Proverbs 31 Ministries: Radio Ministry

Little Words Make a Big Difference

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Little things we say can make a big difference! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My neighbor Janet had no idea how much her words would encourage me at a time when I needed them.

Janet came to my front door thirty-minutes after I left a thank you note at her house. When I opened my door, she told me it was the best thank you note she’d ever gotten and that I had a writing gift I needed to use.”

I was confused. It was only a thank you note afterall. But later that day I replayed Janet’s words in my mind and wondered if God wanted me to encourage more than one friend with my writing. Janet continued to use little words and big prayers to make a difference in my life. Eventually I wrote my first study guide to give away to 500 women at our church.

God used Janet’s words back then. I wonder how He could use mine and yours today? For more encouragement in everyday life, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
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Free Devotion, Missing The Fireflies For The Trees, by Mary Beth Whalen

God The Builder, by Wendy Pope

It’s Still a Good Day

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes when little things don’t go my way I can make a really big deal out of it. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’m not proud of this fact so I’ve started making the choice to say a simple statement that often diverts a bad attitude. And the statement is this, “If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, it’s still a pretty good day.”

Boy does this put things into perspective. I guess it’s an everyday way to do a little heart check up. The Bible tells us that we should intentionally make our minds think of things that are good, true, excellent, and praiseworthy. The more I think about things like these, the more my perspective seems to stay in check. So, what aggravation are you facing today? If that’s the worst thing that happens- I bet you could say it’s still a pretty good day too.

For more everyday life encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Free Devotion, A Heart of Contentment, by Susanne Scheppmann

A Thankful Heart, by Carole Lewis

Making Time

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Rachel Olsen

How can I find time to spend time with God? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. And, I don’t know about you but I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll NEVER actually find time for God; I have to make the time because there’s always something or someone else needing my attention or calling my name.

I’ve learned that making time for God is a choice and a matter of discipline. Someone once said, “A lazy man does not, will not, can not pray, for prayer demands energy.” What a simple but profound statement, reminding me that when I don’t spend time with God, it’s usually because I don’t want to expend the energy on it.

So, I need to make time in my day to be with God, to read the Bible and pray. In fact, I’m going to challenge myself this week to spend time with God every morning before I head to work. Do you want to take this challenge with me? Let me know on our radio blog, at proverbs31.org!

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Free Devotion, Stained Glass Saints, by Susanne Scheppmann

A Busy Woman’s Guide To Prayer, by Cheri Fuller

Runaway Ramps

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Marybeth Whalen

Have you ever noticed those runaway truck ramps on mountain highways? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. On a recent trip through the mountains I noticed several emergency exit ramps. They’re created for large trucks that need somewhere to go if their brakes fail, or if they lose control.

I thought about how I could use some runaway ramps! Sometimes I get going too fast, committing to too many things. Sometimes my brakes don’t work as I travel down a path of temptation. And sometimes I need to exit a relationship that’s heading down a slippery slope.
Maybe we all need some runaway ramps. Perhaps exercising could be one. Or having coffee with a friend. Possibly a weekend with no commitments so we can rest. Maybe talking with a Christian counselor or pastor would be a good idea.

No matter what our ramps are, they could make the difference between flying dangerously through each day or making it safely through life!

For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org

Related Resources

Visit Renee’s Blog

Free Devotion, A Runaway Ramp by Marybeth Whalen

Balance That Works When Life Doesn’t, by Susie Larson

Blue Satin Shoes

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently at my youngest daughter’s choir performance, I scanned the row of neatly dressed children in uniforms and black shoes. But then some blue satin shoes, three sizes too big, caught my attention. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My husband noticed the shoes at the same moment and leaned over to whisper, “What is our daughter wearing?”

It appears she had decided that her outfit needed a little ‘pizzazz.’ In that moment I had a choice to get all caught up in the I’m such a bad mom dialogue… “good moms know what kind of shoes their daughter has on before she clunks across stage.” Or, I could see it as a funny memory we’ll enjoy talking about forever.

As a mom I’m learning to let only God’s truth define me and my kids. So, if you see me in the grocery store this week wearing some blue satin shoes of my own, just high five me. For more encouragement log on to Proverbs 31.org.

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Visit Lysa’s Blog

Free Devotion, Leaning Into Jesus, by Glynnis Whitwer

Making Memories Last, by Crystal Bowman

Muffin Tops and Friendship

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Apparently I have a condition and I’ve been told it has a name…Muffin top! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

So, what’s a muffin top? Do you ever feel a slight roll of skin just begging to hang over the top of the waistband of your jeans? Now picture in your mind how a muffin sits in that little pleated paper wrapper. Can you see how at the place the paper ends the little muffin top peeks up and over her waistband too?

Yummy.
No. No. No! Not yummy Lysa... No muffins or treats of any kind for you today.

What I really want is some egg whites and one piece of whole wheat toast, dry please. Really, I don't want any butter at all. Really.

Ever struggle with these kinds of conversations in your head? Well, you’re not alone! Let’s take heart and find a friend to encourage us and hold us accountable. A friend can make everything better… even dry toast and muffin tops. For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Free Devotion, A Yeah Day, by Wendy Pope

Traveling Together, by Karla Worley

If Only You Knew

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Sometimes I know God wants more of me but I’m not always sure how to give it to Him. Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I used to wonder how I could give anything to God. Then I read a story in the Bible about a woman who went to a well to get water. Jesus was there and asked her to give Him a drink. She asked how she could give Him anything since they were from different regions that hated each other. Jesus replied…If only you knew…

He said that if only she knew who she was talking to, and what offered her – she’d ask Him and He would supply the very thing He was asking for - He’d give her living water.
That showed me that when God asks for my heart, my hopes, my plans – I simply need to remember who’s asking me and respond by asking HIM to give me – His heart, His hopes, His plans. He only asks us to give what He is willing to supply. For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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Visit Renee’s Blog

Free Devotion, Fear or Faith, by Melanie Chitwood

Welcome to Community, by Brian Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer

No Regrets

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Four and a half years ago God very clearly told my husband and I to adopt our two sons from Africa. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries and I guess it would be natural to ask me if we’ve ever regretted following God in this decision.

I can tell you, I’ve never once regretted saying yes. Sure there’ve been hard days. And yes, it’s stressful being responsible for 5 busy, unique kids. But I love it!

I remember before we met our boys, wondering: “How can I truly be a woman of faith, if I live a life that requires no faith.” It took huge faith in God to adopt our boys. It takes huge faith to raise 5 kids everyday. But how I love living a life that requires daily faith.

So, I press on and choose to follow God over and over again as a woman with no regrets!

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Fear or Faith, by Melanie Chitwood

I Am Not, But I Know I Am, by Louie Giglio

Believing God

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

How would today be different if I really BELIEVED God? Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sometimes my emotional ups and downs make we wonder if I really believe God’s promises in the Bible. I know I believe in Him, but do I BELIEVE HIM?

If I actively BELIEVE God today, then I’ll trust He’s working all things out for good - even though big expenses have drained our savings account and our air conditioner just broke.

If I BELIEVE God today, I won’t be anxious when little inconveniences get in my way. Instead I’ll turn to Him for peace and I’ll thank Him in advance for helping me accomplish what has to be done.

If I truly BELIEVE God, then I’ll go to bed on time tonight, because God doesn’t want me to stay up late working. The Bible says He wants to give me the gift of rest.
So, what will your day be like when you choose to believe God? For more encouragement visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Fear or Faith, by Melanie Chitwood

i am not but i know I Am, by Louie Giglio

Banana Bread Victory

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Last night I conquered something big in my life. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. No, I didn't get through the day without getting frustrated at one of my kids. No, I didn't make a gourmet meal for my family.

My BIG news is that I DIDN'T THROW AWAY THE ROTTEN BANANAS. Finally I didn’t hide them in the bottom of the trashcan feeling guilty for being wasteful! No, I peeled and smashed, and stirred together all the ingredients required for homemade banana bread!

Okay…now here’s the challenge. What little task have you been avoiding? Organizing that junk drawer…a phone call to say I’m sorry…Why not conquer one of those tasks today? Just completing one thing made me feel so accomplished and free! Oh, and if you’re looking for a great banana bread recipe log on to Proverbs31.org.

Granny’s Homemade Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
-2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-1 cup white sugar
-2 eggs
-1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
-4 ripe bananas, mashed
-1 tablespoon vanilla extract
-1 cup raisins (optional)
-1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions
-Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
-In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and white sugar.
-Stir in eggs, applesauce, bananas and vanilla extract.
-Fold in raisins and nuts if desired. Pour batter into prepared pan.
-Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, until a knife inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Hoarder Disorder, by Lysa Terkeurst

Cleaning Up The Clutter, by Emilie Barnes

Your Image of God

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I love taking pictures! I just don't always like seeing them afterwards! Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Do you throw away or delete pictures that don't show your best side? One of the first things I do is pitch the ones that aren't very good. I'm especially quick to get rid of the ones where my eyes are half-closed or my mouth is crooked. And you can just forget about the ones where the camera adds 10 pounds. These are not the images I want in my photo album or hanging on better accurate image. You know, I wonder if God ever looks at the way we picture Him and wishes we had a better image? The Bible says Jesus, God's Son, is the most accurate picture of God. So, if we get to know Jesus by reading the Bible and talking to Him in prayer, we'll start to see who God really is. We'd love to help you develop a truer image of God, so visit us at proverbs31.org.

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Searching for God’s Treasures CD set by Renee Swope

Do you know Him?

Visit Renee’s Blog

Don’t Quit Your Calling

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Can we be involved in activities or service outside of the home and still be good wives and mothers? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Believe it or not, making peace between our jobs or volunteer positions and our family responsibilities CAN be done. But first we have to stop looking to others for validation! Other moms can’t provide concrete guidelines for the way we’re supposed to raise our children. God has a unique and personal plan for each of our families that He’ll reveal to us if we ask Him to. We may be much more or much less active than the next woman. But, that’s OK. God knows what He wants each of us to be involved in. And, God knows our husbands and children better than we do. He knows what kind of wife and mom they need and how much of our time needs to be devoted to them. So, if we turn over each day and opportunity over to Him, we can’t go wrong. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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Living Life on Purpose by Lysa TerKeurst

Hanging On, Web Article by Susanne Scheppmann

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Water Everywhere

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Water, Water, Everywhere! But do we drink enough of it? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We all know it’s good to drink lots of water! It hydrates. Its good for our skin, and, if we’re trying to lose weight, it helps! But, isn’t it hard to get the recommended 6 - 8 glasses a day? Well, here’re some tricks that have helped me lately. First, I drink a glass before I have my morning coffee. I also drink a glass with each meal and I carry a bottle of water with me and fill it throughout the day. I keep one at my desk and one in the car. And, if I’m in a meeting or out with a friend, I drink water before anything else. Before I know it, I’ve met my daily requirement. I also figured out a solution for the “getting up all night to go to the bathroom” problem. The trick is to not drink anything at least two hours before bed. For more healthy living ideas visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
Balance that Works When Life Doesn’t by Susie Larson

Visit Renee’s Blog

A Matter of the Heart

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

The other night my husband woke me up to tell me he thought something was wrong with his heart. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. When he agreed to go to the emergency room, I knew that it must be serious. He spent the night getting tested.I spent the night letting every “what if” imaginable play out in my head.Well, I’m happy to report that Art is fine and it turns out so is his heart.
So, I breathe a sigh of relief. But I can't just move on. Somewhere in the middle of the night caught between everything could change and everything is fine, I was once again challenged to make every minute count. At that moment not one of those silly things that I sometimes make such issues out of mattered. All I could think was, "Oh God give me more time with him.”

Now that I have that gift you better believe I’m making the most of it.

For more life perspectives, log onto Proverbs31.org.

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Relationships, by Melissa Taylor

Becoming The Woman Of His Dreams, by Sharon Jaynes

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Uniquely You

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

In case you’ve ever wondered, you are uniquely you for a reason! Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. God created each of us with a unique personality. But, as different as we all can be it’s also good to know there are others who have similar personality types. In her book, Personality Plus, Florence Littauer describes four common personalities.
A Phlegmatic person wants PEACE, reduced stress, and a feeling of worth. If someone’s Choleric, they desire CONTROL and appreciation for their achievements. A Sanguine person wants to have FUN and likes attention and approval. And, someone who’s Melancholy desires PERFECTION and needs stability and space.

So, no matter which of these personalities best describes us what’s important is to realize that God wants to use everything about who we are for His purposes. For more encouragement on getting good at being you, visit Proverbs31.org.

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The Woman I Am Becoming, by T Suzanne Eller

Free Devotion, Your Child’s Personality, by Van Walton

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Giants

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Every now and then a small, frail person faces a giant and wins! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The giants in our lives make us feel so incapable. They make us excuse certain parts of the Bible that talk about God's power in us.

The Israelites knew all about how paralyzing it can be to face a giant. Goliath stood and called out to the Israelites begging them to send a man to fight him. And then one day, David, a shepherd boy, did just that… and won!

The story of David and Goliath should evoke in us an exciting sense of possibility. David was small just like us. Yet, at some point, he decided to rise to the occasion, and to show everyone what God’s power displayed in a small, human life can look like. And wow, is it grand!

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Free Devotion, Completely Indescribable, by Amy Carroll

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What Can I Do For You?

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I was completely overwhelmed this week. My hormones were crazy, I had a horrible headache and my to-do list was a mile long. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend Lysa called me at the office to ask about a project we were working on. As soon as she heard my voice she knew something was wrong. So, instead of asking about the project, she asked what she could do to help me. I knew she had tons of things on her own to-do list, so I told her I’d be okay. But she insisted, “Renee, what can I do for you?”

Honestly, I couldn’t think of anything. My brain was too tired to think! Finally she just came out and told me what she was going to do – she decided to take over my part of the project we were trying to finish. It meant so much that my very busy friend was willing to step in and help me. Do you have a friend who could use your help today? For more encouragement in your friendships click on Everyday Life at proverbs31.org.

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Traveling Together: Thoughts on Women, Friendship and the Journey of Faith

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Abandon – Positive or Negative

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Isn’t it funny how a word can be positive or negative? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The word abandon can sound negative. We think of a child left by his mother. But, abandon also happens when a little girl lets go of fear and takes a giant leap, confident that Daddy will catch her. Unfortunately, abandon caused a rich young ruler to walk away from God. He asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life. He claimed to be a good person who followed all the rules. Jesus told him he had to give up everything he owned because his possessions were first in his heart. Jesus saw this abandoning as a positive thing. The young ruler didn’t. I don’t want this to be the tragedy of my life. I want to abandon any bad habit that’ll keep me from making Jesus my first priority. For more, log on to proverbs31.org.

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What Can I Do For You?

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I was completely overwhelmed this week. My hormones were crazy, I had a horrible headache and my to-do list was a mile long. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend Lysa called me at the office to ask about a project we were working on. As soon as she heard my voice she knew something was wrong. So, instead of asking about the project, she asked what she could do to help me. I knew she had tons of things on her own to-do list, so I told her I’d be okay. But she insisted, “Renee, what can I do for you?”

Honestly, I couldn’t think of anything. My brain was too tired to think! Finally she just came out and told me what she was going to do – she decided to take over my part of the project we were trying to finish. It meant so much that my very busy friend was willing to step in and help me. Do you have a friend who could use your help today? For more encouragement in your friendships click on Everyday Life at proverbs31.org.

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Traveling Together: Thoughts on Women, Friendship and the Journey of Faith by Karla Worley

Free Devotion, Laying Down Your Life For a Friend, by Sharon Glasgow

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Imperfect Followers

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I know I’m not perfect. So why do I sometimes want others to be? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I want to live a life that pleases God. Not a plastic Christian life of religious checklists and pretense. That would be hypocritical. I want to live completely for Jesus. There have been others who’ve gone before me who desired this as well. I find myself fascinated by those heroes of faith who, despite their shortcomings, pleased God with their lives. But, sometimes I find their mistakes and wrongdoings a little unsettling. There’s a part of me that really wishes they would’ve been perfect so I could perfectly follow in their footsteps. But, God never called me to follow other people. Besides, it wasn't their perfect actions that delighted God. It was a desire to follow Him and stand up for the truth no matter what. For more encouragement log on to proverbs31.org.

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Free devotion, Judge Not!, by Glynnis Whitwer

God’s Purpose For Every Woman, a Proverbs 31 Devotional Book

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Listening to God

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I just love having coffee with my friend Holly. I guess it’s because she loves to listen! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I used to feel bad that Holly could get me to do most of the talking when we’re together, but then I realized she’s most comfortable listening. And it’s a gift. After we’re together, I always feel appreciated and encouraged.

On my way home I decided to give that same gift to God next time we’re together. I want Him feel loved, appreciated and listened to! What if after I spent time with God, He thought to Himself, “Wow, Renee really listened! She asked what I have been thinking about. Even when I tried to get her to talk about herself, she turned it around and asked about me. Then she spent 10 minutes telling me what she appreciates that I’ve done. Renee was more interested in me than she was in herself.”

Wouldn’t it be amazing if God felt loved and listened to after spending time with us? For more encouragement in listening to God, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Super-calla-fragilistic

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

“Mom we have to leave for school right now!” Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. As my daughter urged me to hurry I said, “Okay, did you brush your teeth?” Her answer shocked me. “That's disgusting!” “What's disgusting?” I asked. “Brushing your teeth in the morning. Gross!” Now I’m about to hyperventilate because we’re halfway through the year and it hasn't occurred to me to ask this before. “You mean today it's gross but the other one hundred or so days of school you’ve brushed them right?” “Nope.” “What about cavities?” “I’m not worried about it.” So, I said: “Well, Brooke, I'm the boss of you and from now on you'll brush your teeth in the morning, in the evening, and now I'm adding when you get home from school, too!” Does this sound like something that might take place in your home? If so, you’re not alone! Read more from moms like you at proverbs31.org.

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