Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writers: Melanie Chitwood and Renee Swope
My friend is struggling in her marriage. She never imagined she would have thoughts of divorce. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When I heard about my friend and her struggles, I thought about my marriage. I whispered prayers of thanks that my husband and I are still together because for several years we fought constantly. We loved each other but we couldn’t figure out how to be happily married.
Finally, I cried out for God’s help and I sensed He was telling me to love my husband unconditionally and to respect him completely. Then I realized God promised to do it through me.
I try to seek His help each day and rely on HIS unconditional love for me. I ask God to show me ways to respect my husband. I often take two steps forward and one step back. But that’s still progress! And, God has transformed our marriage into one of friendship, intimacy, and laughter. For more, visit proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:Surrendering Your Marriage, Free Devotion by Melanie ChitwoodWhat a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie ChitwoodExpert marriage advice at Growthtrac online
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
No matter how many precautions we take, the truth is that nothing in life is certain. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Today’s life is defined by security measures. We strive to acquire safety nets to place under and around the things we care about the most. We look for jobs providing good benefits and a strong, solid retirement. We even take steps to protect our own identities.
But nothing in life is certain, and when we put our trust in any kind of security this world can offer, we misplace our hope. Circumstances change. We can lose jobs, money, and even loved ones. And, all the while, fear of the unknown can cause us to miss great opportunities.
Though we can't stop or control the future we can make moment by moment choices to let our souls rest in God no matter how tattered our earthly safety nets become. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Say Yes to God; by Lysa TerKeurstStained Glass Saints, February 1, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Monday, October 29, 2007
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee Swope
I can’t believe they cancelled my flight and didn’t even let me know! Now I have to wait 5 hours for another flight! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. While sitting in the airport after my cancelled trip home, I watched other travelers being re-routed in hopes of reaching their final destination.
I started questioning, “Why hadn’t God work out the details so I could be where I wanted to be – at home with my family?” I thought to myself. Then I remembered other trips I’d been on that should have been cancelled – like guilt trips for things I’d done, and trips down memory lane to visit the regrets of my past. Through Jesus, God had cancelled those trips long ago. They were destinations He never wanted me to visit again.
As I sat in the airport waiting, I thanked God for other times He’s interrupted my plans and re-directed my path – in the air and in my heart. So, are there any guilt trips you need Him to cancel for you? For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
Your Scars Are Beautiful To God, by Sharon Jaynes
Friday, October 26, 2007
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
Sometimes all it takes to turn a really good day into a really bad one is a misunderstanding with a friend. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. It had started out as a really good day and then an e-mail came that blasted me and called into question something that I had done. I was blown away by the harsh tone of the e-mail and suddenly my feelings were hurt and my day headed south. I wanted to be harsh back but then a verse came to mind that says “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” So, I spent a few minutes in prayer asking God to calm my heart and then I called my friend. I told her how much I appreciated her honesty and for caring enough about me to bring her concerns to my attention. But, then I took time to tell my side of the story and by the end of the conversation we were actually laughing and praying together. For more encouragement on Everyday Life, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
Get Over It and On With It, by Michelle McKinney Hammond Judge Not, June 8, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Karen EhmanI have this ugly scar on my knee from falling down in the third grade. I also have a matching scar on my right hand. But these are small compared to the scars I can’t see. Hi I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Besides physical scars, I also have emotional scars from hurtful words and painful memories as well as wounds from bad choices I’ve made.
It’s fairly easy to hide our physical scars by wearing clothes that cover them or applying medicines to make them fade. But what do we do with our emotional scars?
For years I tried to hide mine until I read in the Bible that God wants to comfort me so I can comfort others with the hope I’ve received from Him. However ugly or painful they may be, God can use our scars. He doesn’t want us to ignore the hurting places in our hearts. He wants to comfort us in the midst of them and, when we’re able, He wants us to do the same for others. For more encouragement in your Everyday life, visit Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
Scars by Karen Ehman, a Free P31 devotion August 24, 2007
Your Scars are Beautiful to God by Sharon Jaynes
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurstI think one of the best qualities a friend can have is to be a commitment keeper. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I was talking to a friend of mine recently encouraging her with all the many good qualities she has. Then I mentioned one quality about her that seems to be more and more rare in people today…that of being a commitment keeper. Right away I was challenged by considering how seriously I keep my commitments. Am I quick to cancel on a friend when I feel tired or something else comes up? How willing am I to make time to help a friend out? Understandably sometimes things come up that prevent us from keeping commitments but I’m going to try even harder to make sure these times are the exception and not the rule. I want to become the kind of friend that I desire to have. For more friendship encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
Balance That Works When Life Doesn’t, by Susie Larson
A Yeah Day, May 24, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee Swope
Why doesn’t he listen to me? I told him we’d get something to eat on the way to the airport! Now he’s cooking breakfast and we’re going to be late! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’m exhausted and did I mention, we’re running late? I’ve been packing suitcases, making arrangements for the dogs to stay at a kennel, and making sure I have assignments from the kid’s teachers while we’re out of town. I feel like my brain is “control central” and it’s up to me to make it all happen.
I guess that’s my problem!! I feel like I have to make it all happen. The way I talked to JJ was really harsh. I hate it when he talks to me that way and now I’ve done it to him! I need to go apologize. God, help me slow down and process my stress with you. Help me release control of my plans and give you control of my words and impatience. For more encouragement in trusting God in your everyday life, visit Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
A Busy Woman’s Guide to Prayer, by Cheri Fuller
Joey and the Jeep, May 2, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Monday, October 22, 2007
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
It was a simple request for my daughter to share her gum with her brother. But it turned into a lesson for the whole family. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. “Mom, it’s my last piece and I don’t want to give it away.” She had a good argument but what she didn’t know is I had a whole pack of gum in my purse that I was willing to give her if she made the right choice. So, I told her that it was good to get into the habit of being willing to sacrifice to bless others. In doing so, God would be pleased. It was her choice and she wound up choosing wisely. The whole interaction challenged me. How willing am I to go without to help another person? God loves to see His children have giving hearts and He has a lot more than a pack of gum to give us in return. For more spiritual encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs 31.org and click on Everyday Life.
Related Resources:
Small Acts of Grace, by Alice Gray
Joey and the Jeep, May 2, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Friday, October 19, 2007
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee Swope
Do you ever wish you had more faith? I sure do! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I found out my mom was scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram. She’d had cancer 15 years ago so I feared the worst. I prayed for strength and faith. I asked friends to pray for a miracle, but I was surprised when we got one.
After an ultrasound and a super-magnified mammogram, the radiologist told us he couldn’t see anything. The lump was gone! At first, I was shocked and a little doubtful. Then I felt guilty for not having more faith.
I wondered why God had been so faithful when I felt faith-less. (Pause) As I prayed He reminded me that His actions and love aren’t based on how much I pray, how hard I pray or what I pray. It’s not the size of my faith but the object of my faith that matters. And the object of my faith is Jesus! He’s big enough even when I feel like my prayers aren’t! For more encouragement in your faith, visit Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith, by Lysa TerKeurst
When The Bubbles Pop, May 30, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurstI don’t know about you, but I think it’s hard to meet someone’s expectations when I don’t know what they are. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A few years ago I asked my husband to describe his idea of a great marriage. His answer was surprisingly simple. He had three expectations that were most important to him. I decided to take his top three things and make them priorities in my day. It delighted him and took a lot of pressure off of me. In return, he asked me to describe what I needed from him and he started making more of an effort in these areas. We’ve found that the key to meeting each other’s needs is to communicate what our expectations are and discuss realistic ways to make them happen. Our marriage isn’t perfect but it’s so much more fulfilling now than ever before. For more marriage building ideas click on Everyday Life at Proverbs 31.org
Related Resources:
What A Husband Needs From His Wife, by Melanie Chitwood
Surrendering Your Marriage, September 5, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee Swope
Instead of looking for ways to get good things, I want to look for ways to give good things to others! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I have a friend Suzie who lives by the motto, “we are blessed to be a blessing!” When Suzie goes shopping and finds something she likes, she buys one for herself and one for a friend. She also gives away personal items that others love – such as a cool purse or bracelet. Suzie looks for creative ways to shower love on her friends and family.
One time Suzie told me that when she travels, she uses her own shampoo and conditioner so she can save the hotel’s complimentary bath items to donate to the women’s shelter in town. She shared this idea with some of the children at our church and now these kids have asked their parents to do the same thing.
The Bible says when we are given much we should give much. So, let’s look for creative ways to give to someone today! For more encouragement in your Everyday life, visit Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
Small Acts of Grace, by Alice Gray Me First, April 30, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
I’ve discovered that simple, everyday acts of kindness in my marriage can really make a difference. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My husband and I are busy and sometimes it’s hard to make our marriage a priority. Can you relate? It’s easy to slip into a mode where we operate more like business partners than husband and wife. But I’ve found a good way to break this cycle is to look for simple acts of kindness that we can do for each other that make a big difference. For example Art loves fruit so each week I make a big fruit salad. When he comes home at night, I stop whatever I’m doing to greet him. When I’m out of town for a speaking engagement, I know he’s at home with the kids, praying for me. And, once a week, we schedule time for the two of us to have some kind of a date. These are simple things that reap huge rewards. For more marriage builders log onto Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
Becoming The Woman of His Dreams, by Sharon Jaynes The Sacred Us, February 22, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Monday, October 15, 2007
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee Swope
I don’t know about you but sometimes I wake up feeling kind of down, and I’m tempted to go back to sleep until I feel better! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Waking up with these kinds of feelings makes it hard to get out of bed and face my day. But, I know I can’t depend on my feelings. They’re often just reflections of my thoughts.
One morning I woke up feeling sad and overwhelmed by thoughts of doubt – I can’t do it all, my life is too full, I am not cut out to be a wife, a mom and part of an organization that reaches out to women all around the world! My thoughts were against me and my feelings were too.
Just like tuning my radio to encouraging music when I wake up, I realized that I need to tune my mind to encouraging thoughts – like promises in the Bible that remind me God is for me. And if God is for me, why should I be against me? For more everyday life encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
The Confident Woman, by Anabel Gillham A Touch of God’s Hand, April 12, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Friday, October 12, 2007
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
I came across a quote the other day that really challenged me. It said, “Who you are speaks so loudly, I can barely hear what you’re saying.” Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I guess actions do speak louder than words. This quote made me think about who I say I am as I’m driving in traffic, or waiting on a slow sales clerk, or deciding whether to return a shopping cart to the store or leave it hoisted up on a curb in the parking lot. Sometimes, it’s easy to say the right things but so much harder to live them out. So, today I’m going to think about my actions more- especially when my schedule gets tight, my energy runs low and my temper gets triggered. I think I’ll pray and ask God to give me the courage to make the kinds of choices that honor who He’s made me to be. For more spiritual encouragement, click on Everyday Life at Proverbs 31.org.
Related Resources:
A Busy Woman’s Guide to Prayer, by Cheri Fuller
Pop Goes The Weasel, June 5, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee Swope with Van Walton
Do you remember dreaming about the man you’d marry? I sure do! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I remember wondering if I’d ever get married. But, as I waited I learned it wasn’t just important for me to find Mr. Right. I had to know who I was looking for. Through prayer and the advice of friends I came up with a list of qualities that I wanted in the man I would spend my life with. I wanted to marry for friendship, not just romance, so I prayed for someone I could connect with, appreciate, and respect. I also wanted to marry someone who was comfortable with my friends and loved God more than he loved me. And, I wanted a relationship where I could give, not just take.
Well, after being married for 14 years, I can see how finding a husband with these traits has helped my marriage. And, I’ve realized that there really is only one perfect Man – Jesus – and my relationship with Him is what matters most. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
“When to Say, ‘I Do’,” November 16, 2006, Online Daily DevotionBeautiful in God’s Eyes, by Elizabeth George
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
I’ve decided that report cards are important but they don’t always tell me everything I need to know about how my kids are doing in school. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The last report card one of my daughters brought home left a lot to be desired even though I knew she’d tried her very best. We had done all kinds of things to work together to help her improve and gain more confidence. But despite all our efforts, she was still struggling. As I asked God for wisdom on helping my daughter in this area of her schoolwork I felt Him impress something on my heart. What the world may see as limitations don’t limit God, they actually enable Him to direct my daughter toward His perfect plan for her life. I’ll still work on helping my daughter succeed in school. But, more than tutoring, prayer and perspective will be my goal. For more ideas on raising kids, click on Everyday Life at Proverbs 31.org
Related Resources:
Be The Parent, by Kendra SmileyA Legend of Faith, May 2, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee Swope
Ever wonder if you’re making a difference? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I used to feel like my days were filled with endless tasks and meaningless motion since I did the same things over and over every day. It seemed like I had no influence or purpose. You see I was a mom who stayed home with children too young to notice anything I did. (Pause)
One day I was talking to God about how discouraged I felt. Then I remembered people in the Bible who made a difference in others lives not because of what they did, but because they depended on God. I realized it wasn’t what I did every day that mattered, but that my children saw me depending on God and not myself. When they saw me pray, read my Bible, or listen to music about God, they knew I was seeking His help. And, today, when I see my kids pray, read their Bibles, or listen to music about God, I can see that it did make a difference! (Pause) For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
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Woman of Influence, Free Devotion by Zoe ElmoreThe Mommy Manual, by Barbara Curtis
Monday, October 08, 2007
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
I want to have a positive impact on my kids everyday, but it’s hard when life is so busy. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sometimes I find myself feeling as though all I do as a mom is act like a drill sergeant keeping everyone on task. So, I’ve decided to make a small change. I’m now trying to have at lease one memorable moment with each of my kids everyday. It’s a moment where I stop the rush of activity to pause and connect in a meaningful way. This morning my youngest daughter and I took some time to listen to some church bells. I taught her how to count the number of times that the bell chimes to know what time it was. I then drove by the church so she could see the bell tower for herself. It was a beautiful highlight moment for both of us! For more ideas on connecting with your kids, log on to Proverbs 31.org.
Related Resources:Chasing God and the Kids Too: Balancing A Mom’s Most important Pursuits, by Cheryl R CarterA Mom Who Keeps Her Promises, Free Online Daily Devotion
Friday, October 05, 2007
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Jill Tracey
Remember when our parents said, “This hurts me as much as it hurts you?” Well, I think they really meant it! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’ll never forget how awful I felt when my son was a baby and he’d get a bad case of diaper rash. I’d cringe at every diaper change when he screamed with pain. Then I’d try to comfort him, saying, “I’m so sorry it hurts, but I can’t leave you all messy! I have to clean you up so you can heal!”
I wonder how many times God says the same thing to us. When we’re going through something really painful and screaming out to Him to make it stop, I bet He’s saying, “I’m so sorry it hurts, but I can’t leave you all messy!” And just like it breaks our hearts to see our children go through pain even if it’s for their own good, it’s most likely hurting our Heavenly Father even more than it is hurting us! For more help in understanding God’s ways through every day life lessons, visit proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
Fear or Faith, Part One Online Devotion by Melanie Chitwood
The Character of God: Knowing His Heart Toward Us by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer
God’s Purpose for Every Woman Devotional Book,
Edited by Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldrop
Have you ever picked up the Bible and thought I’m having a hard time understanding what this means? I know I have. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries and I’ll be honest, every day I have to ask God for understanding as I read the Bible. The great thing about God is that He loves for us to ask for wisdom and He can make the Bible come to life.
I also find it helpful to ask three questions while I read the Bible: First, what is this verse saying to me personally? Secondly, how can I apply this verse to my life that makes a change in the way I act or think? And lastly, what are some other verses on this same topic that might be helpful for me to study? I’ve found that books with Bible Studies at the end of each chapter can be a fun way to study the Bible. If you’d like more help on studying the Bible visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
“Freshen Up”, July 12, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
“Boondock”, July 2, 2007 Online Daily Devotion
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee Swope
Ugggh, I just need to vent! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Isn’t it easy to “vent” about our spouses, our kids, our bosses and even our friends?
Venting is an easy way to release the fumes of frustration. But it tarnishes our relationships with distrust, caused by the bitterness of a critical heart and complaining lips. I can only imagine how terrible it would be to overhear my husband “venting” about me to his friends. Not only would I be mad at him, but I’d probably also start to feel insecure about myself and our relationship.
So, why should I waste time discussing people’s imperfections when saying nice things about them in front of others could strengthen my relationship with them? In fact, the next time I’m frustrated, instead of compromising someone’s trust by venting, I’m going to try to take my fumes to God and let Him fill my heart with His perspective and peace. For more encouragement click on everyday life at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
Taming Your Tongue, by Deborah Smith Pegues
The Sacred Us Online Devotion by Amy Carroll
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldrop
When we think God’s asking us to do something, how can we be sure it’s Him? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Hearing from God is important. But, it can be tricky; especially if we think He’s asking us to do something outside our comfort zone. So, to be sure we’re hearing Him correctly – here are five good questions to ask:
1. Does what I’m hearing line up with the Bible?
2. Is it consistent with God’s character, never compromising the right, loving, and forgiving nature of God?
3. Is it being confirmed through my friends and other messages I’ve been hearing at church or in Bible Study?
4. Is it beyond my ability to want to do this, requiring full dependency on God?
5. Would it make God smile?
When we’re not quite sure if we’re hearing God’s voice or something else, these filtering questions can help. For more, visit proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Say Yes To God by Lysa TerKeurst
“Fear or Faith-Part two”, June 12, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
Monday, October 01, 2007
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Jill Tracey
Is my life an invitation to others? If so, I wonder what I’m inviting them to do! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I was reading the book, “Captivating,” by John and Stasi Eldridge and was struck by one of the points they made. They said all women invite other women through their actions to do something.
Some women invite others to strive to look their best, say the right thing, and to be something more than they are. And some women invite others to bask in God’s love and to just be themselves. I wonder which invitation I extend? Honestly, it probably depends on the day. Sometimes I get caught up in the comparison game and I’m sure I make others feel they have to do the same. And, sometimes, with God’s help, I invite other women to feel free to be who God made them to be. My hope is that I am getting better each day at offering the second invitation far more than the first. For more encouragement, click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources:
“Reaping and Sowing”, July 17, 2007, Online Daily Devotion
“The Friendships of Women”, November 24, 2006, Online Daily Devotion
