About Me

My Story — Above Rubies or Pearls

Loved From the Beginning

I grew up knowing what it felt like to be deeply loved.

I was a daddy’s girl through and through. My father had a quiet way of studying me, noticing the little things I never said aloud. One day when I was young, he surprised me with a stroller for my doll simply because he caught me lingering over it in a catalog.

He saw a desire of my heart that I had never spoken — and he delighted to give it.

I didn’t understand it then, but now I can clearly see the reflection of a far greater Father:

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” — Psalm 37:4 AMPC

Those moments laid the foundation for how I would later understand God’s love: personal, attentive, generous, intentional.

Becoming the Woman My Father Hoped I’d Be

As I grew, my father was determined to shape me into a virtuous woman — even if his methods were unconventional.

I still remember the day he told me, out of nowhere, “Go make me a sandwich.”

Surprised, I looked around for my mother, but he simply lifted his head and gave me a look that said, “This isn’t up for debate.” So I made it — terribly, apparently — and received gentle but honest feedback about using only one slice of meat.

Then, while eating my sad little sandwich, he told me:

“You’ll have a husband one day, and he’ll want a sandwich. You should learn to make them.”

At ten years old, I dramatically announced that I would be hiring a personal chef one day.

My parents lovingly shut that down — and as an adult, I’m grateful they did.

Their desire for me was simple and good:

to grow into a woman who could love, serve, and build a Godly home.

Charm School, Dance Floors, and a Divided Heart

As a teenager, I became a debutante. I learned etiquette, grace, posture, how to enter a room, even how to waltz. My father presented me at a grand ball — a moment I’ll never forget.

But even with all that training, I still found myself drawn to worldly idols.

While I had accepted Jesus at 12, I wasn’t living as though I knew Him. My eyes were on music videos, fashion, teen idols, and the pursuit of external beauty.

God, however, is faithful.

Slowly, lovingly, He opened my eyes to see that none of those things lead to the way, the truth, or the life.

Instead of movie stars, He drew my attention to the woman who has shaped generations:

the Proverbs 31 Woman.

I realized that true beauty — the kind that lasts — is found in character, virtue, love, faith, and wisdom.

Beauty that begins in the heart.

The Calling to Mentor Other Women

It wasn’t enough for God to change my life. He stirred something deeper — a desire to help other women discover their worth and identity in Him.

To shine a light.

To encourage.

To guide.

To be the kind of godly role model so many women need in a culture overflowing with shallow ones.

Scripture confirmed that prompting:

“Older women… are to teach what is good, so that they may encourage the young women…” — Titus 2:3–5 AMP

Women need women.

Not to judge them — but to love them, mentor them, and walk beside them in faith.

That’s when Above Rubies or Pearls was born.

Why I Started This Blog

I created Above Rubies or Pearls to encourage women who feel the pressure to measure up, fit in, or be someone they’re not. Women who feel unseen, unsure, or unworthy. Women who long for confidence but aren’t sure where to find it.

Here, I teach what God taught me:

Your worth is found in Christ, not culture.
True beauty begins in the heart.
A virtuous life is a joyful life — not a restricted one.
Modesty is not about hiding; it’s about honoring.
Hospitality is a ministry, not an event.
God designed you with purpose, identity, and intention.

I write about inner beauty because too much emphasis is placed on the beauty that fades.

I share modest fashion because your outer appearance can reflect the dignity God placed inside you.

I teach hospitality because your home can become a place where others taste and see God’s goodness.

And above all, I pray that through my words, you will draw closer to the Father who sees your secret petitions, knows your heart, and delights to love you personally — just as He has loved me.