Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

THREE MOTHERS
A woman once came upon three mothers at work. “What are you doing?” she asked?
“I am doing the weekly washing,” answered the first.
“I am doing a bit of household drudgery,” replied the second.
“I am mothering three young children who will someday fill important and useful spheres in life. Wash-day is part of my grand task in caring for these souls who shall live forever,” replied the third.

Only she had caught the vision of the great work she was accomplishing!

Painting: “Laundry Day” Canvas Art by Diane Leonard

Listen to His words to you in Isaiah 40:11: “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

You are already doing is a full-time job. There is no greater way to serve the Lord and please His heart. You do not have to do extra things to please Him. Give yourself totally to nurturing your little lambs. You cannot do it effectively if other things, even other service for the Lord, competes for your time and attention. Even if you don’t do one extra thing in the day, you are already accomplishing great things.

The Good Shepherd understands that the mother who is “with young” or who has little lambs must not be hurried. She should be restful and peaceful. Isn't it true that we mother so much better when we are rested in our souls and bodies? If other things crowd in to make us tense, it is our children who receive the brunt of our tension.

One pregnant mother says that when she receives calls to be involved in this and that, that she answers, “I’m sorry, I am not able to help at this time. I am full-time gestating.”

Let the Good Shepherd gently lead you.

Love from Nancy Campbell

Painting: “Mother and Child” by Junko Ono Rothwell

You may think, “How on earth could I ever cope with another child? My hands are full already.” Dear Mother, God is your strength. He promises to give you strength for each new day. He doesn’t give you strength for tomorrow, but for TODAY. And He doesn’t give you strength and energy for a baby that has not yet come to you. If God sends you another blessing from Heaven, He will give you the strength when that baby comes.

What a wonderful God we have. He tenderly watches over you and cares for you.

Be blessed today,

Nancy Campbell

What DID I do this whole day through?
Not much that shows, I guess it’s true,
Unless you think that what I’ve done
Might be important to someone
With bright blue eyes and soft blonde hair,
If that is true, I’ve done my share.
~ Anon.

This poem is published in QUIET REFLECTIONS FOR MOTHERS, a book of beautiful poems for mothers. Go to: http://aboverubiesbookstore.mybigcommerce.com/quiet-reflections-for-mothers-101-poems

They told me how my life would change and that I’d sit and weep
For time to make a peaceful bath, for uninterrupted sleep,
They said my home would lose its shine and that I’d get depressed,
But no one ever mentioned that you’d sing while nursing at my breast.

They tried to raise my consciousness to think about myself,
They begged me to go out alone to help my mental health,
They told me that by leaving you I could improve our bond,
But no one told me that you’d notice I was gone!

They said that Day Care’s just the thing and Nursery’s all the rage,
To encourage “independence” in a baby just your age!
They said there’d be no money with the mortgages all due,
But they all forgot to me how I’d fall in love with you!
~ Source unknown

This beautiful poem is published in QUIET REFLECTIONS FOR MOTHERS, a book of beautiful poems for mothers. Go to: http://aboverubiesbookstore.mybigcommerce.com/quiet-reflections-for-mothers-101-poems

Isaiah 26:15 tells us another way we glorify His name. “Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased nation: thou art GLORIFIED.” God is a God of increase and therefore He is always glorified by increase. This was His plan from the beginning and He hasn’t changed His plan. Even in difficult circumstances. When the children of Judah were taken captives to Babylon, God sent a message to them: “Increase, and do not diminish” (Jeremiah 29:6). But they were captives in Babylon! Surely they couldn’t keep increasing in a land of captivity? But God reminded them to continue His plan because He wanted His name glorified in Babylon too.

Jesus continues the same theme in John 15:8: “Herein is my Father GLORIFIED, that ye bear MUCH fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” God is not satisfied with little increase, but much increase. “But this is talking spiritually,” you say, breathing a sigh of relief. Yes, you’re right. God wants us to be fruitful in every area of our lives--revealing more and more of the fruit of the Spirit and having a heart to lead more and more souls to Him.

But the principle of God’s Word is always first that is which is natural, and then that which is spiritual (1 Corinthians 15:46). To want to bear fruit spiritually, but not naturally is a foreign concept to God. He wants us to increase naturally and spiritually. He wants us to have natural children and spiritual children.

We do not glorify God by stopping life; that’s the devil’s strategy. We glorify God by embracing life.

Blessings to you today from Nancy Campbell

Painting: Newborn by Steve Hanks.

Rather, God holds us responsible for what goes into our children’s minds and hearts. Do they receive a godly education each day? The teaching that enables them to be wise in their latter end? The instruction that prepares them to continue walking in the ways of God as they leave our homes?

God’s counsel stands; humanistic wisdom fades.

God needed 40 years to get Moses’ Egyptian education out of his system before He could use Him to lead His people out of slavery. And he still faced opposition when he stood in Pharaoh’s court. Moses told Pharaoh he was taking the people out of Egypt, a three day journey, to sacrifice to the Lord. Pharaoh tried to get him to leave the children behind, but Moses would not compromise. He would not go to serve the Lord without all the children with them (Exodus 10:8-11).

God’s instruction is “the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23 and Matthew 7:13, 14). Man’s ways lead to deception and destruction (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25; and Deuteronomy 30:19).

Are you choosing life for your children?

Be blessed today,

Nancy Campbell

How can we live in continual rest? God commanded the people that they must not bring any burdens through the gates of the city on the day of rest. The word for burdens is “masa” and depicts the packs upon the backs of the donkeys or camels. It can even mean an utterance, especially of doom.

If you want to live in the rest of Christ, you must leave your burdens at the gate of your heart. Yes, many trials, heartaches, and burdens come your way. But you must not lift them up and carry them through the gate of your heart and mind. Leave them outside! God is able to bear the burden that you cannot bear. Don’t bring self-pity, depressions, constant worrying, and tensions inside your heart.

God continued His message: “If ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day . . . Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David . . . “ (verses 24, 25).

There can only be one king on the throne of your heart. It is either King Jesus or your burden which you make king. When you choose to bring burdens into your soul, they become king! They rule your thought life and everything else. When Jesus reigns as King in your heart, you will live in rest. When you make your burdens preeminent, you live in tension nod stress.

Who is king in your life today? Jesus Christ who is your Rest, or your problems and worries?

May you live in rest today,

Nancy Campbell

Hang on a minute! You don’t have to endure this strain,
There is a Burden-bearer who will carry your pain,
He left the glory of heaven to come and die for your sin,
And carry your burdens, anguish, and sorrows on Him.

Give your heartache to God, He’s promised to carry it all,
To try on your own, you’ll only stumble and fall,
He’ll not only carry your burden, but sustain you too,
Holding you up in His arms to see from His point of view.

All you have to do is come to the foot of the cross,
Hand over your burden and all that is dross,
Give up your rights to do it your own way,
Trust your life to His hands and He’ll lead each day.

He is your Savior, Deliverer, your Resting Place,
Your Fortress, your Shield, and your Hiding Place,
Your Sustainer and Helper with everlasting arms
Who’ll carry you through storms and bring you to calm.

He is your Fountain, the fresh Eternal Spring
Who takes your sadness and makes you sing,
He is your Comforter, Healer, and He is the Dew
Who comes with His mercies each morning anew.

He is your Hope, your Refuge, your Song,
Strengthener, and Shepherd who carries you along.
He is Almighty God who bears your sorrow,
Give it to Him today, don’t wait ‘til tomorrow.

~ Nancy Campbell

2. MOUNTAINS (Isaiah 49:11).
Does the situation you face seem like a mountain? How can you ever get over it or through it? It’s not too hard for God. He can make a way through for you.

3. THE SEA (Psalm 106:9; Isaiah 43:16; 51:10; and 63:13).
Do you feel you are drowning in despair? Don’t look at the “pounding waves.” Look to the Lord. Trust in Him. Believe in Him. He will not let you drown.

4. THE WILDERNESS (Deuteronomy 8:15, 16; Isaiah 35:6b; and 43:19).
Do you feel dry and thirsty? Do you feel as though you are wandering around and around in the wilderness? Do not despair. God has promised to MAKE A WAY for you even in the wilderness. Believe His promises.

5. THE BIRTH OF A BABY (Psalm 22:9; 71:6; and Isaiah 46:3).
God also makes a way every time a little baby is born. It is a seemingly impossible situation for the baby's head to come through such a tiny opening. But God does it. He makes a way. It is God who brings the baby safely forth from the mother’s womb. Every birth is a mighty miracle. Put your trust in God, not man.

What a wonderful God we have. When we look to Him and trust Him, He ALWAYS MAKES A WAY!

Many blessings, Nancy Campbell

P.S. Please take a moment to look up the Scriptures. They are the most important part of this post to read and will bless and encourage your heart.

GOD WILL DO WHAT YOU CANNOT DO!

Further to my post above, I think of a chorus we used to sing when I was a child. The words are just as powerful today and I’d love to share them with you. They were written by Oscar C. Eliason away back in 1929. Oscar was dying of TB in a Minneapolis hospital and a minister came by one evening and prayed for him. The next day be began to improve and he continued to improve to such an extent that the doctors confessed a miracle had happened. He then wrote this chorus:

Sneaking up to your husband and giving him a kiss and a cuddle is a good thing. Nursing your baby on the rocking chair, and reading stories to your little ones are good things. Mothering and training your children are good things.

But you can do even more than good things. Jesus Christ is in you to bring healing. And there is always someone who needs healing in a family. Is your husband downcast in spirit because of difficulties at work or wondering how he will pay the bills? You can bring healing to his spirit (Proverbs 12:25). Or is their estrangement between you and your husband or someone in your family? Christ is in you to bring healing and restoration.

You notice one of your children are not their usual selves. You sense something is wrong. Go to them in the power and wisdom of the Lord, pray with them, and bring healing to them.

Is one of the children sick? The first thing to do is pray. God is our source and our Healer. And He also gives healing remedies. Be a researcher to find out God’s healing herbs and ways. Antibiotics and certain drugs can be life-savers at certain times, but please don’t rely on them. They are a last resort. Seek God’s healing ways. Jesus Christ wants to go about in you as a Healer. Healing everyone that is oppressed in your family, whether in body, soul, or spirit.

And why did this happen with Jesus? Because “God was with him.” God is also in you by His Spirit. Embrace His abundant life. His healing life. And pour it out to everyone in your family. As this becomes your daily habit in your home, it will be the normal thing to do when you are out and about. When you meet someone at the supermarket who is downcast or needs healing, you’ll minister to them and pray for them. It will be automatic because it is the habit of your life at home.

Expect miracles as you bring the healing of Christ to your family today.

In His love,

Nancy Campbell

True love wants the best for our children. We don’t want them to grow up disobedient, selfish, lazy, ignorant, and with an entitlement philosophy. We want them to grow up obedient, hard-working, diligent, and well-spoken adults who will bring blessing to this world. We don’t have a low standard, but a high standard for them--a biblical standard.

This does not happen automatically. It takes consistent training--day after day. But we will not give up, because we are training them on God’s behalf. They are ultimately God’s children and we are responsible to Him for the way we educate them.

Proverbs 19:18 says: “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” The Good News Bible challenges us: “Discipline your children while they are young enough to learn. If you don't, you are helping them destroy themselves.”

Are we preparing our children for a blessed future or one of sadness and destruction? It takes daily consistency on our part.

Be blessed,

Nancy Campbell

I have a corner by our dining room table that now holds six prayer boxes:
Our World Changing Prayer Box
Our Family Prayer Box
Our Israel Prayer Box
Our Marriage and Family Restoration Prayer Box
Our Capitals and Cities Prayer Box
Our Thank You Prayer Box

Our new ones are OUR ISRAEL PRAYER BOX which I have written cards with needs for Israel of which there are so many. We can’t really make this an optional box because we are commanded in God’s Word to pray for Israel and His people.

Psalm 122:6, 7: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.”

Isaiah 62:6, 7: “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem, who shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, and give him to rest till he establishes and till he makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.”

It’s a good idea to bring God’s promises to Him as you pray for Israel. To be inspired by God’s promises go to: http://aboverubies.org/EverlastingPossession

Our other new one is OUR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY RESTORATION PRAY BOX. Isn’t it sad that so many families are fragmented? So many marriages are falling apart or even separated and wanting divorce. I write the names of these families and couples in our box. Marriage restoration can only happen by the power of the Holy Spirit. Nearly every day I claim the promise in Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” But as we pray we can see God do mighty miracles.

We alternate our boxes. We usually always use our Family Prayer Box with the names of all our family and extended family each morning and evening, along with one of the other boxes.

In our corner, we also have our hymnbooks. We sing worship songs at church, but like to use the hymns for our Family Devotions. Once again, we have four sets of hymnbooks to choose from--a set of hymnbooks with the words and music, a set of little hymnbooks with just the words, and two sets of HYMNS WE LOVE TO SING, Volume 1 and Volume 2 that I have put together of our favorite hymns. We often use these ones when we have lots of children because they are pretty rough on the hymnbooks!

I would love to hear what prayer boxes you use in your home.

Love from Nancy Campbell

Here is a poem I wrote about it:

A HOUSE OR A HOME?
There’s a house that’s always empty while the family gads about,
Chasing empty dreams and pleasures--always feeling they’re burned out,
Spending all their strength on worthless things that soon will pass away,
Not living for eternity, but only for today.

There’s a house without a Bible being read from faithfully,
Hungry souls and empty hearts who are starving spiritually,
There’s a home without a mother to cherish and to train,
Neglecting her first calling; all other works are vain.

This house could be a home if she would seek to live God’s plan,
But she thinks she’ll find fulfillment in the love and praise of man.
There’s a house with a searching mother on how to make a home,
She desires to build God’s Kingdom, but she cannot do it alone.

She asks for the Lord’s forgiveness for wasting many years,
Fully knowing that His calling will cost sacrifice and tears.
Now there’s a home with a Bible that is read from faithfully,
A home that is built on prayer and a life lived purposely.

There’s a home that accepts God’s children as a blessing from His hand,
A home that’s filled with treasures--children loved and planned,
There’s a home that has a table for the family to find rest,
Hearts at home are happiest, hearts at home so very blessed.

There’s a home that has an altar where petitions are daily made,
A home where the love of Christ is beautifully displayed.
A house or delightful home--which one will you pursue?
The choice which God has given is fully up to you.

KRISTIN EASON
El Dorado Springs, MO 64744

Dustin and Kristin's blessings are Emma (15), Rylan (12), Ellie (7), Nathan (3), and Elizabeth (4 months).

Painting by Firmin Baes

But although we need to be strong, we must not lose our softness. It is one of the beautiful characteristics of being female. I love the way the Hebrew uses organs of the body to express emotions and affection. There are four different Hebrew words for “womb “ in the Bible. Let me share the meaning of just two of them.

“Racham” comes from the root word “to fondle.” It means “to cherish a babe in the womb, to love deeply, to be compassionate, to show tender mercy and pity.” This word is used interchangeably in the Bible for the womb of a woman and also to describe God’s compassion and mercy.

“Meah” comes from a root word meaning “to be soft.” It refers to the internal organs including
the reproductive organs--the bowels, womb, and uterus. It speaks of man’s emotions and also
of God’s emotions.

The womb is more than a literal place to conceive and nurture a babe. It is the seat of our compassion and tenderness. As we embrace our womb and childbearing, we return again to a soft spirit and tender heart. And ultimately we reveal the wombness of God--His compassion and tenderness.

God has chosen His female creation to reveal His mercy and tenderness to the world--firstly to our children and then to a hurting world. No wonder 1 Timothy 2:15 says that we will be preserved through embracing childbearing. We are saved from becoming tough and hard. Motherhood keeps us soft, tender, and beautiful in our femaleness.

Be encouraged today,

Nancy Campbell

Painting by Steve Hanks

Currently we are blessed to live in the country. I love it. We have children and grandchildren all around us. What bliss! But I didn’t raise my own children in this environment. We lived in the city. On the Gold Coast of Australia our home looked out on Jupiter’s Casino! And this is where we raised our teenagers!

Yes, I was cast upon God. I walked the beach every morning crying out to God to keep my children in this sinful environment. And God was faithful. He is always faithful. You can trust Him as you walk in obedience and holiness before Him.

I read this beautiful promise this morning: “May people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field” (Psalm 72:16 ESV). It reminded me of the wonderful promise in Deuteronomy 28:3 (the blessing chapter) where it says: “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.”

Claim the promises.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell