Telling My Story

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

How is it that mistakes from the past can still cause problems today? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. A few years ago I found myself in a tough spot. Not only were the negative memories from my past bothering me; but they were making me feel stuck and unable to move on.

I made a lot of mistakes in my early 20’s. Mistakes that I desperately wish I could go back and undo. Not being able to fix my past made it hard to accept God’s forgiveness and move on. Do you know what finally helped me? Coming to the realization that while it was impossible to change my past, I could let God use it for good. Telling my story to young girls in hopes of helping them to avoid the same mistakes I’d made helped me to finally accept God’s forgiveness and move on.

For more encouragement on how to tell your story and find freedom, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Perspective

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Do I see life through my perspective or God’s perspective? Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other day my mom asked me if I realized how red my hair is. She said I should get my hairdresser to fix it because it didn’t look right. A few minutes later she told me my nail polish was too orange. I laughed and told her that it was light bronze and then I joked that she may be going color-blind. That’s when I noticed the very AUBURN tinted sunglasses she was wearing. We laughed when we realized why everything seemed too orange-ish red to her perspective that day!

My son Joshua looked at us and said, “Well, that teaches us all that we need to be careful what we look through before we judge what we see.”

He’s so right. We all got a big laugh and learned a powerful lesson that day!
For more ways to find God’s peace, purpose and perspective in the middle of your busy day, visit (Proverbs 31 Ministries online a)t Proverbs31.org.

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Defined

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes I wonder if I’m letting myself be defined by my circumstances or by God’s truth. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. For many years I only felt as good about myself as the circumstances in my life. If I had a day where my husband and I got along and my kids were well behaved…I felt good about myself. If however, I had one of “those” days… you know the ones… where my husband and I don’t see eye to eye and my kids act like, well, kids, then I feel like a bad wife and mom. But I’ve found out that it IS possible to stop bouncing around and start believing the truth. The truth is I am a good wife and mom who happens to have some bad days every now and then. The truth is God loves me no matter how I feel. And the truth is His grace covers any and all circumstances I find myself in, both good and bad. For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Getting Real

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

Sometimes I hesitate when people ask how they can pray for me. Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

As I wrote down the long list of prayer requests, I realized we weren’t praying for each other. We were praying for other people in our lives: someone’s neighbor was having marriage problems; a co-worker was sick; a friend’s child was being rebellious. The requests were prayer-worthy, but why we weren’t praying for our own struggles - our own marriages, our jobs, or our challenges in life?

I knew I needed to be transparent. You see, when I’m real, people can see, pray for, and love the “real me.”

And they get to see real prayers answered. Stories about a restored marriage, about forgiving someone who betrayed me, or about recovering from an addiction could be just what someone needs to hear so their life can be changed. God, help me get past my insecurities and fear so I can use my experiences to help others see You working in my life.

For more encouragement, click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

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Christmas All Year Long

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Is it possible to celebrate Christmas all throughout the year? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Amidst the seemingly endless shopping and cooking and wrapping it seems like Christmas lasts and lasts. But before we know it we’ll inevitably be packing Christmas up and putting it away. I can’t help but ponder how great it would be if we could keep the Christmas spirit all year long. Minus the hustle and bustle of course!

This year I’m going to trying to let some Christmas linger throughout the year. For instance, the feeling of joy, kindness, and love. Family togetherness. My willingness to give so freely. The extra courage to share Jesus. Remembering to tell those we love just how much they mean to us. And most of all may we all carry with us throughout this year a growing love for Jesus… the real reason for this season!

And, hey, we’d like to give you a gift. Sign up for our free daily encouragement emails by visiting Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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The Gift Giver

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

I can’t wait to watch my family open their gifts from me on Christmas morning! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I love to see their faces light up with surprise and a sense of knowing they’re loved. I bet that’s how God feels when we enjoy the gifts He’s given us. Christmas is the perfect time to remember some of the gifts He’s given to me.

He’s given me peace: Jesus said, “My peace I give you.”

He’s given me physical life: The Bible says “God formed man from the dust and breathed into him the breath of life.”

He’s also given me eternal life: "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

And He’s given me rest: Jesus says, ‘Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ Now that’s a gift I can really use this time of year.

For more ways to thank God for His gifts, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Do You Know Him?

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Invite Tradition into Your Home

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

If caring for our families was like baking a cake, love would be what makes the cake sweet, and tradition would be the icing on top!

Hi, I'm Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Establishing meaningful traditions in our homes draw families closer together and creates wonderful memories. And, there's more! Traditions are essential in helping our children know their place in the world. Everyone's born with a desire to belong. If a child gets that need met at home, he won't wander outside the safety of the family to try to find belonging. That's where tradition comes in. Special family traditions do more for our kids’ sense of belonging than anything else. When a child knows he can count on celebrating life's victories and occasions in special ways with his family, he'll think of home as a safe and wonderful place where he always belongs.

For ideas on establishing some great family traditions visit 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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Dealing with a Loss

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

The holidays can be hard, especially when you've experienced a great loss.

Hi, I'm Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Have you lost something this year? Maybe it's your job, your health, or a loved one. A loss can leave you feeling alone and empty. It can seem as if everyone around you is getting on with their lives while you're suffering alone. You might try to fill that emptiness by throwing yourself into busy holiday preparations. But, in the quiet times, your loss can overwhelm you. If you're feeling empty today, I have good news for you. Jesus wants to move into the space that was created by your loss. You may have filled that space with negative feelings, but Jesus wants to replace your sadness with comfort. Jesus wants to fill the emptiness in your life. If you'd like to know more about Him, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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Holiday Decorating

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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A Priceless Gift

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

How about an idea for an amazing gift you can give your spouse this year that won’t cost a dime!

Hi, I'm Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries and I'm talking about a renewed commitment.

I found an example of this in a letter written by Robertson McQuilken as he resigned as president of Columbia Bible College in South Carolina. He wrote, "My dear Muriel has been failing in health for years. So far I've been able to carry both her needs and my leadership responsibilities. But it's become apparent that Muriel is contented most of the time she is with me and almost none of the time I am away. The decision was made, in a way, forty-two years ago when I promised to care for her in sickness and in health. But there’s more; I love Muriel. I do not have to care for her; I get to!"

Maybe a gift of renewed commitment could be the best gift our spouses receive this Christmas! For ideas, 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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Running Toward a Dream

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

While spending a few days at the beach, my friend Holly and I decided to go running. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We set our sites on a water tower in the distance and made that our goal. Well, it wasn't long before my legs and lungs ached and I wanted to stop. But, I wanted to reach my goal even more.

There were no short cuts. It simply took refusing to quit. Finally, we got to the tower! And, reaching our goal was so invigorating, that we just kept running!

As we jogged, I realized how much this run mimicked the journey toward realizing my dream of writing a book. It wasn’t easy and there were no short cuts. But finally I was looking at a little yellow book with my name on the cover. And reaching that goal was so invigorating that I just kept writing! For more encouragement, visit log on to proverbs31.org.

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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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But I Don’t Want to Wait

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Timing can be frustrating. When it isn't right, you have to wait. And waiting’s hard. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Last night my daughter Brooke had a friend sleep over and I let them bake a cake.

Soon there was whipping and stirring and giggling and tasting.

But it’s hard to smell a cake baking and not want to rush the process. The directions said how long to let the cake bake. But it smelled done, and it looked done. So, the bakers talked an older sister into removing the cake from the oven. They flipped it out of the pan, covered it with icing and grabbed two plates.

Suddenly, the cake became a sink hole. It just couldn’t hold up under the weight of its undone center.

There's a lesson there. I need to wait for God to say the timing’s right before I force things to happen on my own and then watch them collapse! For more, log on to proverbs31.org.

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