ABOVE RUBIES NEWSLETTER #1, Jun 2020
MINI ABOVE RUBIES, No 1 for 2020
Featured Articles
DON'T MISS THESE DISCOUNTED BOOKS
ABOVE RUBIES FAMILY RETREATS COMING UP
WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT CHURCH?
PODCASTS ABOUT GOD'S PEOPLE GETTING BACK TOGETHER
JABEZ BLANKET MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL
WOMEN OF STRENGTH, COURAGE, AND VALOR
UPDATE ON ABOVE RUBIES #97.
Dear lovely ladies,
Although families in America received their new Above Rubies, #97 some time ago, because of COVID-19 they have been slowly arriving at other countries. Besides USA, UK and Continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea have now received their magazines.
I am so sorry, Canadian readers, it’s hard to believe that your magazines are still waiting at the border and I hear that your Prime Minister is not opening them up for another month. Ridiculous and crazy! Thank you for having such patience. And because Above Rubies goes to well over 100 countries of the world, there are many countries that are still closed. But they will eventually get to you.
Nothing ever stays the same, does it? Already there are changes since I sent out this magazine, so I will share the updates with you.
EDITORIAL NEWS
You will see the seven sisters on page 1 of the new issue. Meadow gave birth to their second baby boy, Raymond, on the 28 April. Meadow and her husband, Kendall were living in Japan while Kendall worked with Nissan there. However, because of the corona virus they allowed them to come back to USA to have their baby before Japan shut down. It was lovely for Meadow to have her baby here, surrounded by family, rather than isolated from family and friends in Japan.
Kendall will have to go back for awhile when the country opens up again, but in the meantime, they are here on the hilltop.
Just received the exciting news as I type this that Rashida gave birth to her baby boy this morning (6/20, 2020), Roland Paris (their third baby). He was 8 lbs. 8 oz. Her husband, Jack, said they are not used to such little babies. Her girls were over 11 pounders! This picture is of Rashida at her baby shower. We had such a wonderful baby shower for Rashida as over 50 ladies crowded into Pearl’s home! Great fellowship. Funny stories of embarrassing births! Great prayers for Rashida. And great presents! This picture is of just one gift and there is more to come out of the one bag! From a dear friend who has loved to spoil Rashida all her life.
You will see the picture on page 2 of the Allison and Hartman girls in Israel. Two of the Hartman girls, Eden and Halle have just been staying with us for a few days and then the whole family will come for a few days over July 4th which is their annual tradition. The Hartman family are the ones who organize our Above Rubies Family Retreat in Laguna Beach, Florida. You can read more about it below.
As I mentioned in the editorial, we currently have six courting couples in our family The other night I hosted a beautiful courting couples’ dinner with four of the couples (two of the couples couldn’t make it). Enjoy the pictures.
THE FAMILY BLESSING
Didn’t you love reading about THE FAMILY BLESSING on pages 14 and 15? Pam Fields has a great vision for connecting older and younger moms together. She did a podcast with me on this subject to which you can listen:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/183665/3827429
Here are some more contacts from Pam for you that will be a blessing to you:
“Join our interactive Facebook group, “LESS THAN PERFECT CHRISTIAN MAMAS” where we share tips and insights for the practical side of motherhood and management of our homes. We also have a day devoted to praying for each other as well as encouraging each other to grow in our walk with the Lord. Here’s the link to join:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/231087377942997/?ref=share
If you are a homeschooler, you may be interested in joining our similar group over at THE HOMESCHOOL HUB. The Homeschool Hub is a new network for you and your teens to take classes, keep up on homeschool news, and join groups. It is free of advertising and exclusively dedicated to be a resource for homeschooling. I lead a “Less Than Perfect Christian Mamas” group in The Homeschool Hub as well. There we cover some of the same topics as on our Facebook group but at a much more relaxed pace. Join me in The Homeschool HUB. You'll love it as much as I do:
https://www.homeschoolhub.org/share/uGda0XvjQum7b-nf
Pam’s blogpost: www.tendingfields.net .
She also has Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest pages under the name “Tending Fields.”
TABLE TIPS
Hope you read this article on pages 16 – 18. I know it will be such a blessing to you. I have also done a podcast on this subject. Here is the link if you would like to listen to it:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/183665/2428814-episode-no-82-table-tips
After listening to PODCAST 82 (From Our Home to Yours with Nancy Campbell) a listener wrote:
“Dear Mrs. Campbell,
I set the table last night and I was very pleasantly surprised by my nine-year-old son's reaction. He sat up straight, held his napkin in his lap, tried to use his best manors, asked to be excused, and pushed his chair back under the table! Will said he learned about pushing the chair back under the table from watching Bananza, HA. He loves old Westerns.
We eat together as a family daily, but I never set the table. I stack all the plates and spoons in one pile in front of me, then make plates and pass them out after the blessing. A single spill proof water bottle is shared. This all is partly because, up until now, I've had so many babies that would throw everything on to the floor sooner and repeatedly more than I could stop them.
We have gone over table manners before. But last night, I did not declare that this would be a practice time. Everyone, especially Will, just took it upon themselves to be as proper as possible, without me saying a word, JUST BECAUSE THE TABLE LOOKED NICER THAN USUAL.
That's remarkable because our table is too small for a centerpiece. The most unique thing I added was ready made individual glasses of water and old dried out sticky pads with their names written in cursive with an adjective sitting on their plates:
Wise William,
Jubilant Juniper,
Wonderful Wisteria,
Lovely Lois,
Darling Daddy 😄.
Thank you for a nice dinner, Jennifer Stone.”
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BEAUTIFUL HOME BIRTH
Jennifer Corcoran wrote WHY DO I HOMESCHOOL? on pages 24-25 of this latest issue. Since the magazine was published, she gave birth to baby No. 5. Jennifer writes:
“Audrey Annagail Corcoran was born May 18th at 5:03 am, weighing 7 lbs. 6 oz. The midwife’s assistant said Audrey’s birth was the most beautiful one she had ever seen—
Outside in our screened-in porch,
Rain falling on the metal roof,
The sound of a single frog croaking,
And she was born right at the break of dawn.
It was great being home, not having to leave my other children; and the timing worked out perfectly where they were able to wake up and meet their newest sibling. Audrey’s name means Noble Strength. Anna means Grace and Favor, Gail means A Father’s Joy. Her middle name is the combination of her two grandmothers’ names.
Jennifer Corcoran * This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You may like to read an article Jennifer wrote about birthing before she gave birth to Audrey.
MY BIRTH EXPERIENCES
As I write this, I am expecting our fifth child. I have learned something from each one of my natural births and I wanted to share in case it can be helpful to other preparing for their natural birth.
The first couple of births I experienced "from the outside." What I mean by this is the intensity of my sensations were made visible to those around me. I felt I had to show my midwives how I was feeling so they could judge the stage of my labor. I also felt I had to show my husband how I was feeling so he could best support me. Nothing extreme—my face showing pain and making sounds of intensity. Normal stuff.
However, what I discovered with my fourth birth is (at least for me) the secret to a birth that I can best describe as worshipful, peaceful, and beautiful is when I experienced the birth "from the inside."
I didn't make one sound or facial expression that showed discomfort throughout the entire 10-hour birth except for the last few minutes. It's not that I felt I couldn't show these signs of labor, I just went deep inside myself instead. My focus wasn't on sharing what I was feeling with those around me.
I listened to worship music (in earphones which I feel is important to make it even more intimate). I praised God. I focused on how thankful I was for this moment and for this experience.
And here's something I did that was extremely helpful—I focused on the sensations of labor as though they were a large marble in my hand which I would roll around and examine, study, try to learn every detail of: the weight, shape, design, colors, and feel. So with each contraction, I studied it. Almost held it, explored it, leaned into it, and grasped for it as it faded away (instead of tensing up and wishing it would end.) When I did this, the waves of birth became familiar and predictable— not scary. I learned how it felt as a contraction began, how it climbed in intensity, and then the feeling as it started to fade.
It helped that it didn't feel like something happening to me, but it felt like something I was allowed to be a part of. The opening of my body to bring life.
And the final thing I discovered (this is hard to fully describe but I am going to try). To experience labor like this, going deep within, is a very intimate thing. Intimacy with yourself and intimacy with God. My husband was a huge support and I definitely felt his presence, but I still felt like ultimately it was something I was to walk through alone. It was an experience that I would most imagine the process of death to be like. Not a scary traumatic death, but a passing from this life into the arms of God. Even though you may be surrounded by loved ones, it's a connection to God that is truly just for you and Him. No one can go with you. There's quiet. There's acceptance. There's anticipation. There's peace. And there's confidence. There's awareness you didn't have before about life. It's a spiritual thing when you allow your body to get out of the way. You are changed.
So, that's what I loved about my fourth birth and what I look forward to with this next birth and any more I am blessed to experience. This is a wonderful season of life, being able to witness the first moments of your child's life, meeting them for the first time. It's like touching heaven for just a moment.
JENNIFER CORCORAN
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DON’T MISS THESE DISCOUNTED BOOKS
Most of you will have your magazine by now but I will give you the LINKS for the books we advertised in this magazine. The following books are all advertised in the current Above Rubies, #97. I know it is much quicker to click on a link to order rather than typing it from the magazine, so here they are for you – AND WITH DISCOUNT PRICES!
CHILDREN’S BOOKS:
A GOOD LIFE
by Jeremiah Pent
(Pages 6 – 8).
A unique and delightfully illustrated book. It is definitely a classic with 22 beautiful watercolor illustrations. The intent of the author in writing this book is to keep the attention of children but at the same time
1) make parents think about ideas that engage their own minds and imaginations;
2) know the children are learning something valuable; and
3) display beauty, creativity, or ingenuity.
This book is about metaphors, something we should learn at an early age. The story follows a young orphan boy who leaves his hometown and difficult background to find a good life. As he journeys, he meets people of various professions and each character gives the boy a different metaphor for thinking about life. \
This beautiful story ends with a couple who hear the boy’s story and offer their home as his own, the promise of a new beginning.
This HARD-BACKED children’s book is worth having in every home.
Retails for $17.99.
Special offer for you: Only $15.99.
P.S. Jeremiah Pent writes an article in the current Above Rubies on pages 6 and 7.
BIG BAD BULLY BILLY BROWN
By Grant Bowen
BIG BAD BULLY BILLY BROWN is a riveting story that powerfully teaches our children how to apply THE GOLDEN RULE.
Billy ruled the school by bullying all the other children. Skinny Jack Petersen becomes fearful as he knows he is the next victim. He complains to his father who trains him for arm wrestling. When Billy decides to vent his anger on skinny Jack, he challenges Billy to an arm wrestle! Unbelievably, he wins to the excitement of all the children.
But Jack Petersen feels sorry for Billy because he knows he comes from an incredibly sad home life. This book teaches a wonderful lessons as little Jack seeks to apply The Golden Rule and make friends with the bully of the school
It’s an exciting story with a great lesson.
Retails for $11.95.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR THIS NEWSLETTER!
HALF PRICE AT ONLY $5.95
P.S. Grant Bowen is my brother who still lives in New Zealand. Grant is married to Judy who writes on page 19. But there is more yet. Their daughter, Melissa, lives nearby us and she wrote her testimony, “Finding our Jewel” on pages 20, 21. The father and son on the front cover of this issue of Above Rubies, #97 is Melissa’s oldest son, Josiah, the grandson of Grant Bowen, and little Ivan, Josiah’s son who is Grant’s great-grandson. So there are four generations sharing in the magazine. Josiah married Shelby who was one of our Above Rubies helpers. Can you put all that together?
SAFETY TIPS
by Richard Gunther
Your children will ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK with 34 amazing illustrations and captions about safety. Each one is an important safety tip for children and the most fun way for them to learn and remember. They’ll love to read them over and over again.
Retails at $10.95.
LIFE TIPS
by Richard Gunther
This book also has 34 great illustrations with LIFE-GIVING PRINCIPLES that help your children to live a successful life. Some examples are: Be loyal. Be trustworthy. Be dependable. Be responsible. Be courageous. Don’t cheat. Don’t be greedy. Tell the truth. Honor and obey your parents, etc.
Retails at $10.95
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER:
Purchase the two books, SAFETY TIPS and LIFE TIPS for only $16.00!
SAVE OVER $5.00!
BOOKS FOR ADULTS:
NURTURING THE NATIONS
Reclaiming the Dignity of Women in Building Healthy Cultures
by Darrow Miller
Darrow Miller writes “The Nursery of the Nation” on pages 12 – 13.
NURTURING THE NATIONS is one of the greatest books I have read about women. It deals with the abuse and poverty of women in the nations of world but gives God’s answer. It exposes how the wrong concepts of women have led to prostitution, abuse, and suffering for women in the nations of the world. But it does not leave us in despair. Darrow Miller reveals God’s heart for women and the truth that sets them free into the glory God designed for them. It is a must read for all women, revealing God’s value and dignity of women and their highest purpose on earth.
Some of the chapter headings:
A World of Abuse of Women
The Crushing of Women
The Transcendence of Sexuality
God’s Motherly Love
The Dark Years and the Coming Dawn
The Wedding of the Lamb
God’s Design for Women: Nurturers of Nations
I put this book on sale for Christmas but unfortunately, we ran out of the very last copies in print. Fortunately, they have printed again and so I can now make it available to you. It’s an important read. I remember having it on my pile of books by my bed for a year or two and never picked it up. Eventually I did and could not believe I had waited so long to read it. It is so full of truth.
I notice it is still on Amazon for $163.13.
Special price for you: $11.99
P.S. Darrow Miller writes an auricle in this Above Rubies called “Home is the Nursery of the Nation,” pages 12 and 13.
___________________________________________
MOTHER, MAY I?
Exploring a Woman’s Right to Choose
by Julienne Scofield Seely
You will be very blessed by Julienne’s testimony of the sudden passing of her husband on pages 22 – 23.
Her pro-life novel is a gripping story about a young woman who becomes pregnant and finds herself in a most difficult predicament. She goes back and forth from believing that abortion is the only way out to glimmers of hope. Maybe keeping the baby?
You won’t believe what happens at the end! Your heart will be in your mouth as this baby’s life hangs in the balance!
It’s a great book to give to any person who faces the challenge of an unplanned pregnancy. But it’s a great read for everyone. I couldn’t put it down.
Retails at $10.95.
Your special price: $8.95
NEW!
WE ALSO HAVE STICKERS FOR YOU—POWERFUL AFFIRMATIONS TO ENCOURAGE YOU IN YOUR GREAT ROLE OF MOTHERING. PURCHASE TO STICK THEM WHEREVER YOU CAN SEE THEM EACH DAY.
Purchase for $3.00 each.
Buy the 5 stickers for $10.00 and save $5.00.
Also advertised in this Above Rubies #97:
THE POWER OF MOTHERHOOD
What the Bible Says About You as a Mother
You may have already purchased this book, which is a classic for mothers. If you haven’t, I hope you can get it this time. Every mother needs this book. At her side and beside her bed.
Young mothers desperately need the encouragement! Middling mothers need it! And even older mothers need it. Older mothers need a refresher course in God’s plan for mothering, so they can take their place as the older mothers who teach the next generation.
You will be amazed at what God has to say to you as a mother! You will receive wonderful understanding through the 245 pages of this manual.
Mothers can use it as a study guide for their older daughters. Many women use this manual as a guide for their Motherhood Bible Study groups.
Retails at $19.95.
Your special price: $15.95
THE DAILY LIGHT ON THE DAILY PATH
PLUS CREATIVE WAYS TO READ GOD’S WORD TO YOUR CHILDREN
The most popular Bible devotional for the last 150 years!
It’s your answer to Family Devotions with your Family! It is only God’s Word, the most important words we and our children need to hear! The Scriptures are compiled on a certain theme for every morning and every evening of the year. All you do is go to the date and read!
Plus, this special copy of THE DAILY LIGHT has creative ideas for each month on how to make these Bible times with your children exciting and full of life.
They will keep your children “on their toes!”
Ears alert! No more bored faces.
Only eager, happy hearts, hearing and receiving God’s living Word that will change their lives and prepare them for life.
Retails for $18.95
Your special price: Only $15.95
“To read God’s Word daily to your children is not just a good idea. It is imperative for the saving of our nation. It is crucial for the preservation of future generations—our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”
~ Nancy Campbell
ABOVE RUBIES FAMILY RETREATS COMING UP
Although a number of our retreats were canceled because of the corona virus, we still have four ABOVE RUBIES FAMILY RETREATS coming up.
Check them out and hopefully you’ll be able to get to one of them.
JULY 31 – AUGUST 2, MISSOURI
Location: LOVE AND PURITY CAMPUS
5027 Wayne 380 Lot 10
Patterson, MO 63956
Contact: Brayden Waller at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
18 -25 AUGUST, PANAMA BEACH, FLORIDA
Laguna Beach Christian Retreat Center, Panama City
Families come from all over USA and even from overseas for this retreat which is right opposite the beach. The main part of the retreat is the weekend but many families choose to come for the full week, 18 – 25 August 2020. Choose which you would like to do.
Contact: Daniel and Allison hartman
Ph: 850 221 1222
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Colin and I will be the guest speakers for the weekend, but we also have a very special guest family coming this year. Here is the information:
THE CREVIER FAMILY –CHAMPIONS FOREVER! " The Creviers are coming from their home in South Dakota and will be sharing with us how their family of 14 has successfully worked as a team and created the most amazing, entertaining basketball show ministry ever! You are going to be blown away! They were finalists on “America's Got Talent” and the dad is in the Guinness Book of World Records for spinning a basketball for 23 hours! They do their show for NBA Halftime shows and schools and churches all over the world. We are going to be so blessed to have them at the retreat for the whole week! Check out their fb page to see amazing videos and see what we have to look forward to: https://www.facebook.com/foreverchampions/
This retreat is nearly booked out, so you will need to book NOW!
A note from Allison Hartman, the organizer of the Above Rubies Family Retreat in Florida.
“Hello Everyone, We had to postpone our April retreat because of the corona virus. But we have exciting changes! Here are the details and NEW DATES--August 18-25, 2020.
Laguna Beach Retreat center has given us the ENTIRE place! Meaning we will have the large conference space (with an auditorium big enough for 700 people!), all the cottages and cabins on the main campus and cottage campus and have the place all to ourselves!
We can still do our own food for the conference in the THM style we were going to do and at the same low cost! Normally, the retreat is expensive at this time of year, but they have kept our prices the same! All the money you have put down, deposit, housing and food money is 100% transferred to the August Retreat!
However, because housing options have opened up to us, we need you to fill out another registration form to confirm you will attend in August and give you a chance to change your housing. With more housing and a later date we now have more time to invite friends and have them stay in a house closer together!
Go to: https://forms.gle/uV1vNJ2jM5KCUGA87
We look forward to seeing you all in August!
Allison and Daniel Hartman
25 - 27 SEPTEMBER, PENNSYLVANIA
Contact: Miranda Roth * Phone: 610-442-3861
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or Morgan Roth * Phone: 484-245-2241
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
30 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER, OREGON
Turner, Oregon
Questions to: Charity Jenkins
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 503-871-9535
Or Sonia Ramsay
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 503-428-7345
Or Julia Hughes
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 503-421-1669
WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT CHURCH?
On May 22nd President Trump encouraged the reopening of churches for the Sunday of May 24th and stated that “Churches are Essential.” It is now the middle of June and yet so many churches are still not open! Where are the pastors leading God’s flock? Where are God’s people flocking back to their churches?
The president has given his blessing to reopen churches and they also have the backing of the Constitution behind them.
“The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution PREVENTS (my capitals) the government from making laws which regulate an establishment of religion, prohibit the free exercise of religion, or abridge the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the right to PEACEABLY ASSEMBLE, or the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.”
And what about Ex parte Milligan, 71 U.S. 2 (1866) which continues to stand to this day? As follows:
“Section 98 therefore, ANYONE who declares the suspension of constitutionally guaranteed rights (to freely travel, peacefully assemble, earn a living, freely worship, etc.) and or attempts to enforce such suspension with 50 independent sovereign, continental United States of America is making war against our constitution(s) and therefore, WE THE PEOPLE. They violate their constitutional oath and, thus, immediately forfeit their office and authority and THEIR PROCLAMATIONS MAY BE DISREGARDED WITH IMPUNITY and that means ANYONE, even the governor and President.”
Some churches have opened but are requiring temperatures to be taken, embracing social distancing, and wearing masks. That doesn’t sound like church life to me. It’s nothing like the Bible description. I wonder why so many Christians are still in fear. The projections of this virus have not come to pass. They have turned out to be lies and fake news.
The virus has flattened out and yet they are putting on more restrictions! It doesn’t add up. It is a tyrannical crackdown on the people of our free country. Aren’t we supposed to be the “land of the free and the home of the brave”?
Now that we hardly hear of a case of COVID-19 businesses and organizations are still demanding people wear masks which have scientifically proved to be most unhealthy. Not only are they unhealthy, but they have a purpose. They want to muzzle the population and silence us! They don’t want us standing up for truth.
Since when have God’s people disobeyed His Word to obey government ideologies? Ideologies that are not even law. There is nothing written in law to demand we social distance or wear a mask! People are voluntary giving up their freedoms!
As I checked out my groceries the other day, the check out lady was finding it difficult to breathe. She had to pull down her mask to get her breath! I am glad it was me at that moment. I encouraged her to keep it off for awhile and breathe some fresh air!
Our daughter and husband took us out for a meal recently. All workers were wearing masks. I watched one young man go behind a wall, pull his mask down, and take some deep breaths. How long is this ridiculous nonsense going to go on?
We are being treated like little children! Well, I certainly wouldn’t even demand a child wear a mask. They will touch their face more than ever. And they can be very dangerous on smaller children.
Why can’t we get back to living with common sense? If a person is sick, they won’t go out or even go to church. Isn’t that normal common sense? Isn’t what we have always done? But healthy people should not be quarantined.
It is so sad that so many Christians, even more than secular people, are living in fear They fear to meet with the saints of God. My, when the saints come together, we are in an atmosphere of healing and the power of God. Romans 8:11 tells us that the Spirit of God that raised up Jesus Christ from dead dwells in us and makes alive our mortal bodies. How can we fear sickness when God’s Spirit dwells in us? Or perhaps believers no longer believe the Bible!
Fear is dangerous. The Bible tells us that what we fear will come upon us (Job 3:25), From the beginning of this virus, my husband and I have not quarantined. My husband is 80 years of age and I will be 80 years next year! We have continued our church services throughout the whole time. We have continued hospitality and fellowship with God’s people. We have continued hugging. We have wanted to get immunity which I believe we have. We have not been sick and have never felt better in our lives.
I believe we should be spreading hope rather than fear. The negative predictions keep coming through the air waves that there will be more waves of the virus. How do they know? Every prediction they had previously was wrong and so why should we believe them now? If se speak negative things into being, that’s what we’ll get. But if we spread hope and faith and life and healing, that’s what we’ll have.
PODCASTS ABOUT GOD’S PEOPLE GETTING BACK TOGETHER
I’d love to you to listen to some of the podcasts I have done on this subject on the podcast FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS w/ Nancy Campbell
Check Out the links below. I am not speaking my own ideas on these podcasts but taking you into God’s Word which we all have a responsibility to check out.
99. WHAT IS YOUR ATTITUDE TO THE LOCKDOWN?
How are you handling the lockdown? I share my thoughts in answer to the question: “What should we be doing during this time apart from praying and preparing our children to be spiritually strong?” There’s a lot you can do.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/183665/3630757
102. SHOULD CHURCHES BE MEETING TOGETHER? Part 1
It was such a burden upon my heart to talk about this subject and I ended up doing two podcasts. The amazing thing is that after I had completed them President Trump announced to the nation: “Church is Essential” and encouraged churches to open on the 24th May. I wonder how many churches opened their doors! I wonder how many people flocked to church!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/183665/3922019
103. SHOULD CHURCHES BE MEETING TOGETHER? Part 2
Please check out this podcast as we dig into God’s Word to see what He has to say about this timely matter. We must come back to what God says, not what we think. I believe that God’s people need to be back together, praying together, and crying out for the soul of this nation.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/183665/4014281
A NEW SERIES ON TOGETHERNESS
104. TOGETHERNESS, Part 1
Family life is togetherness. Church life is also togetherness. Join with me as we discover what God’s Word has to say about this God-loving subject of togetherness. It is the lifestyle of the kingdom of God.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/183665/4102214
105. TOGETHERNESS, Part 2
Are you enjoying togetherness in your family life? What about your church life? Are you getting together? Is this your habitual experience? We continue looking into God’s Word.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/183665/4196324
106. TOGETHERNESS, Part 3 * Coming Tuesday 23rd June
Although we must each have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, out faith is also a MUTUAL faith. In family life and church life it is FACE TO FACE and SIDE BY SIDE! Join with me as we discover how this works out in our daily living.
107. TOGETHERNESS, Part 4 * Coming Tuesday 30th June
God has given us 31 different things that He wants us to do to one another—in our homes and in our extended church family. One for every day of the month! These “one another” principles will bring “heaven on earth” to your family life and “revival” to your church life. What are they?
You can listen to more podcasts on all different subject. You will find them on the Home Page of www.aboverubies.org
Or http://ARPoddy.buzzsprout.com
Or iTunes or Googleplay or your favorite poddy app.
Transcripts are also available on www.aboverubies.org
PODCAST 100
While on the subject of podcasts, you may like to listen to our No. 100 special!
HOW CAN YOU ENJOY INTIMACY IN YOUR MARRIAGE WITH BABIES AND TODDLERS AROUND?
For this podcast, my daughter, Serene Allison, joins me to talk about this hot subject. We discuss how you can keep intimacy alive in your marriage even when you have babies and littles ones and you feel overwhelmed with children, And we don’t forget the older women who are sometimes petering out!
Check it out: https://www.buzzsprout.com/183665/3726725
BREASTFEEDING CLOTHING BRAND
Christina Pyle * This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. * in New Zealand writes: “I started our own breastfeeding clothing brand for mums earlier this year. I design the garments and we have them ethically handmade. They are all made from sustainable and natural fabrics.
As a new mum a few years ago, getting dressed to go out with our baby was so stressful and difficult! (Especially because I wanted to be completely modest when feeding our son). We decided to create our own range of clothes to help other mothers who have this same issue.
Our online store is https://melodythelabel.co.nz/ and Instagram is @melodythelabel.
We are really trying to grow awareness of our clothing to mums in the US (as we ship worldwide). Do you know any mums over there who might be interested in collaborating with us in exchange for a breastfeeding dress or shirt?”
JABEZ BLANKET MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL
Oh this is such a wonderful ministry and something that you and your family can be involved in together.
Jabez Blanket Ministry is dedicated to caring for forgotten, heartbroken orphaned children living in orphanages around the world—
Blessed these children who are in need of love and mercy with their very own:
Beautiful, lovingly handmade warm blankets for their beds
Soft and endearing teddy bears for love and comforting hope
Essential school supplies for learning
All tucked inside a functional backpack
Accompanied by Hope, with an eternal distinction
Please go to the website: http://www.jabezblanketministry.org/ and check it out. Then go to WAYS TO HELP so you can practically find out what to do.
http://www.jabezblanketministry.org/ways-to-help/
Of you can crochet, you can go to this link to get the exact details of how to make a blanket. Maybe you know of older ladies who would also love to crochet blankets for these precious orphans. They can’t get enough of them:
http://www.jabezblanketministry.org/jbm/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Blanket_Instructions.pdf
STAND FOR THE FLAG
Last Sunday was Flag Day and we are coming up to July 4th. I am sure you will love this song, "Stand For The Flag" written by Gene Schmidt & Gary Forsythe
©2020, Zomar Global Publishing & CollisionPoint Publishing (ASCAP)
Gene writes: “We wrote this song to honor all that our American flag represents and to be a musical tribute to all of the brave soldiers in our military, both past and present, who've sacrificed their hearts, families, and in some cases, their very lives to protect the freedoms we all experience and enjoy in this country. In these incredibly divisive times, when patriotism is often scorned, and the truth about the cost of our freedoms is either ignored or discounted, we pray that you will speak freely your convictions, enjoy your freedoms, and stand up for the flag.”
Gene is releasing this song FREE for you to be blessed. You can pick it up on this link:
https://www.collisionpointpublishing.com/standfortheflag
Here are the words:
Verse 1:
She’s stood over battlefields
Wept over soldier’s graves
Been wounded by the cannon fire
Been tattered, torn, and frayed
She’s bowed to weary warriors
For their sacrifices made
She’s sung the song of freedom
When freedom’s voice was stayed
She’s a symbol to the fallen and the brave
A reminder of the freedom won
For president’s and slaves
Chorus:
I’ll stand for the flag that waves proud and free
I’ll stand for the flag that stands strong for me
I will stand for what is true
Of the red (and) white and blue
I will honor all she is with all I have
I will stand for the flag
Verse 2:
As she waves in the stormy winds
She echoes freedom’s cost
Reminds us all to not forget
The heroes that we’ve lost
And she honors those around us
Who still fight for us today
On the streets in our home towns
And in countries far way
She’s been spit upon, and ridiculed, burned, and torn apart
By the angry who’ve cursed her with the freedom she has bought
Chorus:
NOT IN OUR TOWN
This is a powerful song, also written by Gene Schmidt about standing up against evil in our towns and cities. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Christians would gather together and stand up against evil? Against abortion clinics, sex trafficking, strip clubs, porn houses, and so on? The wonderful thing is that this man doesn’t just write about it. By standing up against evil, he has closed down many night clubs and strip clubs in his town!
Here is the link to enjoy and share with others.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8H03llnfq_w
NOT IN OUR TOWN
Who will defend our daughters, who will defend our sons?
Make this town a better place where they want to grow up?
When others want to force and tear those values down,
Who will say, “Not in our town!”
Chorus:
Who will defend what is right, stand up against what is wrong?
Defend the family values that made this town strong!
Stand against anything that tears those values down!
If it hurts our sons and daughters we say, “Not in Our Town!”
They found her body by the side of the road,
Trafficking girls like meat that can be bought and sold,
I say enough! When will we stand for what we believe
And not be afraid of what they’ll do to you and me?
Bridge:
Some battles are worth fighting and should never be ignored,
If it makes our town a better place, then it’s worth fighting for.
Songwriter: Gene Schmidt * Zomar Global Publishing
Here is a link to the album it is on,
https://geneandanneschmidt.bandcamp.com/album/stand-for-the-flag
WOMEN OF STRENGTH, COURAGE, AND VALOR
After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness the children of Israel were ready to go into the Promised Land. Moses told all the people that he would not be going with them, but Joshua would lead them in. And then he said: “ENCOURAGE him; for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.”
We need to encourage those who lead us.
President Trump needs our encouragement, and of course, mostly our prayers. Daily he receives more antagonism and hatred than any president in history.
Our pastors need our encouragement.
Those who are sacrificing and pouring out their lives in different ministries need our encouragement.
And of course, mothers need encouragement!
Yes, you need encouragement. We all do, don’t we? The word “encourage” in the Hebrew here is “chazaq” and means “to bind fast, hold fast, to strengthen, to support, to make firm, to be strong, courageous, valiant, helpful, and to conquer.”
Dear wife and mother, God has called you to a powerful career. It is God-mandated. God-commissioned. God-designed. And God-planned. You are not wasting your life away as you nurture your children in your home. You are in the very perfect will of God.
You are influencing a nation. You are influencing future generations. As you train and teach your children in God’s Word and His ways you are determining the destiny of this nation. Our nation will only be what comes forth from the homes of this generation.
Therefore I encourage you today to hold fast to your divine calling. Don’t be intimidated by your antagonists. Don’t be pulled into the deceptions of our humanist society. Stand fast to truth even when everyone else is going a different way. Romans 3:4 says: “Let God be true, but every man a liar.”
I encourage you to be strong, courageous, and valiant. That’s the meaning in Proverbs 31:10: “Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies.” The word “virtuous” is “chayil” and means “valiant and strong.” It is used of “mighty men of valor.” It is a word that belongs to battles and war.
We are in a battle, dear mothers, a battle for the souls and lives of our children. The devil wants them even though God has called them from the womb. We must stand strong against his wiles and deceits. We have no time to be wimpy. We must be mothers of prayer and courage and strength. We will not give into deception. We will not allow the enemy to step his foot in the door of our homes.
I encourage you to conquer. We often face difficulties, challenges, and mountains bigger than us. We can’t conquer in our own strength, but we have the Spirit of the living God dwelling in us. We have His truth (His Word) in our hearts and in our mouths. When battles rage against us, we plead the blood of Jesus and we lift up the powerful name of Jesus and we take our stand. We will not move an inch from the truth. We will not cower to the devices of the enemy. In Christ we are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37).
And best of all, no matter what battles you face, God is with you. Moses personally encouraged Joshua with these words: “Be strong and of a good courage . . . And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; HE WILL BE WITH THEE, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:7, 8, 23).
God will never forsake you, no matter what difficulties, challenges, or battles you face.
Be blessed and encouraged.
NANCY CAMPBELL
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