God's purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.
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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.
What's your disposition toward your husband? I was struck by Way's translation of Titus 2:4 which exhorts wives "to be amiable and submissive to their own husbands." To be amiable makes for a happy and loving atmosphere.
The dictionary meaning of amiable is "good-natured and friendly." This is a good translation of the Greek word that is used in this Scripture which is the word "philandros." It means "to be affectionate and friendly."
This is the attitude God wants us to have as wives. Then why do we get so prickly, irritated, and impatient with our husbands?
Ask God to take away your prickliness. Ask Him to fill you with His amiableness. Get into the habit of reacting with an amiable spirit rather than an impatient spirit.
Think of ways to be good-natured, friendly, and affectionate to your husband. That means taking time to stop what you are doing and look at him, smile at him, touch him, hug him, and kiss him.
Can anyone say Amen?
Have a wonderful day,
Nancy Campbell
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1. BECAUSE HE WANTS TO BLESS YOU (Genesis 1:27-28; 9:1, 2, 7; Psalm 128:3-4 and loads of others). There is a whole chapter on these blessing Scriptures in the book, Be Fruitful and Multiply.
2. BECAUSE HIS FACE AND FAVOR IS TURNED TOWARD YOU (Leviticus 26:9).
3. BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU (Deuteronomy 7:13).
4. BECAUSE OF HIS MERCY AND COMPASSION TOWARD YOU (Deuteronomy 13:17).
5. BECAUSE HE REJOICES OVER YOU (Deuteronomy 28:63).
6. BECAUSE HE WANTS TO DO YOU GOOD (Genesis 32:12; Deuteronomy 28:6; and 30:5).
7. BECAUSE HE WANTS TO HONOR YOU (1 Chronicles 25:4-5 and Psalm 127:5).
8. BECAUSE HE WANTS TO ABUNDANTLY PROSPER YOU (Deuteronomy 28:11).
9. BECAUSE HE WANTS TO REWARD YOU (Psalm 127:3).
10. BECAUSE OF HIS LOVINGKINDNESS TOWARD YOU (Psalm 107:41-43).
11. BECAUSE HE WANTS TO GIVE YOU JOY AND GLADNESS (Psalm 113:9; 127:5; and Luke 1:13-14).
12. BECAUSE HE WANTS TO FILL THE EARTH WITH HIS IMAGE--AND FILL ETERNITY (Genesis 1:28; Malachi 2:15 and loads of others).
How many more reasons do you need?
Love from Nancy Campbell
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The greatest temptation from the enemy of our souls is in our minds. Revelation 12:9 calls him "that old serpent." He mostly attacks us in our minds, or should I say, even torments us. He brings to our minds thoughts of doubt, deception, despondency, rejection, anger, self-pity, and even despair. And yes, worry, worry, worry! If we are not aware of his tactics and do not resist them, they become bigger he wins the victory.
Daniel 7:25 speaks about the coming anti-Christ (although this same spirit is already in the world): "He shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High." The words "wear out" in the Hebrew mean "to afflict mentally." These words are only used in a mental sense. This is Satan's strategy. To wear us out in our minds with unbelieving and deceiving thoughts. If you are worrying, confused, and tormented in your mind, you can't function emotionally or physically.
Therefore, you must be on the alert. You don't have to let the enemy wear you out! This is not God's plan. You can't stop these thoughts coming to your mind, but you stop them embedding in your mind! You don't have to dwell on them for one minute! Resist them in the name of Jesus. Throw them out of your mind. They don't belong in your redeemed mind.
My daughters call them "bucket thoughts" which they throw in the garbage!
1 Peter 1:13 says: "Gird up the loins of your mind." In Bible days the men wore long tunics and when doing physical exercise pulled up their tunic and tucked it in their belt so they would not be hindered. In the same way, we must eradicate of any thoughts in our minds that hinder us from walking in the victory which Jesus Christ died to give us.
Be encouraged again today with 2 Corinthians 5:4, 5: "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity EVERY THOUGHT to the obedience of Christ."
May you have a victorious day triumphing over the wiles of the devil. You do not have to let him wear you out.
Blessings from Nancy Campbell
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It's amazing that King Hezekiah turned out a godly man. His father, Ahaz, was a very wicked king and even sacrificed his own children to Molech. He was so wicked that when he died, they did not even bury him in the sepulchers of the kings of Israel. But Hezekiah, his son "wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God" (2 Chronicles 29:1, 2 and 31:20, 21).
Why did he turn out to be a righteous king? 2 Kings 18:1-6 tells us: "Hezekiah . . . reigned 29 years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi (shortened version of Abijah), the daughter of Zachariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord." His father's influence was evil, but he had a godly mother.
A mother's influence is powerful. It is interesting that when the Bible writes about the kings of Israel and Judah it begins by stating whether they were wicked or good-and includes the name of their mother! The mother's influence determined the course of their lives, and ultimately the destiny of the nation.
Perhaps your husband is not walking in the ways of God. Do not give up influencing your children for God. Keep pouring God's truths into your children. Live your godly life before them. Pray for them daily. God has chosen you to steer them in the ways of God.
Blessings,
Nancy Campbell
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Alexander Maclaren writes: "Unless religion is communion, it is nothing." True Christianity is a relationship with a person, Jesus Christ. However, this same principle relates to us as families too.
Family life is togetherness. It is relationships. They take time to build. If we don't make an effort to keep the family relating together, it is easy for everyone to start going their own ways. The family becomes fragmented instead of being built together.
Of all the animals God created, He chose to call us His sheep. Sheep have a flock mentality. They cannot survive on their own. They are only content when in the flock. Psalm 107:41 tells us that God also makes "families like a flock." He wants us to be together.
A wonderful way to fellowship together is at the family meal table where we encourage discussion and heart and soul dialogue together. I hope you have the same rule that we do at our family table that no one is allowed to bring iPhones to the table. I cannot think of anything ruder than people texting or checking their messages while sitting with the family. It's bad enough seeing families do this at a restaurant, let alone in the family home. We sit around a table for the purpose of being able to look at one another in the eye as we share together.
Don't let other things crowd out this godly habit in your family.
Blessings from Nancy Campbell
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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.
Blessings from Nancy Campbell
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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 the popular humanistic agenda. Even when you are attacked with words, it won't even put a dent in you because God is with you.
You never have to feel guilty for embracing motherhood and delighting in your home. God crated you for this task and you are in the perfect will of God.
Keep standing strong,
Nancy Campbell
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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: "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: "And all Judah stood before the Lord with their LITTLE ONES, THEIR WIVES AND THEIR CHILDREN."
Joel 2:15-17: "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 SU_CK AT THE BREASTS."
Also read 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 setting 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 older people? 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.
Be encouraged today,
Nancy Campbell
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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 circumstances of everyday 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.
May you have a lovely day in your home,
Nancy Campbell
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Are you teaching your children to respond correctly when asked a question? Here are a few examples:
"Did you have a great day?"
Incorrect: "Yes."
Correct: "Yes, thank you. It was a great day."
"Did you sleep well last night?
Incorrect: "Yes."
Correct: "Yes, thank you, Mommy." (It is important to teach your children to address the person's name.)
At the table. "Would you like some more dessert?"
Incorrect: "Yes."
Correct: "Yes, thank you, Mommy." Or, "Yes, thank you, Mrs. Smith."
Correct: "No thank you, Mrs. Smith. I am well satisfied." Or: "No thank you, Mommy. But it was very delicious."
When introducing yourself to someone.
Incorrect: "Hi."
Correct: "Hello. My name is Caleb Rogers. It's very nice to meet you." And shake hands firmly.
To answer with one syllable and not address the person who is asking the question is very rude. Nor does it show respect to the person asking the question. And yet I find that not only children, but many older young people answer this way. They have never been taught basic etiquette.
Do some practice runs with your children each day so that it becomes the habit of their lives.
Blessings to you today.
Nancy Campbell
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An important question. Are our homes stagnant or flowing with joy and life? Psalm 46:4 (JUB) gives a description of the homes of Jerusalem: "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 is filled with gladness because streams are flowing from the homes of the city.
What are these streams? They flow from the river of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39 and Romans 5:5). As mothers, we have a responsibility to "make glad" our home. The words in the Hebrew mean "to brighten up, to cheer up, to rejoice, to make merry and very glad." The only way we can do this is to be filled with the Holy Spirit and allow the streams that flow from Him into our lives to flow out from us to our husband and children.
What are these streams? They are streams of love, forgiveness, sweetness, healing of the soul and body, holiness, encouragement and building up, compassion and kindness, tenderheartedness, humility and meekness, longsuffering and patience, and streams of forbearance and peacemaking. These streams can only come from the river of the Holy Spirit.
Do you make your marriage glad? Do you make your motherhood glad? Do you make your home glad? Are these streams flowing from your life or are they stagnant? Don't allow the debris of self-pity, discouragement, despondency, unforgiveness, and discontentment to block up the river.
Let the river of life flow in your home today,
Nancy Campbell
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Did you ever hear about the Georgia Guidestones and what has happened to them?
Recently a friend came to stay with us and shared his concern regarding these Guidestones. They are huge granite rocks inscribed with ten commandments for a humanistic world, or obviously for the New World Order.
They have been sitting out in the middle of nowhere, in Elbert County, about 90 miles from Atlanta for about 40 years. No one knows for sure who organized their construction.
The first inscription says: Maintain humanity under 500 million.
The current population of the world is 7.795 billion, nearing 8 billion. To bring it down to this number would mean they would have to wipe out nearly 90 percent of the world's population. It would have to be an orchestrated genocide beyond anything we could dream of. This is also the plan of the World Economic Forum.
As we talked about it at our prayer meeting, our friend, Gary asked us if we would pray. "Let's pray," he said, "that God will wipe them out and they will fall flat on the ground. Could God send an earthquake or an explosion?"
And so we began to pray. We really prayed. We brought out our prayer guns and mightily prayed against those stones with their blatant message to mankind and more importantly the spirit behind it. And we continued to pray at our morning and evening devotions.
Amazingly, three weeks later, on Wednesday July 6 we woke up to hear the news that these massive stones were wiped out. There was explosion. In fact, two explosions. And then because of safety, they completely bulldozed them down. And as of this present moment, no one has found any source of how it happened! What an amazing victory! Our God is a prayer answering God. I am sure that God touched many others to pray against this evil agenda too.
This comes as another encouragement after the victory of Roe v. Wade. I share this with you to encourage you to pray. Do you pray together with your family each day? You can see mighty things happen as you pray. The most powerful families on earth are praying families. Praying families are nation changing families. Even world-changing families.
Do you have a prayer meeting in your home? It's such a great thing to do. Gather others with you each week to pray for this nation and for the world. We are going to be facing difficult times very soon. Food Shortages. And maybe power and water and many other shortages. This is not a time to live life as usual as though nothing is happening.
We must become preparing and praying people! Be part of seeing God do great things even in the midst or deception and darkness. Move from little prayers to battering ram prayer meetings. Demolishing the works of the devil prayer meetings. Taking up your authority in the name of Jesus.
God bless you today,
Nancy Campbell
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Do you have laws in your house? I do. I have rules to keep my home in order and running efficiently. If I let everyone do whatever they want or however they want, the home soon turns to chaos. At the same time, I hate legality and love to have a spirit of freedom and openness to spontaneity, fun, and laughter. However, when we have an underlying foundation and plan for our home, it's easier for this to happen. Everything is in order, so we are free to do unexpected things.
Let's look at an example in the Bible. Ezekiel 43:12 says: "This is the law of the house; Upon the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be MOST HOLY. Behold, this is the law of the house." This is talking about the temple, the place of God's dwelling.
God had laws for His house. He established many ordinances to make it run smoothly. In Ezekiel 44:5 it says: "Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning ALL THE ORDINANCES OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, and ALL THE LAWS thereof: and mark well the entering in of the house with every going forth of the sanctuary."
Because I am also building a house to the Lord, a sanctuary for the living God and for my husband and family, I believe I can't do better than God's plan. If it was important for God to have ordinances to run His house smoothly, I think I also need laws and ordinances to make my home function effectively.
God's house had order and established daily times for certain functions. I need to make this happen in my home too. I believe in flexibility because every day of every year is different, and we never know what is going to happen. However, we need to institute a basic plan to keep order.
And do you notice the ultimate vision? That God's house will be MOST HOLY. Not only the house, but all around the house. This should be our ultimate passion and vision, to build a holy home for God's glory. We seek God's holiness on and in our home, but also on our land--the backyard, front yard, and all around our house. It is all to be holy to the Lord. We should pray this every day upon our home and allotment or acreage, whether it be large or small. We must guard what goes on in our home AND around our home!
"Holiness adorns your house, O LORD, forever" (Psalm 93:5). Does holiness adorn our homes?
Blessings to you today,
Nancy Campbell
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I’m sure you love God’s promise in Deuteronomy 33:24, 25: “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” But have you read it in context? It’s in the passage of the prophetic blessing upon the tribe of Asher which says: “Let Asher be blessed with children” and then it concludes with “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” Isn’t that amazing?God doesn’t bless us with children without giving us the strength to nurture and train the children He gives us. This promise is tailor made for parenting.
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 arrived yet. If God sends you another blessing from Heaven, He will give you the strength when that baby comes. What a wonderful God we have.
Look to Him for His strength for today.
Love from Nancy Campbell
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Rachel Carlson wrote this poem for her baby’s dedication:MY BABY’S DEDICATION
In a mother's heart are hidden
Prayers both large and small,
They consume her every fiber,
And the Lord, He sees them all.
There's no language to articulate
The depth of all these needs
As she steps forward on the path
Where she'll plant a million little seeds.
Drawing on the courage
That only has one Source,
She whispers out a plea
For this overwhelming course.
I pray I'll have the peace of mind
That comes with knowing you're not mine,
Since you're ultimately His,
And He'll hold you for all time.
Believe me when I tell you
I'll ask for safety and your health,
And if I'm being completely honest,
I'll even throw in wealth.
But the safety I crave most for you
Isn't from physical harm,
It's the security you'll come to know
By being held within His arms.
And while I want your body
To be absolutely sound,
A healthy heart will seek His face,
Where true wholeness can be found.
I pray your needs are always met,
Provided by His hand,
For the resources He possesses
Are as countless as the sand.
But most of all I pray you'll know
The riches of His glory,
That your eyes might be enlightened,
And you'll make His hope your story.
RACHEL CARLSON
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Picture: Rachel with little Edithanne (8 months) at her dedication. Jay and Rachel are also blessed with three sons, Tommy (7), Finn (4), and Jed (2).
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I began my journey as a wife about 21 years ago and my journey as a mom 19 years ago. Growing up I wanted to do nothing else but be a wife and a mom. Little House on the Prairie was (and still is) my favorite show to watch. Everything about homemaking intrigued me.I did the whole college thing and received my degree and taught school up until our oldest child was born. Oh, how I hated teaching school and couldn’t wait to be at home. Once he was born, I got to pour everything into my dream. And it was perfect . . . for a while.
Our second child was born, and she cried all the time and never slept. It was during this time of extreme fatigue that I found Above Rubies, and we gave my womb to the Lord. Through the Lord’s help and so many encouraging testimonies, we persevered on the path to which God called us. I still had the radiant joy of homemaking and motherhood.
But life started to take some unexpected turns. I won’t write all the details for they would fill a book. We experienced children with health concerns, extreme financial trouble as my husband had gone back to seminary, many moves, and then to top it all off, my own health began to decline rapidly.
Over the course of time, I lost my joy in motherhood. Oh, yes, I still homeschooled my precious children, but I was merely surviving the rat race of activities, diapers, schooling, and breastfeeding. I rolled out of bed every morning in a frazzled mess just focusing on how I would survive until bedtime.
The joy was gone. The dream I once loved so dearly was now a weight around my neck choking me every single day. I wanted to write a book, be a doula - anything to escape. But all my efforts failed miserably. Not that these things were wrong but my motivation to escape my number one priority was sinful.
As the year 2020 began, I felt I should see a doctor. I was dizzy, extremely weak, packing on weight, and something was off. The doctor told me I was tired from having so many children. I pressed them for an EGK and was immediately sent to the emergency room. After many appointments and tests, we got answers.
Honestly, looking back I think I my heart’s physical condition was outward evidence of what was going on inside. My womb also began to have problems with uncontrollable bleeding. Doctors really didn’t know why. Their only solution was medications and surgery. The thought of losing my womb wasn’t something I was ready to come to terms with.
This was a wake-up call for me. I wanted nothing more than to find the love for homemaking that I had at the beginning.
How could I rediscover my joy?
#1. I started at the beginning, my Lord and Savior. I made it my FIRST priority to wake up EVERY morning (with sickness being the only exception) at 5:45 to spend time with the Lord. This is where the love and joy was reborn. Now I simply cannot wait to get up in the morning to be with my Lord! The still of the morning before everyone awakes – oh, it’s such a precious time! God has remade me during these mornings together!
#2. I devoured everything I could on homemaking – books, podcasts, Bible Studies, my stack of Above Rubies magazines, YouTube videos – whatever I could get my hands on! Oh, how I had missed all the joyous aspects of homemaking and motherhood! The spark was beginning to flame again!
#3. I sought answers for my physical health. I sought out a wonderful cardiologist and help from a naturalist doctor. Through a combined effort, my health is making a huge turn around. I feel better and stronger every da, and the bleeding issues are correcting! God is healing my body from the inside out! Maybe He will choose to bless us again?
I can honestly say that NOTHING the world has to offer is better than the joy of being home with my family. Getting to nurture them spiritually and physically is the greatest calling on a woman’s life. God made us for this! I might still write that book someday, but this time it will be my story of the goodness of God and His beautiful design for motherhood.
MELISSA SHULTZ
Kennesaw, Georgia, USA
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Picture: John and Melissa with their family: Christopher (19), Lily (15), Dalton (13), William (11), Johanna (
, Luke (4) and 3 little ones awaiting us in heaven.
, Luke (4) and 3 little ones awaiting us in heaven.
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My husband and I have six children, ranging in age from 13 to four years. I found out I was pregnant in May this year of with our 7th child.I took our two oldest children, Grace (11) and Gehrig (13) on a mission trip to Kenya in June where we did evangelism and church planting. We were blessed to see 108 salvations for Christ and the locals started four new churches. It was life- changing! I wanted my children to experience God and see what life was like in a third world country. They absolutely loved it!
I was about eight weeks pregnant. I didn’t know I would be in early pregnancy when planning the trip and I really had to rely on the Lord for patience. I had all the symptoms of early pregnancy like nausea, sore breasts, constipation, mood swings, etc. I had to pray and call out to God quite a few times from being so uncomfortable. But the mission trip gave me a chance to serve others and not think about myself. I am so grateful to God and that was #1 gift He gave me.
One week later (July 5) after our return home on June 27, I miscarried our 7th child. The night before I was bleeding only slightly. The Lord gave me a gift of a good night’s sleep (gift #2) before the next morning when the actual miscarriage happened.
I was 10 weeks along. I tried to miscarry naturally at home, but my blood pressure kept dropping, and I was dizzy, lightheaded, and faint. I was rushed to the ER. Gift #3, God gave me a female ob/gyn. She was so gentle and kind and never said one word about how old I was (46 years). In fact, the whole staff was kind and caring.
Gift #4, my parents were able to take my children while I was resting and recovering. Instead of being judgmental, they’ve been nothing but supportive and caring. I can’t help but think that this is due our witness that we began many years ago of surrendering our family size to the Lord. Although it has not been easy since some of our children are getting a bit older my parents (and us too) are seeing the richness of our family life and how blessed my husband and I are.
I ended up having a D&C because some of the tissue from the baby and blood clots were not coming out. I agreed because I knew my uterus needed to clamp down properly, even though I’m not fond of surgery. The doctor was wise and knew what she was doing.
After the surgery, I was able to eat and drink, but my blood count was quite low at 8. I kept trying to stand up but couldn’t, due to nausea and dizziness.
Gift #5. After several hours of this, a nurse suggested a motion sickness patch to help me withstand the dizziness. It worked! And I was able to come home within an hour.
Going on the mission trip pregnant and coming home to a miscarriage was not in my plan. But God is His goodness was so good to me and knew exactly what I needed. He wanted this baby for himself, to live eternally with him or her. I can’t help but also think of the timing of this with the recent court decision of Roe v. Wade. Many are trying to prevent life from coming and we welcomed it with our whole hearts and gave it to eternity with God.
Gifts - so many! I feel great peace to the Lord who gave us a gift. The gift of miscarriage to be able to carry a baby for Him and no one else. I consider it an honor and privilege. At my age, I’m not sure if the Lord will bless us with any more babies. It was really a surprise that this one came along since I hadn’t been pregnant for over four years.
However, I’m not pining away or yearning for something that may or may not be mine to have. I am perfectly content to live in His will and do what He asks. I am merely a vessel in obedience to Him. It is possible to live in peace as you give control over to the Lord. I really did want another baby, but His will is more important than my desires. I can’t express how easy this has been. Maybe because I gave the Lord my fertility and have grown to realize His ways and plan are best for me, even if I don’t understand, or agree.
I am reminded of the story of Joseph and how he never strayed from God despite how hopeless things looked. God is pleased when we go through suffering joyfully. It is such a pleasing aroma to Him.
I am excited to have done the Lord’s will and to have been used by Him. Some would say, how can you be happy? You lost a baby. Yes, but what I gained in return is much greater. The privilege of sharing in Christ’s suffering and to have an opportunity to draw close to the Lord for strength and joy is life-altering. As I celebrate this life, I am hopeful for other women to have this experience, and for when my strength returns, how truly joyful I will be with my children and husband. How blessed I am.
GINGER SPECK
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Pictures: Ginger and Greg with their children: Gavin (10), Grace (11), Gehrig (13), Gabriel (, Gannon the youngest held by Gabriel (4) and Graham (6).
, Gannon the youngest held by Gabriel (4) and Graham (6).Gehrig and Grace hanging with some children.
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The left agenda of this world are intent on reducing the population of the world. The Georgia Guidestones which blew up last week stated plainly they want to bring the population of the world to 500 million. It is currently just on 8 billion. No wonder they love abortion and every other plan to eliminate life, all inspired by the devil who hates life and comes to rob, kill, and destroy. But God is the author and creator of life and loves life. He has room for every baby that is born. We are on God’s side when we embrace life. We are on the devil’s side when we reject life.
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You are a wife and mother, but did you know that you are also a priest? Yes, the Bible tells us that we are “kings and priests unto God” (Revelation 1:6 and 5:10).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."
God gives parents the responsibility to teach their children the difference between what is right and what is wrong. And mothers are judges. Constantly throughout the day you face arguments and disagreements between your children that you must umpire. Peace does not come through tolerating the disarray or rebellion but dealing with it.
Instead, we teach our children to show love to their siblings 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. Sadly, many Christians today have joined the "Religion of Tolerance." If we were to tolerate every wrong thing in our homes, they would become chaotic. No wonder this is happening in our society.
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.
Let’s all stand up for truth and righteousness,
Nancy Campbell
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