Organize!

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I want to be more organized but getting there can completely overwhelm me! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’m not a naturally organized person so I found a friend who can help me. She comes over to my house once a week for a couple of hours and helps me tackle one thing at a time. Even if we only get part of a closet done or half a room done we’re making progress and that’s exciting. I’ve found the more progress we make; the more encouraged I am to keep going. Plus, I’m finding that when everything has a place, it’s actually saving me time from constantly looking for things. By setting aside just a couple hours a week to focus on nothing but organization, we’re breaking an overwhelming task down to manageable bite size pieces. For more ideas on managing your home, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org and click on Everyday Life.

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Everyday Life

Cleaning Up The Clutter, by Emilie Barnes

Hoarder Disorder, Free Online Daily Devotion, November 17, 2006, by Lysa TerKeurst

Lysa’s Blog

He’s Coming Back!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Renee Swope and Van Walton

I love coming home after a long trip, and my dog Chelsea likes it even more!!! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We just got back from a long vacation and couldn’t wait to pick up our pooch from my mom’s house. I can’t tell you how happy she was to see us. She barked. She ran circles around us and her tail couldn’t stop wagging. She wouldn’t let us out of her sight!

My mom told me that Chelsea constantly watched the door, waiting for us to come back. In the meantime my mom fed her, walked her, and gave her lots of attention.

You know, Jesus promised that He’s coming back for those who love and follow Him. And, He’s left us in the care of His Holy Spirit, our friend and counselor. But in spite of that, I can’t wait to see Jesus when He returns. I have a feeling I am going to run and leap and dance for joy. I’ll sit at His feet and never let Him out of my sight! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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He’s Coming Back!, Free Online Daily Devotion, July 16, 2007, by Van Walton

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Thank you!

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’m learning that being able to be thankful for the little things is a BIG gift. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Several years ago my middle daughter was very sick and in the hospital off and on for over a year. During this time I learned how to be thankful for the small things. A simple smile from her would delight my heart for days. Seeing her have enough energy to sit up and sip some water would send me to my knees thanking God. Some days, just knowing she was still breathing brought tears of joy to my eyes. Now she’s a thriving, healthy teenager and I sometimes forget to be thankful for the small things. But I don’t want to slip into taking these things for granted. So, I think I’ll pause in this moment and remember to say, “Thank you, God. Thank you for all things big and small.” For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

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The Air I Breathe, by Louie Giglio

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Lysa’s Blog

The Rescuer

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Tracie Miles

Have you ever witnessed a miracle? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend Tracie was searching her attic for a box when her 18 month old slipped through a hole in the attic floor and fell 15 feet onto a concrete floor. But her descent ended with an unexplainable miracle as she bounced off the floor as if she’d landed on a big pillow. Tracie ran downstairs and discovered that her daughter only had a small bump on her forehead, but not a single broken bone. The doctors couldn’t explain what happened. There’s no explanation for this miracle but God’s hand at work. He rescued Tracie’s daughter from death.

And you know what? He’s performed this miracle for you and me, too! When we begin a relationship with Jesus, He rescues us from eternal death with the hope of heaven. So, if we’ve accepted Christ as Savior, we have witnessed a miracle! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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The Rescuer, Free Online Daily Devotion by Tracie Miles

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Sharing the Christmas Story with Children

Radio 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.

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The Crippled Lamb, by Max Lucado

The Tale of Three Trees, by Angela Elwell Hunt and Tim Jonke

From the Pound to the Palace, by Van Walton

Unwrapping His Presence

Radio 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.

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Unwrapping His Presence, a free devotion by Renee Swope

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Be There

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Now, I’m all for multi-tasking but sometimes it gets me into trouble! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently, while getting gas, I was trying to do so many things at once that I almost pulled away with the nozzle still attached to my car! Multi-tasking really does help me cross more things off of my to-do list. But, I’ve found it’s not a good habit when I’m with my family. A wise friend once said to me, “Lysa when you’re with those you love - be there.” So, when my husband comes home from work, I get off the phone. When I pick my kids up from school, I give my full attention to the details of their day. And each morning I try to take time to read the Bible and talk to God first; even before throwing in a load of laundry or checking my e-mail. Then I can say with confidence to those I love, I’m really here for you. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Running on Empty, by Arron Chambers

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Finding Contentment

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

It seems the more I buy for my kids, the less thankful they are! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Child psychologists warn that a constant supply of gifts can create a sense of entitlement in our children, causing them to focus on what’s coming next, rather than on what they already have. The Bible calls this discontentment – it means never being satisfied, no matter how much we have. So, how do we help our kids learn to be content? I think the first thing I need to do is help them enjoy what they already have. So I’ve been reading books with them, playing board games and going for walks with them while they rollerblade or ride bikes in the neighborhood. We also try to talk as a family about what we’re thankful for, not just at Thanksgiving but all year long. And we try to help others who are less fortunate by looking for ways to give more, instead of get more. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

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I Thought You were Perfect

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I walked into church with such a heavy heart. I’d gotten into a disagreement with my husband just before leaving home, and in an angry, regrettable moment, stormed off. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I found myself sitting alone, thinking I don’t belong here. I looked around the church and mistakenly thought, Everyone else has it so together. But then a friend sat beside me and in a huff confessed she’d had an argument with her husband, too. Wow. The reality is no one’s life is perfect. When I walk around thinking everyone else’s life is better than mine, it paralyzes me and makes me feel like a failure. Sure there are things I need to work on, like patience with my husband. But instead of letting that define me as a bad wife in a bad marriage, I see it as a call to action. And then real improvement can happen. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

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Who Holds The Key To Your Heart?, by Lysa TerKeurst

A Heart of Contentment, Free Online Daily Devotion, May 7, 2007, by Susanne Scheppman

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Christmas Time

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I finally figured out the perfect gift to give my kids! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. It’s not a new bike, the latest video game, or even an Ipod! As a matter of fact, the best gift I’m giving my kids this year doesn’t come with a price tag. You can’t wrap it, tie it with ribbon, or put it under the tree. You see the gift my children really want is my time.

They want time with me to bake cookies and decorate the tree, time to sit, read the Christmas Story and imagine what it would’ve been like to be the angels, the wise men or the shepherds. They want my time to watch Christmas shows or time to drive around looking at Christmas lights! There’s no better way to let them know they’re important to me, even more than my long “to do” list. Of all the gifts we can give our children this year, our time will be the one they’ll remember most. For more Christmas gift ideas, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Will it Make Me Happy?

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

How many times have I wanted something so badly - yet when I got it I realized, “Nope, this didn’t do it for me either?” Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. That house I wanted to move into so badly, that achievement I thought would bring success - sure, they brought me momentary happiness, but they didn’t fulfill me like I’d hoped. I’m learning that whenever I find myself begging God for something, with some whining, I have to step back and ask myself the question: But will it really make me happy? I know that whatever “it” is doesn’t have the power to bring me lasting happiness - that deep indwelling joy that only God’s love can bring. I am learning to push aside these momentary longings and desire God instead. To tell Him, “Here’s what I think I want, but I trust You to do what’s best for me.” For more Everyday Life perspectives visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Candy Canes

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I love candy canes! And I love that I can use them to teach my kids about Jesus! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I showed my sons how the Candy Cane can help us focus on Christ at Christmas. It’s shaped like a shepherd’s staff to remind us that God is our Shepherd. Upside down, it’s the letter J for Jesus. The red stripes can remind us that Jesus shed his blood for us on the cross and the white symbolizes his holiness. The scent of the candy is like hyssop, an herb used in Biblical times for healing to remind us that Jesus is our healer. The candy cane is sweet and meant to be broken and shared, just like Christ’s body was broken for us.

When I was finished, we decided to put this story on small pieces of paper and tie them to several dozen candy canes to share with our family and friends. If you’d like to share this with your family, click on Radio Transcripts at Proverbs31.org

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Truth

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Why did Jesus come to earth? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. If we ask this question in a roomful of people we’ll get many answers. But what did Jesus Himself say in the Bible? “For this reason I came into the world, for this reason I was born, to testify to the truth…” Jesus came to earth to give us an absolute truth on which we can base every single thought we have! This challenges me to hold my thought life up to the truth of what Jesus says about me. My thought life sometimes says I don’t measure up. But Jesus clearly tells me that, if I live each day in a way that honors Him, I’m exactly the kind of wife, mom, and friend He made me to be. I just need to spend more time thinking about and living out the truth. For more truth visit Proverbs31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

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The Confident Woman, by Anabell Gillam

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Holiday Decorations

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

If I ever forget that we all have different personalities, I just have to look down my street at Christmastime! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Some neighbors simply hang a wreath on the front door. Some hang bows on columns and light candles in windows. Others can’t seem to put enough stuff in their yards. First there are the three giant sized inflatable characters. Next, a dozen candy canes lining the sidewalk. Then out come the five trillion lights, and, oh MY, the house is certainly, um…festive.

I sometimes catch myself thinking critical thoughts about others holiday decorations. Have you ever done that? I try to remind myself that God has given us different personality styles that affect the way we operate - and decorate - differently. Some like to make a loud statement. Others prefer simplicity. Instead of wishing they would decorate like I do, I want to learn to appreciate our differences the way Jesus does and celebrate the many expressions of Christmas! For more holiday encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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My Life Story

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I don’t have a dramatic life story. Have you ever felt this way? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sometimes after hearing how God turned my life around, someone will say to me, “Lysa, your story’s amazing but I don’t have anything exciting to say about what Jesus has done for me!” Well, one thing we can remember is that each of us has an incredible story to share! We were all headed to eternal darkness before Jesus paid the price for our wrongs and offered the hope of heaven. And, if we say yes to whatever He’s asking us to do today, He’ll give us Divine encounters that are every bit as powerful as a dramatic past. When we start looking for God and His activity all around us, we’ll experience Him in big ways. And these moments become part of the dramatic story we have to share with others. For more ways to experience God, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Counting Down the Days!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I love counting down the days ‘til Christmas! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. One of my favorite ways to count down the days is the advent wreath. I used to think lighting advent candles was just something you did at church but then I made an advent wreath for our home and my family loves it! An Advent wreath usually includes a green wreath and four candles evenly spaced around it, and then a larger candle in the center. The circle represents God’s unending love and the greenery represents the everlasting life we have through Jesus. Each candle represents an event leading up to Christ’s birth and is lit during the four weeks before Christmas. The center candle is lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is white to symbolize Christ’s holiness. We re-light the center candle on Christmas morning, sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and then let it burn throughout Christmas day. For more ideas to celebrate a Christ-centered Christmas, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Planning a Holiday Party

Radio 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.

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

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Home is Where the Heart Is, Free Online Encouragement For Today Devotion, February 3, 2006, by Lysa TerKeurst

A Cup of Christmas COCOA

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Tracie Miles

One thing I love at Christmastime is a cup of hot cocoa. Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Here’s one way the word ‘COCOA’ can help us remember some important aspects of Christmas.

- C is for CHRIST. He’s the reason for Christmas!
- O is for ORNAMENTS. As we decorate our tree, let’s remember to decorate our hearts and homes with God’s love.
- C reminds us to CELEBRATE. It’s easy to get focused on giving, but let’s not forget to celebrate all that God has given us!
- O is for OVERJOYED! Instead of getting overwhelmed with our schedules, let’s get overjoyed by remembering why Jesus was born.
-And A is for ABUNDANCE! In the abundance of presents and people, let’s remember that what we really need is the abundant life Jesus promised through a relationship with Him.

Oh, and next time you have a cup of cocoa, pull up a chair and visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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A Cup of Christmas COCOA, Free Online Daily Devotion, December 12, 2006, by Tracie Miles

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Finding Joy in the Interruptions

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing 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.

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Love the Ones You’re With, Free Online Encouragement For Today Devotion, August 18, 2006, by Renee Swope

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Christmas without Overspending

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

One way I want to honor Jesus this Christmas is by not overspending! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sometimes I get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping that I lose focus on what Christmas is all about. This year, I want to focus on Jesus and sharing His love with my family and friends instead of all the money we’re spending. I’ve learned the hard way that the secret to not overspending is to plan ahead.

So my husband and I are going to sit down and set up a holiday budget within our financial means. We’ll include costs for extra food, decorations, gift-wrap, and travel. We’ll also make a list of everyone to buy gifts for and determine how much to spend on each person. I am going to carry that list in my purse and stick to it! Now, if I can only remember to send those out-of-town gifts early to avoid rush delivery charges! For more ways to honor Christ this Christmas, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

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Fasting to be Focused

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

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

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The Tale of Three Trees, by Angela Elwell Hunt and Tim Jonke

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Celebrating Christ at Christmas, Free Online ETC Corner Article, December 2004