Grades

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

The other day I heard one of my daughters telling her friend that I don’t get all worked up over her grades. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My child went on to explain that she is expected to do her best, but as long as she’s worked hard we’d be ok with whatever grade she got.

For the most part, this is correct. But that hasn’t always been the case. Over the years I have had to learn that God has a plan for my kids.

As their parent it is my job to guide them. But my guiding shouldn’t have the ultimate goal in mind of them making straight A’s. My guiding should be focused on leading them into a relationship with God where He will make their path straight, no matter what their grades are.

Of course working hard and being conscientious is important, but for me and my family, grades are not the ultimate determination of success. For more click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Marriage-Changing Prayer

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My efforts to change my husband weren’t working, so I prayed that God would change him for me! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries

Well, that didn’t work either! God showed me that my critical spirit only makes JJ feel inadequate as a husband - which makes him shut down and become indifferent. I eventually realized that I was also adding to many things that can destroy my husband’s confidence as a man.God showed me that JJ needed me to be his greatest cheerleader, his biggest supporter and to use my words and prayers to build him up, not tear him down. So, I started praying that God would change me, instead.

And you know what? God helped me notice and encourage things I appreciate about JJ. God also helped me hold my tongue when JJ did something I didn't like or led in a way I didn't want to follow. God changed me! And JJ became an even better husband than I ever prayed he’d be! For more marriage encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Wise Words

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’ll never forget the day my husband told me that we’d lost most of our savings in a bad investment. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

There were many different ways my reaction could have gone in the minutes that followed. But I’m so thankful the Lord had been preparing my heart for this very moment. And instead of reacting immediately with what would have been a disastrous response, I paused.

Because of God’s spirit working in me I was able to wrap my arms around my husband and offer life giving words into his weary heart. I said to him, “I love you Art. I loved you yesterday when we had everything and I love you today when we have nothing.”

Oh I know this can be hard – trust me I do! But I also know when we immerse ourselves in getting to know God, we can have reactions that honor Him and breathe life into relationships. For more encouragement visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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My Father’s Love

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My son wouldn’t fall asleep so my husband decided to try a new sleeping aid for kids! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My husband JJ was trying to help our six-year-old settle down for bed. He rubbed his head hoping that would calm him down. Then he told him a story and sang a Bible song, but Andrew just kept twisting and turning.

Finally JJ prayed that God would help Andrew fall asleep!

JJ remembered something he’d read in the Bible that morning about His Heavenly Father’s “unconditional” love – and how it helped him get through a stressful day at work by remembering God’s love isn’t based on his performance.

JJ sensed that’s what his son needed to know, too, so he took his face in his hands and said, ”Andrew, I love you, and I will always love you – no matter what!” Andrew whispered, “I love you, too, Daddy!” - and he rested in his father’s love. Two minutes later he was sound asleep!

For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

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Chosen

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Each of us has the desire to be wanted, loved, and chosen. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I learned this concept at an early age during gym class. It was so stressful when the two team captains chose their teammates. I hated that feeling of everyone else getting picked while I was passed over round after round.

I‘ve learned over the years that the answer to our deepest desires is not the seemingly perfect life. Not being chosen first for the team. Not having the most romantic spouse or the most well behaved kids. Not the bigger house. Not the better job.

The answer to our deepest desires is making the choice to recognize that God is close. Whether we’re out for dinner, on the playground with our kids, or sitting alone in our den – God is there. Loving. Assuring. Teaching. And Choosing to spend time with us. For more encouragement visit proverbs31.org.

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Personalizing God’s Promises

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I wanted to give my husband a gift, but couldn’t decide what to buy! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs Ministries.

My friend LeAnn gives great gifts. My favorite is when she finds verses in the Bible to personalize for someone.

I decided that’s what I’d do for my husband. I found promises in the Bible that would mean a lot to JJ. And put his name in each verse. Then I printed them individually and put them in a masculine keepsake box. One day he’ll read -

Jeremiah 29:11, “JJ, I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Another day he’ll read Psalm 16:11, “JJ, I will make known to you the path of life. I will fill you with joy in My presence.”

So, does someone you know needs the gift of God’s promises personalized for them? For more ideas, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Verbalizing Thankfulness

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I was feeling tired and very grumpy recently, and I had no idea why. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Several weeks ago I had one of those raw, edgy attitudes with lots of negative thoughts running through my mind.

On days like this I make an extra effort to sit down with my Bible and ask God to please interrupt my yucky feelings with His truth. As I was searching, one thought kept coming across my mind. Be thankful!

So I started listing things I was thankful for. The more I verbalized what I was thankful for, the less cloudy my heart felt. I couldn’t explain my feelings and I didn’t understand my feelings. But, I found that verbalizing my thankfulness was the very thing that kept me from wallowing in the pit.

So, let’s be thankful that God makes a way for us to live our lives based on truth rather than our unpredictable feelings. For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31.org.

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This is Love

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Sometimes I wonder…what makes my child feel loved? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

One morning last week I was driving my son, Andrew, to school and asked him, “What makes you feel loved?”

He thought for a minute and the he said, "THIS."

"This?" I asked him.

"Yea. This. You being with me mom. When you drive me to school and talk to me about my day. And when you tell me that you’re gonna be there when I get home. That makes me feel loved and secure. Thanks mom, bye!"And, he hopped out of the car.

As I drove away, I kept thinking - This is love?

You mean I don't have to go out and buy his favorite toy or take him to a movie? Just being there is love. Keeping my promises is love. Caring about him and listening to him makes him feel loved?

Yes – this is love! Wow – that seems so simple yet it’s so powerful. For more encouragement, (visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at), visit Proverbs31.org.

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Longing to Be Loved

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

As a little girl I longed for my daddy to pick me up, swing me around and tell me he loved me. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. When my daddy didn’t fill my childhood desires, I found myself seeking all kinds of remedies in my early adult years.

I was in search of something or someone who would make me feel loved or significant. And it didn’t take me long to find that the more I tried to fill up my empty places, the more frustrated and lonely I felt.

I had to learn that no person, possession, profession, or position ever fills an empty heart. It’s an emptiness that only God can fill.

So even though my earthly daddy didn’t encourage me and love me as I’d hoped, I have come to know the love of my heavenly Father. And anything we try to use as a substitute for Him will never make us feel complete. For more encouragement log on to Proverbs 31.org.

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Sharing Our Faith

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Have you ever heard someone who doesn’t believe in God say that Christians SHOULD tell others about Jesus?

Hi. I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I couldn’t believe it. I was watching a video on You-Tube of a famous entertainer who’s a self-proclaimed atheist. He was talking about a fan that had politely offered him a Bible. I was sure this entertainer was going to mock the fan who’d wanted to tell him about Jesus. But…he didn’t! In fact, the celebrity said he respected him. He said it made sense for someone who believes Jesus is the only way to heaven to share it with others. He even said that you’d really have to HATE someone to believe you have the key to eternal life and NOT share it.

WOW! That was a wake up call for me. I want to be less concerned about offending others and more concerned with telling them that a relationship with Jesus means peace, love, and the hope of heaven!

For more encouragement on sharing your faith, log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Prayers that Move the Heart of God

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes I need a fresh outlook on prayer. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In her article, “Prayers That Move the Heart of God,” Nancy Guthrie says, “There's so much to want—healed bodies, restored relationships, changed circumstances. But asking, seeking, and knocking aren't secret formulas for getting what we want from God; they're ways to get more of God.” She goes on to say that as she listens to God by reading the Bible, He helps her learn more about who He is.

Then, Nancy says, “If healing doesn't come, if the relationship remains broken, or if the pressures increase, I have the opportunity to discover that God is enough. His presence is enough. His purpose is enough.”

Through changing her prayers to be more about getting to know God rather than getting what she wants from Him, Nancy is experiencing Him in deeper ways than ever before.

For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Thankful for the Health I Have

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

How can one little part of your body cause SO much pain?

Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Last week my friend, Jill, had a sinus infection. She said it felt like a Mack Truck had driven through her tiny sinus cavities!

But Jill also said the pain and dizziness reminded her of something. She thought of a close friend who’s battling breast cancer for the second time. The tumor refuses to shrink and causes terrible pain for this sweet woman. And, whenever she tries to treat the pain, her body reacts severely to the medication.

So, Jill realized that yes, sometimes we just feel yucky. And, yes, it's OK to whine a little and send our husbands out for soup to make us feel better. But, she was also reminded of the gift of her health most of the time. And, while my friend really looked forward to getting back to "normal", she also thanked God that she had a "normal" to return to.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Careless Words Are Costly

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Careless words can be costly. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. “A landmark study suggests friendships between women are special. They shape who we are and who we are yet to be. They soothe our troubles, fill the emotional gaps in our marriage, and help us remember who we really are.”

What a gift! Why would we ever want to trade the beauty of all that friendship offers for just a few careless words?

The Bible says, “Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Oh how this challenges me to really think about the words I speak. My words should be helpful, considerate, and encouraging.

My friendships are special and worthy of my very best words. For more friendship encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

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Encouragement for Today

Moms Desperate for God

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Being a mom can leave me feeling desperate for God’s help! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

After having three little boys within five years, my friend Glynnis felt overwhelmed but a little embarrassed that she didn’t know what she was doing.

She was so relieved when her church offered a parenting class but she wanted more! The problem was there wasn’t anyone to lead a whole parenting program, so Glynnis’ pastors asked her and her husband to help.

Although they didn’t feel qualified, they were desperate to try anything to get support. And they even told people they weren’t perfect parents. But when they shared their struggles openly, they got Godly advice and practical ideas that really helped them God wants us to be honest with Him and with others when we feel overwhelmed and need help. We don’t have to wait until we’re desperate – we can go to God each day and ask for what we need!

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

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All Caulked Up

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Is it really that important to read the Bible everyday? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I was reminded of how crucial it is for me to read the Bible everyday through a set of rather strange circumstances. A couple of years ago the toilet in our upstairs bathroom overflowed causing part of the kitchen ceiling below to collapse. What a mess!

The repair man told us that the reason the water escaped and caused so much damage is that the caulking was old and cracked. He re-caulked the bathroom and encouraged us to maintain this regularly. Would you believe just one year later that same toilet overflowed? Only this time no water escaped and no ceilings fell in. The caulking was secure.

God’s words are like caulking in my brain preventing damaging thoughts from running rampant and making me feeling like me to read the Bible everyday, it’s crucial.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Encouragement for Today

When God Shows Up

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My son was feeling discouraged and there was nothing I could do to help! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs Ministries.

It’s so hard for me when my kids feel down. I try to encourage them with a funny story or a favorite snack. But sometimes, nothing helps. Sometimes all God wants me to do is pray and ask Him to be there for my child.

When this happened the other day, I prayed that God would show up in some way to encourage my son’s heart. I didn’t know it, but my son was praying the same thing. Late that afternoon we were driving somewhere when Andrew noticed the sun setting. It was absolutely brilliant. And angled next to it, there was this delicate golden ring that looked like a halo. I had never seen anything like it.

Andrew said, “That is my sign. I prayed that God would give me a sign that He is with me and He did!”

Let’s ask God to show up today and watch to see how He does. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Worn Out

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes I get so tired and grumpy I find myself snapping at everyone. Ever been there? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We don’t want to act that way and yet constant demands can make emotions high and spirits low. One day I was asking God to help me. Suddenly the word thanksgiving popped into my head. So, I started listing things that I’m thankful for.

It felt a little silly. I wanted some deep theological truth to chew on and ponder. I wanted a big lightning strike of revelation. I wanted an instant fix. But here I was in this basic exercise.

And something amazing happened. The more I verbalized what I was thankful for, the less cloudy my heart felt. Now when I start feeling stressed out and snappy, I make myself start listing off the things I’m thankful for. And it’s amazing what thanksgiving will do to redirect a worn out woman. For more visit Proverbs31.org.

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Helping A Child Who Worries

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

What do you tell a child who is feeling anxious? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My son just told me that he didn’t want to have ANY anxious thoughts today – he didn’t want to worry about me being here when he gets home from school, or about his teacher liking his science project.

I remembered some words from the Bible that encourage us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. Well, that seemed like a really hard concept for a kid so I tried to put it in terms he could understand.

I told him, “When you have a thought that makes you feel anxious, catch it like it’s a baseball.” I then cupped my hand like I was holding a ball and told him to look at it and ask, “Is this something Jesus would say to me?” If the answer is no, then throw that thought back into the outfield!

He smiled so big and said - Thanks Mom - as though all his worries were gone.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Priorities

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

It’s so easy to say that I make reading my Bible a priority every day but, if I’m honest, sometimes life’s demands distract me. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Have you ever struggled making time for daily Bible reading? Well, I learned a great lesson through something I taught my daughter. Day after day, I would have to remind her to feed our dogs.

Then one day it occurred to me to implement a rule in her life that would hold her accountable. “Brooke, you aren’t allowed to eat your breakfast until you’ve fed the dogs theirs.” This rule worked! And it made me think about a rule I needed to implement. “Lysa, you aren’t allowed to turn on your computer until you’ve read God’s word first.”

And, it’s a great rule for me. What’s something you find distracting you and keeping you from spending time with God? Maybe this simple rule could help you as well. For more ideas on connecting with God, go to Proverbs31.org.

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Listening to God

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

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

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

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

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Staying Connected

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Modern technology has given us more ways to stay connected with our loved ones than ever before--- but sometimes it’s more meaningful to return to the basics. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I don’t mind receiving a text message, e-mail, or voicemail from a loved one but a handwritten letter every now and then would be a treasure. So, I’ve decided to make it more of a priority to send some letters to those I love this year. After all, if it’s something I’d love to get, then it’s probably something others would like to receive.

So, I’m putting together a folder complete with an address list, note cards and stamps. I’m also going to throw in a few pictures each time I get them developed. Then once a week I’m going to pray and ask God which of my family or friends might need a little love in the form of a note that week.

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

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Falling Forward

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I stood at the top of a beautiful mountain listening to my son, Joshua, beg me to ski down. Come on mom, it's not that bad. Watch me. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I finally went down and skied pretty well…until I had to stop! I hit a snowdrift, my skis flew up in the air, my neck jerked back, and my legs twisted like pretzels.

I laid there in the snow trying to breathe, I thought: That’s it! No more skiing. I’m not risking another fall. It’s not worth it!

But then I sensed God whisper to my heart, "Renee, you’ll never experience all I have for you if you’re not willing to get up and try again." He was right. That day held so many family memories on the slopes that I would not have wanted to miss.

Isn’t it easy to give up when we get hurt? Imagine what we might be missing because we’re not willing to fall forward and trust God again. For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

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