The Gift of Listening

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

The other night my husband was calling our 13-year-old dachshund to come get a treat, but she wasn’t budging. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We joked about Chelsea having “selective hearing” - since it was her bedtime - or perhaps she's going deaf.

My son Andrew looked at me with concerned on his face and said, “Mom, I hope you don’t go deaf like Chelsea when you get old.” I laughingly asked why.

"Cause sometimes you don’t hear me now. Like when you're on the computer and I ask you a question; you don’t hear me.” Ouch, I wasn’t expecting that answer! But instead of drowning myself in guilt, I pulled him close and apologized. I told him from now on I am going to stop what I’m doing and really listen when he talks to me.

Listening is a gift we can give to those we love. It doesn’t cost much. And we give it every time we stop what we’re doing and turn our full attention to them. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Being A Great Mom, Raising Great Kids, by Sharon Jaynes

Free Devotion, All Your Heart, by Melissa Taylor

Visit Renee’s Blog

Seeds

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

It’s amazing what you can learn from something as small as a little seed in its packet. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The packet is comfortable. Then the farmer comes along and plucks the seed out and pushes it into a deep, dark, messy place. The seed cries out, "What are you doing? This is unfair."Then the farmer pours so much water over the seed that it breaks apart. It cries out again but the farmer seems cruel and silent.

Just when the seed starts to lose hope a green shoot bursts from the ruins. It grows and blooms and becomes all that it had the potential to become.So, was the farmer mean and cruel? Or did he have the seed's best interest in mind?

Isn’t that like God? He loves us so much that He can see beyond who we are to what we can become.

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Free Devotion, You Will Not Be Forgotten, by Glynnis Whitwer

The Character of God, by Brian T Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Leaving and Cleaving

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

The Bible says to leave our parents and cleave to our spouses – but what does that mean? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In the book of Genesis, God describes marriage as a man and woman detaching themselves from their families of origin and attaching themselves to each other.

A co-worker of mine recently discovered she’d never completed this process! She was talking to her mother 4 or 5 times a day and doing things just to make her parents happy. She realized she hadn’t let go of mom and dad so she could completely commit herself to her husband. My friend started a painful process of setting healthy boundaries and balanced priorities. She said it was like cutting roots that had grown strong, thick and entangled, and were much harder to cut because of the years they’d remained attached.

So, I wonder if we still have some leaving and cleaving to do. Chances are it’ll be hard - but definitely worth the work! For more marriage encouragement, click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

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Becoming The Woman Of His Dreams, by Sharon Jaynes

Free Devotion, Marriage According To God, by Rachel Olsen

Visit Renee’s Blog

When the Little Things are Big

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes I catch myself thinking I want to do big things for God but all I’m doing today is running carpool, doing laundry, and cooking dinner — again. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs31 Ministries. I believe there are times when God asks us to do big things. But, maybe today God is simply asking us to obey in the small things right in front of us. Running carpool without grumbling - doing laundry and seeing it for the gift it is - and cooking with a heart that’s thankful for everything that’s available to us each day. These things might not seem glamorous or big but they might be the very thing God uses to prepare us for something else. I’m convinced God wants to develop our character to match the way He wants to use us. And, if you’re anything like me, running carpools, laundry, and cooking can definitely provide opportunities for some serious character building.

For more, log on to proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Free Devotion, Overlooked By Everyone Else, by Lysa Terkeurst

A Woman’s Secret To A Balanced Life, by Lysa Terkeurst and Sharon Jaynes

A Heart More Beautiful

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Sharon Sloan and Renee Swope

My friend, Sharon, was recently hurt by someone else’s harsh words. The criticism didn’t make any sense! Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sharon didn’t understand what was happening, so she asked God to help her.

That afternoon while she was fixing snacks, Sharon’s daughter brought her a paper heart that had scissor cuts all through it. Sharon wondered why she’d made it that way. Her daughter said, “Mommy, I made this heart for you. I put cuts in it because I thought it would be more beautiful that way.”

Sharon felt God whisper to her heart, “I’m making your heart more beautiful through the cuts and wounds I’ve allowed you to experience. Be still, be quiet and wait on me.”

Isn’t it amazing how a child’s perspective can reveal God’s love to a hurting mom? If you’ve got a story to share, we’d love to hear it. Post a comment on our radio blog. You can find it by clicking on Radio Ministry at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
A Heart More Beautiful, free devotion by Sharon Sloan (She Speaks Graduate)

Visit Renee’s Blog

Do I trust Jesus?

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes it’s scary to say we want to follow God, no matter what! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The minute we do this little scenes start flashing before us. A dirt hut. A life of poverty. Some kind of horrible tragedy to test us. A health crisis that pushes us to the brink. Loss. Pain. Extreme sacrifice.The world tells us, "Look at all you'll have to give up. And there’s no guarantee that Jesus will come through for you. Don't take this God thing too seriously.”Jesus says, "Look at all you have to gain. My love for you is all consuming; I only have your best interest in mind. Make me the center of your heart- and you will light up the world."

Ultimately, for me, it comes down to this: Do I trust Jesus? If so, doing whatever He wants - no matter what it costs me- is better than anything in the world.

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

I Need More Energy

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Where do five-year-olds get their energy? Because I need to stock up! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I was watching a friend’s five-year-old twins who had so much energy I had to make up ways for them to use it! I imagined how rich I’d be if I could bottle their spunkiness to sell to friends. Then I thought about how often I fall into bed at night exhausted and depleted! Well, it may not be possible to bottle a five-year-old’s energy but there are things we can do to get revitalized. When I spend time with God each day, eat right, exercise, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep; my energy level is much higher. When I don’t, my energy is drained quickly. So, even though it’s hard to fit all these good habits into my schedule, I want to get to the point where a healthy routine is the norm rather than the exception. Maybe then those five-year-olds will need energy to keep up with me! For more ideas, log on to proverbs31.org.

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Margin, by Rachel Olsen, April 2005, ETC Corner

A New Year, A Better You, by Rachel Olsen, January 2005, ETC Corner

When You’re Running on Empty, by Cindi McMenamin

Child Labor

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

Does your child have a strong work ethic? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Many parents resist having their kids help around the house because they don’t want to deal with resistance. But challenging our kids to work is key to their future success. Recently, my teenage son was telling me how wonderful it’ll be when he gets his own place. It was his way of expressing his dislike of doing chores. What a bummer for him to have to do dishes every Monday or mow the grass and wash the car.

He forgets that when he’s out on his own, Monday night will be just one of seven he gets to wash dishes. There are no perfect formulas in parenting, but I believe that one day my kids will appreciate being encouraged to do their part in our home. Consider instilling a good work ethic in your child. It will be a big help to you now and a definite advantage for them later. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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

You’re A Can Do Kid, by Renee Swope - May 19, 2005, Devotion

Moving Mountains, by Lysa TerKeurst - March 31, 2005, Devotion

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Fragrance of Life

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Tracie Miles

(Sniff) Mmmm. Don’t you love the smell of Gardenias? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries and it’s a good thing I love the smell of Gardenias because, when they’re around, you can’t avoid their strong aroma. Did you know each of also has an odor? I’m not talking about the way we smell after working out. I’m talking about the fragrance of our lives! Think about someone who’s always pleasant and smiles when you see her. This person seems to leave a beautiful fragrance in the air by bringing joy to those nearby. Now think of someone who’s allowed anger in her heart to make her bitter and selfish. Even if she’s wearing a designer perfume, she seems to leave behind a sour fragrance that makes you feel heavy hearted. So, I have to wonder, what kind of fragrance is my life leaving on others? If you’d like to learn more about how to have a joy in your heart that’ll flow from you like a sweet fragrance, visit proverbs31.org.

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I Said “No”

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

Do you feel bad about telling your child no? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I must confess I’ve felt bad about saying no myself. The outfit my daughter wanted so badly but didn’t need. Those expensive concert tickets my son wanted that we couldn’t afford. I’ve decided that I’m going to stop feeling guilty about saying the word, “NO”. There’s no reason for our family to junk up another closet or go broke so my kids can be satisfied for a few hours or so before they move on to something else.

“No” is a word they’ll hear throughout their adult lives from other people. So they might as well learn how to handle hearing it now. Sometimes they’ll have to accept it without an explanation. Other times, I’ll use it as a teachable moment. As long as I balance it with enough yeses to keep their hearts from getting discouraged, hearing “No” can actually be good for my kids! For more thoughts on motherhood, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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Lysa’s Blog

The Difference a Year Can Make

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracy

What a difference a year can make! Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently a friend told me what she'd experienced in one year's time. In January she set goals for the next 12 months including what she wanted to achieve at her job, a new target weight, and a plan to get organized. Well, things went smoothly for exactly nine days! Then, my friend found out she no longer had a job. From there, her weight loss goal definitely suffered. And forget about being organized. Over a year later, my friend hasn't achieved her goals. But, she has learned to trust God even when nothing seems to make sense. She and her husband both have new jobs and have experienced successes that wouldn't have been possible if things had gone according to their plans. Are your plans falling apart? Maybe God's got something better than what you had in mind. For more encouragement on trusting God, log onto proverbs31.org.

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Mommy Guilt

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

Does mommy guilt have a hold on you? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. There’s a unique guilt that plagues moms when our children act inappropriately. But, it doesn’t stop there. Mommy guilt is readily available in any situation. There’s just so much we talk ourselves into feeling guilty about! Like that jacket your son needed but he forgot to grab. Or your daughter being the only one in the recital without ribbons in her hair because she forgot them at home. Will you as a mom fret over these things feeling like, “good moms check behind their kids making sure they aren’t affected by childish mistakes.” Or will you place the consequences of irresponsibility back where it belongs…on your kids. There comes a time for them to take responsibility for their own actions. For more parenting tips, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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Lysa’s Blog

Born to BE!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Marybeth Whalen

Is God asking you to do something that doesn’t come naturally for you? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend Marybeth told me about a woman she’d just met who told her she was born to be an encourager. Now, Marybeth said that saying encouraging things is not something she was born to do... it’s something she works hard at! It made her feel good that someone thought being an encourager was easy for her. You know, there are lots of things God wants us to do that don’t come naturally for us. Sometimes things He asks us to do aren’t second nature for us like submitting to our husbands, being a good steward of our family’s finances or conquering bad habits. While we may not we’re born to do these things, with God's help and consistent effort, we can grow in that not-so-easy area of our life. And, who knows, maybe someday someone will think we were born to do our difficult tasks! For more encouragement, log on to proverbs31.org.

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

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

Shaped With Purpose Workbook, by Renee Swope

Bridging the Gap

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst and Amanda Waldroop

How do we bridge the gap between a couple’s desires? I believe the answer lies in honest communication. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. It’s easy for women to make the mistake of assuming their husbands are mind readers. Yet men will be unable to meet our expectations if they don’t know what they are. Here are 5 ways to bridge the gap of unmet expectations:
1. Spend time alone together. If you have children, trade off babysitting with another family for a date night.
2. If you can’t express your feelings verbally, write them out first and then discuss them.
3. Be honest about your intimate relationship.
4. Pray about your expectations to ensure they are fair and realistic.
5. Get creative by making a list of things you can do for one another to better show your love.

While romance is wonderful, it’s even better if you work at it. For more ideas on how to keep the sparks in your marriage, log onto Proverbs31.org today!

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Capture Her Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst

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Lysa’s Blog

Frequency

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Tracie Miles

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

Related Resources
Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God, by Sharon Jaynes

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

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

Sweet Sleep

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

Do you battle with sleeplessness? You’re not alone! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’m amazed at the number of people who struggle with insomnia. I don’t deal with it on an ongoing basis, but I’ve had nights where I was too consumed by my anxious thoughts. When my body’s still and all distractions are put aside, anxiety can invade the crevices of my thought life – particularly if I’ve had an extremely difficult or busy day. Life’s troubles and worries replay themselves in my mind, robbing me of precious physical rest. If you struggle with this, let me encourage you to try praying. The Bible says we can give our worries to God by talking to Him in prayer. Talk to Him about your mounting to do list, your relationship issues or whatever is troubling you. He responds by offering to exchange them for His peace and, who knows, maybe you’ll get a little shut-eye as well! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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What’s the Hurry?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Have you ever noticed that babies are never in a hurry? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Unless they’re hungry or tired, babies will lie in your arms as long as you’re willing to hold them. Babies don’t have agendas that urge them to do something. They’re happy to be showered with love as long as you want to pour it on. I wonder if God wishes my time with Him was less hurried – I wonder if He wants me to rest in His arms like a baby, just content to be still and let Him shower me with His love! Sure, some days I only have a few minutes to read my Bible and talk with God before I head out the door. But, too often, even those times are hurried by the urgency of all that I need to get done. Next time we’re alone with God, let’s stop our hurry and rest like a baby in His loving arms. For more encouragement in your time alone with God, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Be Still and Know, by Van Walton - June 28, 2006, Devotion

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© 2008 Proverbs Ministries. All rights reserved.

Dealing with the Yuckies

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

How do you deal with life’s yuckies? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently my daughter, Brooke, was struck by the “yuckies” – with an upset stomach. She prayed God would make her better, but was beginning to lose faith that He would. I told her, “Sweetie, God wants all those little yuckies out of your tummy so your body can be healthy again. As soon as the yuckies are gone, He’ll make sure you stop getting sick. Then we prayed together and she said, “God, thank you for this day. Please help me to stop being sick. But most off all thank you for this most wonderful day.” I was stunned.

When I get caught up in the emotional waves of life’s ups and downs, I can easily lose sight of God’s goodness. Well, I learned a valuable lesson from my six year old that day: In the middle of life’s yuckiness, I want to still see God’s goodness and thank Him for each day. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
The Bathtub is Overflowing, But I Feel Drained, by Lysa TerKeurst

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Be Still and Know, by Van Walton – June 28, 2006 Devotion

Lysa’s Blog

Too Much Baggage!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

When you're going on a trip, how many bags do you pack? Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When I travel, I like lots of options, so I usually pack some fun outfits, some dressy outfits, and some casual ones too. I know I'll never wear them all on one trip, but I still bring them. One time I was leaving town for a week and took way too much! One bag weighed 10 pounds over the limit. I thought about leaving some things behind, but instead I chose to keep my cargo and pay the penalty of twenty-five dollars! Later I thought about times when I travel with more than just too many suitcases. A lot of times I travel through life with unnecessary emotional baggage - like a grudge from a previous hurt - things like this weigh me down and also cause me to pay a penalty in one way or another. Do you have some emotional baggage you'd like to unload? We're here to help, so visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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A Heart’s Tug Towards Eternity

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

Could a longing in your heart be a tug toward eternity? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I don’t believe God likes to play cruel jokes on us. I can’t see Him sitting in heaven chuckling while I’m crying. The Bible says God is good. Disappointments don’t mean He doesn’t care. Instead, they’re a reminder that this world is not our home. When I’m disappointed, I have to allow my heart to be drawn toward a fulfillment that can only be found in Jesus. If I argue with my husband, get discouraged by my kids, outgrow my favorite jeans, erase all the pictures in my digital camera by mistake or simply find myself feeling down, I need to ask Jesus to fill the void in my heart. Our disappointments are God’s reminders that this world is full of empty things that leave us unsatisfied. If you ache with a longing unfulfilled, log on to proverbs31.org to receive our free daily email.

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Who Holds the Key to Your Heart?, by Lysa TerKeurst

Anxiety, by Melissa Taylor - May 1, 2006, Devotion

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Husbands Come First

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Tracie Miles

Does your family create more dirty laundry than you can keep up with? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and if you’re a mom, I’m sure you’d answer that question with a resounding, “Yes!” One day, my overload of laundry gave me a chance to make my husband feel special. I had just started the first load in the washer when my husband walked by and noticed that it was full of his clothes. Jokingly, he asked how he got so lucky as to have his clothes washed first - before the rest of the family’s. I simply told him, “Honey, you’re always first on my list!” A big smile came across his face and I could tell he felt important. Our husbands need to see us putting them first. They need to know they’re a priority! A few kind words – even over a mountain of dirty clothes – can go a long way in a marriage! If you could use some encouragement on how to help your husband feel important, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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What A Husband Needs from His Wife, by Melanie Chitwood

The Power of A Shared Dream, by Lysa TerKeurst, October 2005 P31 Featured Article

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