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.

Strengthening Families Across the World through the encouragement of women in their high calling from God as wives, mothers and homemakers.

CAN GOD PROVIDE?

If you have received your new Above Rubies, #95, you will have read the testimonies of CAN GOD PROVIDE? They are printed on pages 22-26. These are only some of the testimonies I received from our readers. When I asked for testimonies of God’s provision, especially when allowing God to send the children has planned for us, I was inundated with testimonies. It proved to me wondrously how God is always faithful to provide for the children He sends.

I know you have enjoyed all these stories. One reader commented to me: “I think there should be a special Above Rubies edition of just “Can God provide?” stories.”

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

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WHAT SPEWS OUT?

SpewsOutYesterday we talked about establishing an atmosphere of beatitude—supreme blessedness. It’s nice to dream about it, but how do we do it? The most powerful way is through our words.

I think of the words of James 3:8-10: “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceeding blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”

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

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SUPREME BLESSEDNESS

SupBlessednessI’m currently reading a book where the atmosphere of the home is described as follows: “Willow Heights seemed to him Paradise, its inmates angels, and his own life—beatitude.”

I had never read the word “beatitude” in that light before. The Beatitudes in Matthew 5 immediately come to mind. However, the more I thought about it, the more I loved it.

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

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EVERYTHING DEPENDS UPON MOTHERS

HmGoodnessThe goodness of home is not dependent on wealth, or spaciousness, or beauty, or luxury. Everything depends on the mother.

~ G. W. Russell

Painting: Alice Schille Mother and Son (c. 1910-15)

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THEY NEED YOU!

TheyNeedYouDear mother, years are short;
This window of time is small.
Lesser things can wait awhile;
These dear ones need your all.

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”

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LOOK BEYOND TODAY

BeyondTodayOur power and influence as mothers, not only affects the destiny of the nation, but future generations. It is easy to get bogged down with the grind of daily activities in the home, isn't it? There can be times when you feel you are stuck in the mire with no hope of accomplishing anything. But dear Mother, you are not only training children for today, but for the future.

Begin to see your mothering in the light of future generations. As you mother your children, you are also affecting grandchildren and great-grandchildren to come. Your influence is powerful and far-reaching.

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

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GOD WOOS MOTHERS...

GodWoosGod has put Home in our hearts, just as He has placed His maternal anointing in our hearts. No matter what our modern society says, God’s Word is eternal and is for every generation. Society prospers when we do it God’s way; it suffers when we do it our own way. #homeisinourhearts #homeloving #homekeeping #ilovehome #ilovemotherhood #mothering #powerofmotherhood #aboverubies

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YOU ARE DOING A GREAT WORK

GreatWorkDear mother, You are doing a GREAT WORK! Don’t be intimidated by your antagonists! #mothering #powerofmotherhood #youaredoingagreatwork #influenceofmotherhood #greatestcareerever #aboverubies

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ALL GREAT CHANGE STARTS AT THE DINNER TABLE

AllGreatChangeThe dinner table is the greatest place to sit with your family and talk and discuss together. Thinks of subjects to discuss at your table. Be proactive about it. #dinnertable #dinnertabletalk #gatheryourfamily #familyfellowship #familydevotions #aboverubies

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ROLE REVERSAL

RoleReversal2I guess you know some families, as I do, where the husband stays home to look after the children while the wife goes to work. She can earn more money than her husband and therefore they think it the best choice for the wife to work.

This is a role reversal. We don’t make our decisions in life by how much money we can make. We make them according to God’s eternal Word, His Word which is for all generations, His Word which is “as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times" (Psalm 12:6). There is no greater wisdom. To our natural and finite minds, our wisdom seems the most feasible, but God laughs at the wisdom of man!

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

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CHOOSING JOY!

ChoosingJoyA lovely friend, Heather Bryant (Heather is the one who organizes all the Washington State Above Rubies retreats each year) has designed a beautiful t-shirt, CHOOSING JOY. These are wonderful and positive words to wear in your home and everywhere you go.It's a great reminder to choose joy, and it’s a great conversation starter.

Heather designed this t-shirt to bless you, and Above Rubies. All proceeds will go to help pay for this new magazine which has been sent out across USA, and is now being sent to over 100 other countries in the world.

I had enough money for the printing, but have used it all on shipping the magazine out. So now I need to trust God for the money to come in to pay for the shipping and the bill will come soon.

So be blessed yourself as you purchase this lovely t-shirt, and you can bless Above Rubies as well.

Love from Nancy

Go to this link for details:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1M-S7onGfbQYblJ4DW--RypUao1Scl3OZAuMVGh95PYikXw/viewform

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ARE YOU A COMMANDER?

RUCommanderA commander is one who gives commands. A commander leads others to follow his orders and to follow in his or her footsteps. The Bible shows us that commanding is part of our mothering ministry.

Deuteronomy 32: 46-47 says: “Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall COMMAND YOUR CHILDREN to observe to do, all the words of this law For it is not a vain thing for you, because IT IS YOUR LIFE."

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

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AM I YIELDED?

YeildedRomans 6:13 says: “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God . . . and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God" This is talking about yielding every part of our body to God.

I yield my ears, Lord, to listen to your voice.
I yield my eyes, Lord, to see situations as you see them.
I yield my tongue, Lord, to speak life giving words to my family.
I yield my heart, Lord, to obey your Word.
I yield my hands, Lord, to work joyfully in my home.
I yield my womb, Lord, to your sovereignty.
I yield my feet, Lord, to serve you in my home. Amen.

Are we truly yielded?

Love from Nancy Campbell

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COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

CountManyBlessingsYou have many blessings in your home. The provision of a home is in itself such a blessing. Your husband is a blessing. Your children are blessings. And you have food in your home. That is a blessing from God. Count your blessings every day. Always be filled with gratitude for the little and the big things.

~ Nancy

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SIDE BY SIDE

SideBySideWe 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.

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GOD’S BALANCES

LittleTroublesAre you going through a heavy trial? It feels like it is going on forever! I know this is how it feels to you, but can I ask you to put your troubles in God’s balances? Let’s see what happens. God says in 2 Corinthians 4:17: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

Now things look a little different, don’t they? You feel your trial is going on forever, but God says that in the light of eternity it is MOMENTARY. It feels so heavy to you, but in the light of eternity it is a LIGHT affliction.

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

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STRONG GODLY FAMILIES NEEDED...

SwanMomThe greatest need of this nation is strong, godly families. You can be part of strengthening this nation as you build a strong marriage and family life. Do only those things which strengthen your family and resist everything that weakens your family life. #buildastrongmarriage #buildastrongfamily #buildagodlydynasty #mothering #powerofmotherhood #aboverubies

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CHARACTER TRANSFORMATION

RedTulipLife is a learning process, isn’t it? We don’t stop learning when we become an adult. I find that I learn every day. Hopefully something new every day. Perhaps a new revelation of truth. But also learning how to walk a life pleasing to God. That means I will often receive correction, from God, and even from others.

It’s not always easy to receive correction, but it is a good thing. It helps us to mature. It helps us to grow in the likeness of Christ. How do we receive instruction? By keeping a soft and tender heart.

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

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NOT PARTLY, BUT WHOLLY!

NotPartlyYesterday we talked about calling upon the Lord. What does it mean? Romans 10:13 says: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

The word “saved” is a wonderful word. It means salvation from our sin and guilt. But it means even more. The word is “sozo” means “to be saved, delivered, protected, preserved, healed, and made whole! MADE WHOLE! Did you get that? That that means physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually!

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

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KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT

KeepMouthShutWhy can’t we stop talking?

“But, God, I can’t see how we can manage financially!”
“But, God, I can’t cope with everything I have to do!”
“But, God, why do we have to continue going through this trial? It’s been too long.”

We keep on complaining and confessing our lack of trust in God. When the children of Israel faced the impossible—the sea in front of them and the Egyptians galloping behind them to wipe them out, God said: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord . . . The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:13-14).

In other words, God told them to keep their mouths shut! When we can’t see a way out, or we can’t think of anything positive to say, the best thing is to say nothing! Your negative words bind you to your situation.

Shut your mouth and see what God will do.

Love from Nancy Campbell

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Above Rubies Address

AboveRubies
Email Nancy

PO Box 681687
Franklin, TN 37068-1687

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