Does Anyone Notice Me? Part 1

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

Do you ever feel like no one notices you? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. As a little girl I desperately wanted my father to notice me, but he never did which still causes me to struggle sometimes.

Fast-forward 30 years to last Thanksgiving. My husband took our sons on a missions’ trip, leaving us girls to celebrate alone. We decided to surprise the men by having the Christmas decorations up when they returned. I thought my husband would be delighted, but to my disappointment he never even noticed. I was deeply hurt.

I’ve found that when I’m feeling invisible, remembering that I’m not just the child of a broken parent or the wife of a sometimes un-noticing husband – but the child of a loving Heavenly Father affirms my worth. What about you? Did you know that God notices what you do and appreciates you?! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources:

The Bathtub is Overflowing, but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Beloved Devotion by Rachel Olsen

Shattered Trust

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Tracie Miles and Renee Swope

Has someone ever shattered your trust? Hi I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Isn’t it hard to trust someone who’s betrayed you? My friend Tracie recently checked the history on her child’s computer. Unfortunately, she discovered her daughter had visited some websites that she wasn’t very happy about. Tracie wasn’t only upset about things her daughter had seen, but also felt like she couldn’t trust her anymore.

When someone breaks our trust, it takes time to build it back. So, what can we do? We need to tell God about our hurts and also acknowledge that we’ve broken His trust before, too. And, we need to thank God for His forgiveness so we can forgive the one who’s hurt us. We eventually need to talk with the person and forgive them. We also need to be honest about our feelings and explain that it will take time to trust again. For more encouragement in all of your relationships, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Be the Parent by Kendra Smiley

"Finding Freedom in Forgiveness” Devotion by Micca Campbell

The Perfection Obsession

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

Do you long to be the perfect wife, the perfect mom, the perfect Christian? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Who hasn’t wished for perfection at some point? I would love to rid myself of all my imperfections, but I’ve discovered that the only way I can even hope for this is by depending on the only One who is perfect: Jesus Christ.

The Bible says we all fall short of God’s perfection. Unless we let Jesus forgive our imperfections we never even get close!

Though the world emphasizes outward perfection, being perfect really means being found pleasing in God’s sight. Jesus lived the perfect life and said we could let Him live His life through us so we can become more like Him. When we do that, we’ll find that we’re being perfected just a little more each day. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources:

The Bathtub is Overflowing, but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Becoming a Woman of Influence Devotion by Micca Monda Campbell

Dealing With Difficult Personalities

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Amanda Waldroop

"She did it again!" "What'd she do?" I asked. Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend told me her sister-in-law had just planned another family get-together without asking for her input. Ever been there? We all know people who seem like they want to control things.
You know, the desire to control is actually part of a God-given personality type. It can be a strength if used wisely, or a weakness if taken to the extreme. So, what do we do with the controllers in our lives? We can focus on their strengths while drawing clear boundaries. Maybe you're not a good organizer. Isn't it comforting to know there's someone nearby who's great with details? Depend on them for things they're good at and be gentle but honest if they get too pushy. And bring your own touch by offering to do what you're good at, like decorating or cooking one of your specialties. For more encouragement on getting along with difficult people, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Sandpaper People, by Mary Southerland

Personality Plus, by Florence Littauer

My Septic Heart Devotion by Wendy Pope

Love Notes that Lighten Loads

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

How heavy is your child’s backpack? Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Yesterday I lifted my son’s book bag and was shocked by its weight. I found 2 large textbooks, 2 big binders and a few candy wrappers buried inside.

I wondered, “How can Joshua carry this heavy load all day?” It dawned on me that middle school has not only increased his burden physically, but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually. To help lighten his load, I’ve started putting little love notes in his book bag. I can just imagine him smiling as he reads my thoughts and looks at my smiley face inside a heart.

Notes tell our kids we’re thinking about them. A prayer lets them know they’re not alone. And a funny stick figure can bring laughter to their day. Love notes can lighten their loads and lift their hearts! Why not put a note of encouragement in your child's book bag today! For more ideas, click on today’s radio transcript at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Be Your Child’s Greatest Cheerleader, by Van Walton, ETC Aug 2004

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

The Real Me

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I always chuckle when I hear someone introduce me as an author and speaker. I know I’m just a carpooling mom of 5 whose husband is happy if I can simply manage to have clean clothes in his drawer every morning! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

To be honest, some days when I think about all that needs to be done, I start feeling overwhelmed. Can you relate? If so, here’s a little prayer that helps me. God, I dreamed my whole life of being a wife and a mom. But sometimes it’s hard to have so many constant demands. Will You help me know what needs to be done and what can be put off until later? Will You speak to my heart when I’m overwhelmed by my tasks and not attentive enough to my family? And, will You please help me to be the wife and mom You want me to be? If this is your desire as well, Proverbs 31 Ministries would love to encourage you at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

The Overwhelming Burden of Mommy Guilt, devotion by Lysa Terkeurst

The Bathtub is Overflowing, but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Keeping Myself in the Bible

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing writers: Jill Tracey

Is your to do list so long that the thought of adding one more thing makes you want to scream? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. With all I have to get done each day, it’s easy to let my time with God and reading the Bible fall by the wayside.

After all, my kids won’t go hungry if I’m don’t read my Bible and I won’t be charged a late fee if I don’t finish a certain number of chapters. But, when I don’t read my Bible I don’t have God’s perspective, and then I really get overwhelmed with my to do list!

One thing that’s helped me read my Bible consistently is being in a women’s Bible study group. Doing a Bible Study challenges me to dig deeper into the meaning behind God’s words. When we get together as a group, I get to know women who are going through similar experiences. We share our struggles and we learn a lot from each other. To find more encouragement for your busy life, visit us at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

How to Start a Quiet Time

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

Where are My Keys?

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I could feel my pulse starting to race as I left the mall and realized my keys were not in my purse. How could this be? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In that moment things looked pretty bleak but then I realized something important. While I had no control over this situation and the great aggravation it was causing, I did have control over my reaction. This is something I’ve felt challenged to work on lately so I made the choice to put on a smile and stay calm. Eventually I found a security man who graciously helped me. It took a while but we eventually found my keys. As I thanked him, he smiled and told me that he could tell something was different about me. Suddenly I realized that my lost keys were not an aggravation but an opportunity to share Jesus with this man. If you’d like more encouragement on finding God’s perspective for your life, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Beating the Beetles Devotion by Susan Stitch

Verses for Daily Dependence on God

Living Life on Purpose by Lysa TerKeurst

To Serve or Be Served

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Renee Swope with Wendy Pope

Would you rather serve or be served? Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Once while my friend, Wendy, was watching her kids play she realized her son, Griffin, was missing. Just when she started to look for him, he walked up the driveway with a rather large spoonful of peanut butter. "Mommy, look what I brought for you!" He said. "I brought one for Alexis and Liam, too." Wendy couldn't help but notice how Griffin was acting like Jesus who came not to be served but to serve others. Griffin was so happy that he had something to give to his friends. You know, I'm not always so excited to serve others. Sometimes I think, "Hey, I have needs! When is it mom's turn to be served?" But, Griffin's story reminds me that I can actually find joy in serving the people around me. For more encouragement, sign up for Proverbs 31 Ministries FREE email devotions at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

"Serving in a 'Me First' Society," July 5, 2005, Online Daily Devotion

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

To Swerve or Serve,Devotion by Terry Powell, Feb 28, 2006

Hoarder Disorder

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

You’ve heard the old expression, “Save the best for last.” Well, I think we do too much of this. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A friend of mine was recently scrap-booking when she confessed her hesitancy to use her “good” stickers. One lady said, “You’ve got hoarder disorder and you need to get over it. Pull those stickers out right now and use them.”

How true! Do we really think when we’re old that there will be some contest at the retirement home where an announcer steps up on the stage and says, “Whoever has the most unused stickers, never-lit candles, and mint condition china wins an extra bingo chip?!”

I don’t want an extra bingo chip fifty years from now. I want to be a happy person with a smile on my face that didn’t hoard life’s blessings, but made the most of them. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Encouragement for Today FREE Email Devotions

The Bathtub is Overflowing, but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

A Not-So-Bad Hair Day

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Renee Swope with Susanne Scheppmann

Help, I'm having a bad hair day! Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Do you ever get frustrated when your hair won't obey your commands? I do! My hair is fine and limp. Each morning as I rub, squirt, and spray my hair with products that give it strength to be what it isn't - I'm reminded how following God really means I'm trying to be something I'm not. When I try to follow God without His help, I fall flat, just like my hair.

But when I allow God to infuse me with His strength by taking time to read my Bible and pray, my life begins to look more the way I want it to look - like His! The Bible tells us to be glad about our weaknesses, because they remind us that we need God's strength rather than our own. If you'd like a daily dose of encouragement to help infuse your day with God's power, sign up for our FREE devotions at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

"Hair Issues," November 4, 2005, Online Daily Devotion

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Verses for Daily Dependence on God

God’s Banner or My Banner?

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I had just settled in my seat when a young woman boarded the plane. Nothing really made her stand out until she got close enough for me to notice her banner that said: “Miss USA.” Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

After all the fuss over Miss USA settled down I thought about the banners I wear that announce to the world just who I am. While they may not drape across my chest, I’m always saying something about who I am in the expression on my face and my interactions with others. The Bible says the banners I wear should say: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are called the fruit of the Spirit because they’re evidence to others that I have a real relationship with Jesus Christ. What about you? What banners do people see when you enter a room? To learn more Biblical truth, log on to proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources

The Confident Woman by Anabel Gillham

The Hair Cut devotion by Melissa Taylor

Dressed for Success devotion by Zoe Elmore

From Routine to Romantic

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope

Contributing Writers: Melanie Chitwood and Renee Swope

Is your marriage defined by routine or romance? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The demands of daily life – kids, work, laundry, meals and carpools – can take so much energy that we forget to keep romance alive in our marriages. Sometimes I’ve thought my husband doesn’t need romance. However, in her book, What a Husband Needs from His Wife, Melanie Chitwood says 84% of the men she surveyed said they desire romance. Here are some romantic ideas she shares in her book:

Email your husband and tell him why you’re attracted to him.
Look beautiful for him and flirt with him after dinner tonight.
Surprise him by taking him someplace he loves, like a ball game or to the Home Improvement store.

Instead of waiting for your husband to initiate romance, why not be the one to plan a date and take him away from the routine of daily life? Proverbs 31 Ministries wants to encourage you in your marriage. For more ideas, visit us at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

Marriage 101 by Rachel Olsen, ETC March 2005

Stand by Your Man Devotion by Marybeth Seal

A Treat from God

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

If I enjoy giving special treats to my kids every now and then, what makes me think that God, my heavenly Father, is any different? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Just like giving treats to my kids makes me happy, I think God would like for us to receive a happy treat from Him.

There has been so much talk about the difference between joy and happiness in the Christian world that many of us shy away from happiness. Though few things can provide me with lasting joy, some sure can lighten a heavy moment of feeling drained. A few of my favorite things include a candlelit bubble bath, lunch with a good girlfriend, a date night out with my husband. Take a moment to think of some things that really make you feel happy. Then, the next time you feel a little drained, put together a care package for yourself and thank God for His special treats. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

The Bathtub is Overflowing, but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Give a Mom A Minute by Trish Berg, ETC Nov 05

Naming Our Homes

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Tracie Miles and Renee Swope

If your home had a name, what would it be? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Last summer at the beach I noticed a lot of homes had names to represent the families that owned them. One was the Shell Shack for a family that loved seashells. Another was called Turtle’s Cove. They had a huge turtle on their front porch.

If you had to choose a name for your home, what would you call it? Would it be “Terrific Teammates” or “Family Funhouse” or would it be something like “Angry Accusers”?

If the first words that come to mind are negative, we need to look for ways to improve what goes on within the walls of our homes by planning time to laugh together, play and make good memories. I want my home to be a refuge known for the love and laughter found inside. How about you? For more ways to make your house a loving home, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
Love the Ones You’re With Devotion by Renee Swope

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

Home is Where the Heart Is Devotion by Lysa TerKeurst

When a Friend’s Marriage is in Trouble

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

You’re sitting at a small table at your favorite café when your best friend blurts out that her marriage is in big trouble. Now what? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. What do we do when a friend comes to us looking for help? First, we have to resist being critical of her husband while still being empathetic toward her feelings. We also need to resist the temptation to give advice. A brokenhearted girlfriend doesn’t need the latest counseling technique or Bible verses thrown at her. She needs a friend who will listen, hold her hand, pray with her and for her - and offer practical help. Maybe she needs you to watch her kids so she and her husband can go to counseling. Or, maybe she could use a note of encouragement or a phone call a couple of times a week. And, maybe she could use some ideas to help strengthen her relationship with her husband. Proverbs 31 Ministries would love to help her and you so visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

The Marks of Love, Glynnis Whitwer, October 3, 2006

When A Marriage Dies: Answers to Questions about Separation and Divorce by Laura Petherbridge

Winners

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Tracie Miles and Renee Swope

Why does it seem like every event has to have a winner and a loser? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Last summer my son joined our neighborhood swim team. He’s a great swimmer, but not a fast swimmer. He tried his hardest, but often came in last. It was hard on him. I told him we’re all winners in God’s eyes, and that giving his best was all Mom, Dad, and God expected of him. But this year he decided not to join again.

I understood my son’s frustration. There are days I don’t feel like a winner either, as a mom, a wife or as a woman. Sometimes I want to quit, too. When I’m tempted to turn in my pink slip, I ask God to show me my strengths and remind me how He sees me, so I don’t get discouraged. Do you ever feel like a loser? If so, ask God to help you see yourself through His eyes. For more encouragement, sign up for our FREE email devotions at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Refresh My Soul, by Lysa Terkeurst, Oct 2006

Encouragement for Today FREE Email Devotions

Living Life on Purpose by Lysa TerKeurst

Heart Healthy and Happy

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

Is your home a heart healthy home? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We have a special tradition in our home of an afternoon treat. Sometimes we eat apples, oranges or some other snack from the healthier regions of the food pyramid. But mostly we like a sweet treat. My kids and I love fresh baked cookies, moist chewy brownies, and other concoctions of all kinds. You know I think a little bit of this can be a heart healthy habit.

Our treats are “heart” healthy for how they create moments of joy in the midst of busy schedules, projects that are due, activities to attend, and chores to be done. It’s a little something that I delight in giving my children - in moderation, of course! It says, “I love you…and I think it’s important that I take the time to enjoy a special treat with you.” For more ideas on making memories with your children, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

The Bathtub is Overflowing, but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Love the Ones You’re With, Renee Swope, Aug 18, 2006 Devotion

Indoor Fun for Cold Winter Days

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Renee Swope with Amy Carroll and Janet Burke

Winter winds and cloudy skies have been chasing my kids inside! So, I’ve been looking for ways to keep us all from going crazy with cabin fever, without relying on the TV! Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I was talking with my friends Amy and Janet to see if they knew of any fun indoor activities. Here are some of their ideas:

Try paper towel bowling. Stack rolls of paper towels in a pyramid and roll a medium sized ball at them. Or, make a collage of your family’s dream vacation spots with magazine or newspaper photos. Coat a large pinecone with peanut butter and birdseed to attract birds in your yard. Then get a book to help you identify what kind they are. On your way home from the grocery store, stop at an appliance store to get a large box and help your kids make a fort. If you’d like more ideas for indoor fun on cold winter days, visit our website and click on today’s radio transcript at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Kid-Friendly Indoor Activities for Cold Winter Days, ETC Corner- November 2006

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

A Christ-Centered Marriage

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Almost everyday I hear about another divorce! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Co-workers, neighbors down the street, even my friends at church are all statistics in the divorce epidemic. Yet there’s one statistic that gives me hope... marriages where Christ is at the center are most likely to succeed!

There’s a big difference between two Christians who are married and a Christ-centered marriage. My husband and I were Christians when we got married, but our marriage was not Christ-centered. It was “self” centered. We almost became a statistic. A pastor challenged us to make our marriage Christ-centered by praying together, talking honestly about our struggles, seeking help before problems ballooned out of control, honoring each other with our words and actions and working together to find and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. With Christ at the center of our relationship, and a lot of Christian counseling, our marriage is strong today. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

ETC Marriage 101, March 2005, Rachel Olsen

Capture His Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst

This Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Seminar on CD or Tape), by Art and Lysa TerKeurst

Spiritual Vitamins

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Renee Swope with Tracie Miles

You’ve heard the old saying "A woman’s work is never done”. Isn’t that so true! Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I noticed I didn’t have enough energy to get everything done each day, so I decided to take vitamins. Within weeks, my fingernails were longer and stronger, my skin looked better, and I had more energy!

I also need to make sure I’m getting a daily dose of spiritual vitamins. When I pray, read my Bible and listen to Christian music, its like taking spiritual vitamins that nourish my soul and my relationship with God. These spiritual vitamins give me God’s strength to accomplish His purpose for my life. Just like vitamins are good for my body and bones, spiritual vitamins are good medicine for my heart and soul.

Are you taking your spiritual vitamins every day? Why not get out your Bible and talk to God each morning. You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make! For more encouragement, sign up for our FREE devotional emails at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Encouragement for Today FREE Email Devotions

Breathe by Kari Wyatt Kent

Spiritual Vitamins by Tracie Miles, November 2, 2006 Devotion

How to Start a Quiet Time

Money Management for Kids

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writers: Amanda Waldroop

Do your children understand the importance of saving money? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In today’s world of fast cash and quick spending, it’s easy for kids to think that money might really grow on trees. So how do we show them that saving their money is essential?

In her book, Dollars and Sense, Cynthia Sumner offers this advice:

One idea is to open a savings account in your child’s name. Another is to hang a picture of something your child wants on the refrigerator as a reminder of a savings goal. Then, take your child shopping as soon as possible after the goal is reached. Also, teach your kids to comparison shop between similar items of different sizes and prices. And, practice delayed gratification by suggesting your child ask for nonessential items only on birthdays and holidays.

You know, I think I’ll set some of these same goals for myself! For more parenting ideas, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Dollars and Sense by Cynthia Sumner

Encouragement for Today FREE Email Devotions

Extra Thoughts Corner