A MOTHER’S GIFT

Two thousand years ago in a stable all forlorn,
Wise men brought to Jesus precious gifts when He was born.
What precious gifts do I have that are worthy of a King?
For I’m a lowly mother, Lord, what treasure can I bring?

I know that You seek hearts, Lord, that will trust You and obey,
So I give You mine, Lord Jesus, take it, Lord, I pray.
But, I cannot seem to find the time to give You of myself,
These little ones do drain me and deplete my store of wealth.

My days are full of diapers and feeding hungry mouths,
Of washing, cleaning, ironing--this work it takes me hours.
And when at last there’s quiet and all are asleep in bed,
I think that I might serve You, but nod off to sleep instead!"

But, as I dream in slumber, Your voice to me does speak…
“If you were like the wise men, you’d know the gift I seek,
For these men in their wisdom knew gifts cannot be used
If they are always hidden with tinsel and subterfuge.

They unwrapped their treasures; you too must do the same,
Removing all self-consciousness, even sin and needless blame,
For the wondrous gift of motherhood is given by God above
And when you “mother” children, you show My greater love.

So let not your heart be troubled, weary mother, for you see,
When you are building children, then you are serving Me.
This gift from every mother whether she be great or small
Is a very special gift, one I treasure from you all.

For I too had a mother who suffered shame for me,
She nurtured me and clothed me, wept, and mourned like thee.
I know to have a mother who will give her very best
Is a very worthy treasure, so come to Me, dear mother, and
I will give you rest!

By Val Stares,

Above Rubies Director in Australia


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1st Corinthians 13--Adapted for Christmas.

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at a soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug your child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss your husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the children to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

~ Unknown.


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DON'T LEAVE HIM AT THE DOOR

DontLeaveHimatdoorChrist not only wants to dwell in our hearts, but in our homes. And yet, there are many times that we are so busy doing our own thing and going our own way, that Christ Jesus, the Lord of Heaven and earth is left standing at the door. We haven't got room in our lives to include Him.

Jesus speaks to us, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).

We often think Jesus is speaking to those who have never invited Him into their hearts. This is true! But, this Scripture was written to believers! Even, we as believers can keep him knocking at the door.

Invite Him into your home today. Invite Him into your kitchen as you prepare meals and care for your children. Invite Him to your table to sit with you for every meal. Invite Him into your bedroom. Invite Him into every corner of your home.

Welcome His light to fill your home and expose every tiny bit of darkness, uncleanness, and worldliness. Welcome His love to fill every heart and overflow with love to one another.

Be reminded by this lovely painting "The Light of the World" by Holman Hunt, one of my favorites since a child.

Love from Nancy Campbell


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A SECRET FRIEND

ASecretFriend

This is another lovely idea we used to do with our children when they were growing up. I would put the names of everyone in the family in a bowl or hat. Each one pulls out a name and that person becomes their SECRET FRIEND for the week. They have to something special for that person every day without his or her knowing who is doing it, until they find out at the end of the week.

You can give your children ideas for when they first start, such as:

Write an encouraging or loving note and leave on or under their pillow.
Clean their shoes when not looking.
Put a chocolate or bar in a special place where they know they'll find it.
Make their bed.
Clean their bedroom for them when they are not around.

But, encourage them to use their imagination. Our children were so excited to think up different things to do.

I remember one time when our oldest son got his father's name for his secret friend. At that time Colin left very early each morning. One morning we heard noise in the kitchen as our son was up even earlier to cook his father's breakfast and a have cup of tea ready for him before he left for work.

This is a wonderful way to teach the children to care for one another and to think of others instead of themselves. We played SECRET FRIEND so many times.

Love from Nancy Campbell


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Above Rubies Address

AboveRubies
Email Nancy

PO Box 681687
Franklin, TN 37068-1687

Phone : 931-729-9861
Office Hrs 9am - 5pm, M - F, CTZ