Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

My garden harvest is slowing down. Only a few tomatoes ripening now, but still loads of hot peppers. Okra is still growing prolifically. But, what did I choose to eat from my garden this evening?

Sweet potato leaves. I grow the sweet potatoes to enjoy them, but also to use the leaves throughout the growing season. I only discovered I could do this when our Liberian children came and now it's one of our favorite dishes.

I sauté onions and hot peppers in red palm oil (we like things HOT). When they are cooked, I add the finely cut sweet potato leaves. Our Liberian children love to cut it really finely with a knife. I am lazy and use the food processor. I add salt and pepper, Nutritional Yeast, and more palm oil as needed.

Tonight I also added Italian sausage. Everyone loved it.

Nancy

Yesterday we talked about how God's Word must be the plumbline and foundation of our lives and our nation. But, there is still more. People can believe the Bible and yet not believe that Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and there is no other way. Acts 4:12 states, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Let's constantly lift up the name of Jesus in our home. Never let a day go by where we forget to thank Him for His great and eternal salvation which He wrought for us on the cross. Let's lift up His name wherever we go because it is not only the Bible, but Jesus Christ who must be the Chief Corner Stone of our lives and our nation (Ephesians 2:20)!

Love from Nancy Campbell

We are so blessed to live in a nation that has a godly constitution as the basis of our nation. There is no nation that has such a foundation. May it continue, even against all current trends. But, is it enough? No. Even though it is such a powerful document, there is one even greater. It is God's living Word, the Bible. The Bible must be our foundation for every part of our lives--our marriage, family life, and everything we do.

Without making it our foundation, it is easy to build on a shaky foundation. It is so easy to get off key, to move slightly away from God's plumbline. And God doesn't allow for deviation. His way is the only way that works! But, it will not work unless we know what He says. As mothers, we have to be filled with His Word. It has to not only be in our heart, but in our mouth (Isaiah 59:21).

It's not enough for us to know it, but we are responsible that our children should know it, too. That's why we need to come to the Family Altar morning and evening to read God's Word to our children. Do you get tired of my reminding you about this? Oh forgive me, but I cannot stop until I see God's people, all over the land doing this in their the family life. Without it our children will not grow up familiar with God's plan for every department of our lives. And if they don't truly KNOW God's plan, they will easily be sucked into the deceiving propaganda of our humanistic society.

Love from Nancy Campbell

Home is a place of...

Admonition
Beauty (a lovely atmosphere for everyone to enjoy)
Caring
Direction
Encouragement
Fun
Giving (each treating the other better than themselves)
Hospitality
Inspiration
Joy
Keeping children safe
Love
Making Memories
Nurturing
Opportunity
Prayer
Quietude (sometimes)!
Responsibility (each one pulling their weight)
Serving one another
Teaching
Understanding
Valuing each child
Wisdom
eXample
Yeanling love (a yeanling is a little lamb and a home is where we love babies)
Zoe (the Greek word for LIFE--Home should be filled with life and happiness, not legality!

Love from Nancy Campbell

Our son, Wes Campbell, Manager of the Newsboys is releasing a free download to all Above Rubies readers--a song from the latest Newsboys CD, Restart, which has only just hit the market.

Michael Tate, four times Grammy Award Winner, sings "That Home" about the power of a mother in the home -- it is Michael's own mother. The youngest of nine children, Michael sings of the love of his home and also of the hundreds of children who were nurtured there.

Sadly, as this CD hits the market, his mother of 86 years has just passed away (only four days ago).

To receive the FREE download, go to:
 http://tinyurl.com/ThatHomeMp3

To purchase RESTART, go to: www.newsboysstore.com

I know there are many days when you feel overwhelmed with all you have to accomplish in your great career of mothering and homemaking. Sometimes it's more than you can keep up with. Or maybe you are going through a difficult time. I want you to know that you are not forgotten. God KNOWS exactly what you are facing and He is with you to help, guide, and comfort you.

When David was hiding from Saul he cried out, "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou
KNEWEST my path" (Psalm 142:3). The Hebrew word is "yada" which is an intimate knowing. God knows the path you are going through right now and it is all for your good. You are not forgotten to Him. As you look to Him rather than your difficulties, you will experience His KNOWING and His presence carrying you through.

Love from Nancy Campbell

We give answers all day long, don't we? Sometimes they are answers to questions; other times they are reactions to the words and deeds of our husband and children. What kind of answers do we give? Answers of wisdom? Answers of kindness? A soft answer when facing anger? Or do we give reactionary answers? Frustrating answers? Angry answers? Impatient answers?

I read this morning in Proverbs 16:1, "The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord." May God fill our hearts and our tongues with answers from the Lord. Answers that bless in the face of accusation. Answers that are sweet even in the midst of harshness. Answers that are positive and filled with God's wisdom.

Can we make today a day of godly answers?

Love from Nancy Campbell

It's amazing the difference it makes when we look to Jesus, rather than dwelling on our circumstances. Our situation may stay the same but our attitude changes.

Time magazine recently stated that the birthrate in the U.S. is the lowest in recorded American history. From 2007 to 2011, the most recent year for which there's data, the fertility rate declined nine percent. A 2010 Pew Research report showed that childlessness has risen across all racial and ethnic groups, adding up to about one in five American women who end their childbearing years maternity-free, compared with one in 10 in the 1970s.

This is completely OPPOSITE to God's plan and His Word. In the midst of a world of deception that despises God's way, we who are His people must shine with His light and truth. God plan is for us to embrace His children and raise more shining lights for His kingdom. We should be like the children of Israel in Egypt. Although they were in distress and serving under hard bondage they continued to embrace children. Consequently they filled Egypt with God's children and became "MORE AND MIGHTIER" than the Egyptians! In fact, the more the Egyptians afflicted them, "THE MORE THEY MULTIPLIED AND GREW" (Exodus 1:7-12).

What are we doing? Conforming to society or God's eternal plan?

Love from Nancy Campbell

Warm all my kitchen with Thy love and light it with Thy peace,
Forgive me all my worrying and make my grumbling cease,
Thou, who didst love to give men food, in room or by the sea,
Accept this service that I do, I do it unto Thee.

~ Unknown

This morning at Family Devotions we read the Scripture we know so well, "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2). I was reminded again that if we follow the way of society, we will not be in the PERFECT will of God, no matter how much we think we are. God's way and the world's way are opposite. To do what everyone else is doing is usually the broad way that leads to destruction. The narrow way, that few choose to take, is the way to life.

Society encourages mothers to leave their home, put their children in daycare, and get a job! How boring! How insignificant! They are put in the "box"! God's PERFECT will for mothers is to embrace children and raise them to be mighty men and women for God, children who know God, know His Word, and who will influence society for the kingdom of God. That's powerful living. It's what our quote at the top of this page says.

I originally come from New Zealand, a sheep a country. No wonder God calls us sheep. They always follow one another. Huge flocks of sheep contentedly chew their grass on the green paddocks of New Zealand. However, if one sheep finds a hole in the fence and goes through, it won't be long before other sheep also follow through the hole into the next paddock. The sheep that are away on the hillside are unaware of what is happening. But, they also gradually gravitate towards the hole in the fence. It may take a day or two, but eventually that whole flock of sheep will land up in the next paddock. And they have no idea why they are there or where they are! They just follow each other.

Isn't this what happens to us? We assimilate to what everyone else is doing. Let's be those who seek the truth and line up with God rather than fitting in with society.

Love from Nancy Campbell

What would we do without God's Word to keep us in check? I am sure I would get completely out of line. God leaves nothing unsaid in His Word. and in Ephesians 4:1-3 He clearly shows us the way to live in our marriage and with our children. In this great calling that He has given us He wants us to walk "With ALL lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love." Did you notice that it doesn't say with "some" lowliness and meekness, or with "a little bit" of lowliness and meekness, but with "ALL" lowliness and meekness? That sounds like a lifestyle to me. It sounds like every day and all day.

It grieves my heart o hear of more and more marriages falling apart. This is not God's plan. He has given us the plan to make it work. I'll admit it is opposite to man's way, but it is the way that works. It takes yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Our flesh reacts with pride, stubbornness, and rebellion but as we yield to the Holy Spirit who lives within us, He works in us humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with and accepting our husband.

Does this happen easily? Oh no. We have to work at it. This same passages says, "ENDEAVOURING to keep the unity of the Spirit in the body of peace." To keep unity in your marriage relationship, and in your home, you have to make an effort. You have to strive earnestly and diligently to make it happen.

We either build or tear down. Let's pick up our building tools of humility and patience and go to work.

Love from Nancy Campbell

Oh the awesomeness of nurturing an eternal soul!

When Ruth was waiting to see if Boaz would be her husband, her mother-in-law, Naomi said to her, "Sit still, my daughter" (Ruth 3:18). She didn't mean, "Now you sit on that chair and don't move until we see what happens." Rather, she was talking about keeping her spirit quiet and in a state of rest. Some translations say, "Be patient, my daughter."

It's so easy to be anxious when we are waiting for God to move or something to happen in our lives, isn't it? Sometimes it seems as though the answer never comes. But, God comes to you and says, "Sit still, my daughter." You are not going to accomplish anything by getting anxious or allowing your stomach to get tied up in knots. Sit still in your spirit. Wait for God. Don't boycott God's answer and ruin everything. Wait for His timing.

Isaiah 28:16 WEB says, "He who believes shall not act hastily." I like the HCSB translation which says, "The one who believes will be unshakable."

Remember God's answer to the children of Israel when the Red Sea was in front of them and the Egyptians pursuing behind them? He said, "Fear ye not, STAND STILL, and see the salvation of the Lord" (Exodus 14:13). God did not fail them and He won't fail you. Sit still and wait.

Love from Nancy Campbell

P.S. More Scriptures to encourage you:

Psalm 37:4-7; 46:10; 62:1; 112:7-8;

Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 26:3-4; 30:15; 40:31; 41:10, 13; 59:19b;

John 11:40 and 16:33.

We talked yesterday about how the greatest way to rule is to serve. Not only did the elders advise Rehoboam (the future king) to be a servant to his people, but to "SPEAK GOOD WORDS to them" (1 Kings 12:7). To lead our children, we must also speak good words to them. This means kind, lovely, joyful, cheerful, pleasant, convenient, excellent, righteous, and encouraging words.

It is easy to forget to do this. In the midst training and correcting wrong behavior we can often forget to speak kind and loving words. This is another aspect of serving. We have to get out of our own comfort zone and actually DO IT! Speaking good and encouraging words to each one of your children every day. Make it a habit. Check yourself at the end of each day to see if you have encouraged each one, otherwise the days go by and it won't happen!

Prophecy over your children. This doesn't mean you have to be a prophet. 1 Corinthians 13:3 tells us that prophesy is for "edification, and exhortation, and comfort." To edify mean "to build up, to embolden, to encourage." I think that children will do far more in life by prophetical encouragement than any other way. The patriarchs saw this as a responsibility to their children.

We love to bless and speak into the lives of our children at our weekly Shabbat meal. But, once a week is not enough. Let's get into the habit of doing it daily.

Love from Nancy Campbell

Do you complain that all you seem to do is serve everyone in your home? Oh forgive me. I have been guilty of making the same complaint! However, did you know that serving belongs to rulers? It belongs to kings and queens.

When Rehoboam (King Solomon's son) was about to become king of Israel he asked advice about how he should rule. The elders who had advised his father said to him, "If thou wilt be a SERVANT unto this people this day, and wilt SERVE THEM, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants forever" (1 Kings 12:7). These words were not spoken to a servant, but to one about to rule the richest kingdom on earth at that time.

God has also given mothers a kingdom to rule. He has put into our hands the task of managing our family and household. As the Managing Director of our home, we should also have this same attitude, the attitude of serving. It is the spirit of serving that will make you a great ruler. It is the secret of leadership.

Sadly, Rehoboam didn't take this advice and instead lost 10 of the tribes of Israel. Don't lose your authority. Embrace the spirit of serving.

Love from Nancy Campbell

Yesterday I was in town and went to a wholesale health shop. As I walked around the produce area I couldn't help thanking God for my home garden.

Jalapeños were $1.99 lb. which wasn't too bad, but my garden jalapenos were of course much fresher. But, the habaneras where $5.99 lb. and were small and wizened up. Mine are big and fresh and free! Another similar pepper to my garden peppers were $4.99 lb. And the okra were $3.99 lb. and once again not as fresh and perfect as mine growing in the garden. And it was the same with all the produce.

I must save hundreds and hundreds of dollars each season, apart from enjoying a much higher quality of produce.

Nancy

You don't have to tell how you live every day;
You don't have to say if you work or play;
A tried, true barometer serves in its place,
However you live, it will show in your face.

The false, the deceit that you bear in your heart
Will not stay inside where it first got its start
For sinew and blood are a thin veil of lace,
What you wear in your heart, you show on your face.

If your life is unselfish, if for others you live
For not what you get, but how much you give,
If you live close to God in His infinite grace--

~ Author unknown.

The kitchen is where we do a lot of testing, isn't it? Especially taste testing! We have to taste the meals we create to make sure they are palatable.

However, the kitchen is also a place where we test who we really are! It's easy to live a patient and sweet life when we are talking with friends or when everything is quiet and peaceful. But, what about when everything is in a turmoil? What about when the baby needs you, your toddler is crying, you are trying to get breakfast for everyone, the phone is ringing, and your husband needs last minute help as he leaves the house. You hardly know where to turn first? What about when the children are cranky and whining or bouncing off the walls? How do you react then?

2 Corinthians 13:5 challenges us with these words, "Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith, prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that JESUS CHRIST IS IN YOU, except ye be reprobates." We need to examine our faith in the midst of trials and difficulties. This is the true testing.

However, we need to despair that we cannot live up to God's holy standard. We can't! Do you notice the words "Jesus Christ is in you"? It's not your trying to be perfect in your little world of mothering your children. It is allowing the life of Jesus Christ, who lives within you, to live His life through you. Say No to the flesh. Say No to anger and frustration, and instead thank Christ for His patience and love that IS IN YOU BECAUSE HE LIVES IN YOU!

Your greatest test in your kitchen is not trying to be more perfect, but yielding to the life of Christ in you!

Love from Nancy Campbell