Taking My Kids on a Date

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I think it’s time I went on a date… with my kids! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Everyday life in our home can get so hectic. With 5 kids, two dogs, work that needs to be done and scheduling everyone’s activities, life seems to fly by at warp speed. But every now and then I’ll hit the pause button on life and take one of my kids out on a date. The one on one time has proven to be some of the best chances to talk and get an idea on what’s really going on behind the scenes in each of my kid’s lives. Sometimes these dates happen spontaneously while grabbing a cup of coffee at the local coffee house. Other times, we’ll schedule something on the calendar weeks in advance giving us both something to look forward to. Either way, doing dates with my kids is one of my favorite ways to say to them… you are special. You are important. For more mom encouragement, go to Proverbs31.org.

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Relationships, free devotion by Melissa Taylor

Daddy’s Little Princess

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

What did you want to be when you were five? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When someone asked my friend, Jill, that question she answered right away…when she was five she wanted to be Daddy’s little princess!

But, she said that the older she got the more detached her daddy became. That led to abandonment when her parents got divorced, leaving a huge hole in her heart. For years Jill tried to fill that hole in all the wrong ways.

Then someone shared something special from the Bible: The Lord your God is with you…He will take great delight in you…He will sing with joy because of you.

Jill couldn’t believe it – how could God delight in her? She’d never been special in her father’s eyes, so it seemed impossible to believe she had worth in God’s eyes. But I’m happy to say that over the years God has restored my friend’s sense of value – she’ll tell you that the price was high but it was worth it!

For more encouragement from Proverbs 31 Ministries, visit proverbs31.org.

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While You Are Sleeping, free devotion by Renee Swope

His Princess, by Sheri Sheppard

Criticism

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I once heard a statement that really made me think about the way I express criticism when I don’t agree with someone on a big issue. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The statement is: Don’t criticize a problem if you aren’t willing to be part of the solution. I’m sure there will always be things I don’t agree with in the world around me. And, it’s easy to point out things I wish were different. But, I’ve found that it’s so much harder to actively work towards finding a solution. For example, I feel very passionate about pro-life issues. So, I look for ways to support unwed mothers. I also look for opportunities to share my story in hopes of helping young girls make different choices than I did growing up. Now when I find a social cause that I’m really passionate about I ask myself: How can I be a voice for truth and become part of the solution at the same time. For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs 31.org.

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Love Covers, free devotion by Melanie Chitwood

A Recovering Perfectionist

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope with Tasha Via

I don’t know about you but I’m a recovering perfectionist! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. As a perfectionist I tend to think that performing well increases my value which leads to all kinds of crazy behaviors.

My friend Tasha and I were talking about how we try to prove our worth to our husbands. When they get home from work we start spouting off a long list of things we've "accomplished" that day, as if our worth to them is wrapped around what we've achieved. I confessed that I even tell my kids when I do something for them, too.

Tasha shared something she read in the book Character Makeover, by Katie Brazelton and Shelley Leith. It said, “Worth is not something we earn or achieve…We have worth because God created us, redeemed us and loved us."

What a relief. I’m so glad I don’t have to be perfect to earn God’s love – aren’t you?
For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Rolls vs Roles, free devotion by Susanne Scheppman

The Confident Woman, by Anabel Gilham

I Will

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes I catch myself saying “I can’t do that”! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Four years ago, I said “I can’t run.” The truth is, I could run, I just didn’t like to. It hurt. But God doesn’t want me to be resigned to the impossibilities in life. He wants to use me to show that through Him great possibilities exist for everyone. So, I decided to stop saying I can’t and started saying I will. At first, I could only run from one mailbox to the next. But, eventually, I ran a whole mile! And then one day two and three and just last weekend I ran a half-marathon! We all have those “I can’ts” in life, don’t we? But, imagine what would happen if we change more of those “I can’ts” into “I wills”? Just think of what we might be able to say we’ve accomplished a few years from now! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Fear of Faith, free devotion by Melanie Chitwood

Fear of Rejection

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and Glynnis Whitwer

I HATE rejection! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Most of us avoid situations where we might get rejected. Even if we feel like God wants us to do something, the thought of doing it is hard when we’ve been rejected before.

You know Moses felt this way when God told him to help the children of Israel. He gave God a long list of reasons why he shouldn’t help his people: some didn’t like him, they wouldn’t believe God sent him, and Moses thought he wasn’t a good communicator.

He didn’t want to open himself up to criticism and rejection. But God chose him to lead the Israelites to freedom. And with God’s help Moses went back to Egypt and did just that! He followed God’s plan despite his own fears of rejection.

God saw value and worth in Moses, and you know, He sees that same worth in you and me - despite what others might think.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Junk Store Wishes

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst and Lisa – www.Lisa-Write.blogspot.com

Isn’t it funny how things that we so desperately wanted at one time can be so unappealing now? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. When my friend, who’s also named Lisa, was first married she had no furniture, little money, and big ideas for decorating her new home. In the mall at the top of the escalator, was the sofa set of her dreams. It was her biggest wish to one day own this furniture. But, she never did.

Last week, Lisa was driving down the highway when she passed a thrift store and what do you think was sitting out front? The sofa set of her newlywed dreams. And it was ugly! For the life of her, she couldn’t figure out why she’d wanted it so badly all those years ago.

Isn't that the way it goes? The things we think we want out of this life aren't really what will truly satisfy us.

For more encouragement, log on to proverbs31.org.

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Learning Contentment, free devotion by Amy Carroll

The Sparkle in My Eye

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Does my child know that sometimes he’s the reason my eyes sparkle? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I was reading an article about parenting and was challenged by this question… do your eyes light up when your child walks into the room? The author talked about how our kids need to know they’re special by the little ways we pay attention to them. It makes them feel secure and confident.

Well, I don’t know if my eyes light up every time one of my sons walks in the room. But, I’ve been trying to make them feel special. Sometimes I’ll surprise them with a take-out lunch in the middle of their school day. Or, I’ll make them their favorite breakfast during the week. Or, I’ll hide an encouraging note in their book bag. I’m also trying to pay close attention to even their small accomplishments. Because to them they’re huge!

Do you have ideas on making kids feel special? I’d love to hear them and share them with other moms, so click on Renee’s blog at proverbs31.org.

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Raising Good Kids, free devotion by Sharon Glasgow

You Are Special, by Max Lucado

The Smell of Trust

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst and Joy- www.Princessjoyful.blogspot.com

It was one of the sweetest things I've ever heard of a mother doing. HI I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend Joy told me that whenever she was troubled by something her mom would sit down with her right away and they would talk to God about it together. Then, Joy’s mom would dab some perfume on her daughter's wrist as a reminder. Throughout the day, whenever Joy caught a whiff of her mom’s favorite scent, she’d remember the prayers that were being said for her while she was at school or outside playing.

I love this idea and I plan to put some perfume on my daughter's wrist. I’ve been praying for her to trust me and God with a very difficult situation. And today, in the TerKeurst home, trust smells like a light blue bottle called, "Dream."

For more ideas on helping your kids understand what life with Jesus is all about, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and check out our speakers’ blogs at Proverbs31.org.

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Good To Me, by Latonya Mason

What If I Dont Want To Trust, by Lysa Terkeurst

What Matters Most?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Saying no can be really hard for me! Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Every time I turn around there are more opportunities to get involved in different activities. But, I’ve got to be careful not to over commit so I’ve been looking for ways to decide how to spend my time. In her book, Only Angels Can Wing It, Liz Curtis Higgs offers a few questions I can ask myself before taking on something new.

The first question is - will this activity really matter to me in a week? How about a month from now? Does it satisfy a need for me or for someone I love? Or is there somebody who does this activity better than I do that would be excited to have this opportunity?

Now I don’t go through these questions every time I make a decision. But, when something requires extra time, money, energy or emotions, asking these questions helps me make wise decisions.

For more ideas on balancing your commitments, visit proverbs31.org.

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White Noise, free devotion by Susanne Scheppman

Running on Empty, by Aaron Chambers

Do the Hard Thing

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst and Sanya King – www.Beamsoflightministries.org

Sometimes in order to follow God’s lead, we have to be OK with doing nothing!

Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I was recently talking with my friend, Sanya about how difficult some decisions can be; not because we want to do something wrong, but because we driven by a desire to do what makes everybody happy!

She said she always wants to be the one to save someone else from hurt or disappointment. But many times, the best decision would be to let that person find their own way in order to grow in their relationship with God. So I had to ask myself, am I willing to let things go?

Whatever the situation is, if I feel led to do something after talking to God about it then I need to take action. But, if I sense that God’s asking me to let it go and leave it to Him, I hope I’ll do that, too!

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at proverbs31.org.

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Cleansed By Grace, free devotion by Micca Campbell

Pass It On

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

You know, sometimes I feel a little guilty about all the things I have when there are so many people in need. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

A few years ago, my friend Carrie decided to consider all the good things she had and then find a way to "Pass it On." Any time she was given something, she’d look for ways to give to someone else in return.

If a friend gave Carrie a book, she’d pass it on - she’d read it and then give it to someone else to enjoy. If someone said something nice to her she’d pass it on - she’d look for opportunities to share a few words of encouragement and make someone else’s day. If someone bought her lunch she’d pass that on too - she’d buy someone else’s lunch that week.

I love the idea of "Passing it On" so I’m going to start giving away more of what I’ve been given. I’d love for you to join me.

For ideas on how you can start “passing it on” visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Renee’s Blog at Proverbs31.org.

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The Power Of Sharing, free devotion by Amy Carroll

Epiphany, free devotion by Rachel Olsen

Tunnels

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst and Angie – www.Springofjoy.org

What do we do when the train of life travels through a tunnel? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We all have dark tunnels that we’ll go through. Some are short. But, some seem to be endless!

So, the question isn’t whether we’ll go through painful times. The question is what we’ll do while we’re going through them. Will we panic and try to jump off or will we be able to remind ourselves of Who is ultimately in control? I think author Corrie Ten Boom said it well, “When the train goes through a tunnel and the world becomes dark, do you jump out? You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through.”

When the dark times come we need to know that someone cares. And, ultimately, real peace comes in knowing that God cares even more than we can imagine. He knows where we’re heading and He will steer us through every time.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at Proverbs31.org.

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Trials for Today, Treasures for Tomorrow, by Janet Eckles

What If I Dont Want To Trust?, free devotion by Lysa Terkeurst

Not a Hint of Smoke

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

When I was a kid, the carpet in our basement caught on fire, and filled our whole house with smoke! Boy did it stink! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. It was so hard to get the smell of smoke out of our clothes and our furniture. We smelled smoke for weeks!

It reminds me of a time in the Bible when three men were thrown into a fiery furnace because they worshipped God instead of the King. God not only saved them from the fire, but when they came out of the furnace they didn’t even smell like smoke!

It makes me think about the fiery trials in my life. When I face hard times, do I come out smelling like smoke from bitterness and anger? Or do I come out smelling like a woman who trusts God? I love that God not only gets me through tough times, but He stays so close that I can come through them without a hint of smoke from some of life’s toughest fires!
For encouragement during difficult times, visit Proverbs31.org.

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A Life That Pleases God, free devotion by Micca Campbell

Trials for Today, Treasures for Tomorrow, by Janet Eckles

Impromptu Giving

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Holly Good

When was the last time someone surprised you with an impromptu gift? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently a friend told me about how she felt led to surprise a sweet cashier at a local grocery store. After her purchase, she handed the cashier a twenty dollar bill. As you can imagine, this hard working woman was thrilled!

A few minutes later, my friend was sitting in a car dealership waiting for an oil change. Almost out of nowhere an elderly gentleman came in, handed her several coupons and asked her to check to see if she could use any of them. Then, he just walked away.

As she was paying for her oil change, my friend realized that the coupon discount from her random friend came to a little more than $20. Isn’t it amazing how - when we look for ways to shower others with God’s love - we’re often surprised with good things in the process as well?! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31.org.

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New Beginnings

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

Isn’t it interesting that a New Year always seems like the perfect time to start a new way of living? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. January’s a popular time for new resolutions, new goals, and new promises to change old habits. But, one thing I try to remember when it comes to my relationship with God is that I’m offered a new beginning every day!

The Bible says God’s mercy is new every morning. And when we put our faith in Jesus, God puts our past behind us and begins to make us new. Now, becoming a new person is a process that takes time but God’s faithful to keep His promise as we surrender our days and our decisions to Him.

So, have you ever told God that you don’t want to be your old self – but that you want Him to make you new? Don’t wait for another new year - you can start over today. Find out more by visiting Proverbs 31 Ministries online at Proverbs31.org.

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Chasing Love

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

How much time have we wasted chasing love? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Some of us have spent years chasing people that we think will make us feel loved. But, the sad thing about chasing love outside of God’s plan is that it invites so many things into our lives that are the exact opposite of His love.

The Bible describes God’s love as the exact love we desire. It is patient and kind. It doesn’t envy and isn’t self-seeking. It always protects, always perseveres and never fails.

This is not a description of what I’m gonna get from another person. It’s deciding that this is the kind of love I’m willing to give. I can choose to make my love will be patient, kind and persevering. Is it easy? No, but so well worth it. So, let’s stop chasing after love and start living it. For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at Proverbs31.org.

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Capture Her Heart by Lysa TerKeurst

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Clean House, Clean Heart

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope with Tracie Miles

I was so tired of tripping over shoes, stray hangers, and dirty clothes! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. After hours of sorting clothes and throwing out the junk, I stepped back to admire my clean closet!

I usually avoid cleaning as long as I can, but the more I neglect it, the worse things get and the longer it takes to clean up the clutter. And, you know, my heart can be the same way.

It’s easy to let impatience; unforgiveness and worry clutter up my heart. And the longer I let it stay that way the more of a mess I end up with in my thoughts and in my relationships. King David in the Bible knew where to turn when His heart needed de-cluttering. He asked God to give him a clean heart, and the desire to keep it pure. I love knowing that it’s not just up to me to keep my heart clean but I can actually turn to God for help!

For more encouragement from Proverbs 31 Ministries, visit proverbs31.org.

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Clean House, Clean Heart Free Devotion by Tracie Miles

Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God, by Sharon Jaynes

One of Those Days

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

It was one of those weeks that seemed almost unbearable! Hi, I'm Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Last week I was struggling with a situation and when I’m stressed I often stop paying attention to other people. I’ll just go through the motions of being cordial but not really reaching out to anyone. Following Jesus’ example of compassion can be hard when I’m going through a difficult situation of my own.

A friend suggested that I read the book of Ephesians in the Bible. As I read, I realized that I needed to look outside of myself and my circumstances and look for opportunities to show love to others.

So I reached out and helped a recently widowed friend and listened to another friend who’s struggling in her marriage. And, you know what? Looking beyond my own situation helped me feel better in spite of my own tough circumstances. For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

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It’s Hard to Believe

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that God’s promises in the Bible are ALL true for me! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When I feel like I’ve failed as a mom by yelling at my kids, it's hard to believe that God never stops loving me. When I’m feeling grouchy and no fun to be around, it’s hard to believe that God doesn’t avoid me until I’m in a better mood. When I feel like I’ve blown it in the “respecting my husband department”- it’s hard to believe God doesn’t wish he’d picked a better wife for JJ.

I realized the other day that when I’m having a hard time believing God’s promises, it’s because I’ve let my feelings about myself determine how I think God feels about me. But God’s promises aren’t based on my feelings – they’re based on one very important FACT –His love is patient, His love is kind, and His love never fails – even when I do. Now that’s something worth believing!

For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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But I Want What She Has

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever felt a little envious of a friend’s life? I know I have. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’ve definitely had those pangs of envy when another person’s life is going better than mine somehow. Maybe a friend’s child reads well above grade level and just loves books while my child struggles. My house is fine until a friend redecorates her kitchen and suddenly mine feels outdated. My weight doesn’t bother me until a friend gets very motivated and drops from a size 12 to a 4 and I wonder why I can’t be more disciplined.

When these feelings creep in, I have to train my brain to stop the dangerous thoughts right away by reminding myself of what I DO have. Instead of camping out on what’s lacking, I start thanking God for my child’s amazing creativity, a home that’s comfortable, and a healthy body.

For more life encouragement, visit Proverbs 31Ministies on-line at Proverbs31.org.

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Read Through the Bible

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

How many times do we set goals that we want to accomplish, but doubt we’ll ever achieve? Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend Wendy used to avoid setting goals because it seemed like every time she set one, she’d fail. Then one day she decided to accept a challenge she heard on her local Christian radio station - to read through the Bible in one year!

Wendy had always wanted to do this but wasn’t sure she would follow through.

She’d almost convinced herself it was hopeless but then she remembered these words from the Bible: With God all things are possible.

Wendy’s husband bought her a Chronological Bible and she started reading on January 1st. She told me she did miss some days and sometimes she lost sight of her goal. But, she made up what she missed and finished the Bible by the end of that year.

You know, Wendy’s success makes me want to tackle read through the Bible - this year!
For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org!

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