She Hears You

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My friend was standing in front of the mirror telling her husband how fat and ugly she felt. Then she noticed her daughter was in the room!

Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Heidi’s husband pulled her aside and asked her to stop being so critical of herself. He told her how beautiful she is and challenged her to think about the fact that her daughter’s watching and listening. When she hears her mom being critical of herself and questioning her husband’s affirmations, she learns that it’s normal to say those things to herself. And she might even start doubting when her daddy compliments her, too.

I was so challenged when she told me this. Heidi and I both decided we need to stop being so hard on ourselves and start trying to see ourselves the way God sees us. We need to stop focusing on our flaws and hopefully teach our daughters to do the same.

I’d love to know your thoughts on this, share them on Renee’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

Notice The Good

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I want to be a woman of the rare word. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

We are so quick to offer a complaint when things don’t go exactly right. And we are often forgetful with our thank you’s when things go well.

My husband owns a restaurant. To him it’s not just about serving a great chicken sandwich, it’s about serving a life. And he never qualifies his kindness. The grumpy customer gets the same kindness as the happy one. He is a man of the rare word.

The rare word is a kind word. A greeting and thank you to every person he meets.
It’s so easy to extend pleasantries to the person who’s treating me right. But what about that moment when things aren’t so right? Could I see it as an opportunity to reach past my feelings, my comfort, my rights and pursue righteousness in that moment?

I’m challenging myself to find the good. In every situation, in every interaction, in every day- to be a noticer of the good and a woman eager to speak the rare word.
Share your thoughts when you visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl, by Lysa TerKeurst

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God, by Lysa TerKeurst

Against Everything

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

I thought I was in trouble when my friend said “I might sound controversial, BUT...” Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries and actually, my friend wasn’t that controversial.

In fact, controversy was exactly what she was upset about. She was feeling like everywhere she turned there was another group of Christians standing AGAINST something, and it was starting to get to her. She told me she realizes we need to make our voice heard and stand up for our values. But, she explained that she would rather be known by what she’s FOR than what she’s AGAINST.

Above and beyond her opinion on health care, traditional marriage, or even the latest reality TV news, my friend really wants people to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is for THEM because Jesus is for them…and she loves THEM because He loves them.

I don’t think that’s so wrong, do you? Share your thoughts with me by clicking on Renee’s blog at proverbs31.org!

Related Resources:

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

Be A Giver

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I married a giver. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Nothing brings my husband more joy than to give generously. I haven’t always shared this passion.

I’m not proud of this fact. I’m just being honest.

It’s not that I was stingy. But it had to make sense and fit my plans.

And then I met my boys. My sons we adopted from a third world country. They wouldn’t be alive today had it not been for some givers who gave, so my sons could live. Givers I’ll probably never know and never be able to thank.

I don’t know how you’ve been prompted to give lately, but consider this confirmation you should. It will release you. Surprise you. And unlock a joy you can’t get any other way.

To read more about my family’s story, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.


Related Resources:

Visit Lysa's Blog

Check out the P31 Woman Magazine

What Happens When Women Say Yes To God, by Lysa TerKeurst



What Happens When Women Say Yes to God, by Lysa TerKeurst

You're Beautiful

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I have a friend who’s absolutely gorgeous, but her biggest insecurity is her looks. Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I didn’t know my friend struggled with her appearance until the other day when she shared her insecurities with me. I was shocked! Right away I told her she’s one of the most beautiful women I know – inside and out. But she didn’t believe me. It’s something she’s struggled with all her life, making her question what she should wear or eat every day.

You know, whether we’re watching TV or standing in a check-out line at the grocery store, we’re bombarded with air-brushed images of women who look flawless. And there we are standing in our sweat suit with no make-up on wishing we could be that beautiful!

But we don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. God says we’re fearfully and wonderfully made…now if we could only start believing that!

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at Proverbs31.org.


Related Resources:

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

The Moment

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Some relationships become so familiar that we can tend to forget, rush, and assume. We feel like we’ll have forever. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. And feeling like we have forever cheapens the right now feelings.

Each morning I have a routine with my husband. He asks me to help him pick a tie. He then goes away to fuss with it and soon returns with a flipped up collar and a pressed down, knotted tie. He needs me to fold the collar over.
It’s just a moment. But it’s something I would miss with the deepest ache imaginable if today was the last of those moments.

Our relationship isn’t perfect. No relationship is. But…Great love is two people making the choice to be a match. To fold his collar over - savor the gift of this simple moment and find myself grateful.
For more encouragement for imperfect marriages, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Capture His Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst

Capture Her Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst

Change For The Better

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My son wasn’t acting like himself, and I couldn’t figure out why! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I visited Andrew’s classroom one afternoon and noticed he was all by himself while all the other kids were with friends. I knew something wasn’t right because he’s usually a very happy and outgoing kid. I talked with his teacher and she said he hadn’t been acting like himself for a while. She also thought a smaller environment might be a better fit in middle school.

We prayed about it and eventually made a big change that required a big step of faith since we’d have to pay tuition at a smaller school. Well, God provided in amazing ways and Andrew is thriving in his new smaller setting! I can’t believe the difference. The fun-loving kid I know at home is now the same at school.

Is your child going through something that could mean you have to make a change in order to help him? Share your story on Renee’s blog, at Proverbs31.org.


Related Resources:

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31