Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

Don't you love the words of the great hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is our God" written by Martin Luther? Let remind you of the third stanza:

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

ONE LITTLE WORD has power over the enemy. What is that word? It is the name of Jesus. Are you facing temptation today. Speak the name of Jesus. Are you filled with fear because of a certain situation? Say the name of Jesus. Is the battle raging in your home and you feel all hell is against you? Speak out loud, over and over again, the name of Jesus. The devil runs at the powerful name of Jesus. Demons quake at the name of Jesus.

"Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

In reply to my post about "Sweet Wives and Mothers" some asked how we can be sweet and at the same time discipline our children and keep order in the home. Throughout Scripture, we see the tension of truth--one understanding of truth on one hand and seemingly the opposite on the other hand. This comes from God Himself. God is a God of love and yet a God of judgment and justice. God is "angry with the wicked every day" and yet He is a God of abundant mercy. Because God is perfect, He wields these divine attributes in perfect harmony. We find it harder to do.

We see a beautiful picture of Christ in Revelation 5 where it speaks of the "Lion of the tribe of Judah." However, when John looks up he doesn't see a roaring lion, but a "Lamb, as it had been slain." Jesus Christ is both the Lion and the Lamb.

We also have these innate attributes in us as mothers. We have divinely within us the sweet, nurturing anointing that God has given to women--a beautiful picture of motherhood. However, we also have within us a roaring lion-like spirit that rises up when the enemy comes to deceive our children and steal their souls. We will not stand for it. We begin to pray. We rise up in the authority God has given us to command our children in His ways. We boldly and firmly deal with sin in their lives--lying, cheating, stealing, disobedience, rebellion, and so on. We don't do it out of frustration and anger, but in righteousness because we know we cannot allow these bad habits to control our children.

And so we walk in the beautiful balance of sweet nurturing and bold authority when it is necessary. We don't learn to do this all at once. The anointings are within us, given by God, and we learn to walk in them more and more as we yield to the Holy Spirit who is conforming us into the image of Jesus.

Think of Moses. He was "Very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:23) and yet he was one of the greatest leaders in history. He constantly had to execute judgment on these people he was leading through the wilderness. You too can lead your children on to the Promised Land with a sweet spirit, but also bold authority.

Love from Nancy Campbell

The following is a very beautiful poem written back in the 19th century. My most challenging line is: "A low and gentle voice—dear woman's chiefest charm."

WOMAN'S VOICE
Not in the swaying of the summer trees,
When evening breezes sing their vesper hymn—
Not in the minstrel's mighty symphonies,
Nor ripples breaking on the river's brim,
Is earth's best music; these may leave awhile
High thoughts in happy hearts, and carking cares beguile.

But even as the swallow's silken wings,
Skimming the water of the sleeping lake,
Stir the still silver with a hundred rings—
So doth one sound the sleeping spirit wake
To brave the danger, and to bear the harm—
A low and gentle voice—dear woman's chiefest charm.

An excellent thing it is, and ever lent
To truth and love, and meekness; they who own
This gift, by the all-gracious Giver sent,
Ever by quiet step and smile are known;
By kind eyes that have wept, hearts that have sorrowed—
By patience never tired, from their own trials borrowed.

An excellent thing it is, when first in gladness
A mother looks into her infant's eyes,
Smiles to its smiles, and saddens to its sadness,
Pales at its paleness, sorrows at its cries;
Its food and sleep, and smiles and little joys—
All these come ever blent with one low gentle voice.

An excellent thing it is when life is leaving,
Leaving with gloom and gladness, joys and cares,
The strong heart failing, and the high soul grieving
With strangest thoughts, and wild unwonted fears;
Then, then a woman's low soft sympathy
Comes like an angel's voice to teach us how to die.

But a most excellent thing it is in youth,
When the fond lover hears the loved one's tone,
That fears, but longs to syllable the truth—
How their two hearts are one, and she his own;
It makes sweet human music—oh! the spells
That haunt the trembling tale a bright-eyed maiden tells!

~ Sir Edwin Arnold (1832-1904)

Sweetness is not something that is highlighted in women today. I wonder why, because it builds a beautiful marriage and makes a wonderful atmosphere in the home. The husband in Song of Solomon 4:11 says to his wife, "Your lips drip sweetness like the honeycomb, my bride. Honey and milk are under your tongue."

Most people have a sweet tooth and like sweet things and husbands like sweet wives. The testimony of this wife is that sweet words are constantly dripping from her mouth. And that shouldn't only be in the bedroom, but in every room and every situation throughout the day. Rather a challenge, isn't it?

Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary adds to the meaning, "gratefulness to the taste, or to the smell, fragrance, agreeableness to the ear, melody, sweetness of the voice, softness, mildness, sweetness of temper."

The picture of the wife in the heart of the home, revealed in Psalm 128:3, is also a picture of sweetness. She is pictured as a grapevine and of course every vinedresser does everything in his power to cultivate sweet grapes. Who wants to eat sour grapes? What husband wants a sour grapes wife? And what children want a sour grapes mother?

We see also how God loves sweetness. In his tabernacle He commanded that sweet incense to be lit every morning and every evening. This incense was made of SWEET spices (Exodus 30:34). He wanted the holy place to be filled with a sweet aroma, just as He wants our homes to also be filled with the sweet aroma of His presence.

The anointing oil that speaks of the Holy Spirit was also to be made with SWEET spices (Exodus 30:23). Some people confess that they are filled with the Holy Spirit, but if they are not revealing a sweet anointing, it is not the Holy Spirit. It must be something else. When we give into our fleshly nature we give off some pretty bad smells for our family to endure; but when we yield to the Holy Spirit we will release a sweet anointing.

May God help each one of us to fill our home with sweetness today--in our words, looks, smiles, and attitudes. This is my prayer.

Love from Nancy Campbell

You may feel you are getting nothing out of your marriage and that can tend to self-pity. But this doesn't help the situation.

Even though you don't feel like it, begin pouring into your marriage. Outdo your husband in loving, blessing, and ministering to him.

It will boomerang back.

NANCY

BLESSED is she whose daily tasks are a labor of love, for her willing hands and happy heart translate duty into privilege, and her labor becomes a service to God.

BLESSED is she who opens the door to welcome both stranger and friends, for gracious hospitality is a test of brotherly love.

BLESSED is she who mends toys and broken hearts, for her understanding is a balm to humanity.

BLESSED is she who cleans and scrubs, for well she knows that cleanliness is one expression of godliness.

BLESSED is she whom children love, for the love of a child is more to be valued than fortune or fame.

BLESSED is she who sings while she works, for music lightens the heaviest load and brightens the dullest chore.

BLESSED is she who dusts away doubt and fear and sweeps out the cobwebs of confusions, for her faith will triumph over all adversity.

BLESSED is she who serves laughter and smiles with every meal, for her buoyancy of spirit is an aid to mental and physical digestion.

BLESSED is she who preserves the sanctity of the Christian home, for hers is a sacred trust that crowns her with dignity.

(The painting is by Polina Luchanova, born in 1977--The artist having tea with her family).

Paul wrote to Timothy recalling "Your sincere faith that first LIVED in your grandmother Lois, and then in your mother Eunice" (1 Timothy 1:5 HSCB) No wonder Timothy not only believed God's Word but walked in it. The heritage was passed on. His grandmother and mother not only believed, but their faith affected every part of their lives. It LIVED in them.

We can have all the talk, but unless our children see our faith LIVING AND WORKING OUT IN THE CIRCUMSTANBCES OF EVERY DAY LIFE, it will not really affect their lives. Is your faith a living faith that affects your actions and attitudes in the home? Do your children see that your faith is real? Are you passing on the baton?

It's not just a head knowledge of truth, but the reality of Christ living in you (Colossians 1:27). Let His life LIVE in and through you today.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

Last night my husband and I were talking to our daughter-in-law. My husband asked her, "What is your main reason for homeschooling?

"I don't want to be robbed of the time I can spend with my children," she replied. And that's a lot of hours! During the twelve years of a child's schooling ( before they even go away to college), they will be away from home for THREE full years of their life! And that's not counting day care or traveling on the school bus. And this in the most FORMATIVE YEARS of their life!

Isn't it amazing how easily we become victims to a system? We do things just because that's what everyone does. We don't take time to evaluate whether it is the best way or not.

God doesn't give us children to give away to someone else to influence them in a humanist/liberal path. He gives them to us to fill them the Word of God and steer them into the ways of God. We have the responsibility to raise them to be young men and women of strength, dignity, purpose, integrity, justice, wisdom, and righteousness. We have the power to determine the destiny of the nation.

Don't let Satan rob you of the time, the anointing, the power, and the authority God has given to you as a mother.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

Isn't it interesting that man seems to think he knows better ways of doing things than God? The teaching system of today is to segregate children into their age groups. Of course, I can understand that this makes it much easier for teachers. However, even the church has taken on the public school method and separates children from babies to teens in all their separate age levels.

But God didn't intend it to be this way. Whenever He wanted to speak to His people, He didn't ask them to put all their children into their different age groups so they could each understand the message in their own level. Instead, He commanded that they all come together--the nursing babes, the toddlers, and everyone in the family.

Here are some examples: Joshua 8:33-35 says, "Joshua read all the words of the law . . . there was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women AND THE LITTLE ONES."

2 Chronicles 20:4, 13 says, "And all Judah stood before the Lord with their LITTLE ONES, THEIR WIVES AND THEIR CHILDREN."
J

oel 2:15-17 says, "Blow a trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, GATHER THE CHILDREN, AND THOSE THAT S.UCK AT THE BREASTS." Read also Deuteronomy 31:11-13; Ezra 10:1; Matthew 21:12-16; Mark 9:33-37 and 10:13-15.

God commands us to teach our children in the context of the home--when we sit down, walk by the way, drive in the car, lie down, and rise up (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

God wants children to be able to communicate with all ages--children who do not ignore adults, but know how to converse with them. Do you notice that many young people today ignore adults? They will come into a room without even acknowledging their presence. They only gravitate to their age group. Their conversation relates to the shallowness of their peers. Or they are consumed with texting or face-booking.

When Jesus was only twelve years old, He sat with the "doctors of the law, both hearing them and asking them questions" (Luke 2:42-47). Are your children interested in learning from adults when they are in their presence?

Let's raise children who understand the value of all ages--older people and also the little ones.

Love from Nancy Campbell

Psalm 46:4 (JB) says, "There is a river, the streams of which make glad the city of God, the sanctuary of the tents of the most high." The city of God consists of the homes of God's people. To have a joyful city we must have joyful homes. To have a joyful nation, we must have joyful cities, filled with joyful families. In the same way, we can never have a righteous nation if we don't have righteous homes.

How do we have joyful homes? It is only through the RIVER which speaks of the Holy Spirit who flows out in many streams. The Holy Spirit wants to flow out in streams in your home--streams of joy and gladness. Streams of love, forgiveness, sweetness, healing, encouragement, and building up. Streams of compassion, kindness, tenderheartedness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, patience, and peacemaking.

They should be flowing streams, never stagnate. They may not all flow at once, but they are ALL IN THE RIVER to pour forth in gushing streams as they are needed in the home.

As these streams flow, they gladden the home. The Hebrew word "make glad" is "samach" and means "to brighten up, cheer up, rejoice, make merry and very glad."

Dear mother, I hope you are not filling your home with complaining, negativity, sourness, and bitterness. Yield yourself to the River of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to fill you and flow forth in streams into your home to bring gladness and cheer to your husband and children (John 7:37-39).

"MAKE GLAD your motherhood today. "MAKE GLAD your home today."

Love from Nancy Campbell

"A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life. She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother. She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference. At times she got discouraged because so
much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated. “Is it worth it?” she often wondered. “Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?”

"It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard the still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart. “You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye. But I notice. Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward. Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you
think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through your love.

"Your children are precious to Me. Even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise for me. What you invest in them is an offering to me. You may never be in the public spot light. But your obedience shines as a bright light before me. Continue on. Remember you are My servant. Do all to please Me.”

~ Roy Lessin

I'm tired of the broken record. The rhetoric is the same with those who advocate abortion as those who advocate the freedom to take one's life if they feel they cannot cope. "It's her body. She can do what she likes." Unfortunately, it's not true. In the case of abortion it is not the mother's body that is at stake; it is the life of another person who is being created in the image of God in the womb. No one has the right to take the life of another living being.

The same words are spoken regarding "death with dignity." "It's her body. Stop judging what she does." Yes, in some ways it is her body. But more truthfully, her body belongs to the Creator who gave her life. Her body belongs to Him. And more so if she or he is a Christian. 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 NLT says, "Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? YOU DO NOT BELONG TO YOURSELF, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body."

We must be reminded again that there are only two kingdoms in this world--the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. And they both have their own language. The language of the kingdom of God comes from the Bible and is different from the language of this world. Isaiah 55:8, 9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Whereas, the language of the kingdom of darkness is the language of humanism that always revolves around what man thinks, that honors the creature more than the Creator, that espouses selfishness, and that believes we do what we think is best rather than what God says.

If you are a truly born again Christian, make sure you speak the right language. If you belong to the kingdom of God, be careful you do not fall into the trap of speaking the language of the religion of humanism and the religion of tolerance.

Blessings, Nancy Campbell

Apart from the comment of "Don't judge" (which I will write about later), another comment that came up in my post CHOOSE LIFE is that God gave everyone a free will and therefore they can do whatever they want." True. God has given us a free will. We are not robots. But that doesn't mean that we never give advice or encourage people to do the right thing. It is over to the person what they do, but we have a responsibility to tell them the truth.

Dear mothers, do you let your children do whatever they feel they would like to do? When your little children are running near a high cliff, your automatic reaction is to urgently call them to come away from that dangerous place. You warn your little ones to not touch the hot stove or to not play with sharp knives, etc. We constantly teach and warn to protect our children and show them the right way to live. In the same way as God's children, we teach and warn to protect one another.

God's Word, from beginning to end, is filled with showing us the way we are to live and warning us against the way that brings destruction. Although He gives us a free will, He longs for us to listen and obey Him for His ways lead to blessing and life. Read Deuteronomy 28.

God sent His only son from the glory of heaven to become a man, die, and shed His precious blood to save us from our sins and give us eternal life. Although we can choose Christ or reject Him because of our free will, He pleads with us to receive His salvation.

Ezekiel 3:18, 19 says, "When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him no warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul." The blood of others can be on our hands. God pleaded with the whole nation to CHOOSE LIFE rather than death (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).

We are our "brother's keeper" (Genesis 4:9). We are to "save others by snatching them out of the fire" (Jude 1:23). We are responsible for one another. To warn or save people from a wrong decision or destruction is far greater love than saying, "Please yourself. You have your own free will."

One person commented, "How would you like it if someone told you what you can and cannot do with your body?" It would be my decision what I do, but I would welcome all the advice I could get. I would be seeking and researching for wisdom and advice, not rejecting it.

And I will certainly be standing against "death with dignity" becoming law in every state. This would eventually take away people's free will. I don't want to come under a government that tells me that it is time to end my life when they think I am too old or whatever. I pray against the situation that was happening in Nehemiah's time where those who ruled over them had "dominion over our bodies . . . at their pleasure, and we are in great distress" (Nehemiah 9:37).

Blessings from Nancy

I am grieving. I am sad to hear of the death of Brittany Maynard, the 29 year old lady who chose to end her life on Saturday. I grieve because she has died and also that she decided to end her own life. Yes, she had terminal brain cancer and was informed it would be a painful death. But how do we know for sure? The medical profession give so many diagnosis that often do not eventuate. God is able to heal. He is able to help people through suffering. Not so long ago my husband's brother, and his son, both died of very invasive brain cancers. But they did not take their own lives. God was with them right to the end.

At this present time, "death with dignity" is only legal in Oregon, Washington, and Vermont. Brittany's legacy is that she wants this to become legal in every state in USA. But we must face the facts. It is not "death with dignity." It is suicide, the meaning of which is: "the act of intentionally causing one's own death, taking one's own life." And this should never become law.

The liberalists love to choose euphemisms for their choices. They use "pro-choice" instead of abortion. Once again it is a lie--abortion is a choice to murder a life, a life that is being nourished in the sacred place of the womb.

We cannot be wishy washy in our beliefs. If we believe in God, we believe in life, from conception to the grave. There are only two kingdoms in this world--the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. God's kingdom is a kingdom of life--He is the author of life and loves life. Satan hates life and seeks to eliminate it every way he can, in the womb and before God's time is up for a person to die.

Deuteronomy 30:19 ESV says, "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse Therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that you and your offspring may live." We must choose life for every baby in the womb and choose life in every decision we make at the potential end of life.

I was with my father the last few days of his life. One day the pastor came to see him and said to him, "Ivan, you have lived a great life. You are ready to meet the Lord. We release you to go to Him now." I didn't think anything of it at the time. It was a few months later when God woke me up one night and spoke to me. I came to realization that this man did not have the right to tell him to go. It is God's prerogative. Even though my father could not communicate at this time, I sensed he loved being in our presence us as we cared for him in the lounge. Although he was ready to meet the Lord he was savoring every last moment with his loved ones and passed so peacefully when he eventually took his last breath. Who are we to tell someone when they should go?

According to USA TODAY, there are now 40,000 suicides every year in America, one every 13 minutes. We already have an epidemic of suicide in this nation, each one thinking they have a valid reason. We do not need the state or federal government to pass legislation to approve or encourage any more suicides.

As a nation we do not want Ebola to take over our lives and we should not congratulate or make heroes out of people who take their lives. This only influences others who are going through a difficult time to do the same.

Let's CHOOSE LIFE in every situation, no matter what the circumstances.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

Ruth 4:16 tells us that "Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it." The word "nurse" is "aman" and is broad in its meaning. It not only speaks of nurture, nourishment, and caring for a child. It also speaks of stability and faithfulness.

This Hebrew word is translated in the KJV by these words: faithful, sure, believe, long continuance, assurance, establish, trust, verify, trusty, stand fast, and steadfast. What wonderful adjectives to think about when you are mothering or foster-mothering. It is not a flighty task. It takes faithfulness, continuance, and steadfastness even when we don't feel like it. But as we seek to work out these characteristics in our mothering our children will have a sure foundation, confidence, and trust.

And remember, dear mother, that these attributes are the attributes of God. You show your children what God is like when you mother in this way. Deuteronomy 7:9 describes God: "Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the FAITHFUL (aman) God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations."

It is also used to describe God's eternal Word. Psalm 93 5 says, "Thy testimonies are VERY SURE (aman)." We can totally rely on them. Read also Psalm 19:7 and 111:7.

Motherhood is stickability, continuing on, and faithfulness through thick and thin.

Blessings from Nancy

Everything comes back to the family. Marriage and family were the first institution God designed--before church and before government. They were in the heart of God in eternity, even before He created the world. Therefore God has blessed parents and given them authority and anointing to "be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue, and take dominion . . . " (Genesis 1:28).

What happens in the nation is a picture of what is happening in the family. We are watching the decline of morality, the fear of God, knowledge of God's Word, and people living in truth in integrity. We see the breakdown of marriage, the fragmentation of family life, more and more children being born out of wedlock, violence in our streets, and our jails filled with young people who have not known a stable home life.

The prophet speaks God's Word to the people of Judah and tells them they are nation that do not listen to the voice of the Lord God, nor do they receive correction. Consequently truth is perished and cut off from their lips (Jeremiah 7:28). This same word is being spoken to the nation today; not only to the nation but to each family, because this is where it starts.

Are we raising children who love and listen to God's Word? Are we raising children who know how to receive correction and discipline? Are we raising children who know the truth and who can discern and cut through the deception that is around them?

I know this is a huge task. It's not something you can do on the side. It's a full time career. But your career of mothering determines the destiny of the nation. If children come out from your home with rebellion in their hearts and not knowing how to receive correction, they help the nation on a downward path.

However, if from your home come children who love the truth, who have soft hearts, and are willing to receive correction and discipline in order to grow, we assist our nation to be a great nation. We are preparing our children to have stable marriages. We are preparing them to build strong families. And when this happens we will have a strong nation.

It all hinges on us, dear mothers. Let's forget about all the other pursuits that entice us away from our greatest destiny. We have great and important work to do. We are training children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and future generations to transform the nation.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

"Likeness to the infinitely glorious Creator constitutes the chief dignity of our nature. And the intelligent, pious mother looks upon her infant offspring with adoring gratitude to God, as possessing that likeness (Genesis 2:7). . . . And though the moral likeness of its blessed Maker is defaced by the fall of our first parents, still, in thousands of instances, by means of early tuition and the prayers of the faithful mother, the child is created in Christ Jesus in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 2:10 and 4:24).

"What, then can be the greatness, dignity, and honor of her who is the appointed medium of such amazing powers and blessings! Must not mothers feel their high distinctions? Should they not frequently be invited to contemplate them?

In this, the security, the prosperity, and the happiness of our country, and even the welfare, the regeneration of the world, are involved."

~ Jabez Burns (1805-1876).

In Ezekiel 44:23, 24 we read that the priests were to "teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statues."

Parents also have the responsibility to teach their children the difference between what is right and what is wrong. And mothers have to be judges. Constantly throughout the day you can face arguments and disruptions with your children that you have to umpire. Peace does not come through tolerating the disarray or the rebellion, but dealing with it. Instead, we teach our children to show love to their sibling rather than fighting them. We teach them to speak the truth rather than giving into lies. We teach the difference between the clean and the unclean, the holy and the profane. If we don't do this, we'll live in bedlam in our homes.

This principle continues in society. I could hardly believe the responses from recent post, "Do We Have our Heads in the Sand?" The common reaction was that we must not judge. In other words, they've joined the "Religion of Tolerance." If we were to tolerate every wrong thing in our homes, they would become chaotic. No wonder this is what is happening in our society today.

Dear mothers, let's not be those who give in to the thinking of society all around us that tolerates any lifestyle that people want to embrace. It's not enough to say, "Well, I would never do that, but I can't criticize them for doing it." This is not what the Bible says. We are told to expose and reprove all evil (Proverbs 24:23-25 and Ephesians 5:11). We are to be "the light of the world" exposing and pushing back the darkness and evil.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

Jeremiah 15:19 reminds us to stand strong and not be lured back to worldly ways, deception, and humanistic thinking: "Let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them." It is very clear in the New Living Translation, "You must influence them; do not let them influence you!"

I am sure you constantly hear conflicting voices and reactions against what you believe. You are laughed at for embracing more children. You are scorned for homeschooling. Are you influenced by these comments? They should roll us off like water on a duck's back. We know we are walking in truth. Why should we be affected by the ignorant and deceptive words of others?

The Message Bible is even more powerful in its translation, "Let your words change them. Don't change your words to suit them. I'll turn you into a steel wall, a thick steel wall, impregnable. They'll attack you but won't put a dent in you because I am at your side, defending and delivering."

Stand tall, dear mother. Stand strong. Constantly influence others as you speak words of truth. Don't be influenced by their words. Even when you are attacked with words, it won't even put a dent in you because God is with you. Praise the Lord.

Love from Nancy

I love the affirmation of the psalmist in Psalm 119:31, "I have STUCK unto thy testimonies." Do you cling to God's Word? Of course, before we can stick to it, we have to know it. We can't stick to something we don't know. In fact, I think this is why many are not glued to God's Word. It's because they are trying to cling to something they are a little hazy about. We have to get the Word into our heart and into our mouths (Isaiah 59:21).

This last statement really enables us to stick--and that is getting into our mouths. When you constantly confess the Word and speak it out, you'll find it easier to stick to. Hebrews 10:23 says, "Let us HOLD FAST the confession of our faith without wavering." Speak out the affirmations of your faith every day.

What about your children? I am sure you want them to be those who will STICK TO THE TRUTH and the principles of God's Word. Fill their minds with God's Word, but make sure it gets into their mouths too. If it is not in their mouths it won't stick. It's sad to see children grow up in a Christian home and become unstuck!

Be a sticker and raise stickers! Amen.