Matthew 11:29
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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.
Dear mother, are you feeling overwhelmed today? You feel you have too much to do. How can you fit it all in? How can you keep up with the housework? How can you effectively homeschool all these children around you?Well, here’s a little secret for you. You can’t do it all on your own. When you trust in your own resources, you’ll feel like giving up. But Jesus wants you to come to Him.
In Matthew 11:28-30 He says: “COME UNTO ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus wants you to yoke with him. When the oxen are yoked together they are working. They are not yoked when the are resting. And yet Jesus fays you’ll find rest even when you are working and have lots to do when you yoke with Him. Instead of rushing around in your own strength, getting all steamed up, upsetting your children, and killing the heavenly atmosphere in your home, yoke to Jesus. He is with you. He is in you. He is your Strength and your Rest. When you trust in Him instead of yourself, you’ll be amazed how things change.
And remember, you don’t have to get everything done in the day that you think you need to. I have always written a list for every day of everything I need to do but I don’t think I have ever crossed off everything on my list for one day of my life! I used to complain that there weren’t enough hours in the day. And then I realized wasn’t going against God’s plan. He knows how many hours we need. He has given us just what we need. And if we can’t fit everything in, well, don’t worry. There’s always another day.
And—your children don’t have to finish every curriculum you set for them for the day. Learning is far more than getting through all the paces. It’s actually learning something new and remembering it. Often that is far more beneficial than a lot of information they’ll never remember.
When you yoke with Jesus, your burden becomes light instead of overwhelming.
I already remember a great man of God who always ended his letters (people wrote letters in those days) with the words, “Restfully busy.”
Have a restfully busy day today,
Nancy Campbell
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God’s word is true from the beginning and from the beginning God’s word is true!“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16).
Do you want a GOOD life? Do you want a SOUL RESTFUL life? Then choose God’s way which is the old way.
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Here's a lovely quote by Marianne Neifert, which an Above Rubies reader sent to me. I'm sure you will identify with these same feelings . . ."If I hadn't had children, I probably would have had more money and material things. I probably would have gone more places, gotten more sleep, pampered myself more. My life would have been much more boring and predictable. As a result of being a parent, I have laughed harder, cried more often. I have worried more and hurried more. I've had less sleep, but somehow, I've had more fun. I've learned more, grown more. My heart has ached harder, and I've loved to a capacity beyond my imagination. I've given more of myself, but I've derived more meaning from life."
Isn't it true? We experience the delirious joys of motherhood and also the aches and pains of motherhood, but our lives are richer for them all. How much we would have missed out on if we hadn't been blessed with each child God has given us. And we get more than we start with. As each of our children marry and have children, we receive the blessing of grandchildren! That’s unbeatable! And then great-grandchildren. That’s even more amazing!
Dear young mothers, forget sighing and grumbling about all your frustrations. These precious days with your little ones go too quickly. As I look back on raising our children, do I regret that I didn't get involved in more activities outside the home or further my career? Oh no. I regret every moment I didn't spend with them. I never felt I had enough time to pour into them all I wanted to before they were gone and flown the nest.
Treasure every moment with the children God has given you.
Blessings from Nancy Campbell
Photo: When my three oldest children were little. It is like one blink of my eye since those days. They are now in their late fifties! From left to right: Stephen, Wesley, and Evangeline.
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Yesterday we talked about women being saved through childbearing and motherhood. But why? We have to look at the preceding verse: “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, because she was FULLY DECEIVED, fell into transgression (1 Timothy 2:14 (NET).” The NET commentary explains that because two compound verbs are used for “deceived” in this verse that there is a stronger meaning intended for the second verb.Here are a few more translations:
Way’s translation: “It was entirely through her being UTTERLY DECEIVED that woman has become involved in transgression.”
Wuest’s translation: ¨Adam was not deceived, but the woman, having been COMPLETELY HOODWINKED, has fallen into transgression.”
Weymouth’s translation: “Adam was not deceived, but his wife was THOROUGHLY DECEIVED, and so became involved in transgression.”
But then the Bible says: “Notwithstanding she shall be saved . . .: (KJV) or “Yet she will be saved” or “but she will be saved. We learned yesterday that we will be saved (from this deception) through our embracing of motherhood.
The NET commentary goes on to say that this saving or delivering “was from some of the devastating effects of the ROLE REVRSAL that took place in Eden.” Ouch. We are now living in a society of role reversals which is a slap in the face to God.
May God save us from this complete deception of the role reversal. No wonder it is called an utter deception. Pray that we will be kept from this delusion by a biding in our motherhood role.
Blessings from Nancy Campbell
Painting: Fine Art Giclee print.
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This is what the Bible says: “Women, however, will be saved through CHILDBEARING, if they continue in faith, love, holiness, with self-control” (1 Timothy 2:15 BSB). Other translations say that “she will be saved through MOTHERHOOD.”What does this mean? The word childbearing is “teknogonia” in the Greek. It is not speaking of only the process of childbirth but of the embracing of childbearing and the duties of motherhood.
The New English Translation commentary says: ¨”It is not through active teaching and ruling activities that Christian women will be saved, but through faithfulness to their proper role, exemplified in motherhood. In this view ‘teknogonia’ is seen as a synecdoche in which childrearing and other activities of motherhood are involved.”
This means that not only childbirth, but the birthing of children, putting them to the breast, nursing the baby, nurturing and comforting the baby, feeding, teaching, training, and disciplining the children as they grow, right through to adulthood. This is motherhood.
Embracing this role saves us from deception. It is not talking about our salvation through Christ (through the Christ child for that would eliminate men) but the context of the passage is to be saved from deception. When a woman goes out from the ultimate plan God has for her, leaves off bearing children, and vacates her home, she becomes open to the lies of the enemy. (I will talk about the deception tomorrow).
To be saved is such a powerful word. The word is “sozo” It not only means to be saved, but to be “delivered, healed, preserved, protected, and made whole!” God gives this wonderful promise to women who embrace their mothering role.
The NASB tells us that “women will be PRESERVED through the bearing of children.” Isn’t that
is a beautiful promise?
Many blessings to you today,
Nancy Campbell
Painting: Custom Portrait From Photo Portrait Painting Children Portrait - Etsy
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Each Friday evening at our shabbat meal my husband reads Provers 31. He usually reads in the King James Version but the other night he decided to read from a different translation for a change. We chose the Knox translation. We got to verse 29 and I weas arrested: “Her husband is loud in her praise.” He praises her with these words: “Unrivalled art thou among all the women that have enriched their homes.”I love how this passage encourages all the women who embrace their home life and live virtuously in their homes. This word “virtuously” (KJV) which is also used in verse 10, is the Hebrew word “chayil” and means “to be strong and valiant.” It is usually used in the context of an army and warfare. It is the same word that is used to describe the mighty men of valor.
The “above rubies” woman is not a little weakling. She must be strong and courageous to manage her home and family well. She must be strong to fight against the subtleties of the enemy who brings his temptations into her home and seeks to dim the atmosphere of Heaven in her home. She must be strong in her convictions to stand against the deceptions of this age, to embrace her womanly anointing with her head held high, to live in the truth in a society that lies in the trough of deception, to be knowledgeable of God’s ways, and train her children to be strong in the truth.
But I also love this phrase in the Knox translations of those who “enrich their homes.” What a lovely vision to have ladies. We wake up every morning with thoughts, ideas, and visions of how to enrich our homes today. The word “enrich” means “to improve or enhance the quality or value of something.”
Can you think of how you could improve your relationship with your husband today. It’s such fun to think of another idea of how you can shower your husband with love, isn’t it? What little surprise, love note, or poem will you have waiting for him when he comes home this evening?
Can you think of something special to do that will enhance your home life today? Some new surprise for the children. I’m not talking about monetarily, but some special thing you can do together. Maybe some lovely or different thing you can you do as you all sit around the table for supper tonight. You could even add a lovely tablecloth instead of sitting at a naked table!
Make it your goal to be an enriching wife. An enriching mother. An enriching homemaker.
But there’s more. This Scripture speaks of all the women who enrich their homes, but there’s one who excels them all. Who ascends above them all. Or as the Young’s iteral translations says: “Many are the daughters who have done worthily, Thou hast gone UP ABOVE them all.”
Is this your testimony.
Loads of love from Nancy Campbell
Painting: Laurits Regner Tuxen (9 December 1853 – 21 November 1927), a Danish painter.
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Isn't it amazing to think that Jesus chose His own mother? He was the Creator of His mother. The angel who came to her called Mary "highly favored" and three times she is referred to as "blessed art thou among women" (Luke 1:28, 42, and 48).Catholics have canonized Mary but protestants tend to ignore her. Although she was not divine but human just like us, she must have been very special. Let's face it, Jesus Christ who was God chose her. Some women are just born with a nicer temperament than others (some are more sweeter and others more prickly), but I am sure Marry was one with a beautiful disposition, especially to be THE chosen one. A. W. Tozer writes of Jesus, "Was there anything lovelier than to be the Creator of His own mother, to have made the very body that gave Him protection and bore Him at last into the world?"
There must have been times when she got angry, became frustrated, and gave into the flesh, but I am sure she had a more beautiful nature than I was ever born with. I am sure she was sweet-spirited and filled with compassion, patience, and longsuffering. We know she was humble and that is the most precious attribute God looks for (Luke 1:48 52, Psalm 34:18; 51:17; Isaiah 66:2; and 1 Peter 5:5).
She was a busy mother like us with many children. No, she was not a virgin all her life. After giving birth to Jesus she gave birth to more children. She bore the weight of raising an average large family of at least seven children. There could have been ten or more as the Bible does not state the number of his sisters, but it mentions them in plural (Matthew 1:25 and Mark 6:3).
I cannot say "in exactly the same way" as Mary, but it is a truth that God has also chosen you to be the mother of your children. Our Omniscient God who knows the beginning from the end, who knows not only what you are thinking right now but what you will be thinking this time next year, and who has known from eternity every child He has given you and will give you CHOSE YOU to be their mother. Yes, even the mother of that "difficult" one.
Because God chose YOU, you are blessed by God. Because God chose YOU, your children are blessed. Because God chose YOU, you are the one to mother your children. God never intended you to give them to someone else to care for while you do other things.
Mother your children today with the awesome understanding that you have chosen by God for this greatest of all works. And because you have been chosen, God is backing you all the way. He will never leave you or forsake you.
God bless you, "chosen one."
Nancy Campbell
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My husband asked everyone at breakfast, "What good things are you going to do today?" That's a good question to start the day, isn't it? It's a good question for us wives. "What is something good I can do for my husband today? Take time to think about it. Be creative. Do something you’ve never done before.What good things can we do for our children today? Yes, we do good things for them every day. But can you think of something special and different? Something that will make memories?
It’s a good question for your children, too. "Children, let's stop for a moment and think of something good you can do for one of your siblings (or mommy and daddy) today. We’re all going to close our eyes and think about it. No one is to get up from their chair (or the sofa) until they have thought of their special surprise.” At the end of the day, as you sit together at the family meal table, each one can share what happened to them. The children can also share what fun it was to go out of their way to do something for someone else. What an exciting home to live in.
Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we were created in Christ Jesus for good works. If Christ lives in us we should live like Him. Acts 2:38: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil." Jesus went about doing good works. Sometimes we just go about!
Instead of just going about in your home, go about doing good!
Have fun today,
Nancy Campbell
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If my motherly heart could give just one piece of advice to my children who are growing up in this era, it would be this: “Please, do not forsake your secret place.” (Matthew 6:6) I am convinced that to be faithful to the Lord in this hour, it is going to take way more than just a quick prayer or one short devotion, or church attendance every week.But how do we not forsake that time with the Lord while taking care of the children? I remember having huge guilt when I was no longer able to spend hours in my prayer closet after having my little ones. But this is when our Lord always comes through. God spoke to my heart one night, "Why don’t you take your children into your secret room?" And that question opened many doors to the answers I needed.
While putting my children to sleep, I'd get down on my knees, letting them know that mommy really wants to give glory to Jesus. They would end up falling asleep to my prayers and praises.
Later on, I found my little three-year-old in the room on her knees, quietly talking to Jesus about her dolls and her princess shoes.
I cannot ever forget the day I took my little ones with me to the secret room. They knelt with me, and I turned my heart towards His presence. I knew they were watching me, and I asked them to just be quiet and wait for God's presence. I asked the Holy Spirit to come. And He did. He always does. I was sitting in His presence, resting my soul. Soon I started hearing little sniffles behind me. As I turned around, my four-year-old boy was wiping away his tears that were gently rolling down his cheeks.
"Is everything alright, sweetheart? Why are you crying?" I asked him. He took a while to answer as he swallowed tears.
"I don't know why I'm crying mommy. I just really feel Jesus in the room, and I feel like He really, really loves me. Mommy, He is so kind."
Sometimes after putting children to sleep, it's nice to put the phone down and put everything else on hold to go and sit in His presence. It’s amazing what five minutes with Jesus can do. I remember those nights when I'd kneel and say, "Dear Lord, I am so exhausted and so overwhelmed. I don’t have much to bring to you. I am a completely empty vessel today. I'm sorry."
He would sit with me in silence with no condemnation, just loving upon me. He would show me the moments of the day where He was in the midst of the chaotic, loud day, giving me grace, filling my vessel with His peace and His views about me as a mother. Or that never-ending mess when you have little ones in the house all day.
I remember when we were renovating and moving with a new born, a toddler, and a four-year-old. I woke up and walked into our messy, filled with boxes living room and thought, "Oh my, where do I start?!" I felt like bursting into tears. And I heard His gentle voice inside me saying, "Why don’t you start with praise”?
So there we were, in the midst of a huge mess, praising and dancing for Jesus! I am telling you, that day was such a productive day. I got so much done. He really is my Strength! And my Patience. As a mother of little ones, I need it.
We, as mothers must interact with God Himself. It must be our priority to yield and sink into His heart, to dwell in His presence, and teach our children to do the same. I know that I cannot possibly complete my beautiful assignment of raising mighty warriors for God’s Kingdom if my cup is empty and dry. It is so simple. I need my Precious Holy Spirit. I need that secret room.
Daily.
Constantly.
Consistently.
It does NOT have to be hours. He knows that we are taking care of the little ones. He meets where we are, and He wants to be involved in every little detail of our day.
You're doing dishes? Thank Him that He washes us clean, whiter than snow! And believe me, your little ones are watching you.
You're doing laundry? Thank Him for taking all the loads of sin and pains from you.
Putting children to sleep? Read them the Bible. Put their names into it and bless them!
His presence is your overflowing cup, your well that never runs dry, your river of life. I want to bring my children to that Living Water. I want them to taste His goodness and fall in love with His holiness and glory.
I humbly pray, that as our children watch our love for His presence, they would run to their secret place to personally and deeply intertwine with the Great I AM.
ANASTASIJA MOURTZANOS
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Wilberforce, Ontario, Canada
Picture: Josh and Anastasija with their children: Jadon (5),
Tayah (3), and Eleanor (9 months).
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What a privilege to be a woman!
We are created in the image of God.
We are created to reveal the nurturing and mothering heart of God.
We are created with a womb to be a life-giver.
We are created with breasts to nurture and nourish life.
We are created to be a vessel of God to bring forth life into this world--a life that is planned before the beginning of time, a life with a God-given purpose to fulfill on this earth, and a life that is an eternal soul. We are created to be the nurturers and trainers of God's children, the children He gives to us to train on His behalf.
We are created to be feminine and show to the world that we are His female creation.
We are created to be a divine helper to our husband and blessed by God's plan to live under his covering and protection.
We are created for good works.
We are created to bring glory to God.
Thank you, Lord God. What a privilege. And thank you for purpose for each new day.
Be encouraged and blessed today,
Nancy Campbell
Painting by Abigale Palmer
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Not from his head was woman took,
As made her husband to o’erlook;
Not from his feet, as one designed
The footstool of the stronger kind;
But fashioned for himself a bride;
An equal, taken from his side.
~ Charles Wesley.
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Are you getting your family ready for church? Some people think they do not need to go to church but God commands the assembling of his saints together. Hebrews 10:24 exhorts us to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. “Did you know that the word church is mentioned 118 times in the New Testament? And the word means “a Christian community of members on earth, an assembly.” The church is not just a building but the assembling of his people. If we love God‘s people we will love to gather with them. I believe it is a very important part of family life to gather with the people of God and worship with them. It was Jesus’ habit to go to the synagogue every week. It should be our habit and the training of our children into this habit to also worship with God‘s people every week, whether in a big church or a house church.
Paul said, “I teach everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:17). True Christianity does not isolate; it gathers.
And of course, it comes back to us as mothers. We have to make the effort to prepare for this day and get our children ready and inspire our families to meet with the people of God, from babies to the oldest one living in our homes. No one is exempt!
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Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of England, was known as THE IRON LADY, and yet she never wore pants!Amanda Platell writes: “Back in 2001 I was William Hague's Press Secretary and, after giving me some salutary campaigning advice, the Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, took me to one side for a bit of woman-to-woman counsel. Looking at my trouser suit, she said: 'Never trousers, my dear. They rob a woman of her authority.'”
Why is it that women do not embrace their anointing and authority that God has given to them as women instead of borrowing it from men? Men have the authority God has given to them, but women have a feminine and powerful authority that God has given to them. We lose it when we take the man’s authority and dress like the man. Let’s embrace who we are.
~ Nancy
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Every new life is a blessing from God and a blessing to the world. Not only will they bless the world with all their gifts and talents and the revelation of God to the world, but they bless the nation financially.Steven Mosher, PRI President writes: “Abortion is, above all, a violation of God's law against taking a human life but it also has economic consequences for society as a whole. The economic value of a newborn over his or her lifetime is a little less than a million dollars. That is to say, from birth to death, the average American will produce almost a million dollars more than they will consume. Looking at it another way, every abortion makes us poorer."
Blessings from Nancy
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I started out mothering by listening to the "good advice" from people around me. I was told I should wait four hours between feeding my baby. But he couldn't wait four hours. I was told I should train him to sleep through the night. Oh, how frustrated I was. I loved by baby but oh, this motherhood was painful!
Then I read a statement by a doctor that was my lifesaver.
"There is more in a mother's intuition than all the books you'll ever read."
Praise the Lord, I didn't have to listen to all the "old wives' tales." I could listen to the maternal intuition that God put within me. I was free to respond to my baby. I could nurse him when he cried! I could bring him to bed and let him sleep with me. What bliss! What freedom.
Forget all the books. Forget all the humanistic advice. Listen to God. Listen to your mothering heart. It will release you to be the greatest mother to your baby and your children.
Enjoy a beautiful mothering day,
Nancy Campbell
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Why do we try to separate our spiritual lives from our practical lives? It's all meant to be one. Every practical thing you do in your home is sacred when God is in it. Always be aware that God is with you, no matter what mundane task you are doing.
In Nehemiah chapter eight we read how all the people gathered together to hear Ezra read the book of the law. As they heard the words of the Lord their response was to worship and bless the Lord, and even to weep with conviction. But they didn't keep this awesome time of spiritual renewal separated from life.
Ezra and Nehemiah told the people to "Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord . . . And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them" (Nehemiah 8:9-12).
What did they do after understanding the words of the Lord? Eat, drink, and have a great celebration.
God is not only part of your life when you are reading His Word and praying, but when you are eating and drinking. When you are having a celebration. And when you are accomplishing every practical and necessary task.
Embrace God's presence in EVERYTHING you do today. What a day you will have.
Be blessed, Nancy Campbell
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Why do we try to separate our spiritual lives from our practical lives? It's all meant to be one. Every practical thing you do in your home is sacredwhen God is in it. Always be aware that God is with you, no matter what mundane task you are doing.
In Nehemiah chapter eight we read how all the people gathered together to hear Ezra read the book of the law. As they heard the words of the Lord their response was to worship and bless the Lord, and even to weep with conviction. But they didn't keep this awesome time of spiritual renewal separated from life.
Ezra and Nehemiah told the people to "Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord . . . And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them" (Nehemiah 8:9-12).
What did they do after understanding the words of the Lord? Eat, drink, and have a great celebration.
God is not only part of your life when you are reading His Word and praying, but when you are eating and drinking. When you are having a celebration. And when you are accomplishing every practical and necessary task.
Embrace God's presence in EVERYTHING you do today. What a day you will have.
Be blessed,
Nancy Campbell
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We are talking about the things that God loves to see in our home. Another thing that God loves is gladness (1 Chronicles 16:27). God is not a kill-joy. God is the instigator of joy, laughter, fun, fellowship, and
feasting.
If you want your home to be filled with the presence of the Lord, fill it with gladness. This word "gladness" is the same Hebrew word that is used when it tells us the "joy" of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
It's so easy to get into a rut, isn't it? A rut of boringness, negativity, and gloom. Why not change the atmosphere of your home? No matter what your feelings, add some gladness to your home today. Put a smile on your face. When you catch yourself frowning, make yourself smile instead. You don't have to feel like it. You do it anyway and your feelings will catch up with your facial expression.
Whisper loving and passionate secrets to your husband today. Whisper secrets into the ears of your children that you love them and are so blessed to be their mother. Think of something new and special to do that will surprise your children. Cook a special meal that your husband loves. Write encouraging notes to your children and place them at their plate at the evening meal or pop them under their pillow to find as they go to bed.
Take time to watch your children and laugh. Laugh at your problems. It's not the end of the world. And God is bigger than your problem.
Have fun adding gladness into your home today.
Blessings from Nancy Campbell
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As we seek to make our home a sanctuary for God, we must fill it with things that God loves. Yesterday we talked about strength. God also loves beauty in His sanctuary (Psalm 96:6). God wants you to fill your home with beauty too.
We love to decorate our home to make it look more beautiful, don't we? Beautiful music, pictures, plants and greenery, and flowers add loveliness to the home--whether it is a spacious home or a very humble home.
But beauty is even more than things. Beauty is order. There is no beauty in a home that is filled with junk and clutter. There is no beauty in a home that is not ordered and running smoothly. Order and simplicity will not only fill your home, but your soul with beauty.
Beauty is peace. That sure doesn't mean that you live a quiet home where there is no noise or hubbub of activity. If you have children, there will be noise, and even mess (but you don't leave things in a mess). Don't forget this fact--your peace is not in quietness; your peace is in God. Look to Him in the midst of everything happening around you.
Beauty is the joy of big and little children all around us. They are the gladness of our home.
Beauty is the aroma of food cooking and a delightfully set table that woos each family member. Always seek to make your table beautiful-a tablecloth (use a plastic cover over it if you have little ones and don't have time for extra laundry), and flowers (even a bouquet of weeds your children have gathered) or perhaps candles.
Beauty is love, joy, laughter, and especially sweet and encouraging words to your husband and children.
Seek to add a fresh touch of beauty to your home each day, both practically and spiritually.
Be blessed,
Nancy Campbell
Painting: The Breakfast Table by Sir George Clausen (1852 - 1944).
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