Nancy Campbell

Wednesday, 13 July 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

MY BABY’S DEDICATION

Rachel Carlson wrote this poem for her baby’s dedication:

MY BABY’S DEDICATION

In a mother's heart are hidden

Prayers both large and small,

They consume her every fiber,

And the Lord, He sees them all.

There's no language to articulate

The depth of all these needs

As she steps forward on the path

Where she'll plant a million little seeds.

Drawing on the courage

That only has one Source,

She whispers out a plea

For this overwhelming course.

I pray I'll have the peace of mind

That comes with knowing you're not mine,

Since you're ultimately His,

And He'll hold you for all time.

Believe me when I tell you

I'll ask for safety and your health,

And if I'm being completely honest,

I'll even throw in wealth.

But the safety I crave most for you

Isn't from physical harm,

It's the security you'll come to know

By being held within His arms.

And while I want your body

To be absolutely sound,

A healthy heart will seek His face,

Where true wholeness can be found.

I pray your needs are always met,

Provided by His hand,

For the resources He possesses

Are as countless as the sand.

But most of all I pray you'll know

The riches of His glory,

That your eyes might be enlightened,

And you'll make His hope your story.

RACHEL CARLSON

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Picture: Rachel with little Edithanne (8 months) at her dedication. Jay and Rachel are also blessed with three sons, Tommy (7), Finn (4), and Jed (2).

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Nancy Campbell

Tuesday, 12 July 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

I began my journey as a wife about 21 years ago and my journey as a mom 19 years ago. Growing up I wanted to do nothing else but be a wife and a mom. Little House on the Prairie was (and still is) my favorite show to watch. Everything about homemaking intrigued me.

I did the whole college thing and received my degree and taught school up until our oldest child was born. Oh, how I hated teaching school and couldn’t wait to be at home. Once he was born, I got to pour everything into my dream. And it was perfect . . . for a while.

Our second child was born, and she cried all the time and never slept. It was during this time of extreme fatigue that I found Above Rubies, and we gave my womb to the Lord. Through the Lord’s help and so many encouraging testimonies, we persevered on the path to which God called us. I still had the radiant joy of homemaking and motherhood.

But life started to take some unexpected turns. I won’t write all the details for they would fill a book. We experienced children with health concerns, extreme financial trouble as my husband had gone back to seminary, many moves, and then to top it all off, my own health began to decline rapidly.

Over the course of time, I lost my joy in motherhood. Oh, yes, I still homeschooled my precious children, but I was merely surviving the rat race of activities, diapers, schooling, and breastfeeding. I rolled out of bed every morning in a frazzled mess just focusing on how I would survive until bedtime.

The joy was gone. The dream I once loved so dearly was now a weight around my neck choking me every single day. I wanted to write a book, be a doula - anything to escape. But all my efforts failed miserably. Not that these things were wrong but my motivation to escape my number one priority was sinful.

As the year 2020 began, I felt I should see a doctor. I was dizzy, extremely weak, packing on weight, and something was off. The doctor told me I was tired from having so many children. I pressed them for an EGK and was immediately sent to the emergency room. After many appointments and tests, we got answers.

Honestly, looking back I think I my heart’s physical condition was outward evidence of what was going on inside. My womb also began to have problems with uncontrollable bleeding. Doctors really didn’t know why. Their only solution was medications and surgery. The thought of losing my womb wasn’t something I was ready to come to terms with.

This was a wake-up call for me. I wanted nothing more than to find the love for homemaking that I had at the beginning.

How could I rediscover my joy?

#1. I started at the beginning, my Lord and Savior. I made it my FIRST priority to wake up EVERY morning (with sickness being the only exception) at 5:45 to spend time with the Lord. This is where the love and joy was reborn. Now I simply cannot wait to get up in the morning to be with my Lord! The still of the morning before everyone awakes – oh, it’s such a precious time! God has remade me during these mornings together!

#2. I devoured everything I could on homemaking – books, podcasts, Bible Studies, my stack of Above Rubies magazines, YouTube videos – whatever I could get my hands on! Oh, how I had missed all the joyous aspects of homemaking and motherhood! The spark was beginning to flame again!

#3. I sought answers for my physical health. I sought out a wonderful cardiologist and help from a naturalist doctor. Through a combined effort, my health is making a huge turn around. I feel better and stronger every da, and the bleeding issues are correcting! God is healing my body from the inside out! Maybe He will choose to bless us again?

I can honestly say that NOTHING the world has to offer is better than the joy of being home with my family. Getting to nurture them spiritually and physically is the greatest calling on a woman’s life. God made us for this! I might still write that book someday, but this time it will be my story of the goodness of God and His beautiful design for motherhood.

MELISSA SHULTZ

Kennesaw, Georgia, USA

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Picture: John and Melissa with their family: Christopher (19), Lily (15), Dalton (13), William (11), Johanna (

, Luke (4) and 3 little ones awaiting us in heaven.

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Nancy Campbell

Monday, 11 July 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

FIVE GIFTS FROM GOD DURING A MISCARRIAGE

My husband and I have six children, ranging in age from 13 to four years. I found out I was pregnant in May this year of with our 7th child.

I took our two oldest children, Grace (11) and Gehrig (13) on a mission trip to Kenya in June where we did evangelism and church planting. We were blessed to see 108 salvations for Christ and the locals started four new churches. It was life- changing! I wanted my children to experience God and see what life was like in a third world country. They absolutely loved it!

I was about eight weeks pregnant. I didn’t know I would be in early pregnancy when planning the trip and I really had to rely on the Lord for patience. I had all the symptoms of early pregnancy like nausea, sore breasts, constipation, mood swings, etc. I had to pray and call out to God quite a few times from being so uncomfortable. But the mission trip gave me a chance to serve others and not think about myself. I am so grateful to God and that was #1 gift He gave me.

One week later (July 5) after our return home on June 27, I miscarried our 7th child. The night before I was bleeding only slightly. The Lord gave me a gift of a good night’s sleep (gift #2) before the next morning when the actual miscarriage happened.

I was 10 weeks along. I tried to miscarry naturally at home, but my blood pressure kept dropping, and I was dizzy, lightheaded, and faint. I was rushed to the ER. Gift #3, God gave me a female ob/gyn. She was so gentle and kind and never said one word about how old I was (46 years). In fact, the whole staff was kind and caring.

Gift #4, my parents were able to take my children while I was resting and recovering. Instead of being judgmental, they’ve been nothing but supportive and caring. I can’t help but think that this is due our witness that we began many years ago of surrendering our family size to the Lord. Although it has not been easy since some of our children are getting a bit older my parents (and us too) are seeing the richness of our family life and how blessed my husband and I are.

I ended up having a D&C because some of the tissue from the baby and blood clots were not coming out. I agreed because I knew my uterus needed to clamp down properly, even though I’m not fond of surgery. The doctor was wise and knew what she was doing.

After the surgery, I was able to eat and drink, but my blood count was quite low at 8. I kept trying to stand up but couldn’t, due to nausea and dizziness.

Gift #5. After several hours of this, a nurse suggested a motion sickness patch to help me withstand the dizziness. It worked! And I was able to come home within an hour.

Going on the mission trip pregnant and coming home to a miscarriage was not in my plan. But God is His goodness was so good to me and knew exactly what I needed. He wanted this baby for himself, to live eternally with him or her. I can’t help but also think of the timing of this with the recent court decision of Roe v. Wade. Many are trying to prevent life from coming and we welcomed it with our whole hearts and gave it to eternity with God.

Gifts - so many! I feel great peace to the Lord who gave us a gift. The gift of miscarriage to be able to carry a baby for Him and no one else. I consider it an honor and privilege. At my age, I’m not sure if the Lord will bless us with any more babies. It was really a surprise that this one came along since I hadn’t been pregnant for over four years.

However, I’m not pining away or yearning for something that may or may not be mine to have. I am perfectly content to live in His will and do what He asks. I am merely a vessel in obedience to Him. It is possible to live in peace as you give control over to the Lord. I really did want another baby, but His will is more important than my desires. I can’t express how easy this has been. Maybe because I gave the Lord my fertility and have grown to realize His ways and plan are best for me, even if I don’t understand, or agree.

I am reminded of the story of Joseph and how he never strayed from God despite how hopeless things looked. God is pleased when we go through suffering joyfully. It is such a pleasing aroma to Him.

I am excited to have done the Lord’s will and to have been used by Him. Some would say, how can you be happy? You lost a baby. Yes, but what I gained in return is much greater. The privilege of sharing in Christ’s suffering and to have an opportunity to draw close to the Lord for strength and joy is life-altering. As I celebrate this life, I am hopeful for other women to have this experience, and for when my strength returns, how truly joyful I will be with my children and husband. How blessed I am.

GINGER SPECK

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Pictures: Ginger and Greg with their children: Gavin (10), Grace (11), Gehrig (13), Gabriel (

, Gannon the youngest held by Gabriel (4) and Graham (6).

Gehrig and Grace hanging with some children.

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Nancy Campbell

Sunday, 10 July 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

WITHOUT CHILDREN

WithoutChildren The left agenda of this world are intent on reducing the population of the world. The Georgia Guidestones which blew up last week stated plainly they want to bring the population of the world to 500 million. It is currently just on 8 billion. No wonder they love abortion and every other plan to eliminate life, all inspired by the devil who hates life and comes to rob, kill, and destroy. But God is the author and creator of life and loves life. He has room for every baby that is born. We are on God’s side when we embrace life. We are on the devil’s side when we reject life.

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Nancy Campbell

Friday, 08 July 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

TEACH THE DIFFERENCE

You are a wife and mother, but did you know that you are also a priest? Yes, the Bible tells us that we are “kings and priests unto God” (Revelation 1:6 and 5:10).

In Ezekiel 44:23, 24 we read that the priests were to "teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statues."

God gives parents the responsibility to teach their children the difference between what is right and what is wrong. And mothers are judges. Constantly throughout the day you face arguments and disagreements between your children that you must umpire. Peace does not come through tolerating the disarray or rebellion but dealing with it.

Instead, we teach our children to show love to their siblings rather than fighting them. We teach them to speak the truth rather than giving into lies. We teach the difference between the clean and the unclean, the holy and the profane. If we don't do this, we'll live in bedlam in our homes.

This principle continues in society. Sadly, many Christians today have joined the "Religion of Tolerance." If we were to tolerate every wrong thing in our homes, they would become chaotic. No wonder this is happening in our society.

Dear mothers, let's not be those who give in to the thinking of society all around us that tolerates any lifestyle that people want to embrace. It's not enough to say, "Well, I would never do that, but I can't criticize them for doing it." This is not what the Bible says. We are told to expose and reprove all evil (Proverbs 24:23-25 and Ephesians 5:11). We are to be "the light of the world" exposing and pushing back the darkness and evil.

Let’s all stand up for truth and righteousness,

Nancy Campbell

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Nancy Campbell

Thursday, 07 July 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

MY PRAYER...

MyPrayer

Can you imagine the next generation if every mother would light her children’s hearts with zeal and holy fire for the Lord?

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Nancy Campbell

Wednesday, 06 July 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

THE TRIUMPH OF BIRTH

In the relief of the dark, by myself, in the peace and quiet, I delivered my own baby, our fifth son. The only noise was snoring, the soporific sound of my husband asleep.

Everything was OK with the world. I was opening. I was safe. I was relaxed. No glaring lights. No beeping machinery, no loud strangers pushing and shoving, grabbing my baby away from me.

The powerful intimacy of birth. This is something I won’t willingly give away. It’s deeply private and vulnerable.

“Why are you blowing on my face?” Hubby got there just in time. Just as Baby was born into my hands. No crying (he didn’t cry for four days). We turned the light on to check his breathing. Baby turned his eyes to look at us. Small and perfect. So we turned the light off again.

The warm bath was inviting. We hopped straight in. Baby was on my chest. A wet towel kept him warm. Comfy and cosy. Just us. The morning arrived, and the midwife too. She was happy to see everything had gone so well.

Window onto a summer night, I knew I was in labour in the night. I grabbed a drink and my worship music on the way to the bathroom. I found a couple of towels. I locked myself in with the comforting dark.

The window opened onto a summer night. My pillow was on the windowsill to lean on. I looked out into the tree in the quiet. At first, I stood holding onto towel racks. I was breathing quietly during the waves. I take it all inside and find strength there. Then a pause. I got down onto my hands and knees, opening my hips. I stood and lifted one knee to my chest, then the other. Then held the towel rack for another wave. Relaxing into it.

Further on, I was crouching. Just leaning against my pillow on the windowsill. Looking out into the leaves of the tree. Kneeling on the padded towels. It got more intense. I could feel I needed to push. Then came a few heavy-duty pushes. And Baby was crowning.

With my two hands and a towel I spoke to my husband, Jo, “The baby’s coming.” He heard me through the open window. He let himself in the door with the latch. He locked it behind him again. Hubby sat with me as Baby slipped into my hands. Warm and wet. I brought him out in front of me while crouching. Then I turned and sat on the towels.

Jo helped me hold him. We both looked at him. And he quietly looked at us. In the water we made sure Baby was snug and cosy with me. I had it ready and steaming in case I needed it. But I had felt more flexibility outside of the bath. Then as soon as Baby was born, it was so good to slip in. Warm and relaxed. I could feel his strong heartbeat against my chest. He was snuggling in, content.

Then Jo held Baby. The midwife sat quite happily nearby on the loo. She saw the placenta had come in the bath and stopped texting the back-up. I hopped out. I wrapped up in my dressing gown. Baby was against my chest as I sat on a towel on the loo. Now it was time to chat. The need for quiet and privacy was gone.

Now there was just the celebration. I think it was about two hours. But I don’t know. I wasn’t timing it. The midwife was so pleased for us. She knew that I probably wasn’t going to call her. That I needed to be by myself. But having her care and support was important to me. And especially afterwards. We knew everything was OK. She congratulated us. Placenta in a blue salad bowl I walked to our bed and Baby’s four brothers met him.

The midwife got a parking ticket. We sent a note to the council begging forgiveness. With Baby’s handprint!

KRISTIE BAYNE

New Zealand

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Picture: Johann and Kristi with their five boys, Enoch, Zion, Stefan, Noah, and Daniel.

P.S. As I read this beautiful account of Kristie’s birth, I thought of the question that so many liberal women today will not answer: “What is a Woman?” Yes, we know what a woman is. She can give birth. In triumph. In power. There is something so powerful about giving birth naturally. It does something to a woman. She knows she can accomplish anything. She understands the power and strength God has given to her. She does not need to vie for the man’s world. God has given her the privilege and strength to do what a man could never do. Conception, pregnancy, and birth are the glory of womanhood and the nation (Hosea 9:11).

~ Nancy

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Nancy Campbell

Tuesday, 05 July 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

SWEET WIVES AND MOTHERS

Sweetness is not something that is highlighted in women today. I wonder why, because it builds a beautiful marriage and makes a wonderful atmosphere in the home.

The husband in Song of Solomon 4:11 (NET) says to his wife: "Your lips drip sweetness like the honeycomb, my bride. Honey and milk are under your tongue." Most people have a sweet tooth and like sweet things. And did you know that husbands like sweet wives?

The testimony of this wife in the Song of Songs is that sweet words constantly drip from her mouth. And that shouldn't only be in the bedroom, but in every room, and every situation throughout the day. Rather a challenge, isn't it?

Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary adds to the meaning of sweetness: "gratefulness to the taste, or to the smell, fragrance, and agreeableness to the ear, melody, and sweetness of the voice, softness, mildness, and sweetness of temper."

In Psalm 128:3 God reveals the picture of the wife as a grapevine. And of course every vinedresser does everything in his power to cultivate sweet grapes. Who wants to eat sour grapes? What husband wants a sour grapes wife? And what children want a sour grapes mother?

God also commanded sweet incense to be lit every morning and every evening in His tabernacle. He designated specifically that they must make the incense with SWEET spices (Exodus 30:34). He wanted the holy place to be filled with a sweet aroma, just as He wants our homes to also be filled with the sweet aroma of His presence.

God commanded the anointing oil that speaks of the Holy Spirit to also be made with SWEET spices (Exodus 30:23). Some people confess that they are filled with the Holy Spirit, but if they do not reveal a sweet anointing, it may be another spirit. When we give into our fleshly nature, we give off some pretty bad smells for our family to endure; but when we yield to the Holy Spirit, we will release a sweet anointing.

May God help each one of us to fill our home with sweetness today--in our words, looks, smiles, and attitudes. This is my prayer.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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Nancy Campbell

Sunday, 03 July 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

TAKE THINGS TO THE LORD...

Mutter Oh, what a difference it makes when we take things to the Lord instead of into our own hands.

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Nancy Campbell

Saturday, 02 July 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

GOD DOES NOT FORGET...

WorkandLabor Be encouraged today, dear mother. You are doing a great work and you will receive your eternal reward. The impact of your mothering goes on into eternity.

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Nancy Campbell

Friday, 01 July 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

MAKING MOTHERHOOD SIMPLER, SWEETER, AND SERENE!

I hear so much struggle, sadness, and unhappiness among us mammas, especially online. I’d like to share my intro to young motherhood that has set the tone for lifelong mothering for me.

When I was 22 years, I went to Italy with nothing but a backpack, a guitar, and my one-year-old baby girl. I was escaping an awful, mentally, and sometimes physically abusive relationship.

After a few months of wandering, resting, and enjoying my baby in safety, beauty, and bliss, I found myself in the farthest south tip of Sicily, in a little off-grid community of sweet people who wanted a slower, simpler life.

They were living in house caves in the hills—old houses built right into the mountains, the backs of each room being raw stone wall, some rooms open to the sky like the ancients left their rooms. Minimal furniture, most of it hand-made or very, very old. There was no electricity and water came from a spring gushing through some simple piping.

And they were HAPPY. Relaxed. Light-hearted. They kept very little schedule. There was little that HAD to be done. We cooked together, harvested together, and with no tv, radio, or screens of any kind, we were each other’s company and entertainment.

One resident mamma kept a trunk of fabric scraps for sewing with her young daughter. We all gathered herbs together and the children helped string them on thread to hang about the room for drying as food and medicine. The children put on plays with fig leaves as masks and literally played ring-around-the-rosie’s and the like for fun.

We sang together often, and visitors dropped by unannounced to sit, laugh, and socialize while the children played. When we got super bored, we’d go to town and play live music in the plaza for tips and get gelato or just walk around enjoying the town.

We also (drum roll please) had no clock. We went to bed when the sun went down and with candles for our only light that was easy to do! We rose early with the sunrise, feeling rested from early sleep.

What’s my point?

I didn’t know until that experience that there are many different ways to mother. Often the exhaustion I encounter in the mothers around me and sometimes myself when I fall into it, is from our lifestyle that we are doing to ourselves.

Over scheduling.

Too many lessons and engagements.

Postponing the joy of a friend’s company until Tuesday at 10:30 instead of welcoming each other into our now, our daily experience.

We plan to host a dinner perfectly in a perfectly clean house instead of cooking, gathering, and laughing together every step of the way as a normal part of our days, weeks, and months.

I have pictures of my Italian aunties ironing together on their front porches simultaneously working on their tan as well their housekeeping. They look genuinely happy, smiling and laughing from their bellies. I crave that togetherness of women that we have lost with all our modern conveniences that while making life “easier” has managed to isolate us into misery, often feeling like nothing more than managers for other people’s lives and expectations with literally no pay and very little to enjoy about it, with pretty much nothing left over for us.

Eventually I had to leave this dream-like paradise and face the music I had left behind, which resulted in 13 years of custody battle to save my daughter from that situation (story for another day).

But I never forgot the light-hearted freedom of these families, making something out of nothing and sharing all of it with their friends and family in the sweetest, simplest ways with literally ZERO slaving to societies’ expectations.

I get that a lot of us are locked into our lifestyle and communities and slipping away into a valley of dreams and personal freedom isn’t exactly an option. But what is an option is looking good and hard at what we put ourselves through in the name of expectations. Shoulds. Supposed to. Recommended to. . . Have to…

Do we?

Says who?

What if we are freer than we realize to make life sweet, simple, and enjoyable?

I would like to encourage you to make a list of what you really LOVE. What makes you feel like “aaaaaaaa” and what would it take to get that into your life?

What can you scale back in the name of simplicity, relief, and just time to BE? With your babies? With your love? With your soul sisters whoever they may be?

I saw, felt, and experienced that life and motherhood doesn’t have to look one way. We can craft it like a beautiful quilt to be what we need and want it to be. And our husbands, who were once just our sweethearts, I bet they miss that sweetness too.

God loves us SO much and believe it or not . . . it’s not Him demanding we run ourselves into the ground in a joyless grind of “should” and “have to’s.” It’s us. Doing it to ourselves. And maybe others around us expecting us to do it their way.

I now have six children and because of this amazing experience I’ve been blessed to experience, I am creating my own way and a unique Sicilian inspired home life with my children and husband, based on joy and the sweetness that Jesus is daily coaxing me to become and create for my family.

I hope that anyone struggling might take some time to think and maybe journal on what your life might look like in a perfect world. Just dream. And ask God how good it can get, how much of that and more can He bring into your days, moment by moment and deeper into the foundation of how you live your lives together?

How sweet can we make our lives with our babies, big children, husbands, and ourselves while we have the time?

GINA MARIE LO MONACO

Anchorage, Alaska, USA

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Gina Marie Lo Monaco on Facebook

RockandRustica on Instagram

Picture: The Lo Monaco Keller Tribe in Sicily (Gina’s grandmother’s home town) a few months ago: Ian and Gina with their family—Denali (19), Lucia (10), Rosina (

, Shelah (6), Niko (4), and Monet (1).

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Nancy Campbell

Thursday, 30 June 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

MOTHER, YOU MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND

What makes does a door swing open? It's the insignificant hinges that we hardly ever notice. And yet without the hinges the door cannot open or close. And so it is with our daily life. It cannot function without the seemingly common and insignificant things of life.

Making beds, sweeping, vacuuming, and cleaning up the house seem so commonplace. But they bring order which is godlike. Plus, it makes the home function. Washing dishes and doing laundry can also seem humdrum. But they reveal cleanliness which is Godlike.

Smiles, hugs, and kisses and courteous attitudes may seem inconsequential but they change the whole atmosphere of the home and because they change the home to one of love, peace and joy, they are part of changing the world.

Preparing a meal seems a common-place thing, but is not unimportant. It reveals servanthood which is also Godlike. And it prepares the way for greater things—family togetherness, fun, and fellowship, feeding the soul and the spirit. It also establishes a pattern for the next generation. The gathering around the family table for meals is declining in USA. Some apartments today don't even have stoves. If children do not grow up with family meals, how much more will they digress in the next generation. Will tables be eliminated?

Some think it is a lowly thing to stay at home and nurse a baby, change diapers, care for little ones, and guide and teach their growing children. But this so-called lowly thing in the eyes of society is huge in the eyes of God. It is the highest career He has given to women. It is God's ultimate plan for you if you are blessed to be married and have children. And without mothers embracing their role the world would come to a halt!

Let’s embrace with joy "the dust of the small duties" as someone wrote. They change our environment and eventually the world.

Be blessed in your home today,

Nancy Campbell

Painting by Helge Artelius

P.S. Do you teach your children to make their beds before they come to breakfast each morning? This habit is the foundation of many good traits and success in later life.

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Nancy Campbell

Thursday, 30 June 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

GOD SENDS BABIES

GodSendsBabies

When God has a purpose, He sends a baby to fulfil it!

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Nancy Campbell

Wednesday, 29 June 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

THE BEAUTIFUL BALANCE

As mothers, how can we can be sweet and at the same time discipline our children and keep order in the home? Sometimes, we we may start yelling at everyone, but that doesn’t do much good.

Throughout Scripture, we see the tension of truth--one understanding of truth on one hand and seemingly the opposite on the other hand. This comes from God Himself. God is a God of love and yet a God of judgment and justice. God is "angry with the wicked every day" and yet He is a God of abundant mercy. Because God is perfect, He wields these divine attributes in perfect harmony. We find it harder to do.

We see a beautiful picture of Christ in Revelation 5. John wept because “no man was found worthy to open the book.” Then John saw one of the elders say: “Weep not: behold the LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book.” But when John looked up, he didn’t see a roaring lion, but a "LAMB, AS IT HASD BEEN SLAIN." Jesus Christ is both the LION and the LAMB.

We also have these innate attributes in us as mothers. We have divinely within us the sweet, nurturing anointing that God has given to women--a beautiful picture of motherhood.

However, we also have within us a roaring lion-like spirit that rises up when the enemy comes to deceive our children and steal their souls. We will not stand for it. We begin to pray. We rise up in the authority God has given us to command our children in His ways. We boldly and firmly deal with sin in their lives--lying, cheating, stealing, disobedience, rebellion, and so on. We don't do it out of frustration and anger, but in righteousness because we know we cannot allow these bad habits to control our children.

And so we walk in the beautiful balance of sweet nurturing and bold authority when it is necessary. We don't learn to do this all at once. These anointings are within us, given by God, and we learn to walk in them more and more as we yield to the Holy Spirit who is conforming us into the image of Jesus.

Think of Moses. He was "Very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:23) and yet he was one of the greatest leaders in history. He constantly had to execute judgment on these people he was leading through the wilderness. You too can lead your children on to the Promised Land with a sweet spirit, but also bold authority.

Be blessed today,

Nancy Campbell

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Nancy Campbell

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

GUARDIANS OF OUR CHILDREN'S MINDS

LikeSponges Mothers, we are the guardians of our children’s minds. Are you diligently guarding?

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Nancy Campbell

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

YOU CHOOSE!

YouChoose Everything hinges on our attitude on the home. Dear mother, you have the power to determine what your home will be like!

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Nancy Campbell

Monday, 27 June 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

WHOSE WISDOM DO WE TRUST?

I was inspired recently by reading again Psalm 104:24: "O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! in WISDOM hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches."

There are endless numbers of scientific books which tell us of the intricate wonders of God's creatures. What about the zebras? Did you know that no zebra has two stripes exactly alike? Everyone is different.

What about the Emperor Penguins? They live in the Antarctic, the coldest place on earth with winds as high as 100 mph. The female lays her egg at the beginning of winter and then the male cares for the baby-egg. He holds it on the top of his toes, keeping it off the ice so it won't freeze. Plus, God created a thick fold of skin on his belly which hangs down like a blanket to cover the egg to keep it warm in the freezing conditions. God thought of every tiny thing.

I can't resist reminding you about one more. Most caterpillars only live a few weeks before turning into moths. However, the Arctic woolly-bear caterpillar lives for 14 years as a caterpillar! Late in the summer the woolly-bear starts making antifreeze. As the temperature freezes, the caterpillar's gut freezes, then it completely freezes (not even a breath or beating heart) until it thaws out in the spring. God enables this little caterpillar to remember to make the antifreeze each year and then survive 13 winter freezes!

I love the words of Job 26:14: “Indeed, these are the outer fringes of his ways! How faint is the whisper we hear of him.” We know so little of God’s glorious creation and His way.

But God's highest creation is the male and female. He also made us with His perfect wisdom. Every part of our body is planned by the Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Eternal Architect. It makes me wonder why we mortals think we know better than God. So many, even those who say they believe in God, reject the way God created them. They have tubal ligations and vasectomies to make sure God's perfect plan cannot work. If they don't have surgery, at least they'll use some form of birth control to make sure their fertility, designed by God, is ineffective. In doing so, they deny their Creator and His wisdom and plan.

Don’t you think we should trust His wisdom?

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

P.S. Check out these Scriptures: Psalm 95:6; 100:3; 119:73; Isaiah 29:16; 45:9-10; 64:8; Romans 9:20-21; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 2:10.

Zebra picture: Two Zebras Black and White Zebra Photo Zebra Print - Etsy

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Nancy Campbell

Monday, 27 June 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

DID YOU CELEBRATE?

I am sure you did. Oh, what an historic day for our country on Friday. After nearly 50 years and the killing of over 60 million precious lives Roe v. Wade was overturned. How we thank God for His goodness to us and answering the fervent prayers of His people over the years. So many intercessors prayed. We have prayed for years. Our children and grandchildren have prayed.

On Friday some of our grandchildren called us. “Nana and Granddad, can we have a celebration at your place tonight?” They had prayed since they were young children for God “to “Save the babies” and “Bring down Abortion” and now they were seeing answers to their prayers. So, we had a barbecue and then worshipped and praise the Lord for this great victory.

Now we continue to pray that each state will rule to save precious life. Did you know that in 1973 when Roe v. Wade was passed that abortion was illegal in 30 states? May we get it illegal in 50 states!

Let’s keep praying.

~ Nancy Campbell

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Nancy Campbell

Friday, 24 June 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

GONE TOO SOON

Meant for Heaven, God knows why,

You'll never see these tears we cry.

Meant for Heaven's glorious light,

To never know the dark of night.

In the Father's arms so strong,

Never knowing sadness long,

Never knowing pain or fear,

Ever with the Lord, so near.

Though our arms so empty, ache,

We never from such bliss would take,

Our babe, so precious in God's arms,

You'll never know life's pain or harm.

So dear sweet one, precious child,

Wait for us, we'll see your smile,

And once again gaze on your face

In that pure and radiant place.

Until that day we'll say goodbye,

And hope you know these tears we cry

Are only 'cause we miss you so,

And wish you didn’t have to go.

Please ask the Lord to make us strong,

So the wait won’t seem so long,

Where once again we'll hold you tight

In realms of never-ending light.

Goodbye sweet bundle, we rest sure

That you are joyful, strong, and pure.

It won’t be long, we'll see you then,

Forever we'll be close again.

C 2006, Val Halloran

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Nancy Campbell

Thursday, 23 June 2022

Women's Daily Encouragement Blog

CONTINUAL SUNSHINE

What is it like to walk in the presence of God? Psalm 89:15 says: “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.”

In the Scriptures, the countenance of the Lord speaks of His presence. This is the ultimate vision for every believer--to walk continually in the light of His presence.

But how can you walk this kind of life in your home? Notice the Scriptures says WALK. It doesn’t say we are blissfully sitting in the presence of the Lord, away from all interruptions! Instead, it talks about your DAILY WALK. Whatever you are currently doing in your kitchen and with your children.

Are you facing squabbles and the constant immaturity of your children? Are you overwhelmed with all you must do in your home today? I was on the phone to a mother when she suddenly said, “I’ve got to go. Children are fighting, and even punching!”

The wonderful thing is that God’s presence is not limited to church meetings. God’s presence is available to you constantly. And please remember, dear mother, it is not the hassles, the difficulties, or even sorrow that hides God’s presence from you. The only thing that hides His face is our sin and rebellion against Him.

As we seek to walk in holiness because we want to walk in the light of His countenance, we will experience His joy and nearness--to strengthen us, give us peace, wisdom, and even rest in the midst of chaos!

The Bible commentator, Alexander Maclaren calls it living in “continual sunshine.”

Live in the sunshine of His presence today.

Love from Nancy Campbell

I would encourage you, when you have a spare moment, to go to the following link. It is the commentary of this Scripture by Alexander Maclaren. You will be so blessed:

http://www.studylight.org/commentaries/mac/view.cgi?bk=18...

Painting: From a 1966 children's book, "I'm Suzy.” Illustrations by Alice Schlesinger.

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"A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman,
who is he who can find her?
She is far more precious than jewels and her
value is far ABOVE RUBIES or pearls ."
Proverbs 31:10

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