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Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

Through the weekly and daily devotionals you can be constantly encouraged in your great role of parenting, the highest career in the nation. You can also stay updated on what's happening with the Above Rubies ministry.

THE SU.CKLING MOTHER

SucklingMotherLet’s get to the nitty gritty. Did you know that the Bible portrays the female as a su.ckling mother? We have gotten so far away from truth in our modern and humanistic society that we hardly know what is normal anymore.
 
In Matthew 19 we read about how the Pharisees came to Jesus to ask him about divorce. He answered them with these words: “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female . . .”
 
When Jesus spoke the word “female,” He used the word thelus, a different word that is usually used in the New Testament. It comes from the root word thele meaning “the female breast, a woman with nursing breasts, one who gives su.ck.” One word study states “glorifying God by reflecting the ‘other wonderful half’ of the divine image.”
 
In other words, Jesus described the female as a “su.ckling mother.” “This is how God made them in the beginning” He reminded them. And God has not yet made a new model! It is the true picture of a woman, created with a womb to nurture life and breasts to nourish that life. When we breastfeed, we embrace our womanhood the way God intricately and wondrously designed our bodies.
 
I know that this description would be offensive to some women today. Isn’t that sad that women have turned away from the way they were created? We see the end result of this in Romans 1:26 where this same Greek word is used: “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women (thelus) did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
 
Even the animal kingdom does not turn away from its natural function to nurse and nourish its young. Lamentations 4:3 says: “Even jackals offer their breasts to nurse their young, but my people, have become heartless like ostriches in the desert.”
 
God wants us to rise into the glory of our femaleness. To embrace our femininity. To be proud of the word mother. To encourage breastfeeding mothers. To be who God created us to be.
 
Blessings from Nancy Campbell
 
 
Painting: Maternidad Óleo sobre lienzo Autor: Elin Danielson Gambogi (1861 - 1919) Fecha: 1893
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A FLOURISHING FINISH

BePatientGod always finishes what He begins. He never leaves anything half completed. And that includes our lives. Don’t you love the promise in Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
 
The word “perform” is the word Greek word “epiteleo” and it means “to finish, to complete, to end.” As we yield ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives, He will keep working in us to the very end. He doesn’t want us to come limping over the finishing tape but leaping and bounding. The Message Bible says that He will bring our lives to “a flourishing finish.” I love that.
 
Peter encourages the believers to keep on adding godly attributes to their faith so they will have an “abundant” entrance into the everlasting kingdom (2 Peter 1:11). How do you want to go into the eternal kingdom? Abundantly? Triumphantly? Grandly? A flourishing finish? That’s what I want, don’t you?
 
Life on this earth is not always easy. We face challenges and difficulties. You may be concerned about your marriage. You may be grieving over one of your children. Dear wife and mother, THE END IS NOT YET! Remember that. God is still working. Don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep trusting in God. Keep believing and thanking God for this promise. Philippians 1:6 promises that God is working until the very end.
 
Keep plodding on as we look for our heavenly city. We live this life in preparation for the eternal kingdom which is the REAL world. Keep praying this promise over your own life and the lives of your family members.
 
Be encouraged and blessed, today,
Nancy Campbell
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TROUBLE OF IT'S OWN

WorryTomorrow

"There are two days in the week about which and upon which I never worry—yesterday and Tomorrow!"
~Robert Jones Burdette.
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DO EVERYTHING IN YOUR POWER

DoEverythinbg

I believe in the exclusivity of marriage. Protect your marriage. Do or say something special every day to make your marriage stronger and more precious. Make every day more wonderful. And remember we reap what we sow. As you sow positive and beautiful things into your marriage each day, you will reap a harvest of good and beautiful blessings.
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CALLED TO THE FOURTH WATCH, Part 4

4thWatch4(Honoring Parents)
 
Not all is running smoothly. Within twelve months my youngest daughter has been in her second car accident. Another vehicle written off! This time she wasn’t alone. She had her two youngest daughters with her. Praise God, no bones broken this time. She has plenty of bruises which show that her life was threatened, but God in His mercy delivered them from the hand of the fowler.
 
How grateful I am that I’m called to keep watch. Each day I gather them all under the banner of His love, sprinkle the blood, and claim them for His service. I take Communion remembering the Covenant I have with Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour.
 
I must not allow myself to be distracted from my mission. There are so many needs and as the Holy Spirit leads me I pray concerning them. But our son is the main focus for now. Hearing that your son is dying physically is not normal. We are supposed to go before him surely? What is causing this prognosis? What gives Satan the right to attack him so?
 
“He couldn’t touch your son if your son was honouring you,” the Holy Spirit speaks to my heart.
 
From the beginning, the Scriptures on honouring your parents have come to mind, but I do not desire to judge him, but rather, I seek the cause of this dilemma. Obviously, it’s the devil, but that is too broad. I’m seeking the “cause” that is manifesting this “effect.” I want to hit it on the head, like Jael hammered the peg into Sisera’s temple (Judges 4: 17-22). I want the cause destroyed, struck down dead!
 
I feel to pray for every male in my immediate family. There are 25 of them. Every man male giving and receiving honour according to his position. It is an inspirational time.
 
Yesterday and today, right from the first I sensed a change. The Holy Spirit’s presence is heavier/stronger. I feel compelled to pray concerning our son’s lack of honour towards us. I read Exodus 20:12 that honouring us would give him long days. Deuteronomy 5:16 would prolong his days. Matthew 15:4 and 19:19 are scary reading. I am deeply concerned for his soul.
 
Perhaps, like many a mother I am tempted to tell God, “Don’t worry about him honouring us. We love him so much. Please don’t invoke this punishment upon him.” But I sense this is more serious than I have ever realized.
 
“Anyway, what is so special about me/us that You demand that we be honoured by our children? Why is it so serious that this is not only Old Testament teaching, but Jesus taught this with even greater emphasis? Why does it entail an early death if not addressed?” I ask fervently.
 
I search my heart for this lack in my own life and in my husband’s life and cannot detect anything, at least not so far. We honour God for He is our Heavenly Father, the Giver of Life. Made in His image we also are givers of life. I struggle with the fullness of this emerging revelation.
 
I share these testimonies of Christ at work in me to overcome the enemy.
 
I look forward to tomorrow’s FOURTH WATCH.
 
Many blessings from VAL STARES
Gold Coast, QLD Australia
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Val is the Director of Above Rubies in Australia and has been working with me in this ministry since it began in September 1977.
 
REMINDER:
Australia readers, are you getting the Above Rubies magazine which will be such an inspiration to you as a wife and mother? If not, write to val at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and she’ll be happy to send it to you.
 
Picture: Val with some of her beautiful 26 GREATgrandchildren. Val and I have a competition (just a joke!), but she hasn’t quite caught up to us yet. We currently have 33 GREATgrandchildren with four more who will be born in the next two to four weeks. Then we’ll have 37! God is so good. It’s amazing to think that Val and I began working together when our children were young and now we are being blessed with all these wonderful GREATgrandchildren!
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CALLED TO THE FOURTH WATCH, Part 3

4thWatch3Thanks to God for yesterdays’ answered prayers (read Part 2 if you missed it).
Thank you, Lord for keeping me awake! Although the physical chain breaking looked bad, spiritually, I rejoiced that the chain that is binding my son is now broken.
 
The load was too heavy for us. We needed more power to break free. MORE help was needed and although it was readily given it wasn’t enough for this task. Scriptures, encouragement, offers to pray etc., were readily offered by strong Christians but it seems not enough for this breakthrough. To my knowledge our son is still stuck and isolated.
 
The weaker vessel with less power when added to the task worked. I am reminded of the Scripture: “When I am weak then I am strong.” We overcome as a body, strong and weak members working together as one with one purpose and one goal.
 
The light we had was insufficient. We need more revelation light and people who are light bearers. At our family Shabbat we light three candles. One for Father God who created the light. One for Yeshua who became the light of the world while He was in it. One for Holy Spirit who was sent to keep Jesus’ light burning, because He didn’t want us living in darkness again. This light is present in us.
 
Watchmen are those who will watch and pray and warn of the dangers.
 
Expectation and anticipation heightened as we wait for that call, He’s coming, He’s coming, He’s here . . .!
 
Don’t leave your post. I have several posts. The post most prevalent at the moment is to keep watch for my son, my family, the nation and Open Heaven Ministries Intl and the Ecclesia.
 
Everything we needed was here. We lacked nothing. It’s the same with the Holy Spirit, He has given us everything we need for life and godliness (1 Peter 1:3). Chain, Rope, vehicles, drivers, light and light bearer, willing hearts and hands, watchman praying, Father, Son, Holy Spirit and angels.
 
It took time, wisdom, prayer and action. Prayer WAS ANSWERED. Praise be to God our Saviour.
 
LET’S UNSTUCK AUSTRALIA
 
I am asking for those of you who feel you are weak, too busy, too tired, whatever, to consider helping. Australia is stuck. Australia needs pulling out of her many sins. The chain is breaking but she’s still stuck. We need more strength.
 
We need your input, no matter how small, to add weight to our petition. This is not a lone fight for victory. This is an involvement, a togetherness, shared weight of responsibility a body working together.
 
Will you join us? ne day a week is better than none. Half an hour is better than none. God is desires to add strength to us so we can become free, unstuck, personally, spiritually, and nationally. All are needed. Now is the time.
 
Our elections are this Saturday, 3rd May. Make sure you vote. Although a minority I’ll be voting for FAMILY FIRST because I believe in their convictions.
 
VAL STARES,
Gold Coast, QLD Australia
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Val is the Director of Above Rubies in Australia and has been working with me in this ministry since I began in September 1977.
 
Australia readers, are you getting the ABOVE RUBIES MAGAZINE which will be such an inspiration to you as a mother and wife? If not, write to Val at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and she’ll be so happy to send it to you.
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CALLED TO THE FOURTH WATCH, Part 2

4thWatch2On waking I glanced at the clock. Oh no, I’m late for my 3.00 am watch. I jumped out of bed speaking in my heavenly language before my feet hit the floor.
 
“Lord why did You not wake me?” No point wasting precious time on this thought. My son’s life is at stake so with the time left I determined to focus on my mission.
 
I skipped the usual cup of herbal tea and pulled the curtains in preparation of welcoming in the new day which has become my new habit. I settled into fellowship with Jesus. A quick read of God’s Holy Word to bring everything into perspective revealed and confirmed that He is the Vine, and I am one of His branches. I relax. I am at my post. Even though I’m a bit late I’m here to keep watch. Most times I am wide awake. This morning however, I have a sense I am in danger of nodding off. A quick prayer to my Lord to fully wake me up and keep me alert is definitely in order.
 
As we fellowshipped, we were interrupted by Matt who was on his way to work. I heard him start his ute and rev it to go. However, he wasn’t going anywhere. He was stuck! He tried to get free a few times and then came to my door and shared this news with me, saying he was going to wake Mark (my son-in-law) to give him a pull. I continued in prayer adding the need to have this truck unstuck!
 
Mark hitched his four-wheel drive to the truck. They are revving and I’m praying, still at my post. The truck is still stuck! The chain broke. Now what? I begin thinking about the lack of power in my prayer. I left my post and went out to the scene. What a surprise. It wasn’t the ute that was stuck. It was Matt’s 4-ton truck fully loaded with the day’s merchandise which they were busy unloading to lighten the load. Not only that, but they also had to pull at an angle because my house was in the path of a straight pull. I apologised for my inability to help but shared that I was praying.
 
“Oh, yes please,” said Matt. “Please pray.” I commanded that truck to come unstuck and be released. Matt pipes up, “Oh, and while you’re praying can hold the light?” The light was on his phone. “This light isn’t enough and besides it will run your battery flat.”
 
“I’ll fetch Granddad’s big torch,” I told him.
 
Granddad was awake wondering what all the noise was about, so he took the light, and I went back to my post. The men fetched a big strong rope to replace the broken chain and although it didn’t break, the truck did not budge. More power was needed so they discarded the four-wheel for grandson’s 6-cylinder ute. As powerful as it is, it did not budge the truck.
 
They decided more power should be added to the ute, so they fetched the 4-wheeler and roped it to the ute which was tied to the truck. I stayed at my post. I was not tempted to watch them, but I could not help but hear them. The more noise they made the louder I prayed.
 
Granddad had the light, and he was positioned to give signals in accordance with the need. “STOP,” he cried, the ute is becoming stuck now as it tries to dig in. Put more power revs in the first vehicle.” So, the least powerful vehicle was added to the stronger vehicle. YES!
 
UNSTUCK TRUCK! PRAYER ANSWERED! Willing hands helped with the reload and I thanked God and rejoiced.
 
VAL STARES,
Gold Coast, QLD Australia
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Val is the Director of Above Rubies in Australia and has been working with me in this ministry since I began in September 1977.
 
Picture: Some of Val’s 26 greatgrandchildren.
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CALLED TO THE FOURTH WATCH, Part 1

CalledTo4thWatchI received information that intimated our son is dying. My heart’s cry is, “Lord what do you want me to do?” The situation is made difficult, but not hopeless, because he has not seen or spoken to us for over a year. All attempts at communication have so far failed. Phone calls, emails, text messages even an unexpected visit from us, though accepted at that moment didn’t overflow to further communication. So how can we reach our son at his time of great need?
 
God began to work in my heart. I felt impressed to keep the FOURTH WATCH for him from 3.00 am to 6.00 am each morning. I wondered why the Lord called me to this fourth watch. This was the time when Jesus walked on the water. What was Jesus doing out there surfing in the early hours of the morning when it was still dark? In the middle of nowhere with no-one to see Him it would seem. Surely by His own confession:
 
“I do nothing of myself,” Jesus said in John 8:28.
 
“I always do the things that please Him (speaking of His Father) (John 8:29).
 
“The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do” (John 5:19).
 
When did Jesus walk on water? Perhaps I was looking at the wrong aspect. The fact He was there when His disciples were seems more to the point. Because it was the Father’s will to comfort those who found themselves in difficult situations, unable to see the light, or have enough strength of their own to overcome.
 
He would have passed them by, but they cried out. The fourth watch are the final hours of darkness before the light penetrates. It is the time of God’s awesome glory displayed as the new day dawns and the sun rises. Each sunrise is different. Each day is loaded with benefits. His mercies are new each morning. How my heart sings with praise, hope, and love.
 
One morning as I rose to keep watch both feet slipped out beneath me at the same time. With Bible, pen, and glasses etc. in my hands I fell heavily, banging my head on the bench corner and falling on my elbow, hip, and back.
 
Unbeknown to me Cyclone Alfred had caused a leak which had pooled in my path and because it was dark through the power cut, I had no warning. As I lay there, I remembered something in Daniel which I had read recently about standing on your feet, although it was a while before I got to it. Praise God, nothing was broken, and I had no pain, just a sore head, elbow, and hip. Our grandson came and helped me stand on my feet.
 
I personalised Daniel 10:10. He said to me: “Val, you are a woman treasured by God. Understand the words that I’m saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you. After he said this, I stood trembling” (well, I was shaken by the fall)!
 
“Don’t be afraid, Val,” He said to me “For from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard.”
 
God continued to give me revelation. One night I had a dream. A man knocked on my door and asked to see the man of the house. I told him he was no longer there. In fact, he had died. He appeared dejected so I asked him why he wanted to see him. “Well, when I was a little boy feeling very forlorn one day, this man picked me up, held me close, and whispered in my ear; “When you grow up and need a job come and see me.” So, I have come to see about that job.
 
I asked him what his name was, and he said Michael. “Well Michael,” I told him. “I have a job for you. I want you to go and see my son Brett and when you get through to him, tell him that God and we, his parents, love him and want to help him.”
 
Upon waking and meditating on the dream, I asked the Lord what it meant. I had this tingly feeling that it sounded much like this same story in Daniel. Michael, a messenger had come to help me. I had been asking Father God for a messenger to get through to our son Brett, that he be not hindered by lies or walls etc., or stopped by any authority that is not Yahweh’s. I prayed that the messenger would bring Brett truth, healing, life, joy, hope, love, and forgiveness. I feel the messenger is an angelic being.
 
I looked up the meaning of the name Michael. In Hebrew it means “Who is like God.” This dream was like a visit from Father God Himself.
 
At this time nothing has changed regarding the situation that I know of, but I have changed. There is no fear. No regret. No sense of hopelessness. I am encouraged by Jesus’ words in John 5:17: “My Father is working, and I (Yeshua) am working also.” And I am also a co-worker in Christ!
 
I laboured and gave birth to my son once. I travail and labour in birth for him now. Claiming Galatians 4:19 I labour until Christ be fully formed in my son.
 
VAL STARES,
Gold Coast, QLD Australia
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Val is the Director of Above Rubies in Australia and has been working with me in this ministry since I began in September 1977 in New Zealand, nearly 48 years ago. I call her Valiant, Victorious Val! I can’t imagine how many crowns she is going to receive for her faithful service.
 
Val and her husband Bill are now waiting for their 36th GREAT grandchild. Isn’t that wonderful? Val says: “How great is my God! God is giving us another treasure. How I love Him and every precious soul. I am a builder A builder of the nation!” Part 2 comes tomorrow.
 
Picture: Val and Bill with some of the 36 greatgrandchildren.
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THE LATEST REVELATION OF GOD’S HANDIWORK!

NewBornBabe

 
This is one of my favorite quotes.
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THE BLESSING OF ENCOURAGEMENT

EncourageIn last week’s podcast I interviewed Sue Kuru from New Zealand. Sue was with me on the very first day I shared the burden God had given me to begin the Above Rubies magazine. That was nearly 48 years ago. Sue wrote in a number of the Above Rubies magazines in the early days of printing. The following is an article from a 1981 Above Rubies magazine where a few of us ladies shared together about the blessing of encouraging one another: Sue Kuru, Enid Forbes, June Louis and I share about how we can bring sunshine into people’s lives. I know you will be blessed by this dialogue together.
 
NANCY: I believe, don’t you, that the greatest way to enjoy happiness is to continually bring happiness and joy to others. A wonderful way to do this is through the ministry of encouragement. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be a natural trait in many people today. We live in a negative society where people continually pull one another down. But in doing this, we deprive one another of one of our greatest needs. All of us need to be recognized and appreciated, don’t we? Encouragement is as necessary for our emotional well-being as food is for our body!
 
However, if we want to receive this encouragement, we must start giving it to others. We reap what we sow. If we sow encouragement, we’ll reap it! If we sow negative, destroying, and depressing words, that’s what we’ll get back. Words are like boomerangs.
 
ENID: My dictionary says encouragement means “to inspire, infuse, stimulate, give hope, and put courage into.” I like that. It opens up a whole new world for us to move in. I believe that we could turn our country upside down just by being encouragers.
 
NANCY: I believe that too, Enid. The Bible says in Hebrews 3:13 that we are to “encourage one another DAILY.” It’s God’s purpose for us to be encouraged daily, and that we in turn encourage someone else daily. The same verse goes on to say . . . “lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” How easy it is for people to move into unbelief and become victims of self-pity and depression if they are not encouraged.
 
ENID: I like what it says in Hebrews 10:25: “Encourage one another and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” The pressure of these last days in which we live is greater than ever and therefore the need for encouragement is even more needful.
 
NANCY: But how do we become an encouraging person? We need to be in touch with God, of course, because He is the source of all encouragement, comfort, and consolation (2 Corinthians 1:3-6). It says in Isaiah 66:13 that as a mother comforts her little babe, so He comforts us. As we receive His comfort in our trials and tribulations, we are then able to comfort others with the comfort that we have received from God.
 
In 2 Corinthians 7:7-8, it says: “God who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us . . .” But how did God do this? It goes on to say . . . “by the arrival of Titus.” God encouraged his servants by sending along someone to encourage them. God longs to strengthen and lift up those who are cast down and depressed but the only way He can do it is through you and me. We must be constantly available to the Lord so that through us He can minister His encouragement to the many who need lifting up.
 
Every day, as we spend our time in prayer in the morning, we should ask the Lord, “Who do You want me to encourage today? How do You want me to do it?” As you wait on the Lord, He will show you. Because you are in touch with a creative God, He will give you new and creative ideas of how to surprise people with blessings.
 
We must take time to think about others. It is only as we take time to think about them that we will think of ways to encourage and show our appreciation to them. Take time every day to think about each one of your children and how you can inspire them. They need continual encouragement. Take time each day to think about your husband and the encouraging things you can say to him (even if you have to think really hard!).
 
One day, as I was carrying in my groceries from the car, God spoke to me very clearly. “Nancy,” he said, “how can I reveal to you the needs of others, if you are always thinking of yourself?” How true that is. If all our thoughts are on ourselves, we will not have time for others. Just as we have a certain limit of physical strength, we only have a certain limit emotionally. If all our emotions are spent on ourselves, we will not have any left to pour out on others. Philippians 2:23 says: “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
 
ENID: There was a time in my life when I couldn’t encourage a fly, let alone a person! I lived in and out of depression. Many times, I would be depressed for months on end and could see no future in anything. But one day I saw something in myself – I was full of unbelief. After confessing this to Jesus, I decided that I would exercise my willpower and start to be an encourager.
 
SUE: A wonderful way that I’ve found to encourage people is by posting them a lovely card with a personal message of encouragement or appreciation. I’ve had much joy in blessing widows, single mothers, and mothers at home. Every time I do this it is always the perfect timing. It’s a good idea to have a pile of cards on hand for when the LORD lays someone on your heart. I search for hours in bookshops for appropriate cards.
 
One time, my next-door neighbor, who knew we were Christians, asked me to pray for a friend of hers who was very ill. For three consecutive days (always while I was hanging out the clothes), the Lord impressed upon me to send her a card. I shared with her that although I did not know her, I was praying for her. I told her that Jesus loved her and wanted to be her Friend, and I told her how she could find Jesus and her Savior.
 
This lady was so blessed by receiving this from me that she found where I lived and came to thank me. The following day, she died. How glad I was that I’d obeyed the prompting of the Lord.
 
NANCY: I remember a lovely incident which happened down my street. One of my Christian friends felt it on her heart to encourage an older widow. She went down to the shop to look around for something to buy for her and chose a little vase that would hold just one flower. She took this little gift to the lady who was so blessed by her thoughtfulness.
 
But God hadn’t finished yet. He really wanted to let this dear widow know that she was special to Him. He also laid it on the heart of another friend to bless this woman. She went to the florist to get her some flowers. As she looked around at all the bunches of flowers, she felt drawn to buy only one flower, a lovely specimen.
 
Can you imagine the tears of joy when this second lady arrived to bless her with one flower, which fitted the vase perfectly? How exciting it is to be sensitive and to obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
 
SUE: Another way we can encourage people is by letting them share in our lifestyle. Recently, two of my friends were really inspired while being in my home. They would come at different times and find me preserving. They mentioned that they’d never preserved before and didn’t have a clue how to do it. I showed them how to go about it and they got so enthused. Both friends went home and made jam, tomato sauce, tomato chutney, beetroot, and preserved all kinds of fruit. They were blessed out of their socks! Not only were they encouraged in their role as homemakers, but their husbands were so blessed too.
 
ENID: I used to find it so artificial to tell people that they looked nice or comment on something I appreciated about them. It wasn’t because I didn’t mean it, but simply because I’d never done it before. But as I determined in my heart to do it, it soon became natural. So don’t be put off by your feelings. Just go that wee bit further.
 
JUNE: Do you think there is a difference between flattery and encouragement?
 
NANCY: Oh, yes. Flattery is when you say something nice to someone so that they’ll think you’re nice because you’ve said it. Encouragement is sharing words of appreciation because you really want to bless that person. You’re not worried about what they think of you at all.
 
I feel that it’s important to choose the right time to say the right word. Proverbs 15:23 says: “A word spoken in DUE SEASON; how good it is”. And I love that scripture in Isaiah 50:4 which says: “The LORD God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a WORD IN SEASON to him that is weary: He wakeneth my ear to hear as the learned.”
 
JUNE: Everybody who knows me knows that my favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 12:25: where is says that we “should have the same CARE one for another.”
 
NANCY: June, I remember you telling me once of 31 different ways that we can CARE for one another – one for every day of the month. Could you share them with us all?
 
JUNE: Sure, but just another verse first: “Let us (that’s you and me) consider and give attentive, continuous CARE, to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up one another to stimulate and incite to love, helpful deeds and noble activities,” (Hebrews 10:24 Amplified Bible)
 
And now for those 31 suggestions:
1. COMFORT— the sad and depressed.
2. CHAT—take time to visit someone who is lonely.
3. CHORES— washing, ironing, or housework for someone who is sick.
4. COOK—invite someone in for a meal. Be given to hospitality.
5. CHILD-MINDING— give a busy mum a few hours off.
6. CLOTHING—don’t hoard clothes but share blessings with others.
7. CHINA/CROCKERY— If you have extra, share it with those who don’t.
8. CALL—on the phone to encourage and bless others.
9. COMPASSION— words are often not enough. Show love in your actions too.
10. CAKES—bake some bread or cookies for a busy mother.
11. CARDS—send a card and tell someone how much you appreciate them.
12. CUSTOMS—look out for visitors from overseas and take an interest in them and their customs.
13. CLUCKY—stop and take notice of little babies, even in the street. Encourage young mothers.
14. CONCERN—show concern for all but especially the elderly.
15. CORRESPONDENCE—write a letter or note to encourage. Don’t forget those on the mission field.
16. CARS—offer a lift to someone who doesn’t have a vehicle so they can do their shopping or go visiting.
17. CHILDREN—make a point of encouraging each one of your children every day.
18. COURTESY—good manners still mean a lot.
19. CONSIDERATION—take time to think about the needs of others.
20. CREATIVITY—If you have a talent or hobby, use it to bless others.
21. CUDDLE—a holy hug does wonders.
22. CAPTIVITY—remember to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Communist lands.
23. CONSTANT PRAYER— prayer will accomplish what nothing else can. Don’t give up.
24. COMMITMENT—to each other today and in the months ahead.
25. CO-OPT—call upon others to help you in ministering to needy situations. Don’t try to do it all yourself.
26. CRY—weep with those who weep and grieve.
27. CONFESS—be prepared to admit that you’re wrong.
28. CONTINUE—don’t get weary in well-doing.
29. CHECK—to see if you have spoken words of encouragement to someone today.
30. CONTENTMENT—give thanks for all things but don’t expect thanks for all that you do. Your reward is in Heaven.
31. COURIER—take an Above Rubies to a friend or neighbor. In fact, take some with you wherever you go to be ready to give them to whoever you meet!
 
NANCY: Thanks, June. We certainly have no excuse after that monthly list.
 
After having attended a few funerals recently, I have been feeling how important it is to let people know how we feel about them NOW. It seems that the most wonderful things that are ever said about people are at their funerals! Why wait until then when they can’t hear? It would be good if we took notice of this little poem—
 
If with pleasure you are viewing
Any work that I am doing,
If you like me or you love me,
Tell me now.
 
Don’t withhold your approbation
‘Til the person gives narration
And I lay with snowy lilies
O’er my brow.
 
For no matter how you shout it
I won’t care a thing about it,
I won’t hear how many teardrops
You will shed.
 
If my life’s a credit to me,
Now’s the time to slip it to me,
For I cannot read my tombstone
When I’m dead!
 
The Word of God is certainly true when it says: “A word of encouragement DOES WONDERS.” (Proverbs 12:25—The Living Bible) A word of appreciation can change a person’s life. A telephone call can change the day.
 
Let’s show our appreciation to another—NOW!
 
Reprinted from Above Rubies #17, 1981.
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REJOICE IN YOUR HIGH CALLING

CareersWillDie

Raising mighty sons and daughters for God’s kingdom and establishing a godly home will impact this nation for God and reap eternal blessings. Rejoice in this high calling God has given to you.
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  77 Hits

Blessed is the Woman...

SmileOnFace

Keep a smile on your face and a song in your heart today.
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  80 Hits

EMBRACE YOUR CALLING

LiveInGlory

Motherhood is the glory of womanhood.
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  66 Hits

HE IS RISEN!

OpenTomb

Praise God, our Savior Jesus Christ is alive!

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  74 Hits

MOTHERS, YOU HAVE THE POWER

MothersLabor

Mother, you have the power to make you home what you want to be. Make it a happy and joyful home, filled with wonderful memories.

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GENERATION BUILDER

GenBuilder

Dear mother, you are not only mothering for today, but generations ahead. You are a generational builder.
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  85 Hits

THE HOME IS THE FOUNDATION OF THE NATION

BeautyofHome

The nation is only as strong as its godly homes.
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ARE YOU A FRUITFUL VINE?

FruitfulVine

God’s description of the mother is in the heart of her home. The Hebrew word literally means “in the recesses of the home.” She is not on the periphery of her home, running here and there, but in the heart. Dear mother, you may feel you are hidden away and not accomplishing much. I want to remind you that you are doing a powerful work that impacts the nation. You are training and raising godly children who will go out into this world to reveal the image and glory of God and bring God’s righteousness and justice to the land. Mothers determine the destiny of the nation. You are doing the greatest work as you nurture and train your children and manage your home.

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LIL' BIT OF HEAVEN

LittleBitHeaven

Bring a taste of Heaven to your home!
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NEVER BE DUMBED DOWN

NeverBending

Don’t give in to the pressures around you to leave your great calling in your home for a lesser career. Remember what Nehemiah said when all his adversaries came against him and tried to stop him building. He said: “I am doing a great work: I cannot come down.” And he kept building. Keep building dear mother. You will face challenges and hardships but never give up. God is with you and your reward is coming.

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PO Box 681687
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