Your Image of God

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I love taking pictures! I just don't always like seeing them afterwards! Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Do you throw away or delete pictures that don't show your best side? One of the first things I do is pitch the ones that aren't very good. I'm especially quick to get rid of the ones where my eyes are half-closed or my mouth is crooked. And you can just forget about the ones where the camera adds 10 pounds. These are not the images I want in my photo album or hanging on better accurate image. You know, I wonder if God ever looks at the way we picture Him and wishes we had a better image? The Bible says Jesus, God's Son, is the most accurate picture of God. So, if we get to know Jesus by reading the Bible and talking to Him in prayer, we'll start to see who God really is. We'd love to help you develop a truer image of God, so visit us at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

“The Face of God”, Mary Beth Whalen, June 14, 2006, Devotion

Searching for God’s Treasures CD set by Renee Swope

Do you know Him?

Don’t Quit Your Calling

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

Can we be involved in activities or service outside of the home and still be good wives and mothers? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Believe it or not, making peace between our jobs or volunteer positions and our family responsibilities CAN be done. But first we have to stop looking to others for validation! Other moms can’t provide concrete guidelines for the way we’re supposed to raise our children. God has a unique and personal plan for each of our families that He’ll reveal to us if we ask Him to. We may be much more or much less active than the next woman. But, that’s OK. God knows what He wants each of us to be involved in. And, God knows our husbands and children better than we do. He knows what kind of wife and mom they need and how much of our time needs to be devoted to them. So, if we turn over each day and opportunity over to Him, we can’t go wrong. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Living Life on Purpose book and workbook by Lysa TerKeurst

Shaped with Purpose Workbook by Renee Swope

“Don’t Waste Your Life”, Micca Monda Campbell, May 5, 2006, Devotion

Portion Sizes

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Tracie Miles

My son Andrew loves chocolate ice cream. He’d eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if I’d let him! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Andrew doesn’t only love chocolate ice cream, but he begs for us to let him eat it out of the carton, instead of eating a few scoops in a bowl. Why, because he doesn’t want his portion of ice cream to be limited. He wants to eat to his heart’s content! I wish I had a hunger for God and a desire to read my Bible that compared to Andrew’s hunger for ice cream.

Just imagine how much we’d learn about God if we were always willing to jump in and gobble up as much of His wisdom and promises as we could! It’d be a great indulgence because we could eat all we wanted and never gain weight! Let’s ask God to increase our desire for Him. I bet He’d be glad to answer that prayer!! For more encouragement in your relationship with God, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

“An Attitude of Gratitude”, Micca Monda Campbell, November 2004, ETC Corner

“Helpful Hints For An Enriched Bible Study”, Janet Burke, September 2005, ETC Corner

Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God by Sharon Jaynes

Take a Day to Rest and Refocus

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’m stressed, I’m stressed, I’m really really stressed! It’s the day after Christmas and there is still too much to do! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I thought things would be better, more settled after Christmas Day had come and gone. But now, there are after holiday sales, decorations to be put up and Christmas tree needles galore! Oh, where did I hide that vacuum cleaner so our company wouldn’t trip over it? Can you relate? Maybe we could all use a day to simply rest and refocus. Resist the temptation to hit the ground running the day after Christmas. Stay at home, light a candle, play some soft music, take a bubble bath and enjoy putting your gifts away. Maybe you could even find joy in writing a thank you note or two. But whatever you do, slow down and tell those closest to you that you loved having the privilege to spend Christmas with them. For more sanity-saving ideas, visit Proverbs31.org and I’ll see you there.

Related Resources:

Breathe by Keri Wyatt Kent

Busy Woman’s Guide to Prayer by Cheri Fuller

“Ready To Quit”, Sharon Glasgow, July 6, 2006, Devotion

Christmas is a Promise Kept!

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and Glynnis Whitwer

I have a favorite refrigerator magnet that reminds me, "Christmas is a Promise Kept!” Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. At Christmas, we celebrate the fulfillment of one of God's promises as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. The people of Israel had been told for many years that a Messiah would be born for them. And, God faithfully kept His promise when Jesus was born in a Bethlehem stable. Today God still keeps His promises to us! The Bible says we’re not alone. Jesus promised He’d be with us and that He’d send the Holy Spirit to help us. God also promises that nothing can separate us from His love. So no matter what we’re going through today, we can remember that God always keeps His promises and has given us Jesus as proof.

Related Resources:

The Christmas Story by G.A.Myers

"Jehovah-Jireh" - Part 1 by Susanne Scheppmann, March 16, 2006 Devotion

Cooking from the Heart

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

Cooking can be a great way to show God’s love to others. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. As I’ve tried to become a more godly woman, I’ve been challenged to graciously open my arms to help others. One way I’ve found to do this is by sometimes making extra food when I cook.

Since I participate in a cooking co-op with two other families, I’m already making a lot of food once a week. So, cooking for another family really isn’t that much more work. It allows me to bless friends who may be struggling financially, welcoming a new baby, or just going through hard times. You know, Jesus often expressed His desire for His followers to reach out to others in love. Part of doing this requires us to be servants. The other part requires us to interact with people emotionally and spiritually. Cooking helps me do both. So, how can you reach out? To learn more, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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

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

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

Unwrapping His Presence

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My home was full of people; my living room was full of gifts! My stomach was full of food! So why did I feel so EMPTY? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

One Christmas afternoon I found myself asking these questions. I opened my Bible and asked God to show me what was wrong. I read the story of Jesus’ birth where it describes Mary covering Jesus in cloths and placing Him in the manger. I closed my eyes and imagined Mary’s hands wrapping the gift of God’s Son. I realized that Jesus was just like the gifts I had wrapped and placed under my tree – but He was still there – waiting to be opened. In the midst of all the holiday activities, I had forgotten to unwrap the most important gift of all – the gift of God’s presence found in Jesus. Just like that first Christmas, God offers the same gift today - His presence, His peace, His love. Don’t forget to unwrap that most important gift of all. For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources

The Christmas Story by G.A.Myers

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

“Into the Word”, December 2004, ETC Corner

Christmas Love Languages

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Why not give your kids a gift this Christmas that they are really longing for…love spoken in a way they best understand it. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In His book, The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman explains that we all have a way that we desire love to be spoken to us. This Christmas why don’t you give you child what you call the “special gift from mom.” Ask your child which he/she would rather have:

• an hour at their favorite restaurant talking about whatever they want
• a video recording of you telling them all the reasons why they are special
• to have a time snuggling up on the coach reading their favorite book
• a gift that they have been wanting
• a coupon to have you detail clean their room.

Not only will this be a wonderful gift for your child but it will also give you a glimpse into what their love language is!

Related Resources:

The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman

The Five Love Languages of Teens by Gary Chapman

“Be Your Child's Greatest Cheerleader” by Van Walton, P31 Speaker, August 2004 ETC Corner

Identifying with the Christmas Story

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

What part of the Christmas story can you most identify with? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Last year at this time my friend Jill was eight months pregnant. She told me that going through Christmas when she was “great with child” really helped her relate to Mary. As Jill got closer to giving birth she tried to put herself in Mary’s shoes. She imagined having to go on a long journey in her condition without rest stops, drive throughs, or even a car! She thought about having to tell her husband that, no, she hadn’t been unfaithful, but he wasn’t the father of her child. She also imagined feeling the excitement of being a first time parent on top of the wonder of becoming the mother of God. This year, what part of the Christmas story can you identify with? Are you giving someone an extra special gift or facing the unknown? Maybe your circumstances can help you grasp the greatest story ever told in a whole new way.

Related Resources

The Christmas Story by G.A.Myers

Mary Said "Yes"- Will You? By Elaine L. Bridge, ETC December 2005

Holiday Quizzing

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Amanda Waldroop

Do my kids understand the true meaning of Christmas? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I was curious to know the answer to this question and found that the best way to find it is to simply ask. In her book, The ADVENTure of Christmas, Lisa Welchel lists some great questions that will help gauge our children’s level of understanding of the holiday season. Here are a few of them:

· Do you know what Advent is and why we celebrate it?
· Why do you think the Christmas tree is the main holiday decoration?
· Why do you think we put a star on our Christmas tree?
· When I wish you a “Merry Christmas,” what do you think I mean?

These thought-provoking questions can create teachable moments that can strengthen the bonds between us and our children. Plus, we can help them clear up any misconceptions they have about the real meaning of Christmas! For more ideas on helping your kids learn about the season, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

The ADVENTure of Christmas by Lisa Whelchel

“Finding Focus in Advent Activities”, December 2005, ETC Corner

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

Overwhelmed!

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Help, I’m overwhelmed! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I felt overwhelmed by deadlines to meet, things to do before an out-of- town trip, and hormones robbing me of sleep! I thought about a man in the Bible who also went through a really hard time. His name was Gideon and he felt consumed by his weaknesses, too, which made him feel inadequate and afraid. One day while Gideon was hiding from his enemies, God’s angel came to give him a huge assignment. He promised Gideon that God would be with him and give him the strength he needed. Well, Gideon defeated his enemies and his fears. That story helped me realize that whatever I faced, God would be there to help me, too. We may not always be able to do all that we want to do - when we want to do it - but with God by our side, we can do everything He wants us to do!

Related Resources:

“Ready To Quit”, Sharon Glasgow, July 6, 2006, Devotion

Breathe by Keri Wyatt Kent

Busy Woman’s Guide to Prayer by Cheri Fuller

Sharing the Christmas Story with Children

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Amanda Waldroop

How do you share the Christmas story with your kids? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. If you’d like some creative ways to help your kids understand the meaning of Jesus’ birth, start by reading books to them that include stories paralleling the meaning of Christmas. Two of my favorites are One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham, and The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado. After you read the story you can talk about it with your kids to help them understand more about why Jesus was born as a gift for us.

Other ways to bring the story to life for your children include using visual aids such a flannel graph, a nativity scene, candles, or tree ornaments. One of my favorite traditions is to bake cookies that tell the story of Jesus’ birth through the shapes of a star, a bell, a heart, an angel and a tree. For more ideas on helping your kids understanding the real meaning of Christmas, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado

The Tale of Three Trees by Hunt/Joake

From the Pound to the Palace by Van Walton

Born to BE!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Marybeth Whalen

Is God asking you to do something that doesn’t come naturally for you? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend Marybeth told me about a woman she’d just met who told her she was born to be an encourager. Marybeth said that saying encouraging things is not something she was born to do... it’s something she works hard at! It made her feel good that someone thought being an encourager was easy for her.

You know, there are lots of things God wants us to do that don’t come naturally for us. Sometimes things He asks us to do aren’t second nature for us like submitting to our husbands, being a good steward of our family’s finances or conquering bad habits. While we may feel like we’re not born to do these things, with God's help and consistent effort, we can grow in that not-so-easy area of our life. And, who knows, maybe someday someone will think we were born to do our difficult tasks!

Related Resources:

“Born To Be" by Marybeth Whalen, August 29, 2006 Devotion

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

Shaped With Purpose Workbook by Renee Swope

Symbols of the Season

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Amanda Waldroop

So why exactly do we decorate with holly, candles, and wreaths at Christmas time? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. If you’ve ever wondered about the symbolic meaning behind our holiday decorations, the book Homespun Gifts of the Heart gives some answers to solve the holiday mystery:

· Evergreens are fragrant symbols of faith and immortality.
· Wreaths are an unending circle representing God’s love.
· Holly, with its prickly leaves, represents Christ’s crown of thorns.
· Candles and lights represent hope and the light of Christ shining in the darkness.
· Stars point us to Christ’s birthplace, announcing the joy He brings.

So, as we decorate this year, we can talk about the symbolism behind each item and allow them to point our families to the life and death of Jesus Christ. For more ways to focus on the real meaning of the season, visit us at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

The ADVENTure of Christmas by Lisa Whelchel

Homespun Gifts of the Heart by Karen Ehman, Kelly Hovermale and Trish Smith

Celebrating Christ at Christmas, December 2004, ETC Corner

Focus on JOY

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Marybeth Whalen

This Christmas, focus on JOY! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In the midst of parties and planning do you sometimes find it hard to have joy? Here’s an acronym that can help us find JOY during this busy season - by focusing on J-Jesus first, O-others second and then on Y-yourself. Take time each day to focus on Jesus-- why He came and what His purpose was. Next, focus on others by sharing God's love. Look for little ways to touch someone’s life during December. Finally, focus on yourself. Take time to care for your needs, admit when you need help, and be sure to get plenty of rest-- even if it means letting some things go. By focusing on JOY, our focus will be right where God wants it to be as we celebrate His son's birthday. For more holiday ideas, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes

“The Joy Of Being A Disciple” by Micca Monda Campbell, March 31, 2006, Devotion

Mary Said "Yes"- Will You? by Elaine L. Bridge, December 2005 ETC Corner

Planning a Holiday Party

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Amanda Waldroop

Thinking of planning a holiday party this year? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When I’m preparing to host a Christmas gathering, I always find it helpful to get some tips from people who really know how to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The book Homespun Memories for the Heart lists more than 200 ideas to make unforgettable moments such as:

• Decorate your home with cozy things you already have.
• Keep soft music playing in the background to set the mood.
• Provide plenty of seating for your guests. Many times a local church will loan out chairs for these functions.
• Light candles to add a soft, warm glow to the rooms.
• Provide a small gift for guests to take home.
• Keep the menu simple.

No matter what time of year, these simple tips can help make any get-together a success. For more ideas on making your Christmas gathering memorable, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

"Home is Where the Heart Is" by Lysa TerKeurst, February 3, 2006 Devotion

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

Can Martha Have a Mary Christmas by Brenda Poinsett

Frequency

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Tracie Miles

Sometimes trying to hear God’s voice is like tuning into a radio station that’s out of range! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Isn’t it frustrating when you’re listening to your favorite station and static starts crowding out the signal? Sometimes I feel like I can’t hear God’s voice because of the static caused by interruptions in my every day life. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could turn a knob or use an antenna to hear God’s voice more clearly whenever we want to? Unfortunately it’s not that easy. But, there is a way we can go straight to the source of God’s message. We can read the Bible and find all the wisdom and advice we need. The Bible is God’s broadcast to the world and it’s full of stories, life lessons, and instructions that help us live our lives according to God’s best plan for us! If you’d like more ideas about how to tune in to God’s voice each day, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

“Hearing God” by Rachel Olsen, October 2004, ETC Corner

Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God by Sharon Jaynes

"Close To You" by Marybeth Whalen - April 5, 2006 Devotion

Finding Joy in the Interruptions

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do interruptions ever “bug” you? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. One day I was helping one of my kids study for a spelling test, another on a history project, all the while trying to put away groceries and clean the kitchen! Whew! Suddenly a scream from the hall halted all the activity as we ran to discover a large black beetle. I grabbed a shoe ready to whack away this interruption. But my youngest daughter ran to the scene just in time to beg mercy for this creature. She was studying bugs at school and needed a show and tell item. We later discovered that this was not just any bug but a rhino beetle…proportionally the strongest animal in the world! After scooping up the bug so Brooke could take it to school, I thanked God for what I thought had been an interruption! Lord, help me to see that some things that “bug” me are really blessings in disguise.
For more encouragement, log on to Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

“Love the Ones You’re With” by Renee Swope, August 18, 2006 Devotion

The Bathtub is Overflowing But I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Five-Star Families: Moving Yours From Good to Great by Carol Kuykendall

More of Christ

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Do you want more of Christ in your Christmas this year? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I want more of Christ, especially at Christmas, but my already full schedule makes it hard to make room for “more” of anything!

A friend of mine suggested I keep a large vase with a Christmas bow on it in my kitchen. She has one filled with rocks and sand. The rocks symbolize important things she wants to do each day – read her Bible, spend time with family, pray for friends, and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. The sand represents smaller things she wants to do but can put off if needed – grocery shopping, wrapping gifts, cleaning house. If she puts the sand in first, the big rocks won’t fit. But if she puts the rocks in first and pours the sand over them, it all fits. The same is true in our lives, when we put Christ and His priorities first, the rest will fall into place. For more ways to experience more of Christ this Christmas, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources

Advent Activities, ETC December 2005

The ADVENTure of Christmas by Lisa Whelchel

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

Winter Fun!

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

Snowy weather doesn’t mean we have to stay inside. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. One way to create unforgettable memories with our families when it’s cold and snowy is to get out and gather up that chilly white fluff for a tasty treat. One of my favorite books, Homespun Memories for the Heart, offers several creative ways to use snow to teach our children values and to make some yummy seasonal snacks. Here are some of the suggestions I’ve tried:

· Catch a falling snowflake and let your kids examine it under a magnifying glass to see how God made each one distinctly different.

· Bundle up the whole family and shovel snow off the front walk of an elderly person’s home.

· Gather snow and make some snow cream, maple snow candy, or snow cones.

There are lots of ways to enjoy the winter months by embracing the different ways God has made each season unique. For more ways to have fun this winter, visit us at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

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

5 Ways to Survive a Winter Groundingby Rebecca Ingram Powell, ETC February 2004

For Goodness’ Sake

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Have you ever encouraged your kids to be good because Christmas is coming? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other day I was thinking about all those Christmas songs that tell kids to be good in order to get what they want on December 25th. It struck me as kind of funny that we sometimes use the hope of gifts to convince children to behave when the best gift of all was given to us because we can’t be good enough without God’s help. Jesus left heaven and became a human to show us how to live a pure life. Then, He died to pay for all our wrongs and open heaven’s door for those who would trust Him with their lives. Of course we want to try to be good – not just for goodness’ sake, but to thank Jesus for what He’s done. Isn’t great to know that because of God’s goodness, we received the absolute best gift when we were at our worst? For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Who Holds the Key to Your Heart by Lysa TerKeurst

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

Do you know Him?