Remembering Ruby...

 

"Who can find a virtuous woman?

For her price is far above rubies."

(Proverbs 31:10)

Ruby Justice has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember; first, as the mother of my "best friend," Shirley, then, as a close friend of my mom, and later, (after mama died) she became a friend to me. My general conference buddy, we traveled back and forth, sharing hotel rooms, plane rides, food and fun. We always had fun, no matter who else was with us. Count on Ruby to bring joy and laughter into any and every situation. No one could sit in the mulligrubs long when Ruby was around.

Jesus took Ruby home with Him on May 3rd. It's remarkable that her transition was so close to Mother's Day and that it was reuniting her with Shirley and Gene, as well as Eugene and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What a reunion that must have been! 

Mother's Day always makes me think of the Proverbs 31 woman. And as I sat in her funeral service the following Friday, it came to me that Ruby was a Proverbs 31 woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great, great-grandmother! To illustrate what I mean, let's look at the Proverbs list with Ruby in mind...

• The heart of her husband safely trusts in her -- What loving care she took of Eugene, life-long!
• He lacks nothing of value -- Eugene oozed pride (the good kind) in his godly wife.
• She will do him good (not evil) all her life -- In sickness and in health, no matter what!
• She works willingly with her hands -- A spotless house, an open door, and a friendly welcome. 
• She gets up early and provides food for her family -- Truth, Lord!
• She's diligent, thrifty, careful, capable, and strong -- Ruby's life example was good stewardship.
• She was aware of her responsibilities and did them to the best of her ability.
• She was compassionate, reaching out to those who are hurting.
• When hard times came, she was not afraid for her family. She had provided for them.
• She dresses herself well -- Neat as a pin and twice as pretty (with help from Jim).
• She makes her husband look good. He is respected -- No wonder he was so proud of her!
• She's wise and kind, her instructions are faithful -- Were you listening? Do you remember?
• She takes good care of her house -- Oh, My! Need I say more on that score?
• She's not idle, nor is she a busybody -- My mom loved that about Ruby.
• Her children rise up and call her blessed -- More truth, and she deserved every word.
• Her husband "sang" her praises -- His heart and his home overflowed...
• Others do well and are virtuous, but she excels them all -- Ruby was a good example!
• Because she honored and feared the Lord, she shall be praised -- She was, is, and will be!

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise..."

(Proverbs 31:30-31a, NIV)

 

Mary

A Poem by
Joyce MacBeth Morehouse

She came quickly to the Garden

In the dew of early morn;

Hurrying to where they laid Him,

She knelt down to view His form.

But alas! Her Lord was missing!

And these angels? Who are they?

They stood guard in silent witness,

But the stone was rolled away.

As she stood there, weeping, stricken,

Wondering if this gardener knew.

Surely He could help her find Him;

Tell her what she ought to do;

"Can you tell me where they laid Him?

For they took my Lord, it seems."

All her hopes collapsed around her -

Broken heart and broken dreams.

As He eyed her with compassion,

Gazing in her face of fear,

His "Mary" came so gently

That was all she had to hear;

Reaching out in exultation,

Tears of joy,not sorrow, came,

For the tomb was truly empty -

Life would never be the same.

Editor's Note: Sis. Joyce is q licensed minister with the UPCI, living in Doaktown, New Brunswick, Canada - where she attends the United Pentecostal Church, (Pastor Russell H. Morehouse). Her friend, Norma Brewer, (London, Ontario) recommended Sis. Joyce to us, and spoke highly of her writing ministry. This is the first time we've presented her to our readers and are looking forward to more good things! This poem is copyrighted. Used by permission.

A Roomful of Thoughts

By Charlotte M. Wholters

I read something interesting about Martha Stewart. The person who wrote the piece basically said that using her ideas was a way to show off to your friends. I was stunned when I read that because it sounded very like the truth to me! I had never thought of Martha Stewart in that way before. In fact, I've admired her work. Bur what is really more fun; spending three hours making color-coordinated coasters or showing them to your friends? It struck me that Martha Stewart is very appropriately named - Martha.

"It came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His Word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, doest Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42)

Then I read a quote by Benjamin Franklin that said if all the world was blind but him, he wouldn't care to have a fancy home or furniture. Wow! It makes me wonder how much of what we do is motivated by what others think? I want to spend some time mulling that over and I want to dissect my decisions with that scalpel. This could take a while. It's painful to think this way. Sometimes I think the Lord leads us in a particular direction for a reason.

I think there's a reason why I stumbled across both that point made about both Martha Stewart and Benjamin Franklin's quote recently. It's certainly normal for a married lady and mother of three to worry and grieve about not managing to be like Martha Stewart. But I think the Lord has something better for me! I'm going after that good part; the one thing that's needful: sitting at the feet of Jesus and hearing His Word.
_____________________

Editor's Note: Charlotte, her husband James,and their three children; Camilla, Joshua, and Grace, live in Sterling, Virginia. They attend The Original Pentecostals (Pastor Raymond E. Windsor,) in Leesburg, VA. 

Planning My Funeral

By Rachel Coltharp

I am planning my funeral. 

I know EXACTLY what I want.

The least expensive coffin on the market.

Do NOT waste precious dollars on a fancy box 

that is just going in the ground.  

I was frugal in life, I have a reputation to protect.

Bury me in a size 8. 

Maybe something with lace, or sequins. 

Or even better, lace AND sequins.

I know you'll have to cut it open 

and drape it over me, 

but DO PLEASE bury me in a size 8.

Save your money, don't send flowers.  

Instead, have a meal with someone you love.

Feel free to have tacos, chocolate cake 

and sweet tea to remember me by.

And here is the best part, 

I want THESE words said.

I want my kids to say, 

“My mom was a woman of integrity.  

She lived at home, like she lived in public.” 

I want my husband to say 

“She treated me with dignity and respect, 

and made me want to be my best self. 

Rachel made me proud to be a man.”

I want my neighbors to say, 

“She shared her veggies and flowers with us, 

and our kids always had a safe place 

to play over at her house.  

She sure loved our kids. 

Mrs. Coltharp, she really loved her church.  

She invited me to come every time we talked.”

I want my friends to say, 

“Rachel always told me the truth.  

It wasn’t always what I wanted to hear, 

and I didn’t always agree with her, 

but she always had my best at heart.”

I want my bank account to say 

“She always paid her tithe, 

and gave generously to the Kingdom.”

I want orphaned/abandoned children to say 

“She shared with us when we were alone, 

cold, hurting and hungry.”

I want my Bible to say, 

“She slap WORE ME OUT”..

I want my computer, cell phone, debit card, check book and mailbox to say “She served Christ first with me, herself second.”

I want my house to say, 

“I heard her pray every day,   

and watched her disciple her children

 right here within my walls. 

She made me a holy place.”

And I want it all to be true.

So, like I said, I’m planning my funeral.  

Every day.  

Every time I plan a meal.  Every time I open my web browser.  Every time I whip out my debit card.  Every time I pay my tithe.  Every time I open my door to a neighbor, a friend, or a child.  

Every time I reach for my Bible.

Every time I choke back my sarcastic reply, choosing a gracious word instead.  Every time I stifle my irritation and serve with humility, as unto the Lord, and not men.

For when my voice has ceased to speak, 

my words will echo in the hearts of my children.  

When my prayers have ceased to be breathed, 

they will still fan the flames 

in the souls of my loved ones.  

When my fingers stiffen and are folded 

into eternal stillness, 

my life will still touch those I leave behind.

  I’ll be gone.  

But I’ll still be here.

I’m planning my funeral.  

Are you?

Editor's Note: Rachel, wife of Brent Coltharp, who co-pastors First Apostolic Church in Aurora, Illinois, is the mother of four children and wears many hats as she passes through her days. Most of what she has described in the article above are easy to observe in a life that's being well-lived for Jesus.

A Root Out of Dry Ground

Subtitle: "Impossible Possibilities"

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text:  Isaiah 53:1-2

When a preacher ministers, his desire is to impart. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." In the valley of dry bones, (Ezekiel 37:1-14) God was speaking not only to the prophet, but also to the church, and to individuals when He asked, "Can these bones live?" When we think we're in an impossible situation, we need to remember... God can turn nothing into something!

There's still hope even in a hopeless situation. Dry ground is dead, lifeless, a portrait of hopelessness. But in God's hands impossibilities become possible. "Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think..."

Ezekiel did what God said. He spoke to the bones. (God's Word will not return unto Him void.) Something began to happen - bone came to bone and sinews, muscles, and skin covered them - but they were still dead - no breath.

Ezekiel kept doing what God said. He spoke to the wind. As the wind blew, breath entered into the slain and they stood on their feet - a great and mighty army!

Numbers 17:8 speaks of Aaron's rod, one of twelve dead, dry sticks, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. All twelve were placed in the Tabernacle overnight so God's will as to which of the twelve would be the priestly tribe in Israel could be revealed. The next morning, eleven of them were still just sticks. But Aaron's rod, the rod for the tribe of Levi had buds, blossoms, and fruit (almonds) - all on the one stick! When God promises you something, it is for you. You can bank on it!

Abraham was 99, Sarah was 90 - they laughed at the very thought of senior citizens having a baby. But God had the last laugh - Isaac!

Parched, dry ground is difficult indeed. Like a sunflower growing up through a crack in the cement of the freeway - when God says, "Live!" when God says, "Grow!" - nothing can prevent His Word from coming to pass. If He said it - He'll do it!

When Jesus came...

• He was poor - no claim to fame
• He was born a Jew - a despised race
• He was raised in Nazareth - a despised place

"If God be for us, who can be against us?" The woman with the issue of blood said, "If I can but touch the hem of His garment..." She wasn't willing to just deal with it. She came to Jesus...

• in spite of how she felt
• in spite of what the doctors were saying
• in spite of 18 years of experience/s
• in spite of the press of the crowd

She knew she would be made whole if she could just touch Him. Down on the ground, pressing, reaching through, stretching past the feet and ankles of the crowd - the tips of her fingers grazed the hem of His garment. Jesus stopped... "Who touched Me?"

When, trembling, she confessed, He spoke with such compassion... "Your faith has made you whole."

Are you willing to believe?

Little Things Mean a Lot

By Carol Warfield

After some bad experiences, I've never cared much for dogs. They dig up holes in the yard, shed hair on most everything they touch, they bark too loud and upset the neighbors, they chew up things, the smell turns me off, and they've been known to bite people.

One of my granddaughters went to an adoption show and saw this cute little shihtzu and yorkshire mixed dog, mostly black with some white. She decided to buy the dog for $350.00 and brought it home with her. She was raising two young children on her own and had to go to work to support them. Caring for the dog became too much for her, so she called her mother, (my daughter,) to take the dog. As we all know, our parents will, for the most part, be there when their children are in need. Mama took the dog, but she also had a big, dark chocolate lab and a cat, plus two birds and a fish tank. She and her husband work also.

One day, while stiiting in her living room floor, playing with this cute little dog, her husband said, "You have too many pets for us to care for, what with both of us working." So, as she wondered what to do, she felt that the Lord spoke to her and said, "Take the dog to your mother."

"But Lord, she doesn't like dogs!" she thought. The thought came again, "Take it to your mother." This was on a Friday morning. So she said, "If this is You, Lord, when I go there, let my father say, 'I always wanted a dog.'"

She called us and said, "Mom, I'm coming over." I agreed and she came in with this little dog following along. For some reason I couldn't understand, I loved that little cute dog at first sight, I did!

As she sat down in my living room floor with this dog, she began to tell the history of this special little dog. She had been in a hurricane in the south in 2005. She had suffered broken ribs and was with four puppies yet to be born then placed for adoption. As she talked about this dog, named "Minnie," (my mother's name,) my husband, who was suffering with gout in both of his feet and getting around with a walker, was sitting on the couch with the walker in front of him. He leaned over to take hold of the walker with both hands and said, "I always wanted a dog."

My daughter got a big smile on her face and said, "Dad, you just got yourself a dog!" Now we were hoping that Minnie would bond with dad, but that didn't happen. She bonded with me!

The moment that little dog came through our front door, my attitude changed toward dogs. The Lord placed a special love in my heart for this cute little dog. I soon learned that all the things I didn't like about dogs, Minnie didn't do. God designed this little dog especially for me, knowing my likes and dislikes.

For the past two years, the dog will be wherever I am, in the house, on the couch, by the living room table while I'm reading my Bible; she lays right by me. She loves car rides, so if my husband goes to get something at the store, he'll say, "Come on Minnie, you can go." Minnie will come over where I'm sitting and look as if to say, "Mom, are you going?"

I'll say, "No, but you can go." She'll just lay down on the floor as if to say, "If mom doesn't go, neither do I." My husband just laughs and says, "Mom, you got yourself a dog!" I cannot tell you how much joy and pleasure Minnie has given me since coming to live with us.

Extra work? Oh yes! Potty training her that first week, getting up in the night to let her out, keeping her bowl clean and full of water, providing food and treats when she does good, giving her a bath when she starts to smell like a dog, cutting her pretty, long, curly, black hair in the summer to keep her cool; these are just a few of the things involved in taking good care of our pets.

The Scripture comes to mind, "In everything, give thanks." With all my children grown and out of the house, God knew the void it left - time on my hands - and the need of something to care about. This little dog helps to occupy my time, to fill the gap, and keep me feeling needed and loved. He gave me this cute little dog to enjoy while finishing out my years in this life. These dogs live for about fifteen years. I'll be long gone by then and won't have to lay her to rest.

What a wonderful God we serve. He said He would supply all our needs. Thank You, God, for bringing little Minnie all the way from Hurricane Katrina to Michigan to bring happiness to a seventy-three year old lady who needed to know that all dogs are different, just like people. Live and learn!

Editor's Note: Carol Warfield and her husband, Don, senior saints here at New Life, are busy about the work of the Lord. He heads up our Home Bible Study ministry and teaches the Adult Sunday School class in rotation, both serve as ushers, and she reads through the Bible several times a year.

Comparison - the Thief of Joy

By Rachel Coltharp

I met a thief in the hospital on Thursday; baby G contracted a virus and became dehydrated. While we were in turn to be called, the thief made his appearance

on a waiting room T.V. game show...

The show featured four brides who attended each other’s weddings and then rated them in effort to win an exotic honeymoon.

The once-in-a-lifetime event, the day that they had each meticulously planned, every detail given heartfelt attention to, was stripped of its meaning, and given a number.

“They should have used more color.”

“Her dress was too plain.”

“The chicken was dry.”

“The flowers looked skimpy.”

“The music wasn’t very good.”

The sacred ceremony reduced to a score card. And for what? A trip. The trade off just doesn’t add up. You can save up for an exotic trip, but your wedding day - it’s a one-time deal. The vows, two people becoming one, the celebration with friends and family reduced to competition. Who could think this would be a good idea?

But I have done the same thing. Many times. I have allowed pinterest birthday party photos to make me feel like a dullard mother. I have ogled Facebook photos of my friends vacations, not in an "I’m so glad for you" way either. I have, in short, drunk the poison elixir of comparison.

When we choose to sip from the cup of the joy thief, we ingest a biting brew of bitterness, a dour drink of discontent, a poison pint of pity.

Our Creator knew the joy thief would like nothing better than to strip us of the joy in our lives. II Corinthians 2:10 warns us against the foolishness of comparing ourselves, of measuring ourselves with others.

Like David, we can choose to say, “my cup runneth over.” My cup may be smaller than yours, it may be wood, yours may be gold, but it’s the cup God trusted me with. If I compare mine with yours, I’m saying that God does not know what is best for me. To be wise, we must lay down the measuring stick, the scorecard, the measuring cup.

So go ahead, pour up a big ol' cup of gratitude, and start sipping. That ol' joy thief, he can go pour his poisonous brew somewhere else. On T.V. perhaps, where it seems he is

welcomed, encouraged, and celebrated.

I’m going to keep opening up the Book of Wisdom and let it’s waters of life keep filling my cup, and my home. On Facebook and Pinterest, I'm going to sip while I interact,

practice as I pin; and as for me and my "mouse," we will serve the Lord!

Editor's Note: Rachel Coltharp, pastor's wife and mother of four, labors along-side of her husband, Brent Coltharp, who is District Superintendent for the Illinois District. and pastors First Apostolic Church in Aurora, Illinois.

Parenting in Tough Times

(A Mother's Story)

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text:  I Kings 17:8-24

We're living in tough times, it's true. But tough times have been a constant throughout history. And parenting in tough times is always a challenge. Here are three things to remember in tough times...

The widow's story... After three and-a-half years of drought and famine, she was working on her last meal - a little bit of meal and oil, and a few sticks. Put together they would make one last little cake. She and her son would eat it and then, because there was no more, they would die.

Elijah's story... The prophet of God was also hungry. He'd experienced the same years of drought and famine. The difference was, the drought and famine were the result of Elijah's prophecy at the command of Jehovah. What's more, During those lean years God had sustained His prophet, and even now had sent him to Zarephath in Zidon (not Israel,) to this very widow woman, telling him that He had commanded her to sustain His prophet. So, Elijah approached her asking for a drink of water. As she was going to fetch it, Elijah added, "Bring me a morsel of bread." The widow responded with her sad tale of tough times, but Elijah said, "Fear not. Go and do as thou hast said, but make thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth."

1. Don't stop parenting just because times are tough. Be available! Be faithful!
2. Keep doing what's right. The same things that make you effective in the good times will make you effective in the tough times.
3. God has unlimited resources. They're available to those who place their trust in Him.

The end result was - Just as God said; Elijah ate, the widow ate, and her son ate many days - until the drought ended.

God's Story... "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11) God is both Author and Finisher of our faith. What He started, He will finish! Remember...

• He changes circumstances!
• He changes you!
• His resources are limitless!

Covered

By Laurel D. Williams

I love to go to estate sales. There are always so many treasures to discover. My favorite finds are vintage linens. I purchase tatted, crocheted, and embroidered linens. I've bought dresser scarves, crocheted pot-holders, embroidered tea towels, and tatted runners. Vintage aprons are special finds. I especially enjoy gingham "chicken scratch" aprons. Each one is unique in design. I have frilly hostess apons, full-length embroidered ones, quilted aprons, and feed-sack aprons. Even my Aunt Barbara contributes to my vintage apron collection. I keep most of the aprons. But, I have passed along a few at bridal showers and special fund raising events at church.

When I think of aprons, two women come to mind. My grandmother Ruby and my mother Betty have donned aprons. Grandmother Ruby was a continual hostess. Every day she had company and she cooked three meals a day expecting to feed a large crowd. Grandma always wore a very servicable apron. It fit over her head and had large pockets in front. She usually wore this over a duster or a housedress.

My mother, Betty, always wears an apron to cook. It is a full-length apron. She is a wonderful cook. She bakes beautiful cookies and cakes. She is always trying new recipes. (We call these "guinea pig meals.") I can't picture her in the kitchen without her apron. When that apron comes off, she is finished with that kitchen!

Women in simpler times faithfully wore aprons. They did not have the large wardrobes of clothes that we have today and it was very important to protect what they had. Washing was a difficult and time-consuming chore. It was necessary to wear clothing wisely and protect it with aprons. Housework, gardening, and farm chores were accomplished by the apron wearer.

Many occupations necessitate the wearing of aprons. Maids, waitresses, bakers, and chefs readily come to mind. Welders wear leather aprons to protect them from sparks, as do workers of iron. Chemists wear aprons to protect themselves from exposure to harmful agents. X-ray technicians wear aprons to protect themselves from radiation. Even patients don lead aprons to protect vital organs during x-ray diagnosis.

Through the years, women at home have abandoned the use of aprons. It was a symbol of servitude to a generation seeking "liberation." It was a symbol of a woman who placed her priority to family, home, and children. It was a symbol of her committment to making her home a loving, secure, and orderly place. It is a symbol of love to her husband - I choose to serve you with the love of the labor of my hands. When she dons the apron, she is ready to work for the ones she loves.

It is essential that we, as women, are covered! It is God's plan. God is the Master of the Universe and everything is governed by His exact rules. It is HIS order of the commandment of His creation. God is the Head of us all. We come to God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as we are covered by His blood and Name in baptism. The head of man is Christ. The head of woman is man. If we want to be effective in our homes, families, marriages, and occupations - we must follow the order to be covered! The order is: God, Christ, man, woman. Rearrange the sequence and the results are chaos.

In the tabernacle in the wilderness, God had a plan for every part of His dwelling place. There was a plan for what the coverings of the tabernacle and the Holy of Holies would be. There was an order for setting the tabernacle up and for dismatling. The precious, holy objects were covered before being transported. Aaron and his sons were the only ones that could cover those sacred objects. The holy things were for God, they were covered from the gaze of common man, How important in our marriage is it to keep the sacred and holy covered?

We are covered by Christ through baptism in His Name. His blood covers our sins! When we are covered by Jesus, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. When we are covered by His Name, we are His! We are committed to Him. He is committed to us. As the groom adores the bride, so God adores us when we are covered by His Name!

When we are covered by Christ and covered by the covenant of marriage, we are protected. Not only are we protected by our husband, but our minds and hearts are protected as well. The mind and heart are essential for our survival! Not only are we physically protected by our husband, we are spiritually protected. When two or three are gathered in His Name, (man and wife joined in covenant marriage with God,) He will be in the midst.

So, the next time you don an apron - dance to the Lord like Grandma Ruby! Let it be a spiritual renewing. You will be saying, "I am covered by His blood, and I am covered by His Name!" You will be displaying to your husband and children your love, your commitment to them, and that you are ready to dig in and work to give them your all. When you don that apron, you are a picture of the service God calls us to be. You are putting on holiness, you are proclaiming the sacredness of marriage. You are proclaiming, "My marriage, my family are my treasure." You are an example of love shining for your children. You are a beacon of security and refuge to your children and spouse, a safe place to dwell. In years to come, your memory will be sacred to the ones you've served. Then, the Master can say, "Well done!"

I Corinthians 11:3, 5, 12 - "But, I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of every woman is man: and the head of Christ is God. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered, dishonoreth her head. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman, but all things of God."

Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Exodus 33:22 - "And it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in the cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by."

Isaiah 51:16 - "And I have put My words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art My people."

Galatians 3:27 - "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put Christ on as a garment." (HCSB)


Editor's Note: Laurel Williams is married to Johnnie Williams. Their family lives in Orange, Texas and attends Eastgate United Pentecostal Church, (Pastor George R. Edwards,) in Vidor, where Laurie teaches Sunday School and is faithfully laboring in her Father's vineyard..