It was a winter day in 2006/2007, and our family was temporarily living in a small cottage in Jasper Tennessee, with high hopes to be returning to Israel soon. I had just finished reading an Above Rubies magazine, in which Nancy Campbell had printed a number of responses, to her request for different ways to encourage your husband and children. As I finished reading all the neat stories, and interesting articles, I felt somewhat dejected. I thought to myself; “That was very nice and interesting, but it doesn’t apply to me. I don’t have a husband and children, and reading all those ideas makes me a little impatient for the time to come when I can be a keeper of the home.”
As I continued mulling over my dilemma, I started thinking; “Wouldn’t it be really nice if there was a magazine similar to Above Rubies, except that it focused on encouraging young ladies who are like me – wanting to be married and have a family, but trying to wait patiently until then.”
And then the thought came; “Maybe I should start one? No, that’s a ridiculous idea … it wouldn’t work … totally impossible …”
I don’t remember whether it was that same day, or several days later, but I mentioned to my mother how nice it would be if there were a magazine for single young ladies. My sisters piped up (half-jokingly, I think); “How about you start one?!”
My mother said that it would probably not be a good idea to try and start a magazine right then, as we were living in a very small place and hoping to return to Israel, but it might be a possibility in the future. I continued to think and pray about it.
When we moved to a larger house (meaning three bedrooms and one bathroom for nine people) in Woodbury Tennessee during the summer of 2007, I asked my parents if I could go ahead and start the magazine. They gave permission, and the journey began!
One of my goals in starting this magazine is to encourage young ladies who understand the Biblical responsibility of women, but are disappointed by the criticism and lack of support they receive. Many young ladies are under pressure from family and friends, to leave their parent’s home and get a career. I want this magazine to be an inspiration to those in the aforementioned position, an assurance that “you’re not the only one!” There are many young ladies who are remaining in their parent’s home, and under their authority and protective covering, until the day of their husband’s arrival. I’m very thankful to personally know quite a few of these ladies, and also thankful that many of them have provided material for this magazine.
Another one of my goals in starting this magazine, was to provide a sort of open-forum. Shining Stars is made up of submissions from many people. I do not see it as “my magazine”. Others share from their experiences, and I combine and publish it for everyone to benefit from. Whether you are an accomplished author, have never written an article in your life, or are somewhere in between – I encourage everyone to consider if the Father has given you something to share.
The name Shining Stars was inspired by Daniel 12:3 and Philippians 2:14,15. We want to encourage each and everyone of you to strive to shine like a star, and let your light shine as a beacon of hope in the darkness – Matthew 5:16. There is a quote that I recently came across, and feel that it speaks directly to this magazine and ministry.
“There are stars whose radiance is visible on earth, though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark. They light the way for humankind.” – Hannah Senesh
We published our first issue in February 2008, and now have subscribers in many states, and also several countries. This has been an incredible faith-building experience, and we have seen the Father answer numerous prayers over and over again. He is always faithful, and when we are in the center of His Will, He will make the way!
