Ruby’s in Virginia – Thoughts on Chapter 4

2013/December by Marji Laine

Follow Ruby’s Journey at the Link!

If you haven’t read today’s chapter, go check it out on the Write Integrity Press blog.
It’s game time! Join us in A Ruby Christmas Pinterest contest. Find today’s link at Ruby’s special Pinterest board or use this direct link for the photo from the Smoky Mountains! You know you want to play! The prize of $400 in books goes to the winner!
Enjoy the special devotion by today’s chapter’s author, Ruth O’Neil, on co-author Fay Lamb’s Inner Source and another article posted to Phee Paradise’s blog
Check out a letter from Ruby, this time from Virginia.

In Chapter 4, Ruby travels into the Smoky Mountains of Virginia. Author of the chapter, Ruth O’Neil, suggests that the mountains of Virginia require Ruby to step out of the comfort of her familiarity. Those mountains held something special for her, but she had to make the effort to find what that something special was. “I think this is true of so many people today. They are afraid to try new things, but they don’t know what they are missing!”

Part of Ruby’s trouble was her insecurity. She learned that our perfect God accepts our imperfections and works with us to smooth out the blemishes in our lives. This thought makes me think of Ephesians 5:25-27.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

The icks that I see when I look in the mirror are smoothed over to the Lord. The flaws in my character will be perfected as I submit to His Word. How cool is that? If Ruby had let the fears of her imperfections rule, she would never have tried something new that ended up being very important.

Your Turn: Are you over-comfortable in your life right now? Is there something you’ve thought about doing, but are scared to take that first step? Challenge yourself to do something different, follow God’s leading, take that leap of faith and jump right out of your comfort zone.

Author: Marji Laine

Marji is a recently "graduated" homeschooling mom whose twin girls have blessed her by sticking around the nest for a little longer. She spends her days directing the children’s music program at her church and working with the authors of Write Integrity Press to put out the best possible version of their books. Raised in suburban Dallas, she got her first taste of writing through the stories of brilliant authors of their day, Mignon Eberhart and Phyllis A. Whitney, and through stage experience. After directing and acting in productions for decades, Marji started writing her own scripts. From that early beginning, she delved into creating scintillating suspense with a side of Texas sassy. She invites readers to unravel their inspiration, seeking a deeper knowledge of the Lord’s Great Mystery that invites us all.