Misunderstood

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Wendy Pope and Renee Swope

Misunderstood: that’s how I’ve felt many times in 15 years of marriage! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I remember in our pre-marriage counseling hearing how important communication is. So, JJ and I have tried hard to communicate, but I still feel misunderstood sometimes.

Not long ago we had a great talk. I thought I was making headway in helping my husband understand me. He responded with a big hug and I was sure my thoughts were understood and appreciated. Later that week, I made the mistake of asking my husband if he really understood what I was saying the other night. Well, instead of getting upset because he didn’t remember our conversation, I summed it up for him and we laughed.

If being misunderstood is the problem, what’s the answer? The answer is to show grace even when I don't feel like it and demonstrate love when it seems I have none to give. After all, Jesus offers both to me everyday.

For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Misunderstood, a free devotion by Wendy Pope

Capture His Heart/Capture Her Heart Marriage Book Set by Lysa TerKeurst

Moms Judging Moms

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever felt the weight of another mom’s judgmental glare? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. A few weeks ago I heard an amazing speaker challenge moms to decide to support each other rather than judge each other.

Working moms were encouraged to think of ways to encourage a stay at home mom like bringing her take out during your lunch break. And stay at home moms were encouraged to do things to help a working mom like offering to make her family a meal on a night when she has to work late.

The reality is that motherhood has its challenges whether we stay home or have a paying job. Imagine what things could look like if all moms came together in this way. Instead of judging each other, we could become each other’s greatest cheerleaders.

Speaking of people who want to cheer you on, Proverbs 31 Ministries has free daily e-mail devotions for ALL women. Why not get you and your friends signed up today at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Judge Not!, a free devotion by Glynnis Whitwer

The Bathtub is Overflowing but I feel Drained, by Lysa TerKeurst

Feeling Emotional

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Rachel Olsen and Renee Swope

Yesterday I woke up to find my child was sick, again. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

He’d been sick for 5 weeks. I thought we were finally done with germy tissues and Clorox wipes. I was so frustrated as I thought about all I was supposed to accomplish. But, I also felt sorry for my son. And I felt guilty that I wasn’t handling it well. My emotions were controlling everything.

Later as I looked through the Bible for some help, I found these words Jesus said to His closest friends: Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.

Jesus was about to die and He knew His death would make his friends feel sad, scared, and doubtful. So, he encouraged them to trust GOD. You know, Jesus speaks the same words to us. He tells us to not let our emotions create a troubled heart. Instead, He tells us to trust Him and focus on Him.

For more encouragement in balancing your emotions, visit proverbs31.org

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Dear Jesus, by Sarah Young

Feeling Emotional, a free devotion by Rachel Olsen

Just a Little Gossip

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

How bad can just a little gossip be? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The Bible warns us that gossip will separate close friends. I believe it. There’s nothing worse than to feel betrayed by a friend’s careless words. The Bible also warns us that what we sow, we’ll reap. In other words, if I gossip about others, I can almost bank on the fact that others will soon be talking about me.

Think of what a great gift it would be tell a friend that you’ve made the commitment to never say anything dishonoring about her. I know how great this gift is because I had a friend make this commitment to me. My heart feels so safe with her. The trust we have is rare and beautiful.

I firmly believe that to have a great friend, you have to be a great friend. And becoming a woman who refuses to gossip is a great place to start. For more friendship advice, click on Today’s show at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Women: Friend or Foe?, a free devotion by Rachel Olsen

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

What’s Real?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Holly Good and Renee Swope

Has your trust ever been destroyed by someone’s betrayal? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend Holly recently had her world shattered. She found out that someone she loved deeply had done something terrible.

For weeks, Holly begged God to help her understand. Her sense of reality was threatened, so she desperately cried out, “What is real God? Please tell me! Because what I thought was real may not be.”

After reading her Bible and praying, God gently revealed answers to Holly’s wounded heart. Her focus had been on herself and her questions. God reminded Holly of her need for Him. God also reminded Holly of what IS real. He is real.

People are imperfect. They may disappoint or even hurt us. But, no matter what happens, God wants us to trust HIM and focus on Him alone. I’m so thankful nothing can separate me from His always PERFECT love. And THAT is real. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

What Is Real?, a free devotion by Holly Good

Nothing is Too Small For God, a free devotion by Melanie Chitwood

Power of a Parent’s Prayer

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

A couple of weeks ago my daughter told me she wanted to quit a sport she’s enjoyed for ten years! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I've always told my daughter that to stay in gymnastics she had to want it for herself and that I would never push her. But ten years is a big investment on her part and ours. So, I prayed that God would give us all wisdom. Two days later, we ran into a girl that had graduated and gotten a full college scholarship with gymnastics. She offered to take Ashley out to dinner and talk to her about whether or not the necessary sacrifices were worth it. Ashley came home from that dinner with a fresh vision and renewed commitment. Not only does she not want to quit but she wants to one day go to that same college. Coincidence? I don't think so. It’s the power of prayer.

For more on wisdom based parenting click on today’s show at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

A Mom’s Conversation with God

A Praying Mom

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

Becoming a Patient Woman

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Rachel Olsen and Renee Swope

I love instant gratification, which make patience very hard to come by! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In the past week I’ve raced through a yellow light because I didn’t want to wait at a red light. I’ve looked up symptoms on the internet because I didn’t want to sit in a doctor’s office. I’ve paid extra at a convenience store because I didn’t want to drive to the grocery store. Though I can’t recall a specific example, I’m pretty sure I lost my patience and fussed at my kids, too.

I want what I want, and I want it now. Yet the Bible says patience should be a way of life if I’m going to follow Jesus. It tells us to live our lives “with humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Patience is developed when my heart is connected to God. It grows from my confidence in the fact that He’s in control and that He can work out everything in His way and in His timing. For more encouragement in developing patience, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Becoming a Patient Woman, a free devotion by Rachel Olsen

But Will It Make Me Happy, a free devotion by Marybeth Whalen

God’s Purpose For Every Women, by Proverbs 31 Ministries

Inexpensive Decorating

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Turning a house into a home can seem like an overwhelming and expensive task. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I remember being newly married and moving into our first house. It wasn’t a complicated move because we had very little furniture but I soon got discouraged trying to make our small space feel cozy.

I’ve never had the financial means to just walk into a furniture store and say I’ll take that entire room full of furniture and all the accessories too. But you know what… I’m glad I can’t do that.

It’s forced me to collect pieces over time and appreciate a more eclectic look. A great starting place is to pick a piece of fabric, a rug, or even a floral arrangement to serve as your color palette.

Invest in this piece to keep your colors consistent. Then have fun with things you get a good deal on that coordinate with your main piece and make you feel cozy.

For more, click on “Today’s Show” at Proverbs31.org.

Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Decorating on a Budget

A Life That Says Welcome by Karen Ehman

Eyes on My Master

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

It was time to wake up, but everything in me wanted to go back to sleep! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I rolled over to see what time it was and noticed my dog on the floor – staring at me. Her eyes were on her master.

I knew today was the day I’d have to stop procrastinating and deal with a conflict I’d been avoiding. I didn’t know to approach the problem and dreaded the possible outcome. I started to pull the blanket over my head when I noticed my dog again, focused, with her eyes on her master. I reached down to pet her and marveled at her devotion.

Where were my eyes focused? Not on MY master! I was focused on my problems. Then I remembered these words from the Bible, “My eyes are toward You, O GOD, in You I take refuge.” In that moment I imitated my dog’s devotion by turning my eyes towards my Master, God, so I could start my day focused on Him. For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Eyes on the Master, a free devotion by Van Walton

Come Thirsty by Max Lucado

Being Faithful in the Little Things

I Told You So

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes I can’t resist telling my kids “I told you so” over and over again! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. During a recent family beach trip I found myself digging the aloe out of the bottom of my suitcase and saying, "One day you'll learn when I say you need sunscreen- you should listen." It would have sufficed for me to simply stop there. But with each complaint about how painful a sunburn is, I just had to say "You should have listened to your mama" again. Finally, my daughter quietly said, "Mom, I've learned my lesson. Please stop saying how you were right and I was wrong. Just think how you would feel if someone followed you around for a whole day reminding you of your mistake." It stopped me dead in my self righteous tracks. I carefully took her sunburned body into my arms and apologized. Lesson learned for both of us.

For more ideas on wisdom based parenting click on “Today’s show” at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

A Mom’s Conversation with God

A Praying Mom

Out of the Mouth of Babes, by Wendy Pope

That Speaks Volumes!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Marybeth Whalen and Renee Swope

Have you ever heard someone say, “That speaks volumes to me?” Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. So, what does it mean when someone says, “That speaks volumes to me?” I think it means that something they heard or read went a lot further than the words that were spoken. Somehow the words reached inside them and touched a place that was in need of reassurance. Maybe the words resonated through their heart and mind, filling an empty place in their life.

I want to be the kind of woman who speaks volumes into the lives of those around me. Not through eloquent words or some profound thoughts. I want my life to speak volumes. I want my actions, my intentions and my simple every day choices to speak volumes of God’s love in a way that makes a significant impact on those around me. For ideas on how to live a life that speaks volumes, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Speaking Volumes, a free devotion by Marybeth Whalen

Living and Leaving a Legacy, Messages on DVD by Renee Swope

Becoming a Woman of Influence, Message on CD by Marybeth Whalen

The Stuff Pile

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes I let a pile of stuff sit in my house so long that I just kind of become numb to it! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries and my most recent pile was in my bedroom. Somehow my bedroom had become a catch all for misplaced stuff. And do you know what I learned when I cleared out the things that didn’t belong? Stuff is a stealer. Having all that stuff in my room stole space that could be used for a bedroom that functions well. It stole my peace of mind. It stole a feeling of serenity. If I’d had any idea what I was allowing all that stuff to take from me, I would have cleared it out a long time ago. Take it from this naturally disorganized woman who has seen the light at the end of the junk pile- cleaning it up is so worth the effort! Now I’m off to tackle the pile in my kitchen!

For more ideas on home organization, click on “Today’s Show” at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

The Light at the End of the Junk Pile

Decorating on a Budget

The Complete To Getting And Staying Organized, by Karen Ehman

God Sees

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I don’t put as much effort into something if I think no one else will see it. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I know of a nurse who admitted she used to give less than her best effort when no one would see it. During her night shift she’d change patients’ bandages two times. She’d hurry with the first bandage change - doing it properly, but not as carefully, because no one would see it. She knew she’d replace it before her shift ended. Now with the second bandage change, she was more cautious because the nurse coming on the next shift would see her work.

One night God reminded her that He sees everything and challenged her to change both bandages for Him. Maybe no other human eyes would see her effort, but He was watching. This totally changed her perspective - and mine. I want to be faithful in everything God gives me to do, even if no one sees but Him.

For more encouragement visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

At The Feet of Ordinary Women, by Angie Conrad

Bible Based Teaching – “I want to be a Woman Who Listens to God”

Raising Teenagers isn’t for Cowards

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Raising teenagers isn’t for cowards. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Since becoming a mom, I’ve had to develop courage that I never knew was possible… especially now that 4 out of my 5 kids are teenagers.

I define motherhood during the teen years as: A time where one learns the graceful art of not panicking even though everything in her being tells her this is exactly what she should do. The reality is that teens will sometimes make choices that go against everything their parents have instilled in them.

That’s why prayer is crucial. One of my specific prayers is for my kids to get caught every time they do something they shouldn't. That way, I can help them process their choices using God’s truth. These aren’t always fun and easy conversations but I’ve found them to be extremely rich with essential life lessons.

For more on raising teens, click on “Today’s Show” at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

“Making Teens Faith Their Own”- Part One

“Making Teens Faith Their Own”- Part Two

The Five Love Languages of Children, by Gary Chapman

Rejection Hurts

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Tracie Miles and Renee Swope

Nobody likes me…everybody hates me! Hi I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Isn’t it easy to feel “unloved” when we’ve been rejected? Rejection can come from a boss, a loved one or even one of our children. It usually makes us feel like less of a person and we start thinking everybody feels the same way about us.

The Bible tells us God will never reject us. Jesus said we should only seek His approval because His acceptance can’t be earned or lost! I love knowing there’s nothing I can do to make God reject me. I know that for certain because I’ve gone to Him for forgiveness and acceptance through His Son, Jesus. Jesus took the pain and rejection of man when He died on the cross for our sins. Because His did that, we can know we are loved and accepted by God, no matter what anyone else thinks!

To know more about experiencing God’s love, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Free Devotion, When God Builds A Testimony, by Glynnis Whitwer

Iron Sharpens Iron

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Glynnis Whitwer

Every good cook knows a dull knife can be more dangerous than a sharp one. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A dull blade can actually do a lot of damage because it’s harder to use. Not only does it require more force but it’s also harder to control. That’s why a dull blade can slice a finger quicker than a tomato.

A knife can’t sharpen itself. You need something else made of steel to make the blade sharp. It’s the same way with people. The Bible says: “You use iron to sharpen iron, and one friend sharpens another.” A wise friend can make us wiser. A loving friend can expand our capacity to love.

And, whether we’re sharpening a blade or ourselves, it’s always done for a purpose. Sharpening a knife makes it useful. In the same way, we’re sharpened in order to do the work of God more effectively and efficiently.

To learn more, log on to proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Free Devotion, A Yeah Day, by Wendy Pope

Reinventing Your Rainbow, by Tracie Miles

Shattered Trust

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Tracie Miles and Renee Swope

Has someone ever shattered your trust? Hi I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Isn’t it hard to trust someone who’s betrayed you? My friend Tracie recently checked the history on her child’s computer. Unfortunately, she discovered her daughter had visited some websites that she wasn’t very happy about. Tracie wasn’t only upset about things her daughter had seen, but also felt like she couldn’t trust her anymore.

When someone breaks our trust, it takes time to build it back. So, what can we do? We need to tell God about our hurts and also acknowledge that we’ve broken His trust before, too. And, we need to thank God for His forgiveness so we can forgive the one who’s hurt us. We eventually need to talk with the person and forgive them. We also need to be honest about our feelings and explain that it will take time to trust again. For more encouragement in all of your relationships, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Free Devotion, Finding Freedom in Forgiveness, by Micca Campbell

Rejoicing Over Me?

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Van Walton

Did you know God rejoices and sings because of you? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other night I entered my daughter’s room. Peace and calm hovered over her as she slept - a vast difference from the energy that sparked around her in the midst of her active day. I thanked God for this precious child and asked Him to watch over her. As I turned to leave I realized that I didn’t want to. I relished the time just listening to her breathe while I took in every feature of her innocent face. Oh how I love this girl! Before I knew it I was singing to my sleeping daughter. If you’re a mom I’m sure you’ve had moments when your kids made your heart swell with overwhelming love. God feels the same way about us! The Bible says God delights in His children and He loves us simply because we are His. For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Free Devotion, Know Whose You Are, by Melanie Chitwood

Beautiful in God’s Eyes, by Elizabeth George

Dealing With Difficult Personalities

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Amanda Waldroop

"She did it again!" "What'd she do?" I asked. Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend told me her sister-in-law had just planned another family get-together without asking for her input. Ever been there? We all know people who seem like they want to control things.

You know, the desire to control is actually part of a God-given personality type. It can be a strength if used wisely, or a weakness if taken to the extreme. So, what do we do with the controllers in our lives? We can focus on their strengths while drawing clear boundaries. Maybe you're not a good organizer. Isn't it comforting to know there's someone nearby who's great with details? Depend on them for things they're good at and be gentle but honest if they get too pushy. And bring your own touch by offering to do what you're good at, like decorating or cooking one of your specialties. For more encouragement on getting along with difficult people, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Sandpaper People, by Mary Southerland

Personality Plus, by Florence Littauer

Free Devotion, My Septic Heart, by Wendy Pope

More than I Imagined

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I remember being a little girl looking out into the world and just… wondering. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. As a child I counted how many years left before I would be grown. I closed my eyes and imagined what my life might be like...What would I be when I grew up?

Who would love me?Would I have children?Yesterday I stood at the front window of my house and peeked out at all that had come to pass. Though at times my life can be messy and chaotic...I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart...this is more than I could have ever hoped for or imagined.

And I remembered these words from the Bible:"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory..."

For more encouragement click on Everyday Life at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Free Devotion, Open For Service, by Tracie Miles

Self Talk, Soul Talk, by Jennifer Rothschild

Keeping Myself in the Bible

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing writers: Jill Tracey

Is your to do list so long that the thought of adding one more thing makes you want to scream? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. With all I have to get done each day, it’s easy to let my time with God and reading the Bible fall by the wayside.

After all, my kids won’t go hungry if I’m don’t read my Bible and I won’t be charged a late fee if I don’t finish a certain number of chapters. But, when I don’t read my Bible I don’t have God’s perspective, and then I really get overwhelmed with my to do list!

One thing that’s helped me read my Bible consistently is being in a women’s Bible study group. Doing a Bible Study challenges me to dig deeper into the meaning behind God’s words. When we get together as a group, I get to know women who are going through similar experiences. We share our struggles and we learn a lot from each other. To find more encouragement for your busy life, visit us at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

How to Start a Quiet Time

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

God is in Control

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

“Oh no, not the Camellia bush," I gasped as I opened the front door to my daughter’s little hands full of pink petals. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs31 Ministries.

The pathway of pedals she had constructed was beautiful but my bush now looked bare.
However, later that day, my teenage son was going out with friends.

I followed them to the front door with the normal speech - "Don't drive too fast... wear your seatbelt.”

They walked down the front walkway and over my daughter’s flower display, and suddenly I loved the scattered petals at the front door. I smiled thinking about God creating each of these beautiful flowers.

What a reminder it was for this mom of a teenage driver that when I can't control everything around me, everything around me seems to be God’s reminder of just how in control He is.

For more motherhood encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Free Devotion, Getting Caught, by Micca Campbell

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

To Serve or Be Served

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Wendy Pope and Renee Swope

Would you rather serve or be served? Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Once while my friend, Wendy, was watching her kids play she realized her son, Griffin, was missing. Just when she started to look for him, he walked up the driveway with a rather large spoonful of peanut butter. "Mommy, look what I brought for you!" He said. "I brought one for Alexis and Liam, too." Wendy couldn't help but notice how Griffin was acting like Jesus who came not to be served but to serve others. Griffin was so happy that he had something to give to his friends. You know, I'm not always so excited to serve others. Sometimes I think, "Hey, I have needs! When is it mom's turn to be served?" But, Griffin's story reminds me that I can actually find joy in serving the people around me. For more encouragement, sign up for Proverbs 31 Ministries free email devotions at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Free Devotion, Serving in a 'Me First' Society, by Sharon Jaynes

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

What Happens When Women Walk In Faith, by Lysa TerKeurst

Free Devotion, Swerve or Serve, by Terry Powell