ABOVE RUBIES MINI-NEWSLETTER #4, Nov 2013
Dear Above Rubies reader,
I trust you have been enjoying the new issue of Above Rubies, #88. Keep praying with us for the finance for this issue. I went ahead in faith to print. I have already paid nearly $30,000 for the shipping and now I have a bill for nearly that much again to pay for the printing.
Although I make Above Rubies freely available to all who need it, it certainly isn't free to publish. Therefore, I trust that those who have a vision to see the restoration of marriages and strong family life back to God's ways will give to help us keep printing.
I have just finished speaking for five weekends in a row at Above Rubies retreats. They have all been wonderful and blessed times. I will now be home until January which is a lovely thought. I love to go out to encourage the women, but I always love being at home best. Check out http://aboverubies.org/en/retreats-family-camps for all the retreats that are booked for next year.
In Todays Newsletter:
- ELECTRONICS IN THE HOME
- NEW PHONE NUMBER FOR CANADA
- CURRENT SPECIALS
- WAYS TO ENJOY ABOVE RUBIES
- FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS
- ABOVE RUBIES PINTREST BOARDS
- COMMON CORE
- COMMON CORE IN YOUR STATE
- AND THERE'S MORE--ISLAM VERSUS CHRISTIANITY
- HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF LINEN?
- ARE YOU WILTING, SURVIVING, OR FLOURISHING?
ELECTRONICS IN THE HOME
Although I have to wait for finance before I can print the next magazine, I am already preparing for it. I have most articles ready, but I would like to print a feature on ELECTRONICS IN THE HOME. I would like to know how you control the media with your children. We are living in a time when I think it is more challenging for parents than at any other time in watching over their children. Today, with iPhones, iPads, and most children having access to computers, how and what do you do to guard their hearts and minds?
Just recently at an Above Rubies retreat a dear mother (who was staying at home and attending each day) came to me devastated on the Sunday morning. She got home Saturday evening to the news that her husband had found their teenage son had been watching porn on the computer. And yet, the computer was right in the lounge for everyone to see!
Please write and tell me what guidelines you have in your home and how you handle the access to media that children and teens have today. I will be waiting to hear from you at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and type ELECTRONICS in the Subject Line.
NEW PHONE NUMBER FOR CANADA
Michelle Kauenhofen, the Director of Above Rubies in Canada has now settled with her husband and family in Saskatchewan. Her new number is 306-261-7995.
CURRENT SPECIALS - DONT MISS OUT
Each new issue of Above Rubies I give a new discount.
100 DAYS OF BLESSING
Don't forget the DISCOUNT SPECIAL in this issue. Purchase the two 100 DAYS OF BLESSING devotional books, Volume 1 and Volume 2, and SAVE $8.00! If you haven't purchased these books yet, you'll want them for yourself, and you'll love them for gifts for other wives and mothers, too. You won't want to be without them. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/100DaysBundle
And we are also in the middle of a ONE WEEK SPECIAL for:
THE POWER OF MOTHERHOOD
Usually $18.00, but only $12.00 for you FOR FIVE MORE DAYS ends 19 November. Sorry I am a little late in letting you know about this special.
The POM is the classic manual for mothers. It takes you into God's Word to see what He has to say about you as a mother. Read it through to be encouraged, use as a Bible Study (with other mothers or personally) to search all the Scriptures, and as a constant reference. Many mothers have worn out their books.
EXTRA SPECIAL!
40 percent off for order of two or more! One for yourself and one for a gift. Or, to study together in a Bible Study.
Mothers, all the power you need to fulfill your high calling is found in God and all the wisdom you need is found in God's precious Word. Enjoy discovering in THE POWER OF MOTHERHOOD.
Go to: http://bit.ly/PowerOfMotherhoodUS
WAYS TO ENJOY ABOVE RUBIES
Ashley Baird at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. writes:
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy Above Rubies with my two year old.
While nursing (less so now because it distracts him).
While bathing Kenwyn and watching him play in the tub.
Five minutes at a time while helping my husband with a project.
Reading the picture captions to Kenwyn and catching snatches of the articles over his shoulder.
Kenwyn loves looking at the pictures! While children's books are wonderful teaching tools, grown-up magazines like this one are turning out to be a wonderful way to introduce him to the world God made without talking down to him at all. He thrives on seeing what real, live people are doing in the pictures.
I told my husband jokingly that I should write Above Rubies and ask them to publish a toddler's board book version of the magazine, containing just the pictures and captions. Of course this isn't a feasible idea, but I wanted to let you know how much your magazine blesses my family!
FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS
In this issue of Above Rubies, our son Wes Campbell, manager of the Newsboys has kindly given a free download to all Above Rubies readers of a song from their new album, Restart. It is listed in the magazine, but it is easier to click the link, so here is the free download for you if you would like it:
http://tinyurl.com/ThatHomeMp3
The youngest of nine children, Michael Tate (four times Grammy Award Winner) sings about his mother, of the love in his home, and also of the hundreds of children who were nurtured there. Sadly, as this CD hit the market, Michael's mother of 86 years passed away.
Here are the words for you:
There was a home in town
Where broken kids the lost and found
Would come for miles around
Just to see what love was all about
'Cause momma had a way
Of making things okay
She'd cook us our favorite meal
Sit and listen to how we feel
Oh, how the pain was real
How many families would the devil steal
Momma had a way of making things okay
CHORUS:
In that home we knew we were safe
To be young enough to dream
To find the faith to believe
And in that home love it had no end
That's where we learned to forgive
In that home
Momma always had the music on
Sometimes loud, sometimes soft
When I asked about her favorite song
She opened the Bible to the book of Psalms
She always found a way
To talk about grace
And on that day I got the news
That momma's stay here was almost through
I stayed all night by her side
Held her hand, looked in her eyes
And said momma...
When you're home I know you'll be safe
Strong enough to see
The faith that you believe
In that home life will have no end
I know I'll see you again...
In that home
In that home
In that home...
BRAVE ENOUGH
Recently, Michelle Kauenhofen wrote a post on Facebook:
HOW BRAVE ARE YOU?
"Are you brave enough to be quiet instead of retaliate and escalate a fight? Are you brave enough to not have to prove that you are right? Are you brave enough to show love, even when you feel wronged? How about brave enough to extend grace when you aren't being treated well? Are you brave enough to show mercy when you are sinned against? Will you be brave enough to forgive and love again? Yes, of course you are!"
It made me think of Serene and Pearl's song, BRAVE ENOUGH from their album, THIS IS OUR ROAD. You can purchase their CD from http://bit.ly/AboveRubiesBookStore. However, I will also give you a free download of this wonderful song.
Here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/BraveEnoughMp3
And here are the words which enable you to enjoy the music more:
BRAVE ENOUGH
I know how to give a piece of my mind,
Practice makes perfect, I don't have to try,
It comes easy for me,
But I'll admit it's not working that well,
I think I've come to the end of myself,
So I'm finally listening to that still small voice
Urging me to make the choice to be...
CHORUS:
BRAVE ENOUGH TO BE MEEK
BOLD ENOUGH TO BE STILL,
WISE ENOUGH TO LEARN TO HOLD MY TONGUE
WHEN MY WORDS JUST WANT TO SPILL
BIG ENOUGH TO FORGIVE
STRONG ENOUGH TO SUBMIT
YEAH, BRAVE ENOUGH TO LET THESE HARDENED PARTS
TURN TO GENTLENESS
BRAVE ENOUGH!
I know God's ways are higher than mine,
The wisdom of man is foolishly blind,
Now I see clearly.
I know I've got some hew habits to learn,
I need to build back the bridges I've burned
For I very nearly lost the one that I love,
So here I am asking for help from above to be...
CHORUS:
BRAVE ENOUGH TO BE MEEK
BOLD ENOUGH TO BE STILL,
WISE ENOUGH TO LEARN TO HOLD MY TONGUE
WHEN MY WORDS JUST WANT TO SPILL
BIG ENOUGH TO FORGIVE
STRONG ENOUGH TO SUBMIT
YEAH, BRAVE ENOUGH TO LET THESE HARDENED PARTS
TURN TO GENTLENESS
BRAVE ENOUGH!
So turn me around,
Turn me upside down,
Mold the core of me
Into what you are naturally.
ABOVE RUBIES PINTEREST
We now have an Above Rubies Pinterest Board with loads of pictures of beautiful babies, mothers and babies, fathers and children, and families. A picture is worth a thousand words and I am sure you will love looking at these beautiful pictures. We currently have 47 boards so you won't be able to look at them all at once. Choose a board to treasure in a relaxing moment in the evening.
One of my favorite boards is I LOVE OLDER COUPLES WHO ARE STILL IN LOVE. I love seeing all these older couples enjoying each other. I know you will love them, too.
Have you read "Are We Raising Wimps or Warriors?" and "Raising Godly Sons in an Ungodly World" in this issue of Above Rubies, #88? You can enjoy more on this subject on the Pinterest board called I LOVE RAISING BOYS FOR MANHOOD.
And yes, I do have a I LOVE TRIM HEALTHY MAMA board. Oh I know there are hundreds of other THM Pinterest boards and Facebooks, but mine is different. I mean, it will be different. I still haven't got to my project yet, but watch for it. Instead of having recipes (I will not be posting one recipe or picture of food as there are too many hundreds of others doing this).
Instead, I am going to post pictures of Serene and Pearl from when they were little and throughout their lives. If you have read the book, I know you feel as though you know them, and I am sure you will enjoy finding out and seeing more of them behind the scenes.
Go to: http://pinterest.com/aboverubiesmag/
COMMON CORE
I am sure you are aware of the Common Core which they are trying to bring into our education system where every child will be taught the same thing every day and in every school. Federal control will replace all curriculum decisions by state and local school boards, parents, and even Congress because Obama bypassed Congress by using $4 billion of Stimulus money to promote Common Core.
Did you notice the word "parents"? Yes, it will even affect private schools, religious schools, and homeschooling. And the academic level is lower than is accepted now.
Here are just a few links to check out, which will lead you on to many more.
www.theeducationalfreedomcoalition.org
http://www.futureofsexed.org/fosestandards.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEQmUnisDEM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.eagleforum.org/publications/column/backlash-against-common-core.html
http://www.charismanews.com/world/41517-toddlers-shown-cartoon-pics-of-adults-watching-porn
COMMON CORE IN YOUR STATE
Go to this to check out what you can do in your state.
www.theeducationalfreedomcoalition.org
Here are a few states I have links for, but the above link will take you to other states.
Go to this link to sign for Tennessee
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stop-Common-Core-in-Tennessee/322248557894269
Go to this link to sign in Louisiana
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stop-the-common-core-initiative-in-louisiana/
Find out more in Montana
www.montanansagainstcommoncore.com
AND THERE'S MORE--ISLAM VERSUS CHRISTIANITY
There is always far more going on behind the scenes than we ever dream about, isn't there? Here's another thing we need to be aware of. Did you know that public schools now have a new textbook called World History, which promotes Islam and dumbs down Christianity? This book has a 36-page chapter devoted to teaching Islam as a peaceful religion and Muslim conquests as benign "occupations," but Christian conquests as "massacres." The book practically ignores Christianity, except to teach that Christians are the ones who kill, maim, and slaughter. Can you believe this is happening in our country that was founded on Christian principles? And your tax dollars are paying for this brainwashing.
Informative Christian parents can no longer keep their children in public schools. Let's stand up against this takeover for the sake of our children, grandchildren, and future generations.
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF LINEN?
Linen is talked about so much in the Bible. A number of people I know have been starting to wear more linen clothes because of their health benefits. I love jumping on bandwagons, so have purchased some linen pi8llow cases. I'll have to save up for the sheets! I found three blouses at Goodwill which I also like to wear. Anyway, for your interest, here's some interesting facts about linen.
Melanie writes:
Health Benefits of Linen
It is healing, with a signature frequency of 5,000 mHz (under 100 is not conducive to health: cotton=70, silk & rayon=15, human body=100)
It is antibacterial (doesn't absorb odors)
It doesn't accumulate static electricity
It causes 1.5x less perspiration than cotton (linen rapidly absorbs and gives up moisture)
It reduces solar gamma radiation
It protects against chemical exposure
It provides a barrier against EMFs (electromagnetic frequencies)
It is used in internal sutures (the body accepts it)
It is effective in dealing with inflammation
It is helpful in reducing fevers
Linen in the Bible
The priests wore it, David danced in a linen ephod, the Proverbs 31 woman makes linen garments, angels wore linen when they appeared to people in the Bible, Messiah's body was wrapped in a linen cloth, the Revelation armies of heaven return to earth clothed in fine linen, and we, His bride, will be dressed in linen when He returns (Revelation 19:7-8)!
Melanie not only sells sheets (oh to afford them) and pillow cases but other things which may interest you.
Organic Linen Swaddle Sleep Sack
Babies love being swaddled, and their health benefits from fine organic linen. The Organic Linen Swaddle Sleep Sack combines those important features into one garment that parents around the globe swaddle their babies in. The inverted zipper design of this sleep sack makes diaper changes easy.
Pleasant Pads--linen and cotton feminine pads
Some women who have had heavy flow postpartum have found that it was dramatically reduced through switching to cloth pads. Disposable pads contain chemicals that cause increased bleeding, not to mention the estrogen from the plastic of the pads leading to increased risks of cancer. Of all the times when you would want the healing benefits of linen up against those feminine parts it would be after childbirth. During regular periods, women have also reported lessened flow, in addition to less cramping. I am blessed to be able to make the Way of Women a more pleasant time through the health benefits of linen topped Pleasant Pads.
Also available: organic linen receiving blankets, organic linen pillowcases (the most affordable anywhere online) and much more! The linen I use to create my sheets and pillowcases is top-of-the line organic, unbleached and undyed, which means it has the least amount of toxins with the highest healing benefits. My linen pillowcases are the most affordable organic linen pillowcases available anywhere online. Other companies sell them for $21 each, but I offer them for $16 each or two for $30. You can see pictures of the pillowcases and find out more here.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. * www.PleasantPads.com
www.chuckingcollege.com (Yes, Melanie is the author of CHUCKING COLLEGE, which is available at this link: http://tinyurl.com/ChuckingCollege).
ARE YOU WILTING, SURVIVING, OR FLOURISHING?
I posted the following on Facebook the other day and will share it with you, too:
Did you know that God's plan for you is to FLOURISH? And where does He want you to flourish? In your home. Psalm 128:3-4 TLB says, "Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, FLOURISHING within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees. That is the Lord's reward for those who fear him."
But, perhaps today, you feel like a WILTING plant. You feel "half dead"! Or, maybe, like some plants, you are barely SURVIVING. You get through each day, but only just! This is not God's plan for you. He wants you to flourish and bloom. I believe we can only come into the flourishing mode when we embrace our mothering role with all our heart. We know that we are in God's perfect will. No matter what the hardships and challenges, we face them with joy. We are not dreaming of some day when we will be through these mothering days. Instead, we live every moment to the full. Every moment is an abounding moment because Christ lives in you and His life in you is not wilting, but full of life and power.
Embrace your powerful calling of motherhood and the joy of your home and make every moment a God moment. Think of yourself as a flourishing plant--blossoming, flowering, blooming, growing luxuriantly, thriving, increasing, enlarging, expanding, abounding, and shooting out (Isaiah 54:2-3)! This is God's plan for you. It is not a stagnant boring life, but fruitful and flourishing.
HOW CAN YOU FLOURISH IN YOUR HOME?
Here's some ways to flourish in your home:
F FLAVOR your home with joy, sweetness, and happiness (what a nice flavor)!
L LOVE every moment of your mothering (rather than dreaming of when these days will be over).
O OFFER your life as a living sacrifice (knowing that you save your life by losing it--Mark 11:35 and Romans 12:1-2).
U UNIFY your home by speaking peace into every situation.
R REVEL in the joy of mothering and nurturing the precious gifts God has given to you (knowing that your Employer is God Himself).
I INTENTIONALLY make positive things happen in your home (don't let the day lead you around in circles, but instead purposefully direct your day by the leading of the Holy Spirit).
S SANCTIFY your home daily with prayer, praises, and the washing of God's Word (Ephesians 5: 26).
H HEAP hugs and kisses on your husband and children.
Which one speaks to you the most?"
After reading the post, one mother comments:
"Flavor! It makes me think of when I am cooking for my family. We can survive on something plain, but add a little salt and herbs and it becomes something wonderful. Just like the atmosphere of our home can be transformed with a little joy, sweetness ,and happiness."
Add some extra flavor to your home today.
Until next newsletter...
In His love,
Nancy Campbell
www.aboverubies.org