledges His love to us. Our hearts grow warm in the fire of His love. THE FRUIT OF HOPE – Jesus adores the fruit of hope. In Christ, we have the greatest expectations, the brightest hopes, the clearest vision. Our hopes grow bright in Christ. THE FRUIT OF LABOR – We work for the Master with the most ardent zeal. We swim in a sea of work with nothing to stop us. Christ gives us success. We produce the ripest fruit for our Master. When Jesus visits the vineyards of our hearts, let us honor Him with our very best fruits. All the clusters of our fruit ripen for Christ. Let us yield great clusters of ripe fruit from our hearts to Him, all for Him and for Him alone. 48

Plenty by Sharon L. Patterson “I don’t have enough!” I screamed that night at Him. And, indeed, the bank account looked grim. “Look up!” He said, in reply to me “Can you count all the stars that you see? “I put each one it its place, not just one or two, but thousands to fill the space. “Is there anything I can’t do… If you Give me exactly what you have there Including your worry, doubt and care? Let me take away your fear Just draw near; Take your attention off what you don’t see, Turn your eyes up to me.” “I have more than enough!” I cried in praise. “And it will be so for all my days If I will shift my view, And look to you Oh Lord God, my Father of plenty!” 49

The Legacy by Sharon L. Patterson How much closer generations of past ages seem to me when walking through museum-like houses where their homes used to be. Picking up discarded utensils whose purpose time has locked away, Until an ancient catalog in an abandoned cupboard unlocks the seekerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dismay. What they used and what they wore offers only historical curiosity anymore. But who they were stirs questions inside of what mattered to them between the time they were born until the day that they died. Their day, as ours, marked time in the same units of twenty-four, Though much less leisure and more laboring work they bore. They laughed and cried; they lost and gained. Birthed large families, suffered death, and faith maintained. But while conquering the yet unknown, who among us will be the seekers who find the contents of their hearts, the wisdom of their minds? Perhaps the search would be worth it after allTo discover a simplicity at which modern complexity might stand in awe. 50

Giving Up Appearances by Christie Browning “When we grow weary of trying to prove ourselves, we must be ready to cast ourselves upon Him. When we do, He who came down to where we are, raises us to where He is.” — Augustine I am a recovering approval addict — I have suffered from the need to please. I have felt the pressure to keep up. I’ve been worn down, exhausted and ran ragged trying to look the part. My mind was constantly racing, it never rested. I was consumed with doing, being and busting my hump to prove I had it all together. There was a series of years where I worked so hard to put on appearances, to look as if I was something I wasn’t, that I left important responsibilities undone. My finances suffered, my relationships crumbled and my own personal well-being was more than compromised. I was a shell of a person. It was a fake lifestyle that left those that knew me best scratching their heads wondering what was really going on. For me, this always busy, always running a million miles an hour, Tasmanian tornado of a lifestyle was a copping mechanism. If I stayed busy enough, running after this and that, I wouldn’t have time to think — think about my past mistakes, my disappointment, my unsatisfied and fulfilling spot in life, or my past wounds or pain left unhealed. This was an exhausting, empty life. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. But had someone tried to clue me in on my reality, I wouldn’t have listened. In fact, I did have people who tried to advise me on my pace of life and I didn’t listen. I couldn’t see the soul destruction. I didn’t recognize how I was deteriorating in my quest to be “it.” The reality was, the only person who believed the lie was me. Those around me saw me as fake, hurried, non-present and disconnected. I only fooled myself. I recently recognized this pattern in an acquaintance of mine and was thrown back into the memories of how I felt — desperate, out of control and without hope. Of course, I didn’t know I was feeling that way at the time. I didn’t slow down long enough to assess how I felt, but looking back I see it now. Augustine said it best in his quote above…. “it’s when we grow weary.” Unfortunately, we have to grow weary, reach the breaking point, hit rock bottom before we make the hard changes in our selves. Transformation comes with revelation, but the revelation can be unsettling when the blinders come off and we finally see the truth. For those of you out there who have had this revelation, let me encourage you that you are not alone. And let Augustine’s words encourage you… cast yourself on Him. It is He that raises us to where He is… the highest and best position possible.

For those who might be witnessing a friend or loved one going through this revelation, I ask that you not offer judgment, but forgiveness and grace in heaping amounts. And, dear sister, if you haven’t even reached the point of revelation or understanding, just file these words in your heart. They will have meaning when the time is right. I posted on my personal Facebook page last week — “Constantly feed on the Truth. There is freedom found there.” Know that the enemy wants you to believe the lie that appearances are priority, but the Truth would tell us we are already made complete in Him. Rest and peace, along with freedom, are found in the Truth. It is a necessary for us to visit here daily. Want to get a grip on your emotions? Need to gain some control of your time? Stress taking over your mindset? Are you struggling to sleep well, feel well, and be well? You need to GET A GRIP! – reVision’s workbook tackles stress management, emotional stability and physical health. You can get a sneak peek at this workbook as well as get your own copy by clicking here!

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

International Ministry Right Here at Home by Connie Chandler Where do you find international friends? Some people take trips to other countries and have incredible, lifechanging cross-cultural experiences - and if you are able to do that, I absolutely recommend it. But what if you can't - you don't have the money, you can't take the time off work, your responsibilities at home are full-time, or you can't physically handle a big trip? The beautiful thing is, there are people from all over the world who are moving here! We really don't have to go very far to have a cross-cultural experience. And we don't even need to be in a big city like Chicago or New York, praise the Lord! But your current lifestyle may not put you in the same places as your international neighbors, so you may have no idea how close they are. If you want to meet internationals and make some new friends, you can't just sit where you are and hope they will find you. Here are a few places you could explore: 1. International ministries/organizations Speaking from personal experience, I recommend that you research what ministries or non-profits are already present in your city. They may function with a small staff and a small budget, but they are often the ones who have the best personal connections with the international population in your community. When I lived in Fort Wayne, I served with International House, which has been serving in the same area for about 15 years, and native Hoosiers are still shocked to discover it, right in their backyard! You may be surprised to learn that there are people in your area who are already providing services for international people. A quick Google search of your city, with key words like "nonprofits and charities" or "refugees and immigrants" could be a good place to start. And of course, don't underestimate the leaders in your church as a possible connecting resource. There are also bigger organizations that have multiple offices around the country and the world. World Relief and Catholic Charities are just two of the well-known, well-established non-profits that can be found in many cities. Check out their websites below to see if they are near you: http://worldrelief.org/us-offices http://catholiccharitiesusa.org/find-help/ 2. Resource centers Many social/community resource centers help international people, such as free medical clinics and language learning centers. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the YMCA are also places where families will go for support. You may want to volunteer or find part time jobs in one of these places. 53

3. Places of work Get out of your comfort zone and eat or shop somewhere you don't normally go! Authentic Mexican restaurants, Indian buffets, Chinese take-outs, or Japanese sushi bars are excellent places to try some delicious foods and meet some interesting people. Also keep your eye out for local ethnic markets or boutique shops to browse and shop in. If it's the real thing, then chances are it's a small family-run business, and the people who work there are from that country. When you find a place you particularly enjoy, make an intentional effort to frequently visit. The owners or servers will start to recognize you and will be friendlier and open to conversation. 4. Churches In my hometown of Winston-Salem, there are churches on every corner... sometimes two or three on a corner! I notice that some of the signs/marquees are in Spanish or Korean. I also know that there is usually a variety of nationalities represented in Greek Orthodox churches. Pay attention to the signs of churches in your community. Take note of the ones that are written in other languages or have international flags displayed, and maybe skip your church service some week to visit one of these churches. Be prepared to not understand a word that is spoken or sung, and be open to experiencing styles of worship that might look or sound different from what you are used to. This is ok - it's a cross-cultural experience! People will be very curious about why you are there, but will also be extremely welcoming to you. Do some research, explore a new corner of your town, be an observer and learner... and pray for God to open your eyes to see the nations among us!

Connie Chandler teaches ESL (English as a Second Language) classes and has a heart for international student ministry. Visit her at Life is Sweet to follow her journey as she ministers to those right in her own neighborhood. 54

And the walls cry out Gnawing wind scours artwork into hallowed walls, Edvard Munch mimicked by time and tided season: a silent ‘scream’ within hushment of abbey bulwark. ’even the stones cry out’ Sculpted praise in mute wonder: mason’s work revealing a surprise bequest crafted by the Master mason. Abbot, priest, brothers all have passed, are past, recalled to dust and ash. We walk this way in remembrance, washed in the prayer of centuries, the plain chant of wind and rain, the pilgrimage of faith.

~ Keith Wallis

Photo: Lindisfarne Priory

Over and beyond Over and beyond all fathoming I clambered a higher mountain, pathed an untrod ambition, because You were there. Your breath held me through rarified atmosphere and freezing ground. I climbed because there was more to see than an enveloping reality that only proposed what has been, obscuring what may be. This is no resting place nor seat in the auditorium this is life higher ground and a chance to taste tomorrow.

~ Keith Wallis

Simon of Cyrene by Donna B. Comeaux

“Share in Each Other’s Sufferings” Cyrene, Libya, North Africa is located approximately 785 miles from Jerusalem. During the time of Jesus, you’d have to travel either by boat, horseback, or by foot—which took weeks. No matter how Simon traveled to Jerusalem, he began his journey with a plan. He took enough food and water, and probably sent someone ahead to neighboring cities to prepare a place for him to rest. He needed money, too. How else would he buy a lamb or fowl for a sacrifice during the Passover? Maybe, if he had time, he’d visit family and friends. Maybe, he’d sit down with the elders and catch up on the latest news spreading throughout the Jewish brotherhood. I’d venture to say, Simon looked forward to the Passover for more reasons than worshipping God. But sometimes plans can go horribly wrong. Simon didn’t expect to get caught up in a swell of people and meet the Savior on a hot Friday afternoon. He didn’t expect his clothing to be soaked with the Savior’s blood, mingled with His sweat. He couldn’t fathom why the guards chose him to carry another man’s burden. He was there for the Passover. He’d be late preparing for it if the guards didn’t let him be. But the guards probably raised their whips and threaten to beat him if he didn’t bear the weight of the cross.

Simon witnessed firsthand Jesus’ pain; the love and forgiveness soaked in his eyes amid all the chaos. To hear Him moan had to provoke Simon to tears. Scared and perplexed, Simon had never seen a crown of thorns buried so deep in a man’s head. Sure, he may have seen many hanging from crosses on his way into the city. I'm sure he smelled the stench of death, heard the crows squawking and circling overhead.

But now Simon was up close. It became personal. The vast amount of blood, water, dirt, and gravel caked on the Master’s face stunned him. The spittle. The bruises. Above all that had gone awry, Simon didn’t expect to eyewitness Jesus’ death. What had this man done to deserve such punishment? Whoever He was, Simon had no intent to come to Jerusalem and carry His cross then watch Him die. Simon wasn’t the only one disappointed with his journey. Those close to Jesus expected their journey to liberate them from Roman rule. They looked with great anticipation for a new king! Instead, they received forgiveness and love, miracles and healing. Part of the mob’s anger was due to the fact that, in their opinion, Jesus was an impostor. Some 57felt devastated their journey had taken a different route.

I raise a poignant issue here. Simon didn’t know Jesus. The women following behind didn’t know Simon. Mary didn’t know Simon. Neither did John. At Jesus’ feet were a host of people who didn’t know one another, yet they were there to minister to one man. After Christ’s burial, do you think these people had a common bond they wouldn’t have otherwise shared if it were not for our Lord’s suffering? Is this the reason for our loneliness? We have not shared in the sufferings of others. The souls sitting at Jesus’ feet were there to share in Jesus' suffering! They gave of their time, tears, and sorrow. Why? They simply didn’t want Jesus to be alone. They weren’t afraid to cry for our Lord, to feel his pain, to sorrow over his inevitable end. How many times have we avoided the pain and suffering of our brothers and sisters because we don’t want to be around such sadness, because we don’t want to be near death, or we don’t want our good name associated with the scandal of a brother wrongly accused? Isn’t that behavior in direct contradiction with God’s plan for us? “We who are strong ought to bear the failings of the weak and not please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1) Whether you are driven by fears or selfish ambition, it is not a godly approach to the mission he placed before us. Sometimes that mission is not a journey we intended to take, but one that must be traveled just the same. On the first day of the week, often we talk to (or avoid) the same people. This ritual blinds us, causing us to become observers of those who suffer, rather than ministers.

This ritual often feeds our frenzy to stay in our lanes and not do what is both required and uncomfortable. It takes effort and a mountain of courage to veer off course to reach out to someone you don’t know, someone you don’t love, or someone with whom you don’t have a personal relationship. Isn’t that exactly what Christ calls us to do? So, what does it profit us to minister to those who are well? What’s your plan? Do you have a plan? Before you is a map—the great commission—and with it you must take valuable items or you will not complete your journey. Simon needed food, water, and money for a sacrifice. What does your journey require? Is your food tucked away in a drawer? Sure, you have plans to pull out God's word and read it, soon. But while you're finalizing plans to feed off God's manna, what is feeding your soul in the meantime? Are you well-equipped? “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8) I suggest the first thing we pack for our journey is LOVE, and with love comes two things—courage and action. Do you have the courage to get out of your lane and do something godly and uncomfortable? Are you willing to minister to people you don’t know and relish in the opportunity to emit the love of our Savior? Will your love compel you to associate with people not on your economic or social level? Will your love break down preconceived ideas of your sisters or brothers? Or is it possible we have become pious enough to think we’re already well-equipped for our journey?

Visit Donna Comeaux at her blog, A Writer First, to read her inspirational posts and short stories.

Selfish Ambition A novel by Donna B. Comeaux

Visit Lynn at her blog to read her inspiring and encouraging posts.

Shortly after Sherelle Lindsey transmits her dissertation to Journalism Department heads at the American University in Cairo (“AUC”), a bomb blasts through her classroom. When she awakes, she’s frantic to know who’s captured her. To her surprise, Army Special Forces and Major Laurence “Lennie” Williams are responsible for saving her. How does she thank this Visit Katherine’s Corner for monthly giveaways, weekly blog hops,to recipes, and crafts wounded soldier? Betrayal. Twisted by aspirations become managing editor of a Washington, D.C. newspaper, Sherelle struggles to come clean. For Major Williams, rescuing someone from the throes of danger is not only his job, but the adrenaline rush he needs to survive his lonely life. When he’s wounded and loses his wings to this lovely beauty, it doesn’t take long to know he’s in love. Though Lennie can’t explain it, he unequivocally believes God has sent Sherelle to save him instead of the other way around. But can he convince her of that? Or has he misinterpreted God's plan? Simply put, Selfish Ambition is a young couple’s fight to find meaning in life. Selfish Ambition by Donna B. Comeaux is available on the Ruby59 for Women blog.

A Bouquet of Devotions by Gloria Doty and Jeanette Dall

A Bouquet of Devotions features 50 unique devotions for 50 common flowers. A Bouquet of Devotions is available from Ruby’s Reading Corner.

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Becoming the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved: Discover Your Character in God’s Love Story by Michelle S. Lazurek Becoming the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved: Discover Your Character in God’s Love Story by Michelle S. Lazurek (Winepress Publishing, October, 2011) invites readers to engage with the story God is writing for their lives and discover their role as a character in that story. The book also asks the reader “What’s Your Story?” and provides thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter to allow readers to interact with the material. Becoming the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved is available from Ruby’s Reading Corner. It is also available on her website at www.michellelazurek.com , www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com . You can follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mslazurek or Twitter.

A River of Small Stones by Keith Wallis A beautiful and inspirational book of poetry, perfect for gift-giving for every season of the year! Poems written as “small stones,” polished moments of paying proper attention to life Available at www.ariverofstones.blogspot.com

By Still Waters by Keith Wallis A celebration of life; poems and associated photographs of faith and experience. The light touch of a poet rejoicing in creation. Read more: http://wordsculptures-keith.blogspot.com/p/by-stillwaters.html

“poems from the pit” by Keith Wallis The words and photographs offer a view that there is beauty even in the ‘detritus’ left behind by industry and the litter discarded by the thoughtless. The poems are all inspired by his photographs but may be a little oblique – often showing a train of thought rather than a description. Sample can be viewed at: http://www.blurb.com/user/store/wordsculptor where you’ll also find his other books.

Stop by Ruby’s Reading Corner the next time you are shopping online for books . . . . every book purchased from Ruby’s Reading Corner helps support the ministry of Ruby for Women. 65

Meet the Ruby for Women Writers Lynn Mosher, Devotions

Since the year 2000, Lynn Mosher has lived with fibromyalgia and other physical conditions. During this time, the Lord placed the desire in her heart to write for Him. Now, armed with 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. After 30 years of working in the medical field and managing other people’s businesses Katherine has her own online shop and graphics business. She never hesitates to contribute to Ruby for Women. She says, “Being part of Ruby for Women is like getting a big hug every day.” Blog http://KatherinesCorner.com Blog Graphics at http://BlogArtByKatherine.com Shop http://KeepsakesByKatherine.etsy.com

Heather King is a wife to a wonderful husband and a mom to three beautiful girls. A former English teacher, she now lives a life of doing dishes, folding laundry, finding lost toys and mending scraped knees. She treks to the grocery store more times a week than she’d like and struggles to keep up with chores, appointments and the to-do list that refreshes itself day after day. In addition to all that, she’s the worship leader at her church in Virginia, a Bible study teacher and women’s ministry leader. You can find her blogging about these times with God at her devotional site: Room To Breathe: http://heathercking.wordpress.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. 66

Jean Ann Williams is a writer and the author of God's Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother's Heart, a devotional book written following the death of her son, Joshua. You can connect with Jean Ann on one of her blogs: http://joshua-mom.blogspot.com/ http://jeanannwilliams.blogspot.com/

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

Rhea B. Riddle was born in Kentucky, in a little town on the Ohio River at the time of the famous flood of 1937, which may have contributed to her sense of drama, and to an amplified love of life. She has penned and published many articles and stories on several current e-zine sites. Her world view is view influenced by gentle traditions and strong Christian values. She hopes to lure you with current life adventures as well as past ones (completely truthful and otherwise) often drawing you to a time of “rewound” living!

Gloria Doty: I am a mother of 5 and grandmother of 13. I have owned a catering business, and a Grade A goat dairy. I have managed a restaurant, worked in retail and was Dir. of Children’s’ Ministries for a large church for 10 years. I have been writing since I was in third grade. I currently write 2 blogs about my youngest daughter, Kalisha, and our journey together through the world of mild mental retardation, autism and Aspergers. One blog is written for www.MOMS.FortWayne.com and is titled “Not Different Enough”. The other blog is www.gettingitright-occasionally.blogspot.com I write freelance articles for magazines and am a contributor to two devotional publications: Living the Gospel Life and Hope-Full Living. I do not believe it is possible to make it through a day without faith and a sense of humor, even in the darkest times and I try to always reflect that in my writing.

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. 67

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.

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.

Mia DeBruyne is an active-contemplative woman minister with a MA in Theology and a MS in Environmental Engineering. She is a wife and mother, a hospital chaplain, and an author/artist who makes her home in Oklahoma. She seeks to inspire other women to shine for our God, Abba the Father.

Debra Sanchez has moved over thirty times... so far. She and her husband currently live in Cheswick, Pennsylvania, and have three adult children and four grandchildren. Until its recent closure, she worked at a small library, where she ran several writing programs, conferences, and led a weekly writing group. She has won awards at writers conferences in various genres, including children’s stories, poetry, fantasy, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Several of her plays and monologues have been produced at festivals, churches, and theater camps. Some of her work has been published in literary magazines, local newspapers, and her short story “Hazy Decision” was published in an anthology in September, 2014. Visit her blog at www.dbrsanchez-distractions.blogspot.com .

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.revisionmagazine.net 68

Sarah Dale is a writer of Romantic Mystery and Christian genres. Sarah currently lives in Chesapeake, Virginia with her husband of nine years and their two children. Sarah is a Navy wife and Stay at Home Mother. New to her walk with God, Sarah is looking to begin writing more Christian Fiction. Currently, Sarah enjoys blogging at Words of Mama Strong.

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”

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

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 will begin work on her second novel, Taken by Choice, and start writing a collection of short stories in 2014.

Doug Rose is a new writer at Ruby for Women. His contribution for this issue is “Grandparent’s Day” and “A Dad Remembers.” We look forward to sharing more of Doug’s writing with our readers in future issues of Ruby for Women.

Carrie Ann Tripp is a sold-out God follower. Her faith is as much a part of her as any physical vital organ; it isn’t a piece of clothing that she can change into or out of depending on situations or styles. Carrie Ann is the wife of Chris and mother to teenagers Cameron and Lillian. She teaches pre-teens and teenagers both at church and in the local public school system. 69

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 ezine, 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 Aspergers, 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 12. 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 recently had the opportunity to offer 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 70

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 our Administrative Assistant, Karen Burdge at karen@rubyforwomen.com Questions? Email Nina @ editor@rubyforwomen.com or Beth @ bethatruby@aol.com Ruby for Women is published by rubyforwomen.com All submission inquiries should be directed to Nina Newton, Sr. Editor Ruby for Women editor@rubyforwomen.com or Beth Brubaker, Assistant Editor bethatruby@aol.com Advertising inquiries should be directed to editor@rubyforwomen.com Creative Consultant, Katherine Corrigan of Blog Art by Katherine http://katherinescorner.com/blog-art/

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