ABOVE RUBIES NEWSLETTER #2, Jun 2021
MINI ABOVE RUBIES, No 2 for 2021
Featured Articles
THE NEW MAGAZINE, #98
If you live in the US, you will have received your magazine or magazines by now. Maybe even in some of the other countries, although some of you will be waiting a bit longer for them to arrive if you are not in America.
Let me share a few updates to the magazine with you.
CORRECT PHONE NUMBER FOR ABOVE RUBIES
Ladies, if you have been trying to call us at Above Rubies and can’t get through, here is the correct number: 931 729 9861
We used to have an 800 number, but I canceled that a while ago and I forgot to change the area code to 931 in the magazine. Sorry about that.
You can call this number for questions, orders, or to give a donation.
DO YOU NEED MORE OR LESS?
If you only receive one magazine and would love more to share the magazine with others, you are welcome to email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Give your name and address and how many you can effectively use.
Those who receive bulk orders, up to 100 or more, I trust you can distribute your magazines far and wide. If you are not able to use them all, don’t leave them lying around. You can send back to us any you have left over. I can’t believe it, but we have already run out of this current issue (apart from the magazines with the postal strip). So we would hate to think of one being wasted as we have requests for them every day.
BACK PAGE QUOTE
On the back page of every magazine, I put a quote. However, if you only get one magazine, you miss out on the quote as it is replaced with the Postage strip.
Here is the quote for you from this magazine:
GOD’S BLESSING OR CURSE
The divine blessing has ever rested upon nations and communities just in the measure in which they have kept marriage and the home pure and holy. Blight and curse have come just in the measure in which they have departed from these divine models, dishonoring marriage, and tearing down the sacred wall of home.”
~ J. R. Miller
Isn’t this so true? The devil is doing everything he can to tear down marriages and families. He hates the family because He hates God. Marriage and family are the first institutions God ordained. We must guard that we don’t get used to a society of marriage and family breakups. It’s not the blessing of God.
There is nothing more powerful we can do in our lives than daily build up our marriage and our family life. It is difficult to build up a career and build up a marriage and home at the same time. It’s takes time and effort and prayer and sacrifice and much thinking about it to build into your marriage each day. And to make your homelife stronger. But when we have strong homes and strong families, we will have a strong nation. The weaker the family becomes the weaker the nation becomes.
May we each be a builder of the nation as we build our marriages and families.
And here is the quote for Above Rubies #97.
BEGIN EARLY
“Before a child has reached seven,
Have him taught the way to Heaven.
Better still the truth will thrive,
If he knows the way before he’s five.
Best of all, if at your knee,
He learns the way before he’s three!
~Anon
This is so true also. The other Sunday at church one of our sons shared how that when he faces a difficult problem in his life that he goes deep into his soul and seeks to remember Scriptures that God brings to his mind. He takes time to do this. He shared how he is amazed how God faithfully brings the right words to him. But God is only able to do this because they were invested and implanted him in as a child.
He used the analogy of chess. He himself is a chess player and his children are Tennessee champions. Their homeschool team were in the top ten of the super-national championships of USA. He hopes his children will become Master chess players, but although he is a very good chess player, he knows he won’t make that title himself.
It is an established fact that no one has ever become a titled Master chess player if they have not learned chess before the age of 25. The earlier the better.
It is the same with God’s Word. We must imprint it on their hearts and minds while they are young. It must dwell in them richly so they can draw from it in the future lives. This doesn’t automatically happen. We as parents have the responsibility to imprint it upon them (Deuteronomy 4:9; 6:6-9; 11:18-22; Psalm 78:4-7; Isaiah 38:19; and Colossians 3:16). We must do this daily, hopefully morning and evening which is the biblical pattern.
James 1:21 says that we are to “receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your souls.” The word engrafted also means implanted. The AMPC translation says: “In a humble (gentle, modest )spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted (in your hearts) contains the power to save your souls.”
I also love the words Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:15: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
The word child is "brephos" and refers to a baby in the womb (Luke 1:41, 44), and newborn baby (Luke 2:12, 16), and a child. This shows we should begin as soon as possible.
NEW BABIES
You will have enjoyed seeing the wedding pictures of Trae and Chalice Ruppel and Megan and Noble Barrett in the Editorial. And our new grandbabies. But now there are more on the way! The most exciting news is that now Megan and Chalice are both pregnant and so excited as they wait for their first babies.
But there’s more. Megan’s sister Molly is married to Riku Higurashi, and she is pregnant too. See if you can keep following this . . . Kahoru is pregnant too, now looking forward to their second baby. Kahoru is married to Bowen (Pearl’s oldest son). Riku came to visit his sister, Kahoru, from Japan and fell in love with Molly (Megan’s sister) who is married to Noble (another one of Pearl’s sons) and later married her. Wow, could you keep up with all that?
Meadow, Pearl’s oldest daughter, was also hoping for another baby but sadly miscarried.
How exciting it is to have these precious new lives coming into our extended and growing family.
NEVER SECOND BEST, PAGES 4 AND 5
Forgive me. I spelled a name wrongly. Tina’s last precious baby’s name is Eden Sky Tarore Jensen. It’s important to get the name correct!
MY PATH TO HEALING, Pages 8 and 9
I am sure you were blessed by Jessica’s testimony. I’d love to share with you the words of a song that Jessica recently wrote. She sings these words to encourage herself in the Lord and I know they will encourage you too. Jessica only picked up the guitar this January and yet she wrote and sang this beautiful song for us the other Sunday.
He is mighty, oh mighty is He,
He is the Prince of Peace,
Son of God, Deliverer.
He is our Abba Father
Who fills us with His love,
He calls us sons and daughters,
Honored and beloved.
He loosens all our bondage,
And sets the captives free,
He pours out His ointment,
Restores my soul.
CHORUS:
His grace becomes my pillar,
His Spirit my delight,
The enemy is conquered,
His power lives in me.
He breaks all lies!
He sings over me
A song of triumph!
Shame has lost its power,
I am free to live.
I hear chains break
And you have been set free!
Rise up true sons and daughters!
And don’t you love Jessica’s quote?
“Mother is not in the way; it IS the way.”
I’M NOW A MORNING PERSON, PAGE 15
Rachel had the most amazing homebirth delivering her little JUBILEE HOPE on March 28.
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DO YOU THINK ABOUT FOOD?
Elijah was running from wicked Queen Jezebel. He’d been running for two days and was exhausted, so exhausted he was ready to end his life.
But God was watching over him and thinking about him. Thinking about he needed to be refreshed and nourished. So He sent His angel to bake him some bread on some hot coals and give him a jug of water. The angel woke him up and told him to get up and eat!
Elijah enjoyed this delicious hot bread and pure energizing water from God and went back to sleep! A while later, the angel come back, shook him again, and told him to eat some more. “You’ve got a long journey ahead” he said.
He got up, ate, drank to the full, and set off on his journey. It was such a nourishing meal that we walked in the strength of that food for 40 days and nights.
What gets to me about this incident is how God thinks about food. He thinks about feeding His people. He thinks about nourishing us. God loves food. He created all the beautiful fruits and vegetables for us to eat. He gave us creativity to cook with them and make them into palatable and delicious meals.
But dear ladies, if God thinks about feeding, we should think about it too. Of course, we can’t help thinking about it in our homes when we have hungry children all around us and a husband wanting a good hearty meal. But sometimes we don’t think about it enough.
We just cook the food because we’ll have grumbling children if we don’t. I believe we should creatively think about it. We should think about how we can nourish our families. How we can make the most healthy-filled meals. How we can make the food taste tantalizing and delicious.
Food is all about taste. That’s why God created so many different tastes in foods. Food is boring if is tasteless. An important part of preparing food is to make it appetizing and delectable to the palate.
So let’s think about preparing food for our families. And not only our families, but for others. Do you love hospitality? There’s hardly an evening that we don’t have people joining us at our meal table. Tonight we’ll have 12 of us, mostly young people. I am looking forward do it.
Let me remind you again dear mother that you are not wasting your time when you think about the food for your family. You are being like God. He thinks of how He can feed and strengthen His people, both physically and spiritually. That’s one of the powerful things about motherhood. We are feeders, both physically and spiritually. We reveal the likeness of God as we do this in our families and also reaching out to others.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Recently I celebrated my 80th birthday, although seems rather strange because I don’t even imagine myself at this age. I’m too busy and too much to do.
Anyway, I have been blessed with three celebrations. A Family Celebration and few close friends which we enjoyed at our home—64 of us although not all could make it. We would have over 100 if everyone in the family could come. It was a great night of food and fellowship. Although people brought food, our eldest son provided most of the food, bringing the favorite of everyone in our family—Indian food. We all love hot food. And we had lots of speeches.
Then my dear friend, Erin Harrison, who lives on the Hilltop wanted to put on two more celebrations, one for all the young mothers and babies and children so they wouldn’t miss out, and one for the older ladies.
We were hoping to have the one for the young mothers at our home by the playground, but it was a rainy day, so we all went to Erin’s home where we enjoyed the most beautiful luncheon.
Then on Sunday evening, 6th June we enjoyed the Ladies’ High Tea. Let me tell you all about it—it’s a beautiful example of thinking about food.
A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO SHOW LOVE
Erin called the celebration night “Fancy for Nancy,” and everyone was asked to come really dressed up and with a hat to match!
Each person was asked to bring a dessert or savory dish, but the day before Erin got an idea, which was a surprise. She decided to turn it into a really royal Tea Party, and she set to work to bake 10 different English recipes for the party! Did I say 10? Yes, 10 different recipes that would have taken most people a day to do one of them! There’s no one like Erin. She can do anything!
At the party, one of our lovely ladies brought each dish around to show everyone and they had to guess the name of the recipe. I have to confess that even with my English background I didn’t win the competition.
Anyway, let me tell you about what she made. And I’d love to know how many you would have guessed!
No. 1. Scones. Well, we all knew what they were. It is very English to have scones with jam and cream. In our family, often on a Sunday evening we will make scones with jam and cream, a favorite because we come from New Zealand.
No. 2. Victoria Sponge. Erin made such a beautiful six-layered sponge with whipped cream between each layer.
No. 3. Chelsea Buns. They are made with currants or raisins, and cinnamon, allspice, and lemon peel. They look a little like cinnamon rolls.
No. 4. English Shortbread. We could all guess this one. Shortbread is a favorite of most people, but I think this was the best shortbread I have ever eaten in my life. Erin made all her dishes with freshly ground einkorn flour. so they were so healthy.
No. 5. Figgy Pudding. We sometimes sing about this when we are out caroling at Christmas time . . .
“Now, bring us some figgy pudding,
Now, bring us some figgy pudding,
Now, bring us some figgy pudding, and bring it out here!
The funny thing is that I had never eaten figgy pudding until Sunday evening! I didn’t even know what it was! But wow, I have never eaten anything so delectable I’ll post a picture of it. It includes dates and figs and raisins and eggs and flour. Erin made a beautiful job of them.
No. 6. English Trifle. This is a familiar one of course, made with sponge cake, custard, jelly, whipped cream, and berries, all layered. It's always a favorite at every party back home in New Zealand. We could purchase packages of custard powder (from which we make the custard) from the supermarket but it is difficult to procure here in USA. However, not to be outdone, Erin made her own custard with eggs which was even healthier.
No. 7. Spotted Dick. This was another one I hadn’t heard of. Apparently, it was also a favorite of Queen Victoria's. It is a boiled pudding with lemon undertone and is spotted with raisins. Dick was another name for pudding, derived from the word “dough.”
No. 8. Cornish pasty, made perfectly by Erin. Couldn’t get better at any restaurant.
No. 9. Mincemeat pies. These aren't made with meat, but with raisins and such in little cases of pastry which they make especially at Christmas time.
No. 10. Bubble and Squeak, made from leftover potatoes and cabbage. I sometimes made this for the children when they were growing up. You can also include eggs and other leftovers when frying them up.
How many of these would you have guessed correctly?
But what I am really wanting to share with you is the time, effort, creativity, and thoughtfulness Erin put into making all these recipes in order to make it such a special evening for all the ladies.
After the wonderful food, and there was just too much to eat, we had “Pass the Parcel” which is a game we often play at our parties. This time, they were questions about my childhood, courtship and “raising our children” days. They had to do a lot of guessing but they also found out lots of secrets about my life.
YOUR BOYS WILL LOVE THIS
These courses are run by our grandson, Zadok Johnson.
They will be doing one in Tennessee this very week, but the next one will be in Texas.
THIRD BSC CAMP FOR THE YEAR COMING SOON IN TEXAS!
BSC – BIBLE * SURVIVAL * COMBAT!
WILDERNESS, MISSIONARY TRAINING * Five-day Intensive wilderness Training!
JULY 7th - 11th
Location: 45 MINUTES OUTSIDE AUSTIN TEXAS
FOR YOUNG MEN AGES 13 - 20
DON’T LET YOUR SONS MISS THIS LIFE-CHANGING EVENT!
BSC trains young men to be real men of God and to stand strong in this evil day.
Hands-On, God and Grit, rugged, missionary type boot camp!
Missionary skills! Mountain Rescue! Survival! Bushcraft! Shelter Building! Rescue and relief! Jungle Survival! Evangelism! Emergency Medical! Combat! And best of all –BIBLICAL TRAINING.
Tuition price: $325 covering food, shelter, and curriculum.
For more information got to: www.BSCcourse.com
Or call 615-693-7914
Watch YouTube: https://youtu.be/cftC8QMHhzs
FROM GOLD TO BRASS
Currently I am doing a series on this subject. I believe it is very powerful and I’d love you to listen to them.
156. GUARD YOUR TREASURES, Part 1
King Rehoboam inherited the richest kingdom in the world in his day. In only five years everything was taken away! We must hold fast that which we have!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/183665/8665951
157. FROM GOLD TO BRASS, Part 2
King Rehoboam exchanged gold for brass. What are we experiencing in our lives as wives and mothers? Are we living the gold, or have we exchanged it for brass?
https://www.buzzsprout.com/183665/8705942
158. FROM GOLD TO BRASS, Part 3
What is happening behind your four walls? Are you going for gold, or are you living a replacement lifestyle? Check it out.
This one is coming out Tuesday morning, 22nd.
FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS w/ Nancy Campbell (although I think I will be changing the name soon to LIFE TO THE FULL!)
You’ll find it on the Home Page of www.aboverubies.org
Or http://ARPoddy.buzzsprout.com or your favorite podcast app such as iTunes or Googleplay.
TRANSCRIPTS ALSO AVAILABLE OF ALL PODCASTS
Transcribed by Darlene Norris * This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Would you like to email Darlene and thank her so much for faithfully and freely transcribing these podcasts every week for your benefit? She does it from the love of her heart.
LINKS FOR ADVERTISED BOOKS IN LATEST ABOVE RUBIES, # 98
I know it is so much easier to just click on a link when ordering so I will give them to you here.
NANNY’S NURSERY RHYMES
http://tinyurl.com/NannysNurseryRhymes
MOTHER, MAY I? Exploring a Woman’s Right to Choose
THE POWER OF MOTHERHOOD
http://bit.ly/PowerOfMotherhoodUS
SAFETY TIPS
https://aboverubiesbookstore.mybigcommerce.com/safety-tips-by-richard-gunther/
LIFE TIPS
https://aboverubiesbookstore.mybigcommerce.com/search.php?search_query=life+tips
PURCHASE THE TWO TIP BOOKS FOR ONLY $15.00
STICKERS AND MAGNETS
Check out these lovely stickers and magnets we have available for you. They are powerful affirmations to encourage you in your great role of mothering. Stick them wherever you can see them each day to remind you.
3 X 3” SQUARE OR CIRCLE STICKERS
A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT DOES WONDERS!
SPREAD HOPE, NOT FEAR!
I’M FILLING MY HOME . . .
MOTHER IS NOT IN THE WAY; IT IS THE WAY! (GREEN)
MOTHER IS NOT IN THE WAY; IT IS THE WAY! (YELLOW)
YOU CAN TEACH YOUR CHILDREN . . .
ALL THE GREAT THINGS . . .
THE POSSIBILITY
THINGS DON’T JUST HAPPEN: YOU HAVE TO MAKE THEM HAPPEN!
MOTHER, YOUR CHILDREN LEARN FAR MORE. . .
ONLY $1.50 each
4 x 4 SQUARE STICKER
BE STRONG AND VERY COURAGEOUS
ONLY $2.50
MAGNETS to put on your fridge
JOY IS THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF HEAVEN
I AM DESTINED FOR MOTHERHOOD
ONLY $2.50 each
LITTLE FACES
A poem by Val Halloran to encourage you:
Little faces at my place;
Some wear denim, some wear lace.
Muddy fingers, messy hair,
I'm just glad that they are there.
Yes, they keep me on my toes,
Picking up their toys and clothes.
Wiping faces, washing feet,
But I don't mind ‘cuz they're so sweet.
Days and moments will not last,
Up and away, they'll grow too fast,
My time with them today I'll savor,
And thereby do myself a favor.
To see them all as gifts from God,
To shape them is a noble job.
There Is no greater joy on earth
Than teaching children of their worth.
To God in heaven, who in love,
Designed them for His courts above.
He destined each one for a plan,
To serve His purposes for man.
So let me pause for just a while
To ponder each one's face and smile.
While life speeds on and keeps its pace,
These memories won't be erased.
2017 Val Halloran
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NO EXCUSES
Lying in the bath the other night I read the words in Psalm 30:9: “Shall the dust praise thee? Shall it declare thy truth?” No. We have only one chance to declare God’s truth and make known the glory of God and that’s while we are here on this earth. When we meet the Lord, all our opportunities will be gone.
The word “declare” is a strong word. The Hebrew word, nagad means “to front, to stand boldly out opposite, to manifest, announce, expose, predict, denounce, and certainly declare.” We can declare God’s truth in different ways.
1. The Bible tells us we can declare God’s truth by sending a message through the post ((Jeremiah 51:31). You can write an encouraging word on a card and send it to someone who is hurting or downcast. That’s a beautiful thing to do. These days, you can use your social media. It can be a time waster, or you can use it to proclaim God’s truth. If you can’t think of messages to send out, you can share some of mine.
2. The Bible tells us we declare God’s truth by singing (Psalm 78:9). I love the words in Isaiah 48:20 where it says: “God ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a VOICE OF SINGING DECLARE YE, TELL this, UTTER it even to the end of the earth; SAY ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.” God wanted the miracle of bringing His people from the bondage of Babylon to be declared to the ends of the earth.
But do you notice that God uses six different words to remind them to boldly proclaim His works? Voice, singing, declare, tell, utter, and say! The Hebrew words for voice and singing both mean to make a LOUD noise.
3. And of course we declare His truth by speaking boldly. Upfront. Speaking boldly. We are not afraid to speak the truth even if it is counterculture. We fear God rather than man (Acts 4:19, 20 and 5:29). In most cases in the Bible, it was only the remnant that stood fast to God’s truth. Let’s never be taken in by the most popular opinion (Matthew 7:13, 14).
We have no excuse for hiding our light, being too fearful to speak, or not wanting to step on anyone’s toes. e
Let’s be declarers of God’s truths to our children, our grandchildren, and all whom we meet. Let’s remember that our only privilege and opportunity to declare God’s truths are in this lifetime.
From one world changer to another,
NANCY CAMPBELL
www.aboverubies.org