Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

My husband had a vasectomy while I was nine months pregnant with our youngest daughter, Abigail. We both felt our family was complete with four children and financially we were struggling.

When Abigail was six months old I was invited to a ladies Bible study where they were learning how to be helpmeets to their husbands! Even though my husband and I were both Christians, I had never fully asked God to help me in this area.

After seeing wonderful changes in my marriage and becoming friends with the ladies, two of them talked to me about embracing motherhood and letting the Lord lead our family, including fertility. I explained we couldn't possibly have more children and I was overwhelmed with what we already had.

They gave me “The Power of Motherhood,” and offered to go through it with me. What a life changing experience! I finally realized what joy I was missing and fully embraced the great calling of motherhood! I was really sad for all I had missed out on when the other children were babies. The Lord convicted me to allow Him to shape our family size and I knew in my heart there would be another baby in my arms.

I went to the Above Rubies website to look for a doctor to perform a reversal. I found one only three hours away and requested financial information from them. However, my husband was not on board. It took one year before my husband accepted the calling of the Lord on our family.

We scrimped and saved to pay for the surgery, scheduled it, and waited six months, only to cancel when my husband could not get off work. During this time the Lord was strengthening our marriage in many ways. We also moved Texas from Arkansas where we had lived most of our lives.

A year and a month after moving us to Texas, we finally got our surgery (we had rescheduled it three times with a new doctor!).

My husband had a wonderful job making good money and everything was going so well. I got pregnant two months after the surgery and the whole family celebrated! Then the unthinkable happened! My husband was laid off, along with 7,000 others. We were right back to financial struggle and asking the Lord what to do.

Our first instinct was to move back to Arkansas, but we both felt the Lord telling us to stay where he had planted us. My husband stayed without a steady job for six months, causing us to trust in the Lord every day, not only for food and bills, but for comfort during this struggling time.

I felt him telling me not just to stay where He had planted us, but to FlOURISH! And we did! We became very involved in a wonderful loving church family, helping with community outreach and witnessing to families wherever we could. We never went hungry and the bills somehow always got paid.

Finally, Josh obtained a job as a Correctional Officer, though he really felt the Lord calling him to Law Enforcement. He graduated from their school one week after we welcomed Samuel Raymond Wingo into the world! Though we were making half the salary he had before, the Lord changed our perspective and taught us how to put our finances in his hands!

Samuel has brought so much joy to our family! We didn't realize how much we missed having a baby in the home.

My husband knew the Lord was calling him to be a Law Enforcement Officer, but we could not pay for the Academy. Five months after Samuel was born my husband applied with the Sweetwater Police Department and got the job. Not only did the Police Department pay for him to go to the Academy, they paid for his time, travel, and provided a vehicle! It has been such a joy to see my husband doing what the Lord has called him to!

Samuel brings us laughter and joy every day and we are so thankful for him. The Lord blessed us once again with a pregnancy last year, but Shalom went to be with Lord in the womb. It has been a year since her passing and we excitedly wait to see how and when the Lord will bless us again. We are content in knowing we have put this matter, along with all matters, in the hands of our Loving Creator, who has blessed us beyond our comprehension!

MIDON WINGO
Sweetwater, Texas.
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Midon has been married to my wonderful Husband Joshua for 15 years and the Lord has given us five wonderful blessings here on earth: Ruth (12), Elisabeth (11), Luke (9), Abigail (7), Samuel (2.5) and Shalom who went to be with the Lord at 11 weeks in-utero.

Therefore, so you don’t miss out, I am going to gradually share with you through Facebook many of the other testimonies that were sent in. I know you will be blessed and encouraged. Be watching for them.

I will now send our first story.

~ Nancy

We can’t tame the tongue ourselves. It is only the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives who can tame it (Ephesians 3:20). Let’s get into the habit of yielding to the Holy Spirit so no destroying and negative words will come forth from our lips.

If we want to build a home of blessedness, we must speak worse of blessing. There’s no other way. That means words of blessing to your husband each day. That means words of blessing to your children. To bless means to speak good words, praising words, and commending words.

Do you think we could do this today, and tomorrow, and the next day? This is how we build a home of blessedness.

Love from Nancy Campbell

The full meaning of this word is “supreme blessedness.” Is it truly possible to make a home of supreme blessedness? It seems to good to be true, doesn’t it? No one in a home is perfect—husband, wife, or any of the children! And all our sins, selfishnesses, and fleshly natures don’t make for a lot of blessing.

However, God wants to come to our home. He wants us to live His way. He shows in His Word His plan for us and when we seek to do it His way, we can experience more and more of blessedness (not that everything will be perfect until we reach eternity).

The Beatitudes of Matthew 5 are written to those who are not experiencing a perfect or easy life, but they show the way to have a blessed life in the midst of difficulties. They are written to those who are poor, who mourn, and who are persecuted. They are written to those who want a pure heart, who want to make peace, who show mercy, and who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Read them over again.

The words of Corinthians 13:4-7 are also like beatitudes. When we put them into practice they bring joy and happiness. I know a young lady who was preparing for her wedding day. She decided to read this passage and meditate on it every day for the few months leading up to her wedding. She is now married with two children and knowing them well I know they have a marriage of supreme blessedness.

It is true that the beatitudes and the love chapter talk of attitudes that are opposite to our fleshly nature. Our flesh wants to do the opposite. But Christ who dwells within us wants to live His life through us. We must get into the habit of yielding to His life and saying Yes to Him and to His ways.

Can we seek to bring more blessedness into our homes today? Can we make it a habit of our lives to, little by little, make a marriage and a home of supreme blessedness?

In His love,

Nancy Campbell

Painting: The Charm of Home: Tasha Tudor

Shun the world's voices
That call you out the door,
To yield to prideful choices
That would little lives ignore.

You only have this season
To cherish and enjoy
This time when you are everything
To a little girl or boy.

Yes, some days grow weary;
You think you'll never win.
You think it's best to be away;
But I urge you, think again.

Your gifts can still find purpose;
Don't sacrifice what's best.
God will open avenues
As in His plan you rest.

Focus on this season
To give these children all.
He'll give you strength to rise again
Each time you trip or fall.

Find creative outlets
To serve outside your doors,
Without neglecting those inside.
Just for a blink they're yours.

For children are God's kingdom
And as you seek Him first.
He'll satisfy your longings
And fulfill your greatest thirst.

Souls will live forever;
But earthly things will pass.
Deny yourself; embrace this time;
It goes by oh, so fast.

2018, Val Halloran
www.valhalloran.com

Painting: Franziska Schenkel: “Mother with Child on a Meadow”

Rev. Edward Taylor Sullivan spoke these words in a sermon: “I walked down the furrow in the field,” said a humble mother who lived on a New Hampshire farm; “I walked down the furrow with the Governor of New Hampshire in my arms, and the Governor of Massachusetts clinging to my skirts.” She said that afterwards, long afterwards, in her old age. For she knew not then, and no one knew, that her two baby boys would be governors of two New England states.”

I love the words of this song, written by a friend of mine:
“Mothers of children, can you not see
The world of tomorrow asleep on your knee?”

You cannot even dream what God has ahead for your children as you are faithful to nurture and train them in God’s ways and His Word of truth. Psalm 22:30, 31 (NLT) says: “Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.”

Be encouraged today,

Nancy Campbell

Painting: Victoria Kharchenko

But role reversing is even more subtle.

I WAS SHOCKED!

Yes, I was shocked as I recently read a commentary on 1 Timothy 2:15 that speaks of women being saved and delivered through embracing the lifestyle of motherhood. This commentary stated: “This deliverance was from some of the devastating effects of the ROLE REVERSAL that took place in Eden. The idea of childbearing, then is a metonymy of part for the whole that encompasses the woman’s submission again to the leadership of the man . . . “

I must confess that I had never thought of the sin in the Garden of Eden as a role reversal. It arrested me. But it is true. This was the first sin! Eve took charge! She did not discuss with Adam about the idea of taking the fruit or talk about it with him. She made the decision without him. Adam himself became a wimp and followed her instead of taking his leadership.

The devil continues to challenge and tempt every married couple the same way. He wants us to role reverse—in our marriage relationship and in the role God has given to us as as women and mothers. Satan hates every ordinance and plan of God and continually tries to subvert them and entice us in the opposite direction.

We must guard against it. 1 Peter 56:8 says: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith.”

This doesn’t mean that we can’t make a decision without talking to our husbands. God has given to women the management of their homes. We make decisions constantly in managing our homes and dealing with and teaching our children. However, in big decisions, we should not take charge without first checking with our husbands. God has placed him as the head of the home. It’s God’s plan and His plan is always best.

When we keep to God’s plan, we’ll have harmony and His blessings.

God be with you today,

Nancy Campbell

Do you notice that it is not optional to teach our children God's Word? We are not to make suggestions or recommendations about it. We to COMMAND them. We must diligently penetrate and implant God's Word into their hearts. It’s our life work.

Why did God pronounce great blessings upon Abraham? Genesis 18:17-19 tells us the answer. God said: “For I know him, that he will COMMAND HIS CHILDREN and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment."

It is not the responsibility of the church or the Sunday School. God charges the parents.

Dear mothers, it doesn’t automatically happen. I personally know a mother—a kind and loving mother who has her own personal relationship with God. However, she didn’t command her children to follow the Lord. She didn’t take them to church. She just hoped they would follow God. Now they are grown and some are in the devil's kingdom, one particularly walks in the depths of sin.

Let’s get serious about raising a generation of children who know God’s Word and know His ways. We are not suggesters. We are commanders!

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

Are we truly yielded?

Love from Nancy Campbell

We have been enjoying a great 4th July week with visiting families staying with us on our hilltop. Thursday night we had a potluck meal together followed by a Trivia Quiz and then Improv for everyone--84 of us all together. But that was small compared to all the families that joined with us for our barbecue and fireworks July 4th. We put in a volley ball court just before everyone arrived. They've played competition volley ball from morning 'til night! Now we look forward to a wonderful Sunday together.

One of the lovely young people staying with us shared this poem/prose with us that God inspired her to write. She has been on many mission trips across the world. She shared how that when she is on mission trips she makes sure she is at church at least half and hour to an hour before time to pray and prepare the way for God to move. But when she gets back to USA she said she became guilty of arriving at church late. God convicted her and she wrote this poem.

It's a good day to share it this Sunday and I trust it will be a blessing to you as you prepare to meet with believers wherever you live today.
~ Nancy

SIDE BY SIDE
By Becky Graham

Persecution! We know its coming for prophets have heard the drum.
Christians, be prepared.
You may become impaired
For simply following Jesus.
Persecution! It happens around the world.
In 52 countries it is illegal to declare the name of Jesus
Or gather with other believers.
This persecution is trying to make its way in America
Through deceivers.
Many have already fallen, their ears deaf to the calling.
But when it comes, will you stay strong?
Don’t tell me if persecution comes you won’t fall
If on Sunday mornings, you can’t get up and go to church to stand tall.

“It’s personal, my relationship with God is between me and God.
It’s my right, my freedom to stay at home.”
You’re right. It is your freedom to stay at home.
But when you enjoy your freedom to stay home Sunday mornings,
Pray for your brothers and sisters
Who walk miles through the jungle with feet covered in blisters
To join a group of other believers.
And when you remind others of your “right” to stay home,
Don’t forget the fight our fathers fought for your freedom to go.

In China, my sisters are willing to be arrested, beaten, and even killed
For the opportunity to stand in a church and hear the Scriptures read.
My brothers are murdered for the chance to sing a hymn with other believers.
What amazing value they have for the bride.
They are willing to risk their lives to stand side by side.

When you are hidden in your room, isolated from the body,
Remember to pray for your brothers and sisters lined up in a courtroom,
Ready to be judged for worshipping in a public place.
When you state your opinions and make your case
For why you don’t have to be involved in a local church,
Remember the hundreds being marched away, disappearing without a trace
For embracing their home church.

I pray we see this through God’s eyes.
His love for His church, His love for His bride.
This is more than you—it is worldwide.

While we sit in the comforts of our homes in America,
I pray we will remember how many in other nations wake up early
For a chance to be around fellow believers,
To sneak into a church, to hear God’s Word, even if persecution follows.
They are wiling to take the chance
Because they see the value of not being alone,
They will not conform and become the world’s clone.

Here in America, I pray our blinders will fall,
That we’ll leave our comfort places to answer the call—
The call to follow Jesus!
The call to be with His people.
The call to be part of the bride.
I pray we will not run away and hide.

You have the freedom to stay home and be alone.
You can isolate yourself from the body of Christ and have “church” on your phone.
But please, please remember your sisters and brothers
Who travel great distances to worship with others,
Please remember on Sunday mornings the little children
Singing a hymn in a forbidden home.
Their parents’ willing to risk everything
To bring them to unite with other believers.

As you sit in your room, don’t forget those risking their lives
As they eagerly await the return of the Groom.
United as the bride, they stand side by side.

But there is more. When we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen, God works His grace in us as we go through the trial. God promises that these trials produce heavenly rewards.
He uses five adjectives to describe the glory you will receive.

Your trials work for you a (1) FAR,
(2) MORE,
(3) EXCEEDING,
(4) ETERNAL
(5) WEIGHT OF GLORY!

The CEB translation says that when we allow God to do His work in us as we go through our trials that we are sending up to Heaven a STOCKPILE OF GLORY!

Your present trials will seem like nothing when you see them as God sees them. Remember, the things that are seen don’t last, but the things that cannot be seen last forever. They are eternal.

Love and blessings from Nancy Campbell

To keep a tender heart toward our husbands is the blessing of a good marriage. The Bible tells us that divorce happens through “hardness of heart” (Matthew 19:6-9). We must always guard against a hard heart.

To keep a tender heart is the blessing of a peaceful life.

To keep a tender heart leads us to righteousness. Hebrews 12:11 (HCSB) says: “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

We train our children by instruction and discipline. But there is always more for us to learn and grow into also, and we are continually trained as we receive instruction and correction.

I love the TPT translation which says: “Now all discipline seems to be more pain than pleasure at the time, yet later it will produce a TRANSFORMATION OF CHARACTER, bringing a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who yield to it.”

Don’t you love those words? TRANSFORMATION OF CHARACTER! Do you want this for your own life? Do you want this for your children’s lives? I know we all do. It comes with YIELDING— yielding to the disciplines of life, instruction from the Word, and correction from people in our lives.

Let’s keep soft and tender hearts.

Love from Nancy Campbell

This is the same word that Jesus used when He often said: “Thy faith hath made thee WHOLE.” How do we receive these blessings for our body, soul, and spirit? By calling upon the name of the Lord. God promises that when we call upon Him that He will show us “great and mighty things which thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:3). We can expect miracles! We can receive healing, protection, deliverance, and wholeness.

“The name of the LORD is a STRONG TOWER: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10).

Why do we forget to call upon Him? When we are desperate we call our friends, we call the doctor, we tell everyone we know, but do we call upon the Lord? Do we gather as a family and cry out to God who waits to hear our cries? God promises that when we call upon Him that He will answer and deliver (Psalm 91:15).

Let’s get into the habit of calling upon His name. Let’s be known as the people who call on His name

And one more thing. Did you know that this wonderful word “sozo” is also used to describe what God wants to do for us as mothers? 1 Timothy 2:15 (Williams) says: “Women will be saved through motherhood.” The NASB translations says that women will be “preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.”

As we embrace motherhood, we can also embrace the entirety of this promise that we will be saved, healed, preserved, delivered, and MADE WHOLE. You can call upon the Lord in childbirth and in every day-to-day challenge of motherhood.

We do not have to be a victim to our distresses and bodily afflictions. As mothers we do not call upon the Lord in vain, but according to His promises.

Be blessed,

Nancy Campbell