Fasting to be Focused

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

We’ve all heard about giving things up for Lent during Easter, but why not carry this tradition into the month of December? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. No matter what denomination you are, intentionally giving up something, to keep your heart focused on Christ is a good thing anytime of the year. What a tangible way to teach your kids about getting their hearts focused on Christ during Christmas by letting them think of something they could give up for the month of December. Maybe it will be their favorite toy, watching television, playing video games, or drinking sodas. Let it be their choice as it is their gift of sacrifice to Jesus for His birthday. And parents don’t forget to join in the fun by sharing what you are sacrificing as well! For more ideas on keeping your family focused on Christ during Christmas, log on to Proverbs31.org and click on our daily e-mail devotions called “Encouragement for Today. I’ll look forward to seeing you at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

The Christmas Story: Experiencing the Most Wonderful Story Ever Told by G.A. Myers

Encouragement for Today Email Devotions

“Celebrating Christ At Christmas”, December 2004, ETC Corner

An Advent Wreath

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

An Advent wreath can help you get truly ready for Christmas! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A friend told me when she and her husband celebrated their first Christmas together they used an advent wreath to help them focus on Jesus. Not only was that Christmas the most peaceful one she can remember, joining her husband each night to light the candles, read the different passages, and pray together is her favorite memory of her first year as a wife.

You can buy Advent wreaths at most Christian bookstores. Or, you can find four candles around your home, one for each of the four Sundays leading to Christmas, and place them in an evergreen wreath. Then light a different one each week as you read a part of the Christmas story from the Bible. Whether you’re single or have a family, make this a special time once a week or every night. The goal is simply to slow down and reflect on what the season is all about. For more ideas log on to proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

The ADVENTure of Christmas by Lisa Whelchel

Advent Activities, ETC December 2005

“Celebrating Christ At Christmas”, December 2004, ETC Corner

Have a Plan

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

Day planners are NOT your enemy. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. After years of resistance, I’ve discovered that getting my schedule out of my brain and onto a calendar drastically reduces my stress.

Since it’s not realistic for me to say “yes” to every opportunity, planning ahead lets me practice the discipline of saying “no.” For example, I can only go to my office one day a week. While the ideal thing might be to go everyday, this is not the season for me to allow the office to be my main focus. Some days it’s my kids. Some days it’s a hurting friend. And some days it’s my husband. Saying “no” to some things allows me to place my energies where I’m needed the most. And, the white space left over allows for endless possibilities – including precious time for myself! For more time management ideas, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Living Life on Purpose book and workbook by Lysa TerKeurst

“Give Mom A Minute”, November 2005, ETC Corner

What Gift Will You Give Jesus?

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

What gift will you give to Jesus this Christmas? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. It’s so easy to spend our time and money buying gifts for family and friends, but have you thought about giving a gift to God? This year my family has decided to give God the gift of grateful hearts. We’ve noticed how often we take Him for granted, so we’re going to make a "Gratitude Journal." Beginning on December 1st, each day we plan to write something in the journal that we’re thankful for from this year. On Christmas morning, before we open our gifts to each other, we’ll present our “gift of gratitude" to Jesus as we read each journal entry out loud to Him. What gift will you give to God this Christmas? Does He know how much you love him? Have you given Him your heart? That is what He wants most of all! For more holiday encouragement and creative gift ideas, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes

“Celebrating Christ At Christmas”, December 2004, ETC Corner

“Homemade Gift Ideas”, December 2005, ETC Corner

Creating a Peaceful Feast

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writers: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

Is mealtime in your house full of laughter and joy or painful drudgery? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We love to eat at my house, but there are times when tense conversations or too many meals on the go have ruined what might have been a delicious dinner. The Bible says, “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.” You see, the family meal has little to do with what’s being served and more to do with the attitudes of those gathered at the table. So how can mealtime bring your family closer together? If you’re stressed about cooking every night, try using your crock pot or joining a cooking co-op. And, if table conversation often erupts into heated debates, make a list of safe topics to get everyone talking with less stress. Finally, if you rarely have the time to eat together as a family, try coming around the table before bedtime to pray and talk about the day. For more ideas, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Homespun Gifts from the Heart by Karen Ehman, Kelly Hovermale & Trish Smith

“Connection Rituals”, Rachel Olsen, April 2004, ETC Corner

"Meal Swapping" by Trish Berg, September 2005 ETC

Blessed or Stressed?

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Renee Swope with Rachel Olsen

When you think about Thanksgiving, do you imagine a day of stress or a time to bless? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I used to get caught up in trying to prepare the tastiest turkey, dressing, and gravy. Of courses there’s nothing wrong with any of these things, but sometimes they’d overshadow or even prevent me from drawing nearer to God and my family on Thanksgiving Day. By changing my focus, I can enjoy a fun and easy holiday instead of worrying about how perfectly the food turns out.

Now, my family looks forward to talking, joking and playing cards or board games as much as we do eating turkey or pumpkin pie. Is there something your family would enjoy doing together at Thanksgiving? This year let’s try to bring our families together in fun or meaningful ways by playing games, going for a walk, reminiscing over photo albums or watching old home-movies. Let’s focus on remembering we are blessed instead of being stressed! For more ideas visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

An Intentional Thanksgiving, By Rachel Olsen, ETC November 2004

Homespun Memories for the Heart by Karen Ehman, Kelly Hovermale & Trish Smith

Stress Busters by Mary Southerland, ETC January 2004

Help is On the Way!

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

Do you have trouble getting everything done? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries and when I found myself struggling to accomplish all that’s required of me, I decided to take an honest assessment of my projects and come up with a solution. I soon realized a big part of my problem was my failure to ask for help. So, I started dividing my daily jobs into three categories: “Only I can do this,” “Someone else can do this with my supervision” and “I can hand this over completely to someone else.”

Then, with the items in the second and third categories, I began to delegate, delegate, delegate! I asked my husband, my kids, friends, and others to help me with some of the things that were bogging me down. So, if you could use a little help getting things done, maybe it’s time to assess your to do list and ask God to help you delegate some of your projects. For more ideas, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Women Who Do Too Much by Patricia Sprinkle

"Regulation is Delegation" by Lysa TerKeurst, September 29, 2006 Devotion

More Than Turkey and Pumpkin Pie

Hostess: Renee Swope
Cotributing Writer: Jill Tracey

How do we help our kids understand what it means to be thankful? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I don’t know about you, but I want my kids to realize that Thanksgiving is about more than turkey and pumpkin pie. Here are a few ideas I’ve heard from friends on how they’ve helped their kids learn the meaning of being grateful. One is to schedule a time for your family to serve in your community. Maybe you can work at a soup kitchen or help an elderly couple with yard work. Another idea is to have a writing contest for all the kids who’ll be at your holiday gathering. You can offer a prize for everyone who writes a short story about what they’re most thankful for and then reads it for the family before dinner. A third idea is as everyone gathers at the table; have them spend a few minutes sharing why they’re thankful for the person next to them. For more ideas on celebrating with your family log on at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Homespun Memories for the Heart by Karen Ehman, Kelly Hovermale & Trish Smith

An Intentional Thanksgiving, By Rachel Olsen, ETC November 2004

Easy Thanksgiving Craft Idea, ETC November 2005

Bless not Impress

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

If the thought of having others over for Thanksgiving Dinner is making you have a stress attack, why not try three simple de-stressers? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. First, Remember God is most pleased when you bless others, not impress them. Do a heart check and ask yourself, why you are so stressed. Maybe it is because you are putting too much pressure on yourself to make everything perfect. Remember, simple is good. People would rather spend time with a calm hostess who served a simple meal than a stressed out basket case with an elaborate meal. Second, a potluck is fun, and a very acceptable way to celebrate. Ask each person to chip in and bring their favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal. Finally, make God a part of your celebration by reading verses about being thankful. Inviting God’s presence to your Thanksgiving table is inviting His peace! And when your friends and family ask why you are so much more calm this Thanksgiving tell them to come visit us at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

“Stress Busters”, by Mary Southerland, January 2004, ETC Corner

Homespun Memories for the Heart by Karen Ehman, Kelly Hovermale & Trish Smith

An Intentional Thanksgiving, by Rachel Olsen, ETC November 2004

Giving Thanks!

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My husband and I want God to be the focus of our family get-togethers so we try to emphasize the real meaning of each holiday. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. One year we created "Thankful Turkeys" as the centerpiece for our holiday dinner. We found two large pinecones and added features to make them look like turkeys. We cut feathers out of colored construction paper for the kids to give each guest as they arrived on Thanksgiving Day. Each person wrote what they were thankful for on their feathers and the kids stuck them in the turkeys. Before dinner, we plucked the feathers and my husband read each person's reflection. Then we held hands and gave our thanks to God. It was a great way to honor Him and made a way for us to share our hearts as we shared our thanks and the delicious food! For more holiday ideas, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Easy Thanksgiving Craft Idea, ETC November 2005

An Intentional Thanksgiving, By Rachel Olsen, ETC November 2004

Homespun Memories for the Heart by Karen Ehman, Kelly Hovermale & Trish Smith

Food and Fellowship, Part 1

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

Filling bellies can also be an opportunity to fill hearts with God’s love. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. God knows food is an important, necessary part of our lives. He created us to need it for energy and nourishment. He knew that the consumption of food would be a vital part of our days. So, feeding our families should be about more than merely getting calories into them. It should be about showering love on those who find their way to our tables.

In the Bible when His disciples suggested sending 5000 people away to find food, Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. He knew that feeding the people would be a chance to meet an important need and continue talking with them. This act of service led to one of His most well-known miracles. So, as we get ready to prepare yet another family dinner, let’s use the opportunity to meet the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of those who come into our homes! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

“Meal Swapping”, Trish Berg, September 2005, ETC Corner

“Beyond Our Own Back Yard”, Lysa Terkeurst, May 18, 2006, Devotion

Homespun Memories for the Heart by Karen Ehman, Kelly Hovermale & Trish Smith

He Hit Me

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Tracie Miles

“Mom! He hit me!” Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard those words echo through the halls of my home. Not only is it aggravating, it breaks my heart to see my children fighting. It makes me wonder how my kids feel if they see my husband and me arguing or being mean to each other. Does it make them feel sad? Does it bring doubt in their hearts about our love for each other? Isn’t it easy to expect our kids to behave differently than we do? Listening to my children argue has shown me how important it is for my husband and me to be patient with each other, talk through problems and apologize openly for hurtful things we’ve said or done. After all, God has entrusted our children to us and given us the responsibility to show them what a loving Christian relationship looks and sounds like. If you’d like more information on how to strengthen your family, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child Character Chart and CD by Renee Swope
Building the Christian Family You Never Had by Mary DeMuth
“Do As I Do” by Kristy Tolley, May 24, 2006 Devotion

Staying In the Loop

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writers: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

Do you find it hard to keep track of who’s dropping off one child at soccer practice and who’s picking up the other from gymnastics while another child needs to be across town for a dentist appointment in 20 minutes? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When chaotic schedules start to dictate our home life, the lines of communication between my husband and me can get really tangled which can lead to some pretty tense moments. So, we decided to do something about it by having a planning session once a quarter to coordinate our family’s master calendar. Then once a week, we sit down and go over who’s responsible for each of the balls being juggled. This really helps us avoid the pitfalls of anger, frustration, and last minute debates over who’s running what carpool.

It takes some time, but it’s worth it. Scheduling our family activities in advance helps to keep the peace and get everybody where they need to be. For more ideas, log on to proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

“Home Management Tips For Hot Food and Clean Clothes” by Rachel Olsen, March 2004 ETC Corner

“Beep Beep” by Micca Monda Campbell – August 8, 2006 Devotion

Trusting God through Change

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Amanda Waldroop

“Change is a good thing. Change is a God thing.” Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Is life requiring you to make some difficult changes?

In her book, Little Blessings from a Big God, Michelle Medlock Adams describes how God teaches us about Himself through our circumstances. When Michelle’s family moved from Indiana to Texas, her daughter really struggled with such a big change. Not only was it hard for her daughter, but it was hard on Michelle too. Change is difficult. Being somewhere unfamiliar is scary. Michelle remembered how God promises to always be with us and comforted her daughter with that same promise. The truth is - if we’re growing, we’ll always be changing. If we go through a move with God, being in a new place and doing new things will help us see life from a new perspective. So, if you’re going through a difficult adjustment, remember God created us to grow through change, but He will always stay the same! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Pray With Purpose, Live With Passion by Debbie Williams

Do you know Him?

Extra Thoughts Corner

Tame Your Tongue

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Amanda Waldroop

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve lost control of my tongue and said the wrong thing, I’d be pretty rich! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In the Bible, James, the brother of Jesus said that “no man (or woman) can tame the tongue.” So, I guess I’m not alone when it comes to having trouble mastering that little pink weapon inside my mouth.

In her book, 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue, Deborah Smith Pegues says, “The only hope for the tongue is the Spirit of God.” She also says our tongues need to be “brought into subjection by Him on a daily basis.” On the other hand, God gave us tongues to speak kindness to others – using words of blessing and encouragement with a gentle attitude. So let’s take our tongues to God every day before we start speaking and ask Him to help us control them and use them the way they were meant to be used. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resource:

"Unclean Lips” by Luann Prater, October 11, 2006 Devotion

30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues

Proverbs 31 Encouragement for Today Devotions – Sign up Today

Raising A Manly Man

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Amanda Waldroop

Are you trying to raise your son to be a Godly man? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. It’s no secret that mothers struggle with how to raise boys! Those of us with sons agree that having positive male role models is invaluable. But that isn’t always possible. So whether you’re a single mother guiding your son to manhood, or a married mom who needs a little encouragement, author Rick Johnson has a few tips. In his book, That’s My Son, Johnson helps mothers look for ways to encourage Godly character. “For instance, when you tell a man he’s brave, you help him become brave. So, tell your son all the things you want him to be. Say things like: ‘You’re so courageous. That was very honest! You’re a hard worker!’ Remind him of these qualities, while instilling them in him.” For more ideas on raising kids with character, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Dig Deep: Unearthing the Treasures of Solomon's Proverb for Boys by Rebecca Ingram Powell

Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child Character Chart and CD by Renee Swope

“A Momma’s Trust” by Sharon Glasgow, October 12, 2005 Devotion

How Do You Do It?

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

How do you keep order in your life? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When people find out I have five kids, write books, and head a national ministry their first question is always how in the world do I do all that? First of all, I assure them that there are always plenty of things that I don’t get done. Just like you, I always have more items on my to-do list than I can ever finish. On top of that, I always underestimate the amount of time it will take to get something accomplished. Still, there are three rules I try to live by that help keep my never-ending task list in perspective. First, I like to have a plan to get things done. Second, I try to delegate by giving some of my tasks to other people. And finally, I’ve made peace with the fact that with everything I have going on, some things just aren’t going to get done. For more encouragement for your busy life, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Women Who Do Too Much by Patricia Sprinkle

A Woman’s Secret to a Balanced Life by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes

“Persevering In Prayer” by Cheri Fuller, January 2006 ETC Corner

The Grace of God

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Glynnis Whitwer

Is it ever too late for someone to turn to Jesus? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend Glynnis’ father spent his life closed to the Christian faith. Then he became critically ill and was only able to communicate by nodding his head “yes” or “no”. One night, Glynnis’ son visited his grandpa and later told her what happened. “Mom, I told Grandpa he needed Jesus and I told him why. I waited a few minutes and asked Grandpa if he wanted to accept Jesus into his heart. He nodded yes.”

Glynnis remembered a man in the Bible who hung on a cross next to Jesus – he’d asked for forgiveness in his last hour. The grace of God reached out to that man and Glynnis knew God’s grace had met her dad at his point of greatest need. Do you need God's grace today? To know more about having a relationship with Him, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

"The Nod of a Sinner and the Amazing Grace of God," by Glynnis Whitwer, September 8, 2006 Devotion

Do you know Him?

Micca Campbell’s Testimony DVD

Cooking Co-Op

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst & Amanda Waldroop

Is making dinner making you crazy? If so, I might have the perfect solution. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I was exhausted from my kids complaining over my mystery casseroles – you know the ones topped with cheese and stale crackers from the pantry, so a friend introduced me to a cooking co-op. Not only has it saved me time in preparation, but it’s also decreased our monthly grocery bill and allowed me to offer a variety of meals to my family, which makes them very happy. Here’s how it works: Groups of three to five families form a co-op.Each night of the week one family provides a complete dinner for the other families and in turn receives meals the rest of the week. Each meal consists of a main entree and two side dishes. Co-op cooks meet quarterly to plan menus, weekly schedules and delivery times.Work out what’s best for you and the other families and happy eating! For more ideas, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
5 Star Living on a Two-Star Budget by Margaret Feinberg & Natalie Nichols Gillespie

“Connection Rituals”by Rachel Olsen

“Meal Swapping” by Trish Berg

Water Everywhere!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Water, Water, Everywhere! But do we drink enough of it? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We all know it’s good to drink lots of water! It hydrates. Its good for our skin, and, if we’re trying to lose weight, it helps! But, isn’t it hard to get the recommended 6 - 8 glasses a day? Well, here’re some tricks that have helped me lately. First, I drink a glass before I have my morning coffee. I also drink a glass with each meal and I carry a bottle of water with me and fill it throughout the day. I keep one at my desk and one in the car. And, if I’m in a meeting or out with a friend, I drink water before anything else. Before I know it, I’ve met my daily requirement. I also figured out a solution for the “getting up all night to go to the bathroom” problem. The trick is to not drink anything at least two hours before bed. For more healthy living ideas visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Balance that Works When Life Doesn’t by Susie Larson

“Margin” by Rachel Olsen

“A New Year, A Better You” by Rachel Olsen