Ruby for WomenRuby for WomenRuby for WomenRuby for Women “her worth is far above rubies . . .” Proverbs 31:10“her worth is far above rubies . . .” Proverbs 31:10“her worth is far above rubies . . .” Proverbs 31:10“her worth is far above rubies . . .” Proverbs 31:10

February, 2011

• Love Letter from a Poet

• Make Your Own Strawberry Pincushions

• From Lawsuit to Life Coach

• Make Your Own Garden Under Glass

• True Story of Valentine’s Day

• Vintage Valentine Cards

1

On the Cover . . . .

Staff WritersStaff WritersStaff WritersStaff Writers Ruby for WomenRuby for WomenRuby for WomenRuby for Women

Nina Newton, Sr. EditorNina Newton, Sr. EditorNina Newton, Sr. EditorNina Newton, Sr. Editor

Amanda Johnson, Assistant EditorAmanda Johnson, Assistant EditorAmanda Johnson, Assistant EditorAmanda Johnson, Assistant Editor

Katherine Corrigan, Graphic Katherine Corrigan, Graphic Katherine Corrigan, Graphic Katherine Corrigan, Graphic DesignerDesignerDesignerDesigner and Creative Assistant and Creative Assistant and Creative Assistant and Creative Assistant

Laura Day, Story Laura Day, Story Laura Day, Story Laura Day, Story

Lynn Mosher, Devotions Lynn Mosher, Devotions Lynn Mosher, Devotions Lynn Mosher, Devotions

Keith Wallis, Poetry Keith Wallis, Poetry Keith Wallis, Poetry Keith Wallis, Poetry

Beth Brubaker, Family Fun EditorBeth Brubaker, Family Fun EditorBeth Brubaker, Family Fun EditorBeth Brubaker, Family Fun Editor

Dorothy Kurchak, GaDorothy Kurchak, GaDorothy Kurchak, GaDorothy Kurchak, Gardening rdening rdening rdening

Rochelle Martin, Quilting Rochelle Martin, Quilting Rochelle Martin, Quilting Rochelle Martin, Quilting

Jennifer Cirka, Crochet & Cooking Jennifer Cirka, Crochet & Cooking Jennifer Cirka, Crochet & Cooking Jennifer Cirka, Crochet & Cooking

Carolyn Arnold, Kids CraftsCarolyn Arnold, Kids CraftsCarolyn Arnold, Kids CraftsCarolyn Arnold, Kids Crafts

In This Issue . . . In This Issue . . . In This Issue . . . In This Issue . . .

Page Title

4 Make It Yourself! Lacey Valentine Sachet Katherine Corrigan

4 “With My Eyes” Keith Wallis

5 Love . . . Where Are You? Lynn Mosher

7 Note from Amanda Johnson Assistant Editor

8 Valentine’s Day Recipes Ruby for Women Writers

9 Vintage Valentine’s Day Bag Vintage Image Craft

12 “A Scratch in Time” Lee E. Shilo

13 The True Story of Valentine’s Day as told by Vintage Mama

16 Love is in the Air Hidden Word Puzzle Beth Brubaker

16 “I Will Love You” Keith Wallis

17 Beware the Wolves! Sheila Watson Kraklow

18 Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting from the kitchen of Vintage Mama

19 Christian Women Entrepreneurs Connect Jo Ann Fore

21 Ask Beth Beth Brubaker

22 Make Your Own Garden Under Glass

Katherine Corrigan

23 Secrets About Love Laura Day

26 Basil and Corn Tart Recipe Katherine Corrigan

27 “I Climbed Eternity” Lee E. Shilo

27 Praying Pals with Stacie Ruth Stoelting

28 Fighting the Feb-“blah”-ary Blues Beth Brubaker

Find beautiful vintage images for all of your crafting

projects at www.vintageimagecraft.com

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Page Title

29 “Friend” Keith Wallis

30 From Lawsuit to Life Coach Jo Ann Fore

32 Crochet a Valentine’s Day Heart Jennifer Cirka

33 Happy Groundhog Day! Beth Brubaker

34 Dolly Dingle’s Valentine Vintage Image Craft

35 The Perfect Guy Amanda Johnson

36 “The Gift of Each Day” Connie Arnold

36 “Covenant: Unequal Partners” Keith Wallis

37 The Model Prayer Lynn Mosher

38 Vintage Valentine Cards Vintage Mama

40 Turn Your Devastation into Regeneration Deborah McCarragher

41 “The Song of Life” Connie Arnold

42 Love Letter from a Poet Keith Wallis

44 Does it Take a Donkey to Get Your Attention? Deborah McCarragher

46 Ask a Silly Question! Beth Brubaker

47 Love is in the Air Hidden Word Solution Beth Brubaker

48 Be Mine Greeting Card Craft Katherine Corrigan

49 Black Forest Valentine’s Day Cupcakes Katherine Corrigan

50 Strawberry Pincushion Craft Katherine Corrigan

51 Meet the Ruby for Women Writers

56 Copyrights and Credits

Guest AuthorsGuest AuthorsGuest AuthorsGuest Authors and Contributors and Contributors and Contributors and Contributors

Lee E. Shilo, Stories and PoemsLee E. Shilo, Stories and PoemsLee E. Shilo, Stories and PoemsLee E. Shilo, Stories and Poems

Deborah McCarragher, DevotionalDeborah McCarragher, DevotionalDeborah McCarragher, DevotionalDeborah McCarragher, Devotional

Scott Henderson, Vintage Image CraftScott Henderson, Vintage Image CraftScott Henderson, Vintage Image CraftScott Henderson, Vintage Image Craft

Connie Arnold, PoetryConnie Arnold, PoetryConnie Arnold, PoetryConnie Arnold, Poetry

Sheila Watson Kraklow, DevotionalSheila Watson Kraklow, DevotionalSheila Watson Kraklow, DevotionalSheila Watson Kraklow, Devotional

Jo Ann Fore, National Association of Jo Ann Fore, National Association of Jo Ann Fore, National Association of Jo Ann Fore, National Association of

Christian Women Entrepreneurs NACWEChristian Women Entrepreneurs NACWEChristian Women Entrepreneurs NACWEChristian Women Entrepreneurs NACWE

Send Out Cards Send Out Cards Send Out Cards Send Out Cards with Danie K. Bellwith Danie K. Bellwith Danie K. Bellwith Danie K. Bell

www.sendthecards.comwww.sendthecards.comwww.sendthecards.comwww.sendthecards.com

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Letter From the Editor

All of us think of February as a month when we focus on love . . . . we send Valentine Cards to our friends and family and other people in our lives who are special to us. At our house we always try to do something a little extra for one another around Valentine’s Day. Sometimes we might have a special family dinner together, or we might make a hand-decorated card for our Daddy and our Grandma and Grandpa. And then we might do a fun family activity like go roller skating together. As I’ve been thinking about February, and Valentine’s Day, and the whole topic of love, I decided that it would be fun to put some of my thoughts into writing and create an ongoing column for the Ruby for Women community. As we envision our lives with our friends, family, and community, we all “love” someone . . . . hopefully, we love several “someones.” But what we frequently forget is that “love” is so much more than a word, or even an action. To be truly connected with those who love, we need to understand love as a lifestyle. Jesus clearly expressed the significance of loving others as a reflection of our love for Him: “Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” John 21-16. And then, in the book of 1 John, we are reminded that “this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. . . . since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another . . . . if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” I John 4:10 -12 But remember, the English language is somewhat limited in how we can express love! We say that we love our kids, we love our husband, we love our parents . . . . but we also LOVE pizza, our dog, and that gorgeous sweater that we bought on sale last week! So, then, what does it really mean when God’s Word guides us to “love one another?”

One clue is also found in the book of 1 John: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3: 17-18. That will undoubtedly mean something different in terms of specific opportunities and activities for all of us. But the command is clear: if you see a need and you are capable of meeting that need, then that just might be the door that God is opening in front of you! On the other hand, some of us frequently feel like EVERY need is our responsibility, and we wear ourselves out trying to do it ALL. That’s not helpful, either. So, as we look at Love as a Lifestyle we will be focusing on the different ways that we, as women, can express our love to those whom God brings into our lives and across our paths. We will investigate the various lifestyle choices that women have made throughout history, including those women who have invested their lives in a secluded community as well as those who have working diligently in the world as missionaries, teachers, speakers, and writers. And we will also feature women who have made the choice to invest all of their time and energy into caring for their home and family. We have so many opportunities to honor God and express our devotion and love for Him through our daily choices. Here at Ruby for Women we wan to celebrate the women who walk every day along a pathway of obedience, wherever God may lead them. If you have a story you would like to share with us about someone you know who represents a Lifestyle of Love, please email us at editor@rubyforwomen.com Then let’s talk together about all of the amazing opportunities we have right in front of us today!

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With My Eyes

‘Here’s looking at you, kid’.

When you caught me looking, as you struggled in distant care;

when proximity belied the phantom touch you sensed: I was loving you with my eyes.

When words of comfort somersault and play in chaotic tumbles then fail to span

chasms between brain and lip; when expression is disguised

by furrow’s distorting grip: I’ll be loving you with my eyes.

When I can offer nothing but a shallow glance

the glint within will be my love.

~~ Keith Wallis

Make It Yourself! Lacey Valentine Sachet by Katherine Corrigan What You Need * Embroidery hoop (I used a 4 inch hoop) * Lace or tulle (about 12 inches square, may vary depending on embroidery hoop size) * Ribbon * Glue gun * Embellishments * Scissors * Fragrance beads or dry lavender

Before You Start : Heat up your glue gun. Take your embroidery hoop apart (remove the top pin by unscrewing)

Lets Make It! Place your inside loop onto a piece of lace or tulle and cut it about 1 inch larger in diameter than your embroidery hoop.

Lay your inside loop over the lace fabric and begin to proceed to glue the fabric to the loop using your hot glue gun all around the outside edge, gently pressing the lace fabric onto the glued edge. Work a little bit at a time ( hot glue dries quickly) moving slowly until the entire hoop is covered.

Using scissors trim any excess fabric from loop. Repeat this same process with the outside loop.

Place dried lavender or fragrance beads into the outside loop and place the inside loop back into the outside loop. It will fit snugly.

Cut a piece of ribbon long enough to cover the outside loop edge. Using your glue gun, glue the ribbon to the outside edge of the embroidery hoop. Using, beads, ribbon, flowers and other embellishments glue trim around the face of the hoop. Finish with a ribbon bow through the holes at the top of the loop (where you removed the screw.) Hang your hoop sachet in your closet, or on your door knob. Do not place directly on your clothing (sometimes fragrance beads can stain).

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Love…Where Are You? by Lynn Mosher

What is love? Is it definable? Is it a feeling? A passion? Something romantic?

The dictionary defines love as a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person, a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection for a parent, child, or friend, sexual desire, affectionate concern for the well-being of others, the benevolent affection of God for His creatures or the reverent affection due from them to God.

Passions and feelings can be fickle; they can change. Do you look for an un-fickle love . . .

* in a bar * in a friend * in a marriage * in a father or mother * in a boyfriend or girlfriend?

Is it found . . .

* in status * in things * in money * in a career * in notoriety * in possessions * in power or position?

If you’re looking for love in the people or things in the above lists, you’re looking in all the wrong places. You must first look inward. If you have no love within you, you will not be able to give love to another.

Do you . . .

* Look for that perfect someone to love?

* Yearn for that special love, the kind of love that believes in you, nurtures you, encourages you, supports you, comforts you, is always there for you?

* Long to know if this elusive, unchanging, lasting, forever-kind-of-love exist?

The answers are the same no matter the question. So, where is the best place to find the answer? In the Bible! This love we are all looking for comes in the person of Jesus Christ.

You love yourself and others; you find that perfect love, when you give your heart to Jesus. He loves you. Have you loved Him back? The disciple John wrote in one of his letters, “We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 NKJV)

You have been loved with an everlasting, all-sacrificing, all-forgiving, unconditional, perfect love. You are beloved. Cherished. To die for. Jesus says to you, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.” (John 15:16a NKJV)

You are the one He loves; He gave His life for you. “This is My body which is given for you.” (Luke 22:19 NKJV)

The apostle Paul wrote, “Long before [God] laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love,” (Eph. 1:4a Msg) and “[In His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ.” (Eph. 1:4a Amp) When you know this kind of precious love, you will begin to truly love yourself and others. Your love life will be in order.

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Visit Katie at Katherine’s Corner and Visit Katie at Katherine’s Corner and Visit Katie at Katherine’s Corner and Visit Katie at Katherine’s Corner and Go Ask Katie for recipes, crafts, and househGo Ask Katie for recipes, crafts, and househGo Ask Katie for recipes, crafts, and househGo Ask Katie for recipes, crafts, and household hintsold hintsold hintsold hints

So, what or whom do you love? If I asked you to answer, without thinking, what you love the most, what would be your immediate response? Your boyfriend or girlfriend, your spouse, your children, your car, your bank account, your physical appearance, your iPod, your cell phone?

Jesus asks you, “Do you love Me more than these others?” (John 21:15 TLB)

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect.” (1 John 4:16-17a NLT)

May you know the perfect, Valentine Love!

www.lynnmosher.blogspot.com http://twitter.com/lynnmosher

www.facebook.com/LynnMosher www.linkedin.com/pub/lynn-mosher/11/146/206

Has God given you a MISSION? Sometimes our own family is our mission field. Your spouse’s salvation is something that God considers a priority. An unequally yoked marriage is difficult, but not impossible. Begin at home by reaching your mate for Christ. Our words, actions, attitudes and love will lay the foundation for God to work in your marriage. Your unsaved spouse is your “mission.” That relationship is foremost on God’s heart. By faith, begin now . . . you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Mission Possible is a “must have” book for any woman who is

married to a man who does not share her passion for Jesus. This mission is one in which you, the reader, will walk through the process of one woman’s quest to reach her husband for Christ. You can purchase Deborah’s book, Mission Possible, at her website, Alabaster Box Publishing at www.alabasterboxpublishing.com

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Discovery House Publishers Feeding the Soul with the Word of God

Visit Discovery House Publishers at www.dhp.org

A Note from Amanda Johnson, A Note from Amanda Johnson, A Note from Amanda Johnson, A Note from Amanda Johnson, Assistant Editor Assistant Editor Assistant Editor Assistant Editor Ruby for WomenRuby for WomenRuby for WomenRuby for Women

My laptop crashed this week and had to be sent out for repairs. Thankfully, I didn’t lose everything, but I did have to shell out $100 to have someone else back up my files. If only I had used the hard drive when I had the chance! Backing up files is simple and doesn’t take a lot of time. You can purchase an external Hard drive at an office supply store and place a copy of all your important data right onto it. Or, if your computer has a CD or DVD burner, just burn a copy of all your data there. You can also purchase a flash drive at just about any local retail store. (You’ll need at least 4 GB to get started). If you’re really broke, then at least e-mail yourself a copy of anything you absolutely cannot live without. Whatever you choose, please don’t let my mistake be yours too! Back up your files today!

I cannot believe February is here already! Things have been pretty buys here at the Ruby for Women e-zine and over at the Ruby for Women Community Page. If you haven’t stopped by www.rubyforwomen.ning.com, be sure to put it on your list of things to do! It’s a great place to connect with Ruby readers and writers. Sign up and receive your own page and become part of a fantastic group of friends! Along with visiting the Ruby community page, there is another important thing that you should add to that winter to do list: Back up your computer files! Now is the perfect time to actually take the time to back up your valuable documents, photos, financial, personal, and work files. Trust me, you don’t want to put it off another day! I was blessed to receive an external hard drive from my parents for Christmas. With the work I’ve been doing with the ministry and for Ruby, I knew I definitely needed to update and backup my files. The sad reality though, is that I let the hard drive sit on my computer shelf for the last month telling myself ‘I’ll get to it later.’ Guess what? Later never came.

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Valentine’s Day Recipes To Warm Your Heart!

Black, White and Red All-Over Chili Submitted by Lynn Mosher Great served with pasta, corn muffins, and applesauce. Ingredients:

* 2 cans black beans with juice * 8-10 frozen chicken tenders (not breaded ones), thawed, or equivalent (can use cooked chicken if you have leftovers)

* Chopped onion (the amount you like) * Garlic (the amount you like) * 2 c. water (I guess you could use chicken stock. Haven’t tried it yet) * 1 c. salsa * ½ pkg. Chili-o mix (not the one with the onions) * 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes * Cumin * Salt * Bloemer’s chili powder (as you can see, I don't measure a lot. Just use to taste!)

Directions: Thaw chicken in the microwave. Sauté a couple of minutes with onion and garlic. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Put in pot with other ingredients. Simmer for one hour. Adjust to taste.

Creamy Chicken Chili Submitted by Vintage Mama

If your family likes really spicy chili, you can always add extra spices! Ingredients: 16 oz of canned white beans 2 large onions, chopped 1 stick unsalted butter 1/4 c all-purpose flour 3/4 c chicken broth 2 cups half and half 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 4-oz can whole mild green chilies, drained and chopped 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 c grated cheddar cheese 1/2 c sour cream

Directions: Heat a large skillet over moderately high heat; add 2 tsp. oil. When oil is hot, place chicken breasts in the skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook approximately five minutes on each side, then cook until browned on both sides or until when you cut into the thickest part, the meat is white and no longer pink. When chicken is thoroughly cooked, cool, and cut or shred and set aside.

Cook chopped onion in the skillet with 2 Tbs. of butter until soft. In a large heavy cooking pot, melt the rest of the butter over medium heat and whisk in flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for three minutes. Stir in the cooked onion and gradually add the broth and half and half, whisking the whole time. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, for five minutes or until thickened. Stir in seasonings. Add beans, chilies, chicken and cheese. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes. Add sour cream.

Serve with other chili garnishments: chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, additional chili powder, cilantro, Tabasco.

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Fill this vintage-style Valentine Bag with chocolates, candy hearts, or

celery (if you are so inclined) for your sweetie! The heart of this classy

gift bag is a plain, lunch-size brown paper bag. Add a vintage image by

Margaret Evans Price (1888-1973), and some home-made paper lace.

The aged gift tag is the "key" to the whole design!

Margaret Evans Price sold her first illustrated story at the age of 12, and went on to become a very

successful free-lance illustrator. In 1930, she and her husband, Irving Price, partnered with Herman Fisher

to found Fisher-Price Toys. As the company's first art director, she designed some of the signature

products, while continuing to create original artwork for galleries and publications.

We treated the vintage image with a paper tole technique, which means a dimensional layering of image

elements. This is a simple craft to reproduce, and you can play around with the styling and embellishing.

Add your own touches like glitter, ribbons, rubber stamps or maybe some small embossed keys!

Materials for making this Vintage Valentine Bag:

• Vintage image and template (see below)

• Matte photo paper or white card stock, 8.5" x 11".

• Cardstock, red and brown, 8.5" x 11".

• Paper bag, lunch size, about 6 " x 4" x 12" (See Tips).

• Wired ribbon, red, 22" x 5/8".

• Double-stick tape, spray glue or glue

stick.

• Foam mounting squares or tape.

• Hole punches, 1/8" and 1/4".

• Decorative-edge scissors, large scallops.

• Scissors.

• Detail scissors or manicure scissors.

• Paper cutter.

• Ruler.

• Bone folder.

• Self-healing mat.

Craft a Vintage Valentine Bag to Deliver Your Treats This Valentine’s Day

from Vintage Image Craft

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Instructions

1. Print the vintage images on matte photo paper or white card stock. Trim

one of the rectangular postcard images with a paper cutter. Trim, as a

single piece, the woman and heart shape from the second postcard

image, using detail scissors. While you are at it, trim one of the "key" tags

with detail scissors, and punch a 1/4" hole at the top. (We gave you two

copies of the tag image, just for fun!)

2. Apply 5-6 foam mounting squares to the back of the trimmed image of the

woman and heart. Align it directly over the similar figure on the full

postcard image, and press them together. If you want deeper dimension,

double the thickness of the foam squares.

3. Cut two pieces of red card stock, 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" and 4" x 6". Cut two

pieces of brown card stock the same sizes. The larger pieces are the

mats for the vintage image. The small pieces will fold like a sleeve over

the top of the bag.

4. Using the scalloped decorative scissors, trim away 1/4" inch from all four sides of the large brown (4

1/2" x 6 1/2") piece (keep those scallop bumps facing out!). You might want to pencil in a small

guideline on the back, to keep you cutting a straight line.

5. Use the small 1/8" hole punch to punch a hole within each scallop bump,

like an eyelet in a piece of crochet-work. You may want to put a small

pencil dot on the back of the paper to help you position the hole punch, to

prevent dreaded "wandering hole" syndrome. This is your "lace" mat that

will be behind the vintage image.

6. Glue (or double-stick tape) the brown card stock "lace" in the center of the

red 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" mat. Leave an even red border around the scalloped

mat. Glue the layered postcard image in the center of the brown

scalloped mat and allow to dry. Glue the mats to the front of the paper bag.

7. Now for the "lace" sleeve over the top of the bag. Use the scalloped decorative scissors to trim

away 1/4" from the two long (6") sides of the small (4" x 6") brown card stock. Keep those scallop

bumps out again.

8. Use the small 1/8" hole punch to punch a hole in each scallop bump, as you did on the mat.

9. Glue (or double-stick tape) the brown paper "lace" in the center of the red 4" x 6" card stock, so the

scalloped edges are equally spaced from the edges of the red card stock. Allow to dry.

10. With a bone folder, score and fold the layered card stock in half lengthwise. Trim away the top of the

bag, if you want it shorter. Place the closed top of the bag between the folded sides of the card

stock sleeve. Mark and trim away excess cardstock if it is wider than the bag. Punch two 1/4" holes

through the sleeve and the bag, about 1" to each side of the center point.

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11. At this crucial turning point, you must remember to put something in the bag! Something surprising,

delicious, cuddly, or deep fried.

12. Close up the bag, place the sleeve over the top, and line up the punched holes again. Feed the two

ends of the ribbon through the holes from the back. Feed the "key" gift tag onto the ribbon and tie

the ribbon into a small bow!

13. This is a Valentine Bag that will be delightful before and after the gift is revealed! Remember,

embellish away with glitter, inks, or whatever you've been dying to try.

Tips

• Brown paper lunch bags come in several sizes, but generally they are about 5 1/2" wide, 3 3/4"

deep, and 10" high. You can usually find them in packages of 40 or 50 among the food storage

items at the grocery store. Our bag was about 1/2" larger than the norm, and ambitiously labeled

"giant size."

Used by permission of Vintage Image Craft www.vintageimagecraft.com

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A Scratch In Time by Lee Shilo

This wonderful, loving life with you, has been but a scratch in time,

compared to eternity without you.

I set our love in timeless drift, a loop for it to never end.

The universe may now play, this loop again forever.

Each look, each touch,

each word of love we ever spoke, shall now, and forever, never diminish,

in all the great eternity.

And in this infinite void of space, there shall always be,

a place where you and I have loved. And loved we have, indeed we have,

and memories to play.

Against a void of black, our eternity of love shall shine.

Shine it's speck of light, of you and I forever embraced,

in sweet surrender’s flight.

A Lighthouse beacon, lit for all the lost souls of love,

that seek their way back home. Home to a love's sweet embrace and

light. And in the eternal void of infinity,

it has only been but a scratch in time.

~~ Lee E. Shilo

©Lee E. Shilo All Rights Reserved 2010

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The True Story of Valentine’s Day as told by Vintage Mama

As the humiliated priest wandered wearily through the streets of Rome, his heart cried out to God. “Oh, Heavenly Father, please guide me through this darkness in my soul!” The sound of his footsteps echoed in the chilly, rainy night in the ancient city where the Church ruled the lives of the citizens.

“What am I to do, my Father? The Emperor has forbidden all of the young men of the Empire to marry for fear that they will no longer be courageous warriors. And yet, I see the despair on their faces and I feel the pain in their broken hearts when they come to me and ask me to marry them.” Valentine, the local priest in this downtrodden corner of the glorious city of Rome, was torn between his desire to bless his parishioners and the decree of Emperor Claudius.

Although Valentine understood the requirement that the followers of Christ should be good Roman citizens, he also knew in his heart that it is better to obey God rather than men. What should he do? Valentine fell to his knees on the frigid dirt floor of his cell in the heart of the monastery, pleading with God to give him wisdom.

All that long dark, cold night the humble priest sought God’s guidance, knowing that if he should choose to disobey the cruel commands of the Emperor, that he would be putting his very life into jeopardy. And yet, he also knew deep in his heart, that he could never disobey God. Valentine knew that marriage was honorable and pleasing to God, and that the people would turn to him for guidance in this matter. How to honor God and minister to his parishioners without putting his life in danger?

As the humble priest bowed before his Heavenly Father, there in the darkness and cold of a bitter winter night in the city of Rome, Valentine’s heart grew in confidence, strength, and courage. His continued prayers to his loving and gracious God

became bold in his determination to hold on, as Jacob had when he wrestled with God at Peniel, and he cried out, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And in that place, the priest Valentine was determined to know God’s mind concerning his ministry to his people or his obedience to Emperor Claudius. In that moment of expectation, God gave Valentine a glimpse of His grace and mercy, and Valentine knew what he must do.

Valentine, the tenderhearted priest in the ancient city of Rome, went forth from that place of prayer, determined to give God’s blessing to those young lovers who came to him to be married. In the brightness of the morning, Valentine sought out the young lovers he had turned away just the day before, and he told them, “You must wed in secret to protect yourselves from the certain punishment of the Emperor’s soldiers, but God has shown me that He has blessed your union.”

And so God gave Valentine the courage to give His blessing to young lovers throughout the ancient city, in spite of the possible danger to himself. Valentine had discovered the gift of a life wholly devoted to God. Obedience in the face of opposition, and trust in the midst of the very darkness of evil.

Not many weeks had passed when Valentine was apprehended one night while he was again on his knees in the presence of his Heavenly Father. “Get up, filthy priest!” the soldiers cursed, gripping Valentine’s arms as he prayed. “You are under arrest, by decree of Emperor Claudius, for your deception and dishonoring the law of Rome!”

The soldiers dragged Valentine through the dilapidated alleys of the city, past the hovels of his parishioners. Silently he stumbled along, trying to keep from falling into the black and filthy mud that lined the streets. Hiding in the shadows were many of his parishioners, including those young lovers that he had married in defiance of the heavy hand of the Roman laws.

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Who had betrayed him? How could God have allowed this to happen? After all, he was only living in obedience to the words of his Heavenly Father. Did he not do what he knew God was guiding him to do? Valentine was broken hearted,

for he knew that there was no one else who would help his frightened parishioners. Again he called out to God, in his brokenness and desperation. “Father, please protect them from the wrath of this evil Emperor!”

Valentine pleaded again, calling on the mercy and grace of God. “Give me just one opportunity to reveal the power of Your love to the world!” Then his voice was muted by the clanging of the chains and the shudder of the prison door slamming shut. The darkness closed in around him as he fell to his knees on the icy stones of the cell.

As the wintry morning sun climbed over the horizon of the following frozen morning, Valentine awoke to the clinking sound of keys at the heavy door of his prison cell. Stiff from shivering in the damp corner all night, Valentine moved slowly to rise in anticipation of a meager morning meal. When the ancient wooden door creaked open, Valentine was quite astonished to see a young woman shuffle into the dim and shadowed cell carrying a sputtering candle in one hand and a bowl of thin soup in the other. “Hello,” she said, more cheerfully than Valentine could have imagined, under the circumstances.

“Hello,” he responded quietly, more in surprise than fear at his imprisonment. She held out the chipped and cracked bowl of soup in his direction, never making eye contact with him. She stared blindly in his general direction, with a sweet and gentle smile on her lovely face. He reached out to take the bowl from her hand, grateful for the small warmth that it provided to his frozen fingers. “I will bring you a warm blanket today, if I am allowed,” she said, still staring beyond him to the dank stones of the walls. “My dear girl, that would be so kind, but please do not put yourself in danger,” he replied between gulps of the warm but tasteless soup. “I know that you

are here only for your own kindness,” she said, her face glowing with compassion. “And I believe that God has given me this opportunity to care for you in your imprisonment.”

Valentine looked at her in bewilderment and amazement! How did she know all of this? “May I ask your name then, as you have been sent from God as an angel of kindness?” he asked her. He stood silently waiting to hear her reply, and soon she whispered, “I am named Livia,” she replied sweetly, “for it means “crown” and my father believes me to be his crowning glory.” “And who is your father, may I ask?” Valentine inquired, his curiosity growing.

“My father is the jailer here in this prison, and he allows me to assist him at times of great need,” she said with a twinkle in her unseeing eyes. “I have been bringing broth and blankets to the prisoners here since I was a small girl, as I cannot work elsewhere, because I am blind, you see,” she touched her face gently as if to emphasize the darkness of her eyes.

“I am honored to meet you, Livia,” said Valentine, “and I am so grateful for your generosity to the prisoners.” “I know that you have been helping the young people among your parishioners,” she said, “and I know that you have married many young lovers in defiance of the Emperor.” As she spoke, Livia turned back towards the door. As she did so, Valentine said anxiously, “Please tell me that you will to visit me again!” Livia turned, and her eyes seemed to lock onto his desperate gaze. Although her eyes were unseeing, it was as if her heart could sense his desperate need for her kindness.

“Of course I will return,” she said sweetly, and then silently disappeared through the dark and heavy door. Behind her, he heard the thud of the closing door and the clink of the keys as she walked up the stone steps of the prison.

The hours passed slowly for Valentine in the damp and brooding darkness of the cell. In those moments of darkness and silence, Valentine

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began to understand God’s gift to him in this place. Although he would feared he would never again be able to minister to his parishioners and bring comfort to them as they struggled to survive under the heavy hand of Emperor Claudius, he knew that through his newfound friendship with Livia, God would use him to bring the message of love to the entire world.

Valentine eagerly anticipated Livia’s return with the evening bowl of the watery but warm soup, and he so longed to speak with her again. And if she could really bring him a blanket to cover himself with in the frigid night air, truly he

knew that God was watching over him even here in this lonely prison cell.

Livia returned later that evening, bringing Valentine not only a bowl of soup, but a crust of bread, and the promised blanket. Although it was worn and a bit tattered, he received her gift as if she had offered him a bag of gold coins. Valentine and Livia chatted frequently after that, as she would silently and frequently bring him small gifts of generosity, including the gift of a pen and paper upon which he could write words of encouragement to his parishioners.

As their friendship grew, so did his love for Livia, and yet he knew that he could never commit his life to her, even if he were ever released from his prison cell. Valentine did not speak of his love for Livia, and yet he could feel in his heart that she cared for him, too. Day after day, she would visit him in his cell and bring him the small treasures that she could scrounge together and hide deep within the folds of her garment.

Over the weeks and months of his imprisonment, and his growing love for Livia, God was working in the hearts of these two gentle people. Then one evening, just as the sun was dipping behind the edge of the barred window in the stone wall, of his cell, Valentine heard Livia tripping down the stone steps and come quickly to his door.

The keys jingled merrily as she unlocked the door and flew into the cell. “Valentine, Valentine!” she

exclaimed excitedly, “this morning I suddenly discovered that I can see the light of the sunshine!”

He touched her eyes lightly, and prayed that God would continue to bring sight to her beautiful eyes. At that moment, Livia turned her face up to look at Valentine. As she touched his face gently, she said, “Finally, I see your dear face.” They rejoiced together that God had healed her blindness, and they talked of the day when he might be set free from prison.

One day soon after this miracle, as Valentine was awaiting the daily visit from Livia, he heard a different sound outside the door to his cell. Heavy boots stomped down the stone steps, and loud, rough voices shouted through the passageway. “Wake up, priest! Get up!” the guard snarled as he forced the keys into the lock of the cell door. Valentine stood and waited quietly for an explanation, but the guard appeared to offer no reason for this unexpected visit. “Am I being released?” Valentine asked with great anticipation.

“Of course not, you fool!” the guard spat out the words. “This is your day to die!” he growled. . Valentine suddenly realized that he would never see his sweet Livia again, and with the harshness of the guard’s words ringing in his ears, Valentine quickly pulled the pen and scrap of paper from a crude hole in the stone wall and scribbled a note: “To my sweet Livia, I must tell you that I have been taken away, but you will remain in my heart forever. I love you! From, Your Valentine.”

Just as Valentine had hidden the note in the wall, the guard swung the wooden door open, slamming it into the stone wall. As the guard dragged Valentine up the slippery muddy steps of the prison to the courtyard of execution, he did not cry out when he saw Livia at the top of the stairs, on her way to bring him his soup and bread. As his eyes locked onto her now-seeing eyes, she knew in her heart that Valentine had truly been God’s gift to her. He knew that she would find the note that he had slipped into the hole in the stone wall, and that she would understand that their love was eternal. The day of Valentine’s execution would remain forever in the heart of sweet Livia. It was February 14, in the year of our Lord, 270 A.D.

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Love is in the Air! Hidden Word Puzzle

by Beth Brubaker

Find the hidden words within the grid of letters.

Answer on page 47.

I Will Love You Before I see another day, before tide or moon steal time away, I will love you. Before I know another breath, before living blood calls life from death, I will love you. Before that sweet taste of wine has passed by lip to tongue of mine, I will love you. Before this bread is broken and crumb from crumb

becomes loves token I will love you.

~~ Keith Wallis

www.jaybirddesigns.com

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You know, life is getting harder to live. Maybe it’s because of the times in which we live. More than likely, it’s because of the “wolves” in our lives, perhaps they are even at our front door. You know the type; they come prancing around, looking very sociable, furry and cute. Be careful. Those “wolves” are dangerous, hungry, and looking for food! “Wolves” arrive at our door in sheep's clothing, disguised in those pretty envelopes that contain turn-off notices, past due bills, and demands for immediate payment. They come in the form of nicely dressed men and women who greet you at your door with a smile only to hand you a court summons. They come in the sounds of late night phone calls bearing bad news. They fill the streets with sirens howling, “Stand back! Trouble has arrived!” They take the shape of fire trucks, ambulances, everything heart wrenching and filled with fear and distress.

They want “wolf food,” and they want it now! Do you have a good supply of “wolf food”? You better get some. You never know when those hungry critters are going to come knocking on your door!

“What do these wolves eat?” you ask. They devour human flesh. They come lurking around, sniffing, and growling, looking for people who have fallen behind or fallen ill with procrastination. They sit at your doorstep waiting to move in when your life is filled with past dues, bad news, sadness, and fear. You want to move on and step outside, but the “wolves” are there snapping and howling at your heels.

What can hold these animals back? What, indeed, is “wolf food”? “Wolf food” is preparation: be prepared!

“Wolf food” is not spending more than you make or using “plastic money” to simulate paying for that crucial, impulsive buy. “Wolf food” is not ignoring the problem, hoping things will settle on their own. “Wolf food” is thinking, planning, and looking head. Look to the horizon and not at your feet. Look up and you might just be able to see what’s headed your way. Look to the hills from where your help comes; your help is from the Lord. (Psalm 121:1-2).

Dear friends, the best way to be prepared is to build a strong relationship with Almighty God. He is the answer to ANY problem you have or will have. With God on your side, who can be against you? He will lead you into all truth and is able to sustain your life. He alone sends help to you in the form of his ministering angels. In times of trouble, He will send His mighty warring angels to fight off the demons and those lurking “wolves.” Seek God and HE will find YOU and give you what you need to overcome the “wolves” of life.

When the “wolves” show up at your door, throw them some food but throw it from within the strength of the mighty arm of God wherein you stand. Those hungry “wolves” will run for that fodder, and in the meantime, you can hide within Abba's (your Heavenly Daddy's) ample and strong arms.

Beware the Wolves! by Sheila Watson Kraklow

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The “wolves” come to all of us, but we don't have to feed them our hard earned money, valuable and oh so limited time, or our very tender flesh! We can be prepared. We can live a righteous life before God and man, and as a result have all that we need to live, including “wolf food”!

Jesus said, "Today is the day of redemption."

"As God's partners, we beg you not to reject this marvelous message of God's great kindness. For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the Lord is ready to help you right now.

Today is the day of salvation. We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our ministry.

In everything we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.

We have been beaten, been put in jail, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food.

We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, our sincere love, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

We have righteousness as our weapon, both to attack [enemies] and to defend ourselves. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians. 6:2-18, Living Bible, paraphrased)

Yes Lord, please make it so!

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Red Velvet Cupcakes with Red Velvet Cupcakes with Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese FrostingCream Cheese FrostingCream Cheese FrostingCream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients: 1 ½ cups sugar ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened 2 eggs, room temperature 2 1/3 cups cake flour 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 1 cup buttermilk 1 ½ Tbsp. red food coloring 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. distilled white vinegar

Frosting Ingredients: ½ cup butter (1 stick) softened 8 oz. cream cheese, room temp. 2 – 3 cups powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees; beat butter and sugar with electric mixer for 3 minutes on medium speed until light and fluffy. * Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. * In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. * Add a fourth of the dry ingredients to the buttermilk mixture, mix well, then add another fourth alternately, until all of the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed into the batter. * Scoop by large spoonfuls into cupcake papers, about ½ to ¾ full. Bake for 18 – 22 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. * Allow to cool on wire rack before frosting. Makes about 2 ½ dz.

Frosting: * Cream butter and cream cheese together, add vanilla extract and mix. Add powdered sugar to desired consistency and sweetness. Frost cupcakes and decorate with red and pink sprinkles or candy hearts.

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Christian Women Entrepreneurs Connect by Jo Ann Fore

As a Christian business woman or entrepreneur, how would you feel if you could connect at any time to find support, ask a question, celebrate a success, or receive coveted feedback from successful Christian women entrepreneurs?

What would it mean if you were no longer isolated in your entrepreneurial ventures and knew that you were being lifted up in prayer and supported by women from around the world?

Finally—an authentic, virtual community where Christian business women can strengthen their faith while creating a powerful foundation for their business.

In May 2010, Diane Cunningham launched the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs (NACWE). This organization www.nacwe.org was born out a passion to connect women who are ready to create, collaborate, and contribute to changing the world. NACWE gathers people and ideas together through online content, tele-courses, individual / group coaching and retreats.

NACWE is a family of women from all over the U.S. and Canada who are creating and living out their God-given dreams. In this safe and encouraging environment, members receive monthly training from women experts on marketing, success, psychology, business branding, organization and much more.

The National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs is committed to sharing its connections, resources, and knowledge with an entrepreneurial tribe of women leaders and visionary thinkers. NACWE supports Christian business women through practical solutions, tools, resources, and guidance from expert coaches to foster support, encouragement, and business growth.

United under a common goal of helping one another to succeed and thrive in business, NACWE members share a common faith in Jesus Christ and yet understand that members might each choose to worship in a different way. NACWE Membership is open to women entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others who have the desire to launch their entrepreneurial venture.

“At NACWE, we think big,” Diane shared. “We have lofty but attainable goals. Together, we can change the world. And as we creatively leverage our presence in the business world we learn to not only survive in a changing economy, but to thrive in the midst of it.”

To sample the networking opportunities with dynamic, inspiring, and successful Christian women entrepreneurs, drop in on NACWE’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Association-of-Christian-Women-Entrepreneurs/113724868658103.

For access to inspirational women business leaders, consider joining the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs online community at www.nacwe.org.

Since NACWE is a membership-based community, we asked Founder and President Diane Cunningham to share with us a few of the benefits of membership. And boy, did she ☺.

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As a NACWE member, Diane said you can expect:

• A stamp of professionalism. Associate with industry professionals. Show the world that you are serious about your career as an entrepreneur by proudly displaying the NACWE logo, a credible national organization.

• The confidence that you are no longer alone. • Access to inspirational women business leaders. • Media Opportunities: NACWE’s Public Relations director scouts the media and posts regular

interview opportunities for our members to increase public awareness of their businesses. • Instant social media connections—NACWE warmly acknowledges your new membership in our

social communities, which instantly connects you with other members. • Book Reviews/Reading Recommendations: Find out what books successful entrepreneurs are

reading and what NACWE recommends. • Industry Watch: Our Tips & Tools column offers practical tools and tips to grow your business. • A starter kit—a unique package of online and hard copy resources to move you forward as a

Christian Woman Entrepreneur, as well as a binder to help organize your monthly calls, transcription notes, extra handouts, and brilliant entrepreneurial ideas. Also included is a CD-series from Founder and President, Diane Cunningham where she shares her vision for NACWE.

• Dear Female Entrepreneur Book: 31 letters of encouragement for Christian women in business. An easy-to-read pocket sized book.

• Entrepreneur Café Expert Chat Christian Women Entrepreneur Expert Chat and Business Series.

• Business Development: Our tele-classes educate and empower you. Topics include marketing, business development, info-products, leading a team, vision casting, social media, and much more.

• MP3 recording of all training calls and expert chats in case you can’t attend in person. Each call is also available to print as a transcribed article to be placed in your NACWE binder for future reference.

• NACWE is your go-to place for business questions on our monthly Q&A calls. Share what’s going on in your business, ask for help, and learn from others.

• Network with other entrepreneurs from diverse industries, who understand the challenges you face. Build relationships, share ideas, create joint ventures, and much more.

• Featured Member Opportunity—Each week a NACWE member is chosen to be interviewed on Founder Diane Cunningham’s weekly BlogTalkRadio show “Inspired Women Succeed” as well as promoted on the NACWE website in our Featured Member Column. Great exposure!

• Discounts: NACWE Member get a 25% discount on all of our books and other programs/products/conferences.

• Access to a specific group of like-minded business owners through the tele-classes and online group as well as access behind the scenes where you can print the list of vendors, tools and connections which have helped Diane along her entrepreneurial path.

• Annual Conference: A rich opportunity to connect up-close, face-to-face with like-minded women. A change to glean from leading experts through keynotes, workshops, and roundtable discussions.

Like-minded entrepreneurs who connect to encourage and empower each other—now that’s got to be motivation for any solo entrepreneur!

Author Jo Ann Fore enjoys life as a Christian Woman Entrepreneur and as a NACWE member. She is a successful freelance Writer, award-winning inspirational Author, and certified Life Coach who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of other women. Visit Jo Ann at www.JoAnnFore.com or www.facebook.com/WriteWhereItHurts.

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You can read more of Beth’s posts on her blog, “Footprints in the Mud” at www.footprintsinthemudblog.blogspot.com or email her at bethatruby@aol.com

AskAskAskAsk Beth Beth Beth Beth by Beth Brubakerby Beth Brubakerby Beth Brubakerby Beth Brubaker

Ask Beth is broadening its horizons and will now serve as a column where you can ask about anything under the sun, including things about Ruby for Women! Please submit your question in an e-mail to bethatruby@aol.com with Ask Beth in the subject line. We would love to hear from you!

Dear Beth,

How do I get bubble gum out of my child's hair? I don't want to cut it out!

--Sticky Situation

Dear Sticky,

There are several ways to get this sticky stuff out of your little one's hair:

• Place ice in a bag and place it over the gum to make it hard, then break off small pieces until it's completely removed.

• Warm a few tablespoons of vinegar and massage into the hair all around the gum. The chewing gum will begin to dissolve.

• Use a dollop of mayonnaise,

peanut butter (unless the child is allergic), cooking oil or egg whites on the gum and rub in and around the area. It should slide right out! Wash hair immediately afterwards though, because this technique is really, really, messy!

Dear Beth,

My daughter spilled nail polish on my new carpet! How can I get it off?

-- Strained and Stained

Dear Strained,

Use window cleaner and spray the spot liberally. Using several clean cloths, scrub at the stain gently yet vigorously, changing it after a few scrubs so the color doesn't spread. Once the stain is gone, spray with dish soap and water or use a really wet cloth with a dab of dish soap. Use a clean towel and press down firmly, to soak up any excess moisture. Good luck!

Magic Numbers submitted by Beth Brubaker

• Pick a number between one and twenty • Add ten • Divide by two (you might have a fraction) • Minus five • The answer will always be half of your

original number!

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What You Need:

A glass container with a large mouth and a base with a deep enough bottom to hold soil and rocks (apothecary and bell jars work great)

Plants Potting soil (African violet mix works well) Horticulture charcoal (available in the houseplant and garden section) Pebbles (3/8 inch is a nice size) Anything you’d like to add to give your terrarium some personality ( this is optional you can just use plants if you prefer)

Lets make It!

Choose your plants. Any green plants will thrive. Other favorites include members of the Peperomia family, pileas, miniature fern, coleus, cuban oregano, penta, tradea scentia, miniature mums. Even collector plants like African violets, orchids or small begonias are great!

Place one to two inches of pebbles in the base of your container, add a small handful of charcoal ( wearing gloves helps to keep you and things clean)and mix them in with the pebbles. Level off the layer. Spread a layer of 2 to 3 inches of soil and gently pat it down. Dig a small hole in the soil, tuck in

your plant and pat down the soil around it. Make sure no roots are exposed. Repeat this process for each plant. Don’t crowd to many plants in one terrarium, and make sure you have room for any additional decorations you may want to add.

Lightly water the plants and put a lid on your garden. DO NOT place it in direct sunlight. Rotate the terrarium occasionally to make sure all of the plants get light. Condensation means your garden under glass is doing well. Every couple of weeks take the lid off of your terrarium for a few hours. * If you do not see any condensation, add a spritz of water.

Used by permission of Katherine Corrigan of Katherine’s Corner at www.goaskkatie.com

Make Your Own Garden Under Glass by Katherine Corrigan

Giving the Glory by Beth Brubaker

Do you know a special someone that has done a good deed, large or small? Give the Glory is where it belongs! We want to hear about those that have done good in their community whether it be helping a neighbor, or someone going above and beyond to help out. Tell us about it! Please

write to bethatruby@aol.com with the words 'Giving the Glory' in the subject line. We would love to share your story!

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In the previous chapters of Secrets About Love, Jessica Amy finds herself in Cedarville, Michigan. She has recently moved into a house and is fixing her new home to her taste. She meets her new neighbor, Mark West, a helpful and very charming young man her own age. They strike up an unexpected friendship as they both deal with issues in their separate lives. Mark and his girlfriend Fiona suddenly break up leaving the way clear for Jessica, but she still holds back for reasons of her own; because she carries a secret deep in her heart. When Mark has an attack of appendicitis, Jessica takes him to the emergency room and stays with him. As the two grow closer together Jessica’s feelings flourish for Mark. In the meantime Macie, Mark’s sister, is having problems of her own. Her boyfriend Howard is hurt in a car accident and she admits to Jessica that she harbors a secret from Howard. She saw another man behind Howard’s back and now she has to admit it. Will love blossom between these young couples or is fate due to take a hand? Find out in the next chapter of Secrets About Love!

“I’m coming to that if you would just listen!” Jessica’s words steadily rose as she spoke. She was angry suddenly. Angry at Eddie for the unloving marriage she’d had, angry at her parents for leaving her, and angry at herself the most for falling into this trap of her own making. “Where is your husband? Are you divorced or separated?” Mark stopped pacing and his blue eyes begged for a moment for her to say she was one of those things.

“No. Up until today I have been married.” Jessica closed her eyes, cleared her thoughts and then looked up at Mark. He stood with his hands clenched and his eyes said he would never forgive her.

“That’s all I need to know.” Mark silently marched past her and out the door. The door shut with finality on that portion of her life. Jessica sat for a long time stroking Jake and thinking. Her life had become so out of control.

No, it had been out of control for a long time. Maybe it was time to remedy that. Jessica closed her eyes and for the first time since her parents died she uttered a prayer to Heaven.

*****************************************

Secrets About Love by Laura Day

Chapter 10

Jessica gazed at Mark’s hurt face, feeling fresh pain for the second time in one day. She stepped back from the door and waved him inside. Explaining why she was married would take more time than a friendly chat on her doorstep. Mark stalked past her and slowly sat down on the edge of an overstuffed chair. She could tell from his look he wasn’t just angry, he was hurt. Jessica settled down on the couch and took a deep breath. She gazed across the room at Mark’s piercing blue gaze. If he had been a cat he would have snarled at her. Sensing she needed support Jake hopped on her lap and settled down. Jessica placed a trembling hand on his back. “I’ve been married for two years and eight months. I met Eddie about a year after I lost my parents. At the time I was still mourning and terribly lonely. Eddie swept me off my feet at first. He was kind, attentive, charming; all the things a girl looks for. When he proposed out of the blue, I said ‘yes.’”

“I didn’t come here to find out your life history. I want to know why you’ve been hiding this from me.” Mark stood up from his chair and paced.

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Days, weeks, months passed and Jessica heard nothing from Mark, but she did not expect to. In the last six months she had buried her husband, gone through his belongings and sent most of them to his parents, and written a novel. Her next novel for Bookpress Publishers was due by the end of December. It was snowing outside and her fingers tapped away at the keys. She was putting the last touches in before emailing it to her agent, Paul. She had erased the title twenty times, but now she’d come up with the perfect one; Secrets About Love. It was a love story that revolved around much of her life, except in the book it had a happy ending, unlike her own life. She had to admit that even though she missed Mark, she’d been moving on with her life. Aunt Charlotte had invited her to move in with her. She was living in Utah at the moment, and Jessica felt like she needed the change. She could write her novels anywhere. The one person she really would miss would be Macie. Even though she’d hurt her brother, Macie knew what it was to make mistakes too, and over the last few months they had become as close as sisters. Jessica hit send and smiled in satisfaction. She knew that this book would always be closest to her heart, because it held all of her deepest feelings. Before, she had shied away from putting her true thoughts and feelings into her books, but it was almost therapeutic to speak her mind silently. She pushed away from the computer and was startled to hear her cell phone jangle a tune. She ran to the living room and scooped it up from the couch. “Aunt Charlotte, it’s good to hear from you!” Jessica sat down and Jake leaped up behind her and rested on the back of the couch. She took a moment to turn and scratch his head before focusing on her aunt’s words. “It is snowing and blowing here. The airport had to cancel all flights, so I’m not going to be able to make it for Christmas,” said Aunt Charlotte.

“That’s awful!” Jessica said, glancing at her Christmas tree. She’d forced herself to decorate because of her aunt’s upcoming visit. “I’m sorry, Sweetie. Listen, I’m on long distance and it’s expensive, so I’ve got to get going, but I have one question for you.” “Yes?” Jessica knew instinctively what the question was going to be and she already knew her answer. “Have you decided if you will come and live with me? I promise your cat will be no problem. I’ve talked this over with my canary, Pinky, and we understand each other.” “Yes I’ll come.” Jessica smiled and suddenly her spirits lifted. Here was a brand-new start for her. She couldn’t hide away forever in her house and pine for Mark. It was time to move on. “Great, start packing and when you get everything in order, let me know. Pinky and I will be eagerly awaiting you.” Jessica spent the rest of the day making plans. She called a realtor and had her house listed. The grocery store gave her a car full of empty boxes, which she piled behind the couch in the living room until she was ready for them. The realtor called back later that afternoon and said she already had a couple interested in looking at the house. They made an appointment for the next day. Jessica was busy mopping, when she heard a knock on her front door. She pushed back a lock of loose hair and opened the door. On her front porch stood Macie holding hands with a very happy looking Howard. “Come in you two,” Jessica said, ushering them into the living room. She sat down across from them. “So what is the occasion?” “Howard and I had a long talk today.” She glanced at him and blushed slightly.

25

“We have decided to start again, and Howard proposed tonight.” Macie held out a trembling hand with a small diamond ring on her fourth finger. “I’m so happy for you!” Jessica jumped up and hugged Macie and then Howard. “You really are getting a great girl.” Howard smiled and nodded, but remained bashfully silent. He glanced at Macie and squeezed her hand lovingly, which made up for all the unsaid words in the world. “Let me get you guys hot cocoa or something to celebrate.” “Oh Jessica, I wish we could stay, but we are going to Mark’s house to tell him the good news. He is expecting us. I just wanted to stop and tell you.” “Oh.” Jessica’s heart jumped at the sound of Mark’s name but she remained expressionless except for her empty smile. “Well congratulations.” Jessica followed the couple to the door. Macie turned and hugged her. She pulled away and then stopped. She pointed at the pile of boxes. “What are those?” “I’m going to be moving. I just decided today so I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet.”

“Moving?” Macie stared at her in shock. “What about Mark? I mean…” She stopped and turned to Howard. “Howie, go tell Mark I’ll be over in a minute.” She blew a kiss at him and he nodded leaving the two women alone. “Macie, I know what you’re going to say, but it’s been months, and it’s killing me living next to him. I find myself glancing out the window to see him leave for work and I listen for the sound of

his truck pulling in after five. I’m afraid if I don’t move then I’m either going to become a psycho stalker or I will never get over him.”

“I know it’s been rough, but Howard forgave me, and he’s proposed already. I mean, I was shocked, but I said yes because I love him so much. This could happen to you, too. Mark just needs to come to his senses.”

“Does he ever ask about me?” Jessica asked.

“Well, no, but if you would just let me tell him about your husband…”

“No Macie. It’s better to leave Eddie in the past. This move is the right thing for me.” Jessica spoke more firmly.

“Well, any advice for the bride-to-be?” Macie asked with tears in her eyes.

“Only one, secrets and love don’t mix.” Jessica hugged Macie tightly and then let her go with a little wave. If only she had heeded her own advice much sooner, her heart wouldn’t be lying in shattered pieces.

******************************

Don’t miss chapter eleven of “Secrets About Love” in the upcoming issue of Ruby for Women.

You Can Make This!

www.youcanmakethis.com

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Basil and Corn Tart Recipe from Katherine Corrigan of “Katherine’s Corner”

Basil is still happily growing on my windowsill and there's still corn in the freezer from summer. I thought I'd share this veggie recipe with you today. This recipe makes a nice addition to a brunch menu or serve for a light lunch.

What You Need: 1/3 cup butter, softened 2 Tbsp Sugar 1/2 tsp Salt 3 Eggs 2/3 Cup Yellow Cornmeal 2/3 Cup All-purpose flour 1 Cup half-and-half (or light cream) 1-1/2 Cups Corn kernels (fresh or thawed if using frozen) 1/2 Cup coarsely chopped fresh basil (plus a few small leaves for garnish, optional) 1/2 tsp Salt 1/4 tsp Black Pepper Electric Mixer 9 inch Tart Pan (or round cake pan ) Aluminum Foil Plastic Wrap Tomato ( chopped for garnish, optional) Before You Start: This recipe requires refrigeration of the crust prior to completion. Make the crust (see below) preheat oven to 350® after removing crust from the refrigerator. Lets Make It! In medium bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed to blend (about 30 seconds). Add sugar and 1/2 tsp salt. Beat until combined. Beat in 1 egg until combined. Add in cornmeal and as much of the flour as you can with the mixer; stir in any remaining flour. Form dough into a Frisbee looking disc and wrap in plastic. Chill for about an hour (until it’s easy to handle). After dough has cooled, press and pat dough evenly into bottom and sides of tart pan. Cover pastry with double thickness of foil and bake 10 minutes; remove foil. Bake 4 to 6 minutes more. In medium bowl whisk together 2 eggs and half-and-half. Stir in corn, basil, 1/2 tsp salt and the pepper. Pour into corn crust. Bake 35 to 40 minutes (or until set, no jiggling). Let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle with tomato and additional basil to garnish before serving. Serves 6-8

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I Climbed Eternity by Lee Shilo

I climbed eternity, until at last, I came to Heaven's Gates.

And there I stood in all my naked truth, gazing upon its wonderment,

in all its perfect glory.

Aside the gates, a fence did rise, of pure and shining light,

to keep all dark and evil out.

I gazed beyond these gates, at an acre of infinity.

There it did lay, in its timeless, golden cradle.

Above the gates, it did read, "Abandon all ye evil, and darkness,

those who enter here."

One step I took beyond these Heaven's Gates, and all that was, just vanished.

I was but reborn, in a land of time, that held no meaning.

Where years, minutes, or seconds, were but the same amount of time.

My steps could reach infinity, or a simple measured stride. Where anything lasts forever,

or ends at my desire.

Yes, beyond these gates, were all my dreams, and desires,

all wrapped in time, with bows of golden hope, and silver shining twine.

I cast off my final coat of darkness, and doubt, as dark as turpentine.

And took one step, that would last forever, beyond these Heaven's Gates, and time.

©Lee E. Shilo-All Rights Reserved-2010

Praying Pals

God works mightily, and receives all the glory! Pray praise, and pass it on. Spread the word as we spread the Word! Join us! Find it hard to remember to pray? Hey, life is busy. But no prayer substitute exists. Good News! Praying Pals helps out in a big way: it reminds you to pray each Friday. Unbound by geographic and denominational boundaries, our Christian prayer group prays each week without hesitation. With a pre-prayer devotional and a prayer list to pray over, it’s efficient and effective. God works mightily and receives all glory. Simple. Biblical. Powerful. Prayer. Your Praying Pal,

Stacie Ruth Founder of Praying Pals “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available (dynamic in its working)” Excerpt James 5:16, Amplified Bible

www.prayingpals.org

You can find Stacie Ruth on Facebook by searching Praying Pals

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All of the Christmas stuff is finally put away, and we've had a month to settle down from all the festivities since November. It's too cold for outside fun, and the house looks dull and lifeless after all the sparkly stuff was taken down. It's time for the Feb-blah-ary blues. But should it be? This is the time of year where I find myself looking like a forlorn basset hound waiting on the porch for his master to come home. There's 'nothing to do', and I've gotten so bored that my boredom has turned into a depression. I just want to sit there and gaze at the screen any screen (whether it be on a computer or TV) and just fade into the background. The problem is it's self-inflicted depression, all because I started out being extremely bored. Not all depressions start this way, but it does for me. So how do I fight myself to get out of this state? Putting on some funky music helps. I find some tunes that make me want to dance. Some songs were from back in high school, but a lot of it is more recent, and sometimes a little silly. You'd be amazed at how many times I put on 'The Hamster Dance' when the kids aren't home! Kids’ songs can be fun and very uplifting and housework tends to get done faster when I have on this kind of music. It doesn't hurt that no one else is home looking at me either! Every time I begin to feel bored, I force myself to find something to do. I go through my books for something to read. Or I sit in my sewing room and look through some crafting books for inspiration. I look for sewing projects to finish, leaf through story ideas that might inspire me to write, or I call friends and ask if they have time to chat or come over for a cup of tea. As long as I'm not sitting in front of a screen for hours, burning out my eyes and brain cells. Not that playing a game or watching a good show is bad, but when I'm bored, I tend to watch anything . . . .

including the Kitty Litter Channel. Okay, maybe not that channel (if there is one), but I have caught myself watching kids cartoons just because there was nothing else on! I have an overactive mind; so many times I can distract myself by making lists. I'll look around a room and list things I need to clean, or find a new way of arranging the furniture, or simply see a spot that could use a little something decorative. So I brainstorm all kinds of things, happily writing them down to consider in the near future. It doesn't accomplish much physically, but it keeps my mind occupied and that's a feat too, because my mind runs faster than a toddler on sugar most of the time! Going outside in the fresh air helps clear my head too. When the sun is shining and it's still cold enough to see my breath, it can be very invigorating. Being indoors too much can add to depression; sometimes I have to force myself to go out. People are always out walking their dogs, so I also get a happy boost from puppy kisses and a nice chat with the owner. Puppy kisses and kitty cuddles do it for me every time! There's something magical about being outside to clear the cobwebs, then coming back in when you get a little too chilly. The house seems warmer than before, and you can see things in a different light. Perspectives have changed a little, making life a bit sweeter.

That's when I break out the super-special-don't-touch-that's-Mommy's hot cocoa, load it up with mini marshmallows, and contemplate just how good life really is. A new perspective (and chocolate) will drown out just about anything negative, including the February blahs!

You can contact Beth at bethatruby@aol.com or visit her blog at

www.footprintsinthemud.blogspot.com

Fighting the Feb-'blah'-ary Blues by Beth Brubaker

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Our ingredients include the finest vegetable oils, along with essential oils, quality fragrance oils and other skin nourishing additives. We invite you to browse our site and discover distinctive body care products to create a luxurious spa experience in your own home.

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Give Valentine Flowers With Meaning!

Red Roses: I love you Red Carnations: My heart aches for you Primroses: I can’t live without you Gardenias: I’m secretly in love with you Chrysanthemums: You’re a wonderful friend

Lilies of the Valley: You’ve made my life complete Orange Blossoms: I want to spend my life with you Blue Violets: I will always be true Spider Flower: Elope with me

~~ Submitted by Beth Brubaker

Friend

What love is this that speaks generosity and healing

in the accents of sacrifice and pain. When prelude of ‘fear not’

precedes wonders of grace and the closeness

of the I AM that is not me.

What friend is this who sees through the bluster and façade

that hides, but does not hide, yet still,

calls me ‘friend’ and seeks me out.

And in the seeking more of me exposes more cause for enmity

for Him to love and heal, placing the broken hand

upon a broken reed in gentle caress.

~~ Keith Wallis

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“I used to be afraid of the word entrepreneur,” Diane Cunningham, Founder and President of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs, said. “One, it was difficult to pronounce. Two, I wasn’t sure I could spell it correctly. And three, it really described those Wall-Street guys who ran around in their finely-tailored Italian suits—didn’t it?” In November, President Obama set aside November 19 as National Entrepreneur’s Day, celebrating current and would-be entrepreneurs. Small businesses are a hearty slice of today’s economic culture with women entrepreneurs claiming a large serving. And a growing amount of Christian women are creating successful, sustainable businesses. However, fine-tuning entrepreneurship was an emotionally-expensive lesson for Diane. ““I’ve accepted the word now,” Diane said. “It fits me—more of a way of thinking, a willingness to take risks, to tap into that creative piece of myself.” In 1999, 26-year-old Diane worked full-time at a hospital in the counseling department but also managed a private practice where she serviced a few clients after hours. One of these clients was depressed, and while under Diane’s counsel he took his own life. The shock, anger, and sadness coursed through Diane. “How do you manage something like this? Why did this happen? Did I miss something? And worse—was it somehow my fault?” While Diane was initially cleared of any blame, having proved she performed everything according to established plans and guidelines, she was sued one year later. Diane remembers, “My insurance company gave her (the client’s wife) $500,000 and I thought okay, we’re done. I can move on and I can heal and I can continue with my work. About a month later, the State of Washington notified me I was being investigated—now she wanted my license revoked. In the end, my license was suspended, I had to pay a fine, I had to attend required training classes and I was named as negligent by the State of Washington. And so this changed the course of my life. It’s changed the course of my finances, it’s changed the course of my marriage, it’s changed everything!” With a husband deployed to Afghanistan, Diane succumbed to depression. ”The career of my choosing—and my years of training are gone. Simply gone. Lord, I have no idea where you want me!” Part of the agreement Diane was forced to sign with the State was that she would not engage in counseling. Required for five years to report her activities, Diane was almost paralyzed—afraid to do most anything. Afraid to even lead a Bible study for fear it might represent counseling in some way. “I felt like I had to work without compensation—that somehow my burden to bear for this man’s death was that I had to work for no pay in order to serve my time. I felt like I had been imprisoned for my actions or for my lack of actions. I realize now, it was a self-induced prison.” Diane battled bleeding thoughts of insignificance, at one point even contemplating ending her own life. But the dark thoughts prompted her to reach out, to seek help. Diane slowly peeked from behind the

From Lawsuit to Life Coach: Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Journey

by Jo Ann Fore

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oppressive curtains to confront the truth. “I think it (the suicide) would have happened no matter who was on watch, so to speak.” This lone ray of sunlight fertilized Diane’s entrepreneurial roots. She discovered life coaching, which modeled her heart to help others chart their way to a purposeful and emotionally-whole life. Diane shares with us the top five strategies she learned during her entrepreneurial journey from tragedy to triumph.

1. Show up—Stop hiding behind an excuse. “I showed up every single day during that lawsuit. I still showed up every single day for work. I showed up because I knew if I stayed home, I would only feel worse. I had an amazing mentor at the time who got me back on the horse. When one of my clients came in and said that they were feeling suicidal, I panicked. My mentor reassured me, ‘You know what to do, Diane. You are good at it. Get back in there.’ So I did. He was right and his encouragement helped me to

remember that.” 2. Speak the truth—Learn to be brave. “We have to get honest. Often, we’re afraid of the truth. We must speak the truth about our finances, about whether we’re really making any income from our entrepreneurial journey or whether we have an expensive hobby. We need to speak the truth about the clients that we want to work with. We need to speak the truth about where our vision is taking us because sometimes we tend to as women to hold back, we tend to silence ourselves. There’s an amazing, biblical power in speaking the truth in love.” 3. Trust your gut—If it doesn’t feel right, pay attention. “Many times throughout the lawsuit, I didn’t trust my gut. I didn’t listen to the warning signs. We grow wiser with age; our painful life experiences breeding much wisdom. We have to learn to trust our gut in our businesses as well. We need to be willing to ask for help. Trust your gut with circumstances at work if it doesn’t feel right—anything from a vendor that wants to sell you a marketing package, or a potential office space. God speaks to us constantly and half the time we don’t listen. Learn to listen. Really listen.” 4. Get over it—Forgive and move on. “I’ve had to learn this many, many times. I have had to forgive myself. I’ve had to forgive my client; I’ve had to forgive his wife. I’ve had ceremonies, I’ve spoken out loud, I’ve let it go—again and again if I need too. Be willing to get over things in order to move forward with God’s plans for your life. We have to get over our past, we have to learn to fail and move on and forgive ourselves. We have to learn to take ourselves off the hook.”

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5. Say no—So that you can say yes. “I should have said no to a lot of things along that lawsuit journey. I most likely should have said no to settling, settling the lawsuit. I sometimes wonder, ‘What would have happened—how would the outcome have been different if I said no?’ Learn to say no so that you can say yes to the other plans God has for. As female entrepreneurs and as Christian’s we have to protect our boundaries, we have to protect our time, we have to protect where God needs us instead of spreading ourselves everywhere, all over the place. Sometimes we can be all over the place and yet really nowhere. Learn how to say no appropriately, strongly and often.”

It’s funny how God redeems every ounce of our pain once we are willing to surrender it to Him. Today Diane Cunningham shares her lessons learned with a fiery tribe of Christian women at the National Association of Christian Women

Entrepreneurs (http://tinyurl.com/GoToNACWE). The National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs was born out a passion to connect women who are ready to create, collaborate, and contribute to changing the world. Entrepreneurial people and ideas are gathered together through online content, tele-courses, individual/group coaching and retreats—uniting under a common goal of helping one another succeed and thrive in business and sharing a common faith in Jesus Christ.

Jo Ann Fore is an inspirational Author and Life Coach who has a heart for making a difference in the lives of other women—her authentic, faith-filled messages caramelized with a powerful promise of hope. Visit Jo Ann at www.JoAnnFore.com or www.facebook.com/WriteWhereItHurts.

Crochet a Sweet and Simple Valentine’s Day Heart

by Jennifer J. Cirka, aka Jaybird Designs

Make lots of these sweet little hearts to decorate everything from clothing to gifts! Make a bunch and sew them together for a scarf or garland. Tuck some into your Valentines or even turn them into jewelry.

Materials:

*Any Light Weight (CYCA #3) yarn of choice - about 3 yards (Sample uses Berrocco Comfort DK – Sport Weight in True Red) *E-4 / 3MM Crochet Hook *Yarn Needle Finished Size/Gauge:

1.75 inches wide and 1.5 inches long

.© Copyright 2011, Jennifer J. Cirka/Jaybird Designs. All rights reserved

Pattern:

Round 1: Ch 4; (2tr, 4dc) in fourth ch from hook. Ch 3, sl st in third ch from hook (picot made). (4dc, 2tr) in original first ch. Ch 3, sl st in original first ch. Do not join. Do not turn. Round 2: 2sc in beg ch-3 sp. 2sc in each of the next 2 tr. Sc in next 4 dc, sc in picot, ch 3, sl st in third ch from hook, sc in picot again. Sc in next 4 dc, 2sc in next 2 tr, 2sc in last ch-3 sp. Sl st to center of heart. Finish off and weave in ends.

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The Perfect Guy

Happy Groundhog Day! by Beth Brubaker

What's so special about February second anyway? It's just some silly beaver-like creature scurrying around while everyone watches carefully to see if he sees his shadow and goes back into his hole, right? Yes and no.

The United States celebrates this every year, but this is not where the idea of Groundhog Day originated. This legend goes back a few centuries, way back when the animals and nature had a much bigger influence over we humans.

The tradition started in Europe, with the idea that if the hedgehog (resembling the groundhog as we Americans know it) came out, saw his shadow, and went back into his burrow, there would be a 'second' winter that would last approximately six weeks. If he didn't go back into his hole, spring would be on its way.

German farmers carried this tradition with them as they came to America, watching the actions of the groundhogs in what was considered mid-winter. They considered groundhogs to be intelligent and sensible creatures, and farmed their lands based on the animal's reactions.

New England farmers considered February second Mid-Winter, and took stock of their hay instead of watching the groundhogs. If they had less than half the hay remaining, they knew it was going to be lean times near the end of winter. They did not put much stock in groundhog antics.

Pennsylvania has a very famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. He weighs in at a whopping twenty pounds. The average weight of a groundhog is twelve to fifteen pounds and twenty-two inches long. The life span of a groundhog is normally six to eight years, but officials say good ol' Punxy is given a special drink during the Groundhog Annual Picnic which is supposed to give him seven more years of life.

Groundhog Facts: • Groundhogs hardly ever drink. They get most of their water from food and dewy

leaves.

• Groundhogs can whistle! They use it for alarms and for courting that special someone.

• Groundhogs are one of the few animals that truly hibernate. Hibernation is a deep coma where everything in the body nearly stops, including the heartbeat and breathing.

• Groundhogs eat vegetables, greens, and fruit.

• Groundhogs are very clean animals, and are very resistant to diseases and sickness. Insects tend to leave them alone as well!

Have a Happy Groundhog Day!

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Dolly Dingle's Valentine 1927 Paper Dolls

Dolly Dingle was one of Grace Drayton's most endearing and enduring creations, next to the Campbell's Soup kids. Drayton created Dolly in 1913 for the popular magazine, Pictorial Review. Over the next 20 years, she would illustrate more than 200 paper dolls in the Dolly Dingle series. Her artwork took Dolly and her friends around the world, through two World Wars, and brought them together for every holiday - like Valentine's Day! You can read a lovely history of Grace Drayton's work at www.dollkind.com.

Used by permission of Vintage Image Craft www.vintageimagecraft.com

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The Perfect Guy by Amanda Johnson

I met the perfect guy when I was in high school. My best friend actually introduced him to me. I was shy and usually kept to myself but he changed all of that. I remember the afternoon I first heard my friend talk about him. She had met him when she was a little girl and the two had started a beautiful friendship. They spoke daily and shared everything. She trusted him with her life. Their friendship was special; something I wanted very much. One day after constantly asking my friend about this special guy, she looked at me and said “You know, you should talk to him, get to know him. I think you’d like him and I know he’d like you.” I was excited. Finally, I was going to get to meet this guy. I couldn’t wait. I wanted to share a friendship with him like the one he had with my best friend. She told me how to contact him and said she’d tell him I’d be calling. The next weekend I thought about calling him, but chickened out. Why would he want to talk to

someone like me? I was a nice girl, but there were some things I knew he probably wouldn’t like about me. I had a wild side…an unruly side even. What if he didn't even answer my call? Maybe I didn’t need that friendship just yet. But, as time went by the void I felt inside grew deeper. My friend was so content in her life. How could I have that? I remembered the way she talked about him. I could have that friendship too if I’d just call him. It was worth a shot. I knelt down on my knees and made the call. “Lord, Jesus, I need you in my life. I’m not perfect but you tell us in your Word to come as we are. Here I am Lord. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my life. Thank you Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.” I didn’t feel anything at first, but as time went by our friendship grew. I had finally met the perfect guy, my Savior Jesus Christ, and I knew my life would never be the same! “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons [daughters] of God:” (I John 3:1)

Empowering Christian Women ~~ Online Christian Resource Center ~~

with Karla Meachum

CONNECTING you with CHRIST-centered resources & ministries that will

EMPOWER you in your DAILY walk with Christ! www.empoweringchristianwomen.com

Unique Crochet Boutique & Original Unique Crochet Boutique & Original Unique Crochet Boutique & Original Unique Crochet Boutique & Original Crochet PatternsCrochet PatternsCrochet PatternsCrochet Patterns

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Covenant: Unequal Partners

We do not come as equal partners

to this commune of peace, this axis of eternity,

as year and life turn again.

Neither do we come clothed in the chains and shame of the vanquished or enslaved,

for we were not commanded here. The might and power of Him who created

all from nothing, universes from void,

does not demand our presence.

We are drawn here by a Father’s love, by the breath of life spoken into dust.

We are invited here by a brother’s sacrifice

when all else had fallen upon closed souls.

Pain-filled sin is healed herein

by comforter and friend; the only scar left in the passing -

a signature on the outstretched hand of God.

This pact of peace,

this restoring act of covenant, this indelible love

written on the fragile parchment of fallible hearts, is the autograph

of Spirit.

~~ Keith Wallis

Visit Alabaster Box Publishing, Inc.

where you will find “Mission Possible”

by Deborah McCarragher

The Gift of Each Day by Connie Arnold

Each new day offers a gift, Something special about the day To give the heart and soul a lift

And make life better in some way; If you seek then you will find

That each day's gift will come to mind.

It may be sunshine through a cloud, A rainbow glimpsed after the rain,

A friendly face in the midst of a crowd, The sudden easing of a pain;

If you look around with a hopeful view, The gift in your day will appear to you.

A gift may be in what you see,

Things you touch or what you hear, The joy in simply being free,

The love of someone very dear; If you take time to quietly pray, God will reveal your gift today.

© Connie Arnold

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Prayer.

Did you cringe or smile when you read that word? Do you spend enough time in prayer?

Whatever the amount of time each of us spends on our knees, it can always be improved.

Since our precious Lord gave us an example of how to pray, I thought I would take what has been dubbed The Lord’s Prayer, or as the New King James Version entitles it, The Model Prayer, and make it a series.

In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus gives us the prototype, “Pray like this:

Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept holy. May Your Kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” (NLT)

Some manuscripts add, “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” I love that part!

Is prayer important? According to Jesus, it is. He spent a great deal of time on His knees. If He went to the garden, the hillside, or some other secluded place to spend time with His Father, how can we not think it is more important in our lives?

If God is our heavenly Father, how do we talk to Him? What tone do we use? Do we speak to Him...

* in respect, or disrespect, as we would our earthly father? * in kind tones or in grumpiness? * in belief of unbelief? * in trust or in doubt? * by shaking our fists at Him or raising our hands in praise?

Do we tell Him of our tender love for Him, or do we continually question Him as to why things are happening? Do we tell Him of our unreserved confidence in Him that He will always fulfill His promises? Do we praise Him for Who He is? Do we sit silently at His feet, just to be near Him?

Prayer is a private, exclusive audience with the King of heaven, spending time in His presence to worship Him and to love Him.

Prayer is like a child appealing to its father. Has your child ever crawled up in your lap just to snuggle with you because he or she loves you? Do you ever crawl up in the Father’s lap just to love on Him? He delights in that, just as you do.

The Model Prayer by Lynn Mosher

38

Prayer is the development of our personal relationship with the Lord, as an intimate friend.

Prayer is communicating with the Lord, having an honest, heart-to-heart talk with Him. For this reason, prayer is a conversation, not a monologue! Conversing with Him implies listening to Him. Prayer takes many forms, whether with many words, sitting silently, a look or glance of faith in the Lord’s direction, or on our faces on the floor, bawling into the carpet. Though we have virtually perfected our horizontal conversations, we have seriously failed in our Vertical one. This spirit-converse can be found only when one retreats to that quiet place to listen for the intimate whisperings the Holy Spirit brings us from our Beloved Bridegroom. David said of being in the Lord’s house, as only The Message can state it, “That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, the perfect getaway far from the buzz of traffic.” (Ps. 27:4) The frazzled racket of the world has deafened our ears to the whispers of heaven. If we don’t silence all the cacophony, we will never hear the voice of the Lord. How important is prayer to us? “One day Jesus told His disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must keep praying until the answer comes.” (Luke 18:1 TLB) ~~Lord, may I sit at Your precious feet just to be with You and learn of You. Give me the strength to wait the timing of your answers.~~

Ok, so you want to send cards and don't know what kind to send? You know the obvious one, it’s a "thank you" card. That's on my list, but I am going to start with just one. And every day add one more, until I get to 40.

Let's start with Welcome Cards. There are hundreds and hundreds of ways to use "Welcome Cards". Lets talk about a few. Perhaps you know of a family who has recently moved into your neighborhood. Truly "welcome" them, since they are new in town, and they do not know the area that well. If you are building your business, word of mouth is the key to building a successful business.

Welcome a Principal to a new school. Welcome children to the classroom if you are a teacher. Welcome new member to a group, or members of a church, youth association. There are hundreds and probably thousands of ways to use the "Welcome Card"!

Visit Danie K. Bell and discover creative ways to use greeting cards to share your love and friendship with all of the special people in your life, as well as how you can build YOUR business as you “Send Out Cards.” www.sendthecards.com

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To my Valentine To my Valentine To my Valentine To my Valentine ––––

Will you be mine Will you be mine Will you be mine Will you be mine forever?forever?forever?forever?

From Your True LoveFrom Your True LoveFrom Your True LoveFrom Your True Love

Forever Yours I will always be your Valentine . . . .

From Your True Love

Create your very own vintage Valentine’s Day cards! Print out this page, cut out the designs, and glue them onto a card you have cut from plain white cardstock. You can even cut around the edges

with decorative scissors and write your own message inside!

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Turn Your Devastation Into RegenerationTurn Your Devastation Into RegenerationTurn Your Devastation Into RegenerationTurn Your Devastation Into Regeneration by Deborah McCarragher

It was a horrendous penalty to pay for his sins, and it involved an innocent victim. King David chose rightly because he admitted his sin and accepted the consequences. He knew who God was and His righteous character. David wrote many of the stirring Psalms that we so dearly embrace and recite in times of despair. He used the time of restoration after his fall from grace to extol the virtues and mercies of God for all to reflect upon. He spent countless nights praising his LORD and giving thanks for the mighty hand that guided him into truth and grace, as he sought to live out his days as a "man after God's own heart." David pleaded with God to punish him, but not the child. However, God's Word stood and David accepted the consequence. He showed a level of maturity that we need to embrace. What David did correctly was to "shut himself in with God" and reflect on what had transpired. II Samuel 12:17-18 tells us that David spent one week quiet before the LORD, and didn't even leave his house. When you are distressed and in deep despair, get alone with God and His Word. Do some true soul searching. Bring all of your hurts and disappointments to Him. He will regenerate your thinking to line up with His thoughts, and align your will with His. Instead of letting disappointment overtake him, David ultimately accepted the circumstances and praised God for them. What took place next is amazing. Verse 20 tells us that, "David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the LORD and worshipped."

When we meet with discouragement, what do we do with it?

There are situations in your marriage that will require a choice to be made. Your spouse might have done something that deeply hurt or offended you, and now you are faced with a dilemma: respond in a Christ centered way, or the world's way, which inevitably leads to remorse. You may be harboring resentment towards God for something you think He should have done in your marriage or family. Maybe you're upset because you were sure you heard from God, and now you doubt yourself and His plans for you. You are at a crossroads. Every decision leads you somewhere. Your devastation can be turned into regeneration... In II Samuel 12, King David was confronted by the prophet Nathan over his sin. This included lusting after and taking another man's wife, purposing to frame him for the pregnancy, and eventually plotting to kill him to cover his own sin. David was oblivious to the fact that it was him that the prophet was speaking of in the story he was telling the King. God directed Nathan to tell David, "You are the man!" After declaring to David that God had indeed blessed him, and would have done even more to exalt him in the eyes of Israel, Nathan proceeded to deliver an admonishment to the King from God, and pronounce a prophesy of doom on him and his household for the evil he had done. David was at a standstill and a choice had to be made. He admitted the secret sins and wailed, "I have sinned against the LORD." At that moment, Nathan said to him, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die."

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Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who

love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader

to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. You can visit her website at:

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

David arose in the newness of God's grace, and came forth from the grave of self-pity and defeat. He was regenerated by God's promises and truths from His Word. Isaiah 61:3 declares the LORD will, "console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness..." Psalm 30:5 states, "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." David saw the dawn of a new day in God's sovereignty. When we have come face to face with a crisis that tears at the very core of our being, then that is when we must go to God and lean on His mercies and gain strength from Who He Is. Rest assured that His grace will be sufficient and His power adequate to sustain you in your weakness (II Corinthians 12: 9-10).

The book of Job tells us that he "...arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshipped. And he said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.' In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong." May we also be gracious towards God and release Him from our human judgments and expectations. Blessed be the Name of the LORD.

The Song of Life By Connie Arnold

Quietly, silently, in a hidden part, reaching down, deep inside, in the center of my heart,

lies a song, soft and sweet, like a gentle caress, a kiss of the soul, bringing peace and happiness.

When the noise of the world and life's sorrow intrude, I need to retreat for some quiet solitude,

then the song of my soul, like a soothing lullaby, spreads its warmth through my being with a soft, melodic sigh.

The song of my life from God's heartbeat sweetly flows, the serenity and beauty pulsing forth divinely shows

so much peace and perfect love, spreading joy and harmony, revives and strengthens me to continue life's journey.

Connie Arnold, 2010

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Love Letter from a Poet by Keith Wallis

Keith Wallis has been writing for Ruby for Women for almost a year. During this past year we have come to know and love him for his gentle spirit and tender heart. His inspirational poetry is truly a gift to all who know him, and his eloquent expressions of love for His Lord have touched the hearts of many. Keith also has a beautiful way of expressing his love for his lovely wife, Val, and he has graciously allowed us to share with the readers of the Ruby for Women ezine, a love letter that he wrote to Val during a time of illness. Here is the story behind the letter, as well as the sweet letter to Val:

Preamble to “Love Letter to My Wife”

“My wife, Val, spent the night of March 2-3 in ever increasing abdominal pain. She is used to a certain level of pain, as she has for many years had a painful bladder condition. However, this was many degrees above that level, coming in spasms that caused her to cry out. My son and I took her to the local doctor who immediately referred her to hospital with what he described as ‘exquisite’ pain.

At the hospital, they did the necessary ‘investigations’ and two doctors diagnosed appendicitis. This sent spasms of fear through me because I’d nearly died from a burst appendix when I was a boy. However, they decided not to operate until early the following morning and dosed her up with intravenous painkillers for another uncomfortable night.

Eventually, I left her there and went home to spend my own uncomfortable night alone. Expecting to ring the hospital the following morning for a progress report, all I could do was pray. Being the person I am, leaving a situation with God doesn’t work and I carry the worry, regardless of all the scriptural references.

Very late into the night and early morning, I decided that as writing is what I do, I would write a letter to Val. It has been many years since we last exchanged letters and nearly as many years since we had even spent the night apart.

The following morning, before I had a chance to ring the hospital, Val rang me. The consultant had visited her prior to her trip to the operating room and changed that diagnosis of appendicitis. Basically, he changed it to ‘no diagnosis’ and ‘let’s do some more tests.’ There were a number of other possibilities by this stage, including gall stones.

I took the letter in to her, as soon as I was allowed, but I placed it inside something that she would open after I’d gone home.

That’s the story of the letter. The medical story is still a bit of an unknown. Three days later, she was allowed out of hospital with the pain subsiding and no satisfactory diagnosis. The best guess is that it was an episode of acute colitis.”

The letter follows . . . . .

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Love Letter to My Wife by Keith Wallis

Monday 3rd March 2008 pm

Dearest Val,

It’s so long since I last wrote you a letter. Now here we are, you in pain and

alone at the hospital, me alone at home with a different kind of pain and tears in my

eyes. So I feel helpless, when I want so much to be close to you, and impotent in

that I can do nothing to ease your pain or keep you warm. I can’t abide the thought

of the empty bed or the interminable length of night that awaits us. No tickle of your

hair down my back to remind me that you are there, nor the sweetness of your smell –

maybe I’ll cuddle up to your nightie, bury my head in your pillow and try to project

you to me and me to you. There is no smile in the bedside mirror – neither yours nor

mine. Yet this is all selfishness when I think of the night that you will be enduring

and all I can hope is that you are able to find some comfort in sleep. Whatever

tomorrow may bring is a mystery and I pray with all my heart that when it comes it

brings with it some relief from your pain.

For tonight, I dress you in shiny satin – from head to toe - the bright luxury of

dream which dispels hospital sounds. I entrap your wrist in bracelet not hospital tag

and your throat in necklace whilst my distant fingers cannot caress your hair loose on

a pillow of tenderness. May each careful eye that watches over you hold you with my

love and see you with the value that I do. For this night may all that is good and

lovely touch your being and the morrow bless you.

Miss you terribly, all my love

Keith

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How many times have you said or done something, and right away the Holy Spirit stirred in your heart? Sometimes the conviction is so strong – you shake your head to yourself – wondering why it took something like this to get your attention.

God’s way of calling us and getting our attention is as varied as we are!

Sometimes I need a 2x4 or a billboard to get the message. Other times

it is an immediate pricking of the conscience and a quiet voice within.

God has spoken to many men and women in the Bible. Here are three

of my favorites:

Balak, King of Moab didn’t like the fact that the children of Israel were

encroaching on his territory and settling near his people. He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor to

pronounce a curse on them for money [a diviner’s fee] to defeat them, and to drive them out of his country.

However, God spoke to him and said, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are

blessed.” The Lord forbade him to go with them, but later tested Balaam as he went with the princes of Moab.

Numbers 22:22 tells us God’s anger was aroused, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand as an adversary against

him. The Angel had a drawn sword, but Balaam didn’t see Him.

However, the donkey he rode did see Him, and refused to continue down the road. Three separate times the Angel

caused the animal to divert from his path: once onto the grass, then against a stone wall, and finally bottle-necked

in a narrow place. Each time the animal disobeyed, Balaam struck him with his staff. The donkey finally lay down,

receiving another blow from her master. That’s when God got Balaam’s attention. He opened the donkey’s mouth

and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”

Balaam foolishly replied that he wished he had a sword in order to kill her

for her disobedience. Then the donkey reminded him that she had never

done anything like that before, and had been an exceptional animal of

burden for him since she became his. Then the Angle of the Lord opened

Balaam’s eyes, and he saw Him standing with His sword drawn, and fell on

his face. The Angel of the Lord told him that his way was contrary to what

God wanted, and that His people were to be blessed, not cursed. Balaam

thought he was doing God’s will, but it took a donkey to “open his eyes” to

his folly. He told Balak in verse 38, “The word that God puts in my mouth,

that I must speak.” (Numbers 22).

Elijah found a cave at Mt. Horeb to escape life’s problems after Jezebel

threatened to kill him. God told him to stand on the mountain before Him. Elijah discovered that God was not in

the whirlwind, or the earthquake, or the fire – but in a still small voice. There he was told to anoint the next King of

Israel - Jehu, and a new successor prophet by the name of Elisha. God hadn’t spoken to him in the manner he

thought God should speak. He was awaiting a Mighty roar, a Holy holler, perhaps an earth-shaking shout. But God

came to him quietly, in a moment of calm – in the cleft of the rock of Mt. Horeb. God Himself whispered to His

weary prophet in a delicate voice – encouraging him in a moment of frailty – preparing him for the days ahead. (I

Kings 19).

Does It Take A Does It Take A Does It Take A Does It Take A Donkey To Get Donkey To Get Donkey To Get Donkey To Get

Your Your Your Your Attention?Attention?Attention?Attention?

by by by by DeborDeborDeborDeborah McCarragherah McCarragherah McCarragherah McCarragher

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Samuel was a small child when he left his mother’s arms to live with Eli the priest in

the tabernacle of the Lord at Shiloh. He ministered before the Lord even as a young

child. There had been a silence in Israel, and God had not spoken for quite some time

through the prophets and seers. The Lord was grieved by the wickedness and sin that

surrounded His people.

As Samuel was lying down to sleep, God called him three separate times – and each

time the boy thought Eli had called. The last time Eli perceived that the Lord had called

him, and instructed Samuel to lie down again and wait for God to call him once more. I

Samuel 3:10 says that the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel!

Samuel!” Then Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” This tender child

was intently listening for his Heavenly Father’s call. (I Samuel 1-3).

When we are desperate to hear a Word from God, He will meet us where we are. He will often speak to us through

someone, through His Word, and through Holy Spirit’s promptings. Make yourself ready for His message by stilling

your soul and spirit often and in earnest.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

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Direct

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Dear Beth, Why can men flush the toilet, but not put the seat down when they are finished?

-- Frustrated Wife Dear Frustrated, If you take a close look at your toilet, you'll notice that the seat lid is much lower than the flushing handle. Men's bone structures are vastly different from our own, being more dense, larger and more broad (especially in the shoulders), thus much less flexible than the female skeleton. This causes many problems for the male. They might be able to open a jar of pickles, but bending forward too far can cause serious back injuries, due to lack of flexibility. This is also why men don't pick up their clothing off of the floor either. And they remove their socks with their toes, just to avoid bending too far and hurting themselves. The flushing handle is about the same height as a refrigerated beverage, so this habit can be easily established, especially if you try training them early with a mini fridge next to the toilet. But when it comes to seat replacement, I am afraid that unless they were taught as infants (they must learn to be flexible in the early stages in life), you will just have to live with his disability. Bending far enough to set the seat down strains the shoulders of the man, causing him to groan as he straightens, possibly rupturing a disk or pinching a nerve. (The nerve could be his or your own). Your best bet is to close it yourself, or train your children to do this task before bedtime, so you aren't surprised in the middle of the night by falling into the basin and getting stuck. Doing this will also avoid embarrassing videos of you on YouTube the next day. Do you have a silly question you would like a not-so-serious answer to? Please email Beth Brubaker at bethatruby@aol.com with the words 'Ask a Silly Question' in the subject line. We would love to hear from you! You can also visit Beth at her blog, “Footprints in the Mud,” at www.footprintsinthemudblog.blogspot.com

Ask a Silly Ask a Silly Ask a Silly Ask a Silly

Question!Question!Question!Question! by Beth Brubaker

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Please visit Linda Please visit Linda Please visit Linda Please visit Linda Jones at her Etsy Jones at her Etsy Jones at her Etsy Jones at her Etsy

shop to see all her shop to see all her shop to see all her shop to see all her

amazing artwork!amazing artwork!amazing artwork!amazing artwork!

www.LindaGJ.Etsy.com

Love is in the Air! Hidden Word Puzzle

Solution by Beth Brubaker

Math Square Puzzle

Solution

Correction from January

Ruby for Women by Beth Brubaker

It was brought to our attention by one of our readers, that the answer to last month’s Math Square Puzzle was incorrect. Thank you Judy for helping us out with this! Beth has issued the following correction: “If you look at the last row of numbers in the answer key, go from top to bottom, the number should be 88, not 53. Go from the bottom to the top, however, and the answer should be 53, but the box should have been at the top, not the bottom. The answer where the 53 is should be 88 instead.”

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Cut (or use a hole punch) a circle through card stock, suspend a paper heart in the center, and write a message ‘round the circle. Fun, sophisticated, and simple!

What You Need:

* Card stock

* Pink gingham paper

* 1 ½” length of gold thread

* Scissors or circle cutter

Let’s Make It!

Fold a 8 ½” X 5 ½” card stock rectangle widthwise. Cut a 1 1.2” circle through both card layers, about an inch from the upper center. Cut two gingham paper hearts. Sandwich the thread between the them, and glue the hearts together. Center the heart in the circle and tape the thread to the inside. Write “Be Mine” or your choice of words around the circle with a marking pen. Ta Daa!

You can find more craft projects at Katie’s website , Go Ask Katie, at www.goaskkatie;com

Be Mine Greeting Card by Katherine Corrigan

Looking for a new blog banner, website

button or header, or Etsy shop logo? Katie

can create a professional, attractive design

make just for you! Visit Katie at Made It

For You today and get started

redecorating projects all your online

projects.

www.madeitforyou.com

* Adhesive tape

* Fine point black marking pen

* Glue

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Bake up a batch of these beautiful and yummy Black Forest Cupcakes for your Valentine’s Day

feast and your family will be delighted! What You Need: * 1 (18.25 oz) box devil’s food cake mix * 1 1/3 cups black cherry soda * ½ cup vegetable oil * 3 eggs * 1 container vanilla frosting * 2 tsp. cherry extract * 1 – 2 drops pink food coloring Before You Start: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two (12 cup) muffin tins with paper liners. Let’s Make It! In a large bowl combine cake mix, soda, vegetable oil and eggs. Using hand mixer combine all ingredients; batter will still be somewhat lumpy. Pour batter into muffin cups, Bake 19 to 22 minutes, turning the pans halfway through baking. Remove to rack for cooling (completely). In a large bowl combine frosting, cherry extract and pink food coloring. When cupcakes are cool, ice with pink cherry frosting and top each with a maraschino cherry. Serves 24. For more fun and festive recipes, visit Katie at her blog, Go Ask Katie, as www.goaskkatie.com

Black Forest Cupcakes from Katie’s Kitchen by Katie Corrigan

* 24 whole maraschino cherries with stems * Large bowl * Electric hand mixer * Cupcake pans (muffin pan, holds 24) * 24 cupcake papers (liners) * Cooling rack

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Make It Yourself!

Sweet Strawberry Pincushions by Katherine Corrigan

Make these fun and oh-so-cute pincushions for yourself or to give as Valentine’s Day gifts!

Tools and Materials:

• Fabric and ribbon remnants • Sewing machine • Needle and thread • Scissors • Fine sand or emery (you can also use rice) • #3 pearl-cotton thread or felt, for berries’ tops • 6-strand embroidery floss, for seeds • Fabric glue

Let’s Make It!

Start by printing out the Strawberry Template (see below). Trace the cone template onto fabric, then cut out the shape. Fold the fabric into a cone shape, right sides facing, and stitch together along one edge, leaving a narrow seam allowance.

Sew a loose, even running stitch along the perimeter of the wide opening, which will become the top of the berry. Before cinching the top, place the cone in a small jar or bottle for balance, and fill it with sand or emery, which will keep pins sharp. Pull the thread taut, and stitch the top closed.

For the strawberry’s top, trace the cap template onto a piece of felt, cut out the shape, and affix it in place with a drop of glue; then sew along the edges with a slip stitch. Or, create leaves by sewing long stem stitches onto the strawberry using the pearl-cotton thread, leaving a loop of floss at the top for a handle. Embroider seeds onto the berry using embroidery floss with a single stitch or a French-knot stitch. For more craft ideas for Valentine’s Day or any holiday, please visit Katie at her blog, Go Ask Katie, at www.goaskkatie.com

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Sweet Strawberry

Pincushion

Template by Katherine Corrigan

www.goaskkatie.com

Used by permission of Katherine Corrigan Go Ask Katie

www.goaskkatie.com

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Aunt Dots, Master Gardener

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

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

Beth Brubaker, Footprints in the Mud and Ask Beth Beth is the “Family Fun” editor here in the Ruby for Women community. She is a mother of two very active kids whose antics are sprinkled liberally in her columns. She has been married for 13 years to her Knight in Shining Armor, and she is delighted to share with us that they still hold hands in public! Her day job is working as a fabric artist, a homemaker, and a writer. Beth says that, ”I enjoy making people laugh at life’s ironies. I also love animals, being creative, and cooking . . . but I hate cleaning up my own messes!” Beth will be writing humorous articles about life in general, puzzles, and an advice column that is based on readers’ questions, as well as sharing hints and tips for everyday life that she comes across in her travels between her laundry room, living room, and kitchen. Don’t miss Beth’s columns in every issue of Ruby for Women! You can read more of Beth’s posts on her blog, “Footprints in the Mud” at www.footprintsinthemudblog.blogspot.com or email her at bethatruby@aol.com

Meet the Ruby for Women Writers

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Rochelle Martin, Gardener’s Delight Quilt Block Project Rochelle is the owner of her quilt pattern company, Cottage Quilt Designs, which she started in December of 2004. Her quilt designs are featured in quilting magazines, books by House of White Birches, fabric companies, and various fabric shops and online shops. Rochelle contributes a quilt block pattern in every issue of Ruby for Women ezine that can be used to create a complete quilt design, Gardener’s Delight. You can find more of Rochelle’s designs at the following sites:

www.cottagequiltdesigns.com www.cottagequiltdesigns.info/blog

Laura Day, “Secrets About Love” “My name is Laura Day. I have been writing since I was a child, but only recently was published in Cotton Spice Magazine. I’m married and have two cats, Zoey and Missy who are often inspirations for my stories. My hobbies are reading, writing, eating chocolate, and gardening.” Laura writes a serial story with a new chapter published in every issue of Ruby for Women entitled “Secrets About Love.”

Lynn Mosher, Devotions

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

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

Dr. Yvonne Anderson, The Doctor’s Innsite Dr. Yvonne Anderson is the author of “Meditations of the Heart: Life Lessons for Renewing the Mind,” and creator of A.C.T., Association of Christian Teachers. She is an educator, and her website at www.thedoctorsinnsite.org features inspirational and educational articles.

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Carol Mokry, Devotional Contributor

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

Katherine Corrigan, Recipes and Crafts

Hello, my name is Katherine. I am an open minded and spiritual person who strives to always maintain a positive attitude and greet each new day with grace, dignity and gratitude. I'm honored to meet you and to call you friend. Thank you for your friendship.

I am originally from England and now living in the US I have had the privilege of living in, and visiting, several different countries throughout my lifetime. I have had many wonderful adventures. I hold a rare dual citizenship with the UK and the USA and I am a proud citizen of both. I believe a good laugh and a hug every day help you to live a long happy life. I work very hard to create designs for my shops and to provide an entertaining and informative website and blog. I hope you’ll stop by. I welcome your friendship! Hugs, Katherine

Lee E. Shilo, Short Stories and Poems

Lee Shilo has been writing for Ruby for Women since the summer of 2010, and continues to share his poetry and short stories with out readers. We welcome Lee to the Ruby for Women family of writers and contributors. You can find Lee at the Net Surf Café at www.thenetsurfcafe.ning.com

Jennifer Cirka, Crochet Patterns and Recipes

Jennifer Cirka, the designer behind Jaybird Designs, is never without a hook and some yarn in her hands! This Crochet Guild of America recognized Professional Crochet Designer has a book of her girl’s sweater designs with Leisure Arts and has been featured in major crochet magazines such as Crochet Today, Interweave Crochet, and Crochet World, with more publications coming out each year! She also independently sells her own crochet patterns at various online locations. For those who do not crochet, finished items such as infant portrait props, woman's hats and accessories, and lots of other goodies can be purchased online. Jennifer pledges that all of her handmade items are of the finest quality with excellent workmanship and amazing attention to details. When not crocheting, she also is learning to knit, and enjoys baking and spending time with her family.

www.jaybirddesigns.blogspot.com www.etsy.com/shop/JaybirdDesigns

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Keith Wallis, Poetry

Keith Wallis is an English poet with decades of experience from the era of the “small press” to the era of “the web.” He’s been on this planet since 1949 when, by a strange manipulation of the universe, he arrived early and half-cooked. He is a husband, a father, and grandfather.

His first chapbook of poems, “Wordsculptures,” owes its title to him being called a “Wordsculptor” by a colleague thirty years ago, and the name just stuck. His occupation is in engineering design, but he sees poetry as a “gifting” and works hard to keep it in shape. Relaxation comes via dabbling in artwork and photo manipulation. He is currently a moderator at ChristianWriters.com. His particular interest is the use of the language of poetry within a worship environment – church (where he is on the leadership team) is getting used to being “experimented” on when he leads services!

You can find Keith at www.wordsculptures.com as well as www.christianwriters.com and www.wordbrief.blogspotcom

Amanda Johnson, Assistant Editor

Amanda has been writing for Ruby for Women for the past six months, and she has been a free-lance writer for several years, beginning her writing career as a young teen-ager. She also works for Love Unveiled, a ministry to women in undeveloped countries around the world. Amanda brings experience as well as a passion for ministry to the work of Ruby for Women, and she has a heart for reaching out and touching the hearts and lives of women everywhere. Amanda will be working with all of our writers on their submissions, as well as assisting in keeping the Ruby for Women blog and website up-to-date with new information daily.

Nina Newton, Sr. Editor

When all of my four older children were in school, I returned to college as a “non-traditional student.” Eventually, I earned degrees in Classics and Philosophy, and a graduate degree in Medieval Studies: History of Theology. After teaching at a small community college in Michigan for seven years, my

husband and I were blessed with the adoption of our two beautiful daughters, Gracie and Annie.

Gracie is 10 years old and Annie is 8. They were both born in China, and we were able to travel to China two times to bring our daughters home. We live in northern Indiana in a small farming community where I work from my home office. For the past six years I have been designing and creating children’s clothing and various crafts. I began writing ebook patterns for my designs in 2007, and have several patterns available for sale on You Can Make This at www.youcanmakethis.com. I have also

been a free-lance writer for many years, writing for two local newspapers when we lived in Michigan. My personal blog is at www.mamaslittletreasures.typepad.com where I frequently post tutorials and patterns for crafts and other sewing projects, as well as weekly reflections on life as a woman, wife, mother, and daughter of the King.

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CrCrCrCredits and Copyrightsedits and Copyrightsedits and Copyrightsedits 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 from at www.rubyforwomen.com/advertise

Questions? Email Nina @ editor@rubyforwomen.com

Or Amanda @ ajohnson@rubyforwomen.com

Ruby for Women is published by rubyforwomen.com

All submission inquiries should be directed to Nina Newton, Sr. Editor

Ruby for Women editor@rubyforwomen.com

or Amanda Johnson, Assistant Editor

ajohnson@rubyforwomen.com

Graphic design by Jorim http://jorimslist.com/portfolio

Special thanks to Maritza Bonilla for sponsoring the Scentsy Fundraiser.

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