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This magazine has several purposes. First and foremost: to encourage, strengthen, and exhort single ladies who are waiting and desiring to be wives and mothers. Many people in the world around us despise the role of a keeper of the home (Titus 2:3-5). Feminism is alive and well, carrying a mindset that women are equal to men, especially when it comes to the subject of laboring and provisions. Unfortunately, this mindset is very prevalent among people who call themselves Christians.
We read in the Scriptures that a woman is to be a keeper of her home. She is to guard and protect it. She is to love and obey her husband. She is to love her children. All of this, the Scripture tells us, is so that “the word of God be not blasphemed”. Many people are blaspheming, or scorning the Bible, both in their words and actions. I firmly believe that one of the reasons for this, is because so many women are not walking in the role that we are called to walk in, whether it be out of rebellion or ignorance.

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 this glorious calling, 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 other 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. Whether it be testimonies, exhortations, truths from the Scripture, words of encouragement, or practical information to benefit you in everyday life; I hope and pray that every bit of it will strengthen and inspire you to be the woman that our Heavenly Father created you to be.
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 goal is to publish Shining Stars quarterly, provided there is material and finances to do so.
There is no subscription fee for the magazine – I will gladly send it to anyone who requests it, as long as I have sufficient funds. I do ask that each reader would prayerfully consider helping to cover the cost of printing and mailing, with donations.
Lastly, the name Shining Stars was inspired by Daniel 12:3 and Philippians 2:14,15. May we all strive to shine like a star, and let our light shine a beacon of hope in the darkness – Matthew 5:16.

Shalom u’vracha – Peace and Blessing!