Seeds

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

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

Just when the seed starts to lose hope a green shoot bursts from the ruins. It grows and blooms and becomes all that it had the potential to become.

So, was the farmer mean and cruel? Or did he have the seed's best interest in mind?

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

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Leaving and Cleaving

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

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

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

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

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When the Little Things are Big

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

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

For more, log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Free Devotion, Overlooked By Everyone Else, by Lysa TerKeurst

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A Heart More Beautiful

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

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

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

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

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

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Do I Trust Jesus?

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

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

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

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Dealing with Loss

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Renee Swope and Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes the holidays are hard, especially when you’ve experienced a great loss. Hi, I’m Renee Swope 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. It’s easy to fill our emptiness by throwing ourselves into busy holiday preparations. But, in the quiet times, our loss can overwhelm us.

If you’re feeling lonely or empty today, I just want to offer you a reminder: Jesus wants to move into the space that was created by your loss. That space may be filled with negative feelings right now, but Jesus wants to replace anger with peace. He wants to replace sadness with comfort. He wants to replace despair with hope, and He wants to replace fear with courage. Jesus wants to fill the emptiness with His love. If you’d like to know more about a relationship with Jesus, please visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Praying with a Thankful Heart

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

If I were facing a pit of hungry lions I wonder how thankful I’d be. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries and recently I was reading about Daniel in the Bible. Daniel loved God and lived to serve Him. However, one day a decree was passed by the King that said anyone caught praying to God would be thrown into a den of lions. But, Daniel continued to pray. And, what did he pray? He gave thanks to God as he had done before. Well, praying with a thankful heart proved powerfully effective. When Daniel was thrown in with the lions God shut the animals’ mouths and Daniel’s life was spared! I wonder if my life were at stake if the first thing I’d do would be to say a prayer of thanks. Wow, what a challenge to have an attitude of gratitude every day. For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Working from Home

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Glynnis Whitwer

Did you know that over 50 million people will work from their homes this year? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Many of us are now working from home, either telecommuting or running a home-based business.

Working at home can be great, but I also know it can be hard. I’ve found that for success, I first needed to set up a workspace outside my bedroom so at bedtime I’m not thinking about all the things I still have to do. Also, I invested in good desk and office equipment. The kitchen table worked for a while, but my back suffered because it’s not the right height for a keyboard. And, an accountant helped me figure out what expenses are tax-deductible.

I’ve learned to schedule separate times for work and home tasks so I don’t neglect either. And because I have kids, I also trade out play dates with other moms when I need uninterrupted work time. Working from home offers great freedom, but it also takes work to make it work! To learn more about working from home, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Call Today

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

There’s a phone call I need to make that I’ve been putting off. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries and if you’re like me you’ve probably got a call to make, too. Maybe to wish someone a belated happy birthday or to ask for forgiveness or to simply tell someone they’ve been in your thoughts lately. The call I need to make is to tell someone thank you for something they did for me…a couple of months ago. I know I should have sent a thank you note right away but you know how it is…time just has a way of slipping by and, before you know it, days turn into months. So, a phone call to say thank you is what’s in order for me today. And, who knows, maybe this is the perfect day for that person to hear from me. So, I guess I gotta go make that call. For more encouragement for your important relationships click on Everyday Life when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Raising A Manly Man

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Amanda Waldroop

Are you trying to raise your son to be a Godly man? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. It’s no secret that mothers struggle with how to raise boys! Those of us with sons agree that having positive male role models is invaluable. But that isn’t always possible. So whether you’re a single mother guiding your son to manhood, or a married mom who needs a little encouragement, author Rick Johnson has a few tips. In his book, That’s My Son, Johnson helps mothers look for ways to encourage Godly character. “For instance, when you tell a man he’s brave, you help him become brave. So, tell your son all the things you want him to be. Say things like: ‘You’re so courageous. That was very honest! You’re a hard worker!’ Remind him of these qualities, while instilling them in him.” For more ideas on raising kids with character, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Capture this Year

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Just a few years ago I had a pile of family mementos and pictures that seemed hopelessly unorganized. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Then one day it occurred to me to start from that day and make a scrapbook that chronicled our family’s life journey just for that year. This I could do. So, that year I took pictures and wrote about hilarious things my kids said, some ways we saw God move in our family, milestones that each kid had that year, and even a romantic adventure that I had with my husband. The funny thing about knowing this would all be captured in a book is that it made me get so much more intentional about how we were living life. If the thought of scrapbooking has ever overwhelmed you, maybe this one year book idea will help give you a place to start. For a list of great words from the Bible to use in a scrapbook like this, log on to Proverbs31.org and click on Everyday Life.

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Chasing God and the Kids Too: Balancing a Mom's Most Important Pursuits, by Cheryl R. Carter

Everyday Life

Hanging On

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Susanne Scheppmann

Do you ever feel like you’re just barely hanging on in life? I did, just this week! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other day I was watching some small birds outside my window hanging upside down from a mesh feeder. They clung to the feeder with their tiny toes and pecked at the seeds inside. Then a strong gust of wind shook the feeder, but the birds didn’t let that bother them. They calmly pecked away. Soon some bigger birds tried to knock them off the feeder. Again, they clung to the mesh. They wouldn’t let anything pull them away from their food source. I glanced at the Bible on my desk and thought, “There’s my spiritual food. Do I cling to it, no matter what challenges come my way?” I have to admit I don’t always cling to God’s words when times get tough. But, those little birds have inspired me to dig in and hold on tight! For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

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Organize!

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I want to be more organized but getting there can completely overwhelm me! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’m not a naturally organized person so I found a friend who can help me. She comes over to my house once a week for a couple of hours and helps me tackle one thing at a time. Even if we only get part of a closet done or half a room done we’re making progress and that’s exciting. I’ve found the more progress we make; the more encouraged I am to keep going. Plus, I’m finding that when everything has a place, it’s actually saving me time from constantly looking for things. By setting aside just a couple hours a week to focus on nothing but organization, we’re breaking an overwhelming task down to manageable bite size pieces. For more ideas on managing your home, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org and click on Everyday Life.

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Confessions of a Recovering Shop-a-holic

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

Sometimes when I get stressed, I just want to go shopping so I can escape! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend Wendy recently told me how shopping used to be an addiction for her. When she got married, she brought a lot of debt with her and carried it for many years. As she continued to accumulate debt, Wendy hid receipts and new purchases from her husband. The secrets kept her from having an open relationship with him. It also kept her from experiencing the joy of a real relationship with God.

Wendy wanted to be free from her addiction, so she decided to meet each morning with Jesus and talk with him about her struggle with spending. She also stopped going to stores unnecessarily and carefully recorded every purchase she made. She finally felt completely free when she cut up her credit cards and confessed her mistakes to her husband. Wendy said she now has a deep joy that comes from something she could never buy! For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

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Thank you!

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’m learning that being able to be thankful for the little things is a BIG gift. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Several years ago my middle daughter was very sick and in the hospital off and on for over a year. During this time I learned how to be thankful for the small things. A simple smile from her would delight my heart for days. Seeing her have enough energy to sit up and sip some water would send me to my knees thanking God. Some days, just knowing she was still breathing brought tears of joy to my eyes. Now she’s a thriving, healthy teenager and I sometimes forget to be thankful for the small things. But I don’t want to slip into taking these things for granted. So, I think I’ll pause in this moment and remember to say, “Thank you, God. Thank you for all things big and small.” For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

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Dating In Marriage

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Finding time to go on a date with my husband is so hard these days! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Planning a date is especially challenging with kids and busy schedules, but boy is it worth the effort! Recently my mom kept our kids overnight so we could spend uninterrupted time together. At first we talked about the usual things: kids, finances, jobs, and planning. By mid afternoon, our conversation changed. JJ asked me about what my favorite vacation that we’d taken together. I asked him what he’d like to do this year that he’s never done. It was fun to relax and talk about things we’d never shared before.

I was so thankful that we’d set aside time for each other. It hasn’t always been this way. It’s taken practice and commitment. But after 15 years, we’re both glad we still have things in common and enjoy spending time with each other. For more marriage encouragement, visit Proverbs 31.org.

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Relationships, free devotion by Melissa Taylor

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A Bucket of Encouragement

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Zoë Elmore

I’m amazed at how God shows up in tough times! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. One afternoon my friend Zoë’s husband, Tom, came home carrying a beautiful arrangement of flowers. Zoë was thrilled! But, then Tom said that he’d just lost his job.
After a week of wondering, “what now”, Zoë’s flowers had wilted. When she threw them away God impressed something on her heart. “Save the container. I’m going to fill it until it overflows.” So, she left the little bucket on the kitchen counter.

Over the next ten months of waiting for Tom to find work they received cards, e-mails and words from the Bible. They placed each one in the container where the flowers had been and before long it overflowed with encouragement. When Zoë and Tom felt discouraged they read something from the bucket and it reminded them that God was with them and that He had a plan!

For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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Handprints of Love

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and Renee Myers, She Speaks Graduate

How quickly do I wash off the handprints my kids leave on my walls and windows? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend, another Renee, came home from a weekend with her kids visiting her mother-in-law, Jeanette. While they were talking on the phone weeks later, Jeanette told Renee, “I haven’t washed the windows since you and the kids were here. I love seeing my grandson’s handprints and can’t bring myself to wash them off.”

Renee knew Jeanette was a great housekeeper who liked everything clean, but she decided to forfeit perfection so she could preserve the memories of her grandchild being in her home.

Hmmm…I could learn a lot from her. I get so busy trying to be a good mom and keeping up with everything that I overlook those precious “handprint moments” with my own sons. I guess this encourages me to stand back and cherish them just like Jeanette did.
For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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A Grandparents Faith, free devotion by Glynnis Whitwer

Walk With Me Today Lord, by Emilie Barnes

Pausing

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently I discovered that when mom’s away, those left behind will tend to play. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other day when I got home from a speaking at a weekend conference, I was greeted with chores only half done, wet laundry left in the washing machine and my favorite drying rack broken into many pieces. Why is it that the people we love the most can sometimes frustrate us so much? Lately I’ve been learning a new way to handle my aggravations. Every time I’m pushed to the point where I want to raise my voice and let my head spin around three times, I try to pause for a second or two. But oh what a battle this can be! If I can manage to pause, God can interrupt my natural response and redirect me. I’ve discovered that when my irritations start to get the best of me, pausing becomes much easier each time I try it. For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Shes Gonna Blow!, by Julie Ann Barnhill

The Mother I Want To Be, free devotion by Glynnis Whitwer

The Moon

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope with Amy Brooke

Sometimes things just aren’t what they seem! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. As a child, my friend Amy loved to look up at the moon and admire its bright light. But when she learned the moon was just a big rock without any light of its own, Amy was so disappointed!! It was so beautiful in the dark sky. She knew there had to be more to it than that.

Not long ago it dawned on Amy that there is more to it. The moon isn’t just some big rock. God put it in just the right place at just the right angle, orbiting at just the right speed to perfectly reflect the sun's light for billions of people around the world! Maybe God’s using the moon as a reminder that even in the dark of night the sun is still shining. And, to remind His followers that we reflect the light of God’s son as we show His love to others in their darkest moments.

For more encouragement, visit Proverb31.org.

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A Matter of the Heart, free devotion by Micca Campbell

Walk With Me Today Lord, by Emilie Barnes