May the Force Be With You”

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldrop

When God asks us to do something that seems way too hard, we’re in good company! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. God has a history of asking people to do things that were beyond themselves. Author, Rick Warren says it this way:

“Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah unattractive, Moses stuttered, Samson was codependent, David had an affair, Jonah was reluctant, John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least, Martha worried a lot, the Samaritan woman had several failed marriages, Zachaeus was unpopular, and Thomas had doubts. That’s quite a group of misfits, but God used each of them in his service.”

So, maybe it’s time for us to stop dwelling on our inabilities and insecurities and give God a chance to work in us and through us!

For more encouragement click on everyday life at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Say Yes to God; by Lysa TerKeurst

Living Life on Purpose by Lysa TerKeurst

“Fear or Faith-Part two”, June 12, 2007, Online Daily Devotion

The Weak Days

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Do you ever feel like the world’s weakest person? I sure do. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries and there probably isn’t one area in my life that I haven’t felt weak in at some point. I was talking with a friend the other day and she said her weakness lately is in losing weight. No matter what she tries, cutting carbs, counting points, exercising; she says she’s too weak to see it through, and feels like she has zero self-control.

In fact, the other day she was feeling so low that when she saw another woman her size speed walking down the sidewalk she felt like pulling over and saying, “Hey, I’m chubby, you’re chubby, it’s never gonna change…wanna go get a latte?” Well, when we come to that feeling of complete weakness, isn’t it good to know where our strength lies? The Bible says, God “gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” What a great reminder for those really weak days! For more encouragement, log on to proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

God’s Purpose for Every Woman Devotional Book, Edited by Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen

“Muscles”, July 9, 2007, Online Daily Devotion

“Hot Doughnuts Now”, April 27,2007 Online Daily Devotion

Mommy will you read to me?”

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Right now I’m looking at a load of laundry that would make Mt. Everest seem small. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. And don’t even get me started about the dishes that someone thought were clean and put away in the cabinet. There are phone calls to be returned and e-mails to check and I need to make an orthodontist appointment for my son. But there’s also a precious little blue eyed wonder standing beside the couch saying, “Mommy, will you read to me?” Too soon this little girl will be but a memory from the past. So, I think I’ll take just a few minutes in this midst of all this craziness and sit and read and invest in the wisest of all my choices. Oh Brooke, let’s sit on top of this laundry, pretend it is a castle way up on a hill and read about the adventures of a far away land.
For more everyday life encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Say Yes to God; by Lysa TerKeurst

The Bathtub is Overflowing But I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

“A Mom Who Keeps Her Promises”, May 29, 2007, Online Daily Devotion

Only I Can Do It

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Zoe Elmore

When it comes to reading the Bible, no one else can do it for me! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. With so many Christian books and speakers around today, I’ve noticed how convenient it is to just download a pastor’s message or read a book for spiritual teaching. And, while these are great tools, I can sometimes depend on them to help me grow in my faith rather than actually reading the Bible for myself.

But, one thing I’ve learned in my relationship with God is the only way I’ll get to know the Bible is to actually sit down and read it. Resources like Bible Studies or web sites can help me understand what I’ve read. And, listening to my pastor in church can lift me up or challenge me in a certain area of my life. But, I can’t allow any of these things to replace my personal time with God, reading His Words in the Bible. Have you ever struggled with this? Find some encouragement by clicking on Every Day Life at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
God’s Purpose for Every Woman Devotional Book, Edited by Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen

“Eating Disorder,” February 13, 2007, Online Daily Devotion

“Freshen Up”, July 12, 2007, Online Daily Devotion

Marriage Teamwork

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writers: Sharon Glasgow and Amanda Waldrop

Our whole lives the world tells us to do whatever makes us happy, so how does this work when it comes to marriage? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Today’s women have always been told to think for ourselves and become the movers and shakers in the world. Independence and going after our dreams are good things, but this focus can sometimes make the teamwork mentality needed for a strong marriage harder to achieve.

We have our ideas on how things should be done when it comes to raising our kids; spending our money; and getting involved in different activities. And, those ideas may not be the same as our husbands’.

Instead of attacking the different ways our husbands think, why don’t we pray that TOGETHER we’ll come to the best decisions? And, who knows, maybe when we bite our tongues and really listen we might find that our husbands have some pretty good ideas after all!

For more encouragement, log on to proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
“In His Dreams,” November 30, 2006, Online Daily Devotion

Capture His Heart; by Lysa TerKeurst

What a Husband Needs from His Wife; by Melanie Chitwood

Give a Mom a Minute

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I need some more time in my day! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We moms can use all the extra minutes we can get, right? Well, here are some ways to find some: First, we can get up half an hour before the kids. At first I thought this sounded exhausting! But, it’s actually invigorating. It gives me a few minutes to read my Bible and take a hot shower before the chaos begins.Another way we can find extra time is by giving some to our kids. I’ve found that taking 30 minutes to play with my kids, talk about their day, or help with their homework makes them happy and then allows me time to do some laundry or get supper started without interruptions.

And, finally, we can work with our husbands to get some time in the evenings. They can take care of bath time one night and we can return the favor another night.

For more ways to find more minutes in your day, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on today’s radio transcript at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
Give a Mom a Minute, November 2005 ETC,

The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Your Surprise Party”

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldrop

God loves to throw surprise parties! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. If you’ve ever thrown a surprise party, you know the work and planning it involves. You care for someone and want them to feel loved and appreciated, so you plan each detail and anxiously await the arrival of your guest of honor. Then, everyone leaps out from hiding, and shouts, “Surprise!” But how disappointing if the guest of honor doesn’t show up! God must feel great disappointment when we miss His “surprise parties” for us - those divine appointments awaiting us each day. It must break His heart when we don’t listen to Him guiding us to the right place at the right time, or casually brush aside something that would make us feel special and noticed by God. So let’s let God surprise us today by listening to Him, doing what He says and approaching our day with an expectant heart. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Say Yes to God; by Lysa TerKeurst

The Character of God: Knowing His Heart Toward Us by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer

“Making Prayer A Priority”, May 28, 2007, Online Devotion

Eating Disorders

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope with Zoe Elmore

We know how unhealthy it is to deprive our bodies of food, but what about our spirits? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A friend was telling me the other day how her battle with an eating disorder left her weak, unable to live life to the fullest, and unable to focus on her daily tasks.

I’ve never struggled with the effects of physical malnutrition; but I have suffered from spiritual malnutrition. The Bible says God’s words are “the Bread of Life.” Just like when we my friend neglected to feed her body, when we don’t feed our spirits - we can feel weak, unable to live our lives to the fullest, and unable to focus on our daily activities.

But all we need to do is open our Bible to get nourishment from God. If we don’t, we can easily starve ourselves spiritually. I don’t know about you, but I think feasting on the Bread of Life sounds like a much healthier choice! For more encouragement, or for help getting started reading the Bible, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
“Eating Disorder,” February 13, 2007, Online Daily Devotion

Six Habits of Highly Effective Christians by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer

God’s Purpose for Every Woman Devotional Book, Edited by Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen

Be Honest With God”

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldrop

Isn’t it great that we can be honest with God?! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Just last week I woke up feeling drained and overwhelmed. I couldn't quite put my finger on the source of my anxiety but I couldn't shake it either. So I told God that I really needed to see evidence of Him in my day.

That evening I was preparing dinner and talking with one of my sons. My attention was on my son while my hands were going through the motions of my tasks. Suddenly I felt a strong impression to look down in the sink before I reached for a dish. As I did, I saw a very sharp butcher knife was sticking blade-up inside a glass. Immediately, I felt God's presence. I quietly thanked Him for caring enough to be so real in my life by showing me evidence of His closeness.

To learn more on being honest with God and hearing from Him in the middle of your day, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

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

“Missing The Fireflies For The Trees”, June 13, 2007, Online Daily Devotion

The Big Picture

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Sometimes it’s hard to remember that God can always see the big picture in our lives! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I had a disagreement with my husband about decorating our family room. I had placed three big pictures on the wall with the idea that I was beginning a family collage and over time would add different sized prints in different shaped frames. My husband had some trouble catching the vision of what the final configuration would look like. He just thought the three large frames looked a little strange.

Isn’t that how we can be with God sometimes? Maybe one, two, or many things are happening that don’t seem to make sense. We may even say, “This isn’t working for me!” But, after time, we can usually look back and see how God was working toward a goal that made complete sense in the end! Now, if we could only get our husbands to believe the same thing will happen with our decorating ideas! For more encouragement in your everyday life, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

“God’s Eyes”, by Melanie Chitwood, Online Daily Devotion

The Character of God: Knowing His Heart Toward Us by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer

Who Holds The Key To Your Heart, by Lysa Terkeurst

God’s Purpose for Every Woman Devotional Book, Edited by Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen

Start the Day Right”

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldrop

I don’t know about you, but I want to greet each day expecting to experience God! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Many times we can become so familiar with God that we’re actually unaware of Him. We think we know so much about Him that His mysteriousness can become casually overlooked and unacknowledged.

Well, I say, no more of that! Each day when I wake up I’ve been saying this simple prayer before my feet hit the floor. "God, I want to see You. God, I want to Hear You. God, I want to know You. God, I want to follow You.” This simple act of surrender each morning has prepared my eyes to see Him, my heart to receive His ways, my mind to perceive His greatness, and my ears to hear His voice.

For more encouragement on learning to experience God, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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

ETC, January 30, 2007 , Gutter Free, by Luann Prater

God’s Purpose for Every Woman Devotional Book, Edited by Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen

Recipe for Respect

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope with Sharon Glasgow

When my husband, JJ, gets home from work, my heart literally smiles! But it hasn’t always been that way! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. There was a time when I felt frustrated with my husband. My critical spirit convinced me that he didn’t know how to do anything right, and I questioned his leadership of our family.

So, what changed? I found a recipe for respect –and the main ingredient is honor.

What I discovered is that when I respect and honor my husband, God pours out His love on me, which allows me to pour out that same love on JJ. This means honoring his decisions, honoring him in front of our kids and honoring him in conversations with my friends. I ask God to give my husband wisdom as the spiritual leader of our home and to give me the ability to show JJ the respect that he needs. I want him to know I trust and believe in him as a husband and father. For more marriage encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood:

“In His Dreams,” November 30, 2006, Online Daily Devotion

Capture His Heart by Lysa TerKeurst

Choosing Joy

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Let’s challenge ourselves today to make a choice…no matter what happens, let’s respond with joy. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Even when others around us have a bad attitude, our kids start whining, someone cuts us off in traffic, or a friend misunderstands us, we can remember we have so much to be thankful for, so let’s choose joy. Sounds easy at first but beware, if we set about to choose joy today, we will be tested. But as we pass these tests with a response that honors God rather than reacting out of emotion, we’ll be blessed. We’ll see first hand your character and perseverance growing. Our outlook on life will change as we focus less on the bad and more on the good that is always there. So, today let’s choose joy.

For more encouragement and godly perspectives visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and be sure to sign up for our free daily devotion called “Encouragement for Today” at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

“Love In Action”, ETC Feb 2004

Who Holds The Key To Your Heart, by Lysa Terkeurst

Family First

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Sometimes I get so busy serving other people that my own family gets neglected. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I don’t know about you but my desire to help others can often leave my family feeling like second best. Attending a PTA meeting, taking a meal to a friend who just had a baby and volunteering at church are all good things. But when those things interfere with me loving and serving my family, I know it’s time to cut something out.

In her book, A Life that Says Welcome, Karen Ehman says if she can’t give her family something as good as, or better than, what she’s offering others, she says no. For instance, if she’s taking a scrumptious lasagna, freshly baked bread, and a cherry pie to someone else’s family while her own family has to scrounge around for frozen fish sticks, then she knows it’s time to cut back so her family comes first. For more ways to put your family first, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

A Life that Says Welcome by Karen Ehman

“Hats, March 19, 2007, Online Daily Devotion

“Convenient Excuses”

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldrop

How can we get really excited about the difference God can make in our lives? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. For me, saying yes to God is key. It breaks my heart to think about how many times I’ve said no to God when He’s clearly asked me to do something. In a moment of sheer laziness or fear of saying the wrong thing, I’ve politely pulled out my convenient list of excuses like:
“I’m too tired.”
“I feel too insecure.”
“I’m too busy.”

Selfishly, I chose to bypass God’s divine appointment for me to experience Him. Since I can’t go back and change what might have been, I can ask God to forgive my disobedience and lack of faith. Then, I can choose to throw out my list of convenient excuses and start taking a chance on saying “yes” to all that God asks of me.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org

Related Resources:
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“Open for Service”, June 14, 2007, Online Daily Devotion

God’s Purpose for Every Woman Devotional Book, Edited by Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen

Marriage Retreats

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

We kept saying we wanted to get away and we finally did it! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When was the last time you and your husband took time to get away and focus on your relationship?

Recently my husband and I attended a marriage conference and were surprised at how refreshed we felt when we got home. Not only did we learn some important things to help us strengthen our marriage, we also experienced some unexpected benefits. We met other couples who also want to keep their relationships strong and made plans to meet with them regularly. And, having two full days to take off our work hats and our mommy and daddy hats to just be “us” was so freeing.

Is there a marriage retreat coming up at your church or in your community? If you can, take the opportunity to attend. Sometimes scholarships and child care are available so don’t let anything stand in your way. I’m sure glad we didn’t! For more marriage encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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Talk Easy, Listen Hard by Nancy Sebastian Meyer

“The Sacred Us”, February 22, 2007, Online Devotion

“The Empty Podium”

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When is the last time we’ve thought about our legacy? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I was asked to speak at a banquet. Right before I got up to speak, the coordinators of the event paid tribute to one of their own that had just graduated to heaven. A friend of the family sang a moving song while they flashed pictures of Janice who seemed way too young and vivacious to truly be gone. Though the song was lovely what really captivated my heart was the empty podium on the stage. This podium just one year before had been occupied by Janice. Though her words were no longer being spoken from stage, the legacy of her life that we all carried in our hearts spoke loud and clear. Lord, remind me daily of the legacy that I am building every day of my life.

For more encouragement click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
Worship: Nearing The Heart of God Brian T Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer

For more encouragement, read Honoring God with Your Life

Separation Anxiety

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Micca Campbell and Renee Swope

What do you do when your children feel anxious about being separated from you? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I have to travel away from home for a day or two each month. My absence sometimes creates separation anxiety for my sons. As I’m headed out the door they’ll tell me they’re concerned about what might happen while I’m away.

One thing that helps my sons, and me, is to remember that Jesus’ disciples were worried before He left earth. They didn’t know how they’d manage without Him. Jesus told them, “Don’t be troubled. Trust God, trust also in Me.”

I remind my kids that I’ll be back. And, I go over activities and plans I’ve made for them in advance – just like Jesus. And I pray with them, reminding them that even though I’ll be gone, Jesus will still be with them – and so will their daddy! For more encouragement as a mom, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
“Hope for the Anxious Heart,” December 28, 2006, Online Daily Devotion

Be The Parent, by Kendra Smiley

“Anxiety”, May 1, 2006, Online Devotion

A Contagious Life

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Is your outlook on life contagious? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently my husband and I went out to a family restaurant and it was one of the most pleasant dining experiences we’ve ever had.

Greg, our waiter, acted as is if we were in a ritzy, 5-star establishment. He called us Ma’am and Sir. He had a smile on his face and pretty soon we were smiling, too. When Greg asked how our evening was going, we said, “Fine, how ‘bout yours?” He said, “I just love being here.” We could tell.

I wondered, can people tell I love being a follower of Jesus? Do I have an infectious glow? Or, do I let life drag me down and keep me distracted? Greg helped me realize just how much my outlook on life can affect others. And, who knows, if I’m full of enough joy, people might want to know what I’m smiling about. For more ideas on living for God, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Expressions of Joy, February 16, 2006, Online Devotion

Perplexing Proverbs For Women, by Susanne Scheppmann

Parents in High Places

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: and Renee Swope

Have you ever noticed the confidence in children whose parents own a business? They have an attitude as if to say, “My dad owns this place!” Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. If you were the daughter of a businessman, pastor, or parent in a high position, you know what I mean. You walked into their office, proud of their role of authority.

Did you know that you and I can approach life with that same confidence because we have a Heavenly Father in the highest place of authority imaginable?

Being His daughter allows us to approach Him with confidence. He’s never too busy to talk, He’s not bothered by our need for help and His corporate bank account never runs low on funds. He is more than willing to “provide abundantly beyond all that we ask or think!”

No matter what you face today, walk with confidence knowing “your Dad owns this place!” For more encouragement as a child of God, visit Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources:

“God’s Abundance,” July 12, 2006, Online Daily Devotion

Worship: Nearing The Heart of God, by Brian T Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer