January 2004 ~ Happy New Year!

Volume 1, Issue 1
January, 2004

Happy New Year! And welcome to the premier issue of Ruby Magazine Update. We are excited about what the future holds for us, and our readers! We hope you enjoy the newsletter, and don't forget to check out our web site to see what's new!

You may be wondering about the name of our magazine. The name Ruby was chosen because of Proverbs 31: 10, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." (NIV)

Now I realize that most of our readers will probably not be married women, although they are certainly welcome! But I also realize that Proverbs 31:10 isn't just about a wife�it is about a woman. A woman of noble character.

But what is a woman of noble character? Some read Proverbs 31:10-31 and see a woman who does all these amazing things. It seems like a goal that is impossible to attain. And you know what? It is.

It is impossible for any woman to attain that goal on her own. But it is possible with God. The first thing you have to do is forget about "doing."

That's right. Doing all the right things is great, but that alone doesn't make you a woman of noble character. It all begins on the inside, in your heart. If you look closely at Proverbs 31, you will see verse 30, which says, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

To fear the LORD means to revere Him. If you heart is in the right place�with God�then you will follow him. The relationship you have with Him will ooze out of you, spilling into every area of your life.

Of course, we all make mistakes. We all have a lot of learning to do. And that is why this magazine was started�to help you, our readers, to develop to your fullest God-given potential. You are, after all, worth far more than rubies.

With love,

Rebecca

Questions or feedback? Just email me!

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IN THIS ISSUE:
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1. Letter from the Editor: What's In a Name?

2. Just for Laughs

3. Real Life Q&A with Camy Tang

Real questions. Real answers.

4. Feature article: Dare to be You!

5. God's Girls: Interview with Angie Washington: Missionary to
Bolivia

Angie Washington has always had a heart for God, and for ministry. Her life is a wonderful example of how God can use a heart that is willing to serve Him. Read the interview with Angie, and see photos of her family's ministry in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

6. Poetry: Just One More Verse

Don't miss this moving poem about coming to accept Christ.

7. Feature Article: "What's Happened to my Face?"

This is part one of a two-part article concerning caring for your skin.

8. Just for Fun: Mafia Game

Try this silly game at your next sleepover of group meeting!

9. Fiction with a Point: The Traveler

A stranger appears during a blizzard and leaves an impression on the family that takes care of him.