You’re Not Alone Mom

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

A friend of mine recently told me that she wished she enjoyed being a mom as much as I do. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The truth is, I haven’t always enjoyed being a mom. I used to get so discouraged when my kids were little. Especially when they developed a mind of their own and wouldn’t listen to me. I looked at other moms who seemed to know what they were doing and wondered, “What is wrong with me?”

Other moms had children who listened when they told them no. I wondered why my child wouldn’t keep his hands to himself in the grocery store. And how could I get him to stop whining when I told him we weren’t buying anything from the toy aisle? I wondered why no one told me it would be so hard!

Do you feel discouraged today? If so, you’re not alone. The truth is being a mom is one of the hardest jobs on earth but it’s also one of the most important!

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Friendships Breathe Life

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Last night I received an e-mail from a friend whose mom has an advanced stage of cancer. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. There really aren't any words to describe the pain that seeped through the words in her e-mail. It broke my heart.

We women need each other. We need to love, support and encourage each other. This world has plenty of things that can make us feel lonely and afraid.

So why not be the kind of person whose face is one of the first a friend sees when she closes her eyes in a time like this? The more we are this kind of friend, the more of these kinds of friends we'll attract. And when everything else is stripped away- it's our friendships that breathe life- reminders of truth- hope- and real help- back into our world. Will you join me in making a commitment to start loving others more fully?

For more encouragement visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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The Plastic Knife

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope with Sylvia Basham

Have you ever cut brownies with a table knife and made a mess out of them? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I recently learned of a new way to cut brownies, and keep them in tact, while they're still warm. And you can have nice squares of chocolate with smooth edges too - when you cut them with a plastic knife.

Now that I know plastic knives have a special ability to cut warm brownies, I use them specifically for that purpose. I don't try to cut cardboard, steak, or wood with them. That’d be misusing their giftedness.

You know, God created us with unique abilities, too. But it’s so easy to compare ourselves to other women and wish we had their abilities! That’s when I misuse my gifts and try something I’m not cut out to do. And just like cutting using the wrong brownie knife, I end up with a mess.

So, instead of trying to be something I’m not, I’m learning to be content with the abilities God’s given me! For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

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A Tip of Influence

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Holly Good

Don’t you love it when you do something that causes a positive chain reaction? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Last weekend I was traveling in a shuttle bus from my hotel to the airport. I mindlessly tipped the driver a few dollars as he pulled my bags from the back of the van.

After I did this, I noticed several other passengers around me who were waiting for their bags suddenly scramble in their wallets to tip the helpful driver as well. I couldn’t help but think how our seemingly small acts can influence others. Today my simple tip started a chain reaction that was obviously a positive outcome for this hardworking shuttle bus driver.

This challenged me to stop and think about how my actions, reactions, and words on ordinary day can truly have an impact on those around me. For more encouragement visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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What Makes Me Feel Loved?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Recently I asked my son what makes him feel loved and his answer showed me something I’d never thought about! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Andrew’s answer was simple. He said that me being with him and me being there for him is what makes him feel loved. I was surprised by how simple it was and it made me wonder - If God asked me what makes me feel loved by Him, what would I say?

I thought about it and then I realized the very same things that make my son feel loved by me - are the things that make me feel loved by God!

It’s knowing that God’s always with me, and always there for me. That He cares about me, and He’ll never leave me. It’s the promises He’s made and kept that remind me of His love again and again.

So, have you ever thought about what makes you feel loved by God?

To learn more about God’s love for you, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Bring on the Clothes

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Holly Good

Last week a friend told me that her kids have done their own laundry for years. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I thought this was a great idea because it’s a basic life skill we should all be able to do. But at the same time I just had to know her secret for keeping this family chore on a regular self sustaining schedule.

She admitted that she still needs to remind her now young teen to do his laundry. But several years ago she thought of something simple and fun to keep him doing it week after week. She lets him drop his dirty clothes from the loft on the second floor down to the first floor where they fall right at the entrance to the laundry room. It saves him the time of carrying it downstairs and its fun for him to send it sailing.

What an easy way to keep a rather dull chore from being too monotonous! For more ideas and encouragement visit proverbs31.org.

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Follow Me

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

When Jesus said, “Come and follow Me” did He mean that for us, today? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Jesus said Come Follow Me, to men who could actually follow Him physically. Yet I want to be a woman who accepts His invitation and follows Him spiritually - every day!

Now, that hasn’t always been my attitude. My desire to follow God came after years of following my own plans, which eventually failed. I ended up in a pit of despair after a broken engagement, a job loss and a pile of debt I couldn’t get out of!

I finally surrendered my plans and told God I wanted Him to start leading my life.

And you know what? He did! Each time I committed to follow Him, He’d lead me to promises in the Bible to comfort my hurts and wisdom to make good choices. And step-by-step I eventually learned to follow God.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org

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Pushed to That Place

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve blown it with the words I speak, I could buy several plane tickets to somewhere warm and tropical. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other day at a coffee shop I saw a woman with two small children getting very frustrated, a situation I’ve found myself in many times.

I couldn’t help but hear her berate her husband when he arrived. He was always late, he was inconsiderate, he didn’t care about the stress she’d faced that day.

Then I noticed the look on her husband’s face. I recognized the look because I’ve seen it on my husband’s face when I’ve caught him off guard like this.

So I’ve decided to try to make a change. I’ve even made a list of words from the Bible to memorize so they can help me the next time I get so frustrated. Then maybe I won’t blindside my husband by putting all the blame on him!

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

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The Day I Almost Quit

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I’ll never forget the day I almost quit being a mom. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

It’d been such a hard day with two fussy toddlers! After I put them down for an early nap, I searched for pink construction paper so I could write “I QUIT” on it and turn in my “pink slip” when my husband got home!

Well, I couldn’t find the paper so I stood there crying. That’s when I told God,” I can’t do this. Being a mom is just too hard!”

I sensed Him whisper to my heart: “You’re right, Renee. In your own strength and with only your perspective, you can’t do this.” It was a new starting place for me. When I admitted to myself and God that I couldn’t, He reminded me that together “we” could! He showed me that with His strength and guidance, I could become the mom He created me to be, the mom my kids needed me to be, and the mom I wanted to be!

If you need some encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Seem So Small

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently I was thinking about all of the seemingly small things that can cause great destruction. Especially when it comes to marriage. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Careless words, slightly disrespectful attitudes, complaining about our finances can all seem so small.

Each of these seemingly small things can so easily and tragically wedge itself into the core of a marriage and send it slipping towards destruction.

I can’t mindlessly assume that my marriage is coasting along okay and that little problems can’t topple even the most stable of legacies. So today I’ve decided to focus on my words. I’m going to ask God to interrupt my mouth at every turn. I’m going to hold my tongue against saying anything careless. And I’m going to intentionally use my words as gifts to my husband today and nothing else. For more encouragement visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.

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Choosing to Respect My Husband

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Sometimes, I have to choose to respect my husband even when I don’t feel it!

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

My husband and I are very different. He’s laid back and I’m task oriented. He’s a little unorganized and I like things put away.

When we first got married, I felt like I was always finding dirty clothes on the floor so I labeled JJ “messy.” My respect dropped a notch. After a few Saturdays’ watching basketball on the couch, I labeled him “lazy." My respect for him dropped another notch.

One day I read in the Bible that wives are to respect their husbands, unconditionally. I started praying about my attitude and made a list of qualities I do respect about JJ. Then I decided to focus on those each day. It’s not always easy to do but it has transformed my marriage!

For more practical ways to show your husband respect, click on Renee’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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An Emotional Affair

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

A few years ago I watched a friend get tangled up in an emotional affair with another man. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She hadn’t planned on being pulled into this place. She loved her family but this strong attachment seemed unavoidable.

Some think this is a safe way to enjoy the lure of being attracted to someone other than your spouse without crossing any lines. But God boldly and plainly tells us to flee from all temptation. The time to prevent an affair is before it ever starts.

The way to overcome a temptation like this is to admit to it and ask for help. My friend did the wisest thing she could have done in telling me about her situation. It helped her to see that she needed to shut it down and have someone else hold her accountable. It also made me aware of the dangers in any kind of unhealthy connection with another man. For more encouragement, log on to Proverbs 31.org.

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Unexpected Treasures

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and Amy Carroll

One day a young shepherd was looking for his lost goat when he found the most unexpected treasure! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

There was a cave nearby so the shepherd tossed a rock into the opening of and listened for his goat. Instead, he heard a pot break. He went in to see what it was and found the greatest archeological and religious treasure ever discovered—the Dead Sea Scrolls!Isn’t it amazing that for over a thousand years these ancient documents of God’s own Words were hidden in a clay pot?
You know, we’re like the broken pot that held those treasured scrolls. The Bible calls believers in Christ “jars of clay” who hold the treasures of God’s power and promises.

So, God doesn’t want us to hide what He’s put in us. Tthere’s someone we know who’s looking for an unexpected treasure and God wants them to find HIM - in us!

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Women Judging Women

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

How different would our lives be if we women didn’t have to fear the harsh criticisms of other women? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Women judging other women must absolutely break God’s heart. Yet unfortunately, we do it all the time.

Jesus made it very clear that He didn’t come into this world to condemn the worst of sinners. He leveled His harshest criticisms against those who dared to cast judgment against others. Voicing criticisms against others will coat the eyes of our soul so that we become blinded to our own faults. And that is exactly where we don’t want our heart to be.

When I’m tempted to be critical of someone else, I‘m going to try to hold my thoughts and my tongue. I always want to be motivated by love. So instead of judging, I will pray for that person and look to see how God will work. For more encouragement log on to Proverbs 31.org.

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You’re Not Alone

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope with Wendy Blight

Do you ever feel like God’s far away? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

After a tragic incident in her life, my friend Wendy went through a long period of darkness, fear and loneliness.

In the middle of her struggle, Wendy was reading in the Bible about the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt. God had promised to deliver them, but all they could hear was the rumbling of Pharaoh’s chariots chasing after them. And all they saw was the Red Sea blocking their only escape.

When Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, the Bible says that all night God parted the waters so they could cross on dry land. They couldn’t see what God was doing in the darkness but He was helping them just as He’d promised. This reminded Wendy that God was working to carry her through her darkness.

So, no matter how dark life feels, God is near and He’s working to rescue us, too! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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The Principal’s Office

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently one of my kids got called to the principal’s office. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. This happened on the same day I was asked to speak at a national parenting conference. Go figure!

In my head, I was able to see the situation for what it was. My child is in the process of being shaped. She’s a sweet girl who made a not so sweet choice. However, in my heart I felt like a failure as a parent.

I talked to God about these feelings and asked Him to help me see this situation the way He wants me to see it. Not the way others see it. Not the way my heart is tempted to see it. And once again He reassured me that I am not a bad parent and my daughter’s not a bad kid. We are on a journey together. He is shaping her character and He has chosen me to help her. For more encouragement log on to Proverbs 31.org.

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From Ground Hog to Big Kid?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Isn't it funny how a certain date on the calendar brings back old feelings?

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

For my friend, Jill, Ground Hog Day always brings back memories of her pregnancy. All the ups and downs, queasiness, and cravings, and excitement! Jill’s daughter was due on February 2nd 2006. So, while she was expecting, she and her husband called their baby their little Ground Hog. The longer Jill was pregnant the more they joked that the baby might pop her head out and decide to go back inside for six more weeks.

This year on Ground Hog Day Jill was reminiscing about those days of waiting for her daughter to be born while watching her play in a weekly gymnastics class. Wow, how fast the years have flown by!

What a great reminder to try to enjoy every moment as our little ground hogs grow up to be big kids! For more encouragement, log on to proverbs31.org!

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Longing to be Heard

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Holly Good

Last week a friend called and asked me to please come to her house right away. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I had several things on my to-do list that day, but I chose to stop and take time to go help my friend.

On my way there I felt a little nervous because I had no idea what she was struggling with. I prayed and asked God for wisdom with my words, actions, and reactions.

When I finally arrived, we sat together and talked. Well, she talked and I listened. She talked about her recent issues and how she was coping. She talked about her feelings and how they were effecting the situation she was in. And she talked about the resolution to her problem.

On my way back home I couldn’t help but smile. All that my friend needed was a listening ear. She didn’t need my advice or a ready solution to her problem. She was simply longing to be heard.

For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

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I Did It!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Sometimes I forget to celebrate the small victories in life, how about you?

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

Recently a friend of mine who’d never run in her life decided to train for a 5-K race. Soon after she started, she realized just how hard it was gonna to be and got a little discouraged. But, the other day I saw her and she was beaming!

She looked at me and said, “I DID IT!”

I thought she’d run the 3.1 miles of the race so I congratulated her. But, that wasn’t it.

“No, I RAN A WHOLE MILE AT ONCE...without stopping!” She said. “It's still a long way from a 5-K, but I finally did it! For me this is HUGE! It means that running 3 miles is actually achievable. It means I'm not so pathetic after all. It means I really can know for sure - ALL things are possible with God!”

I was so proud of her for celebrating her accomplishment! So, what small victories are you celebrating? Let us know on our blog at proverbs31.org!

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Unanswered Emails

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do you ever get stressed about all of your unanswered emails? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Yesterday I received a reprimand that stung my heart. Someone was very upset that I had not replied to her email.

As I read this comment, I thought about the day I’d had yesterday. It consisted of two visits to the grocery store, several phone calls, helping kids with homework, and five loads of laundry.

These choices may mean that some emails sit unanswered. Have you ever felt swallowed up by outside demands such as e-mails? Well, I’m right there with you. Our intentions are good but our time is limited.

So, I’ve had to let go of answering every e-mail. But I’ve made peace with not being able to be all things to all people so I can be a mom to some really important people. For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Passing on Our Story

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

I’m always surprised at how interested my kids are in the story of how I met their Dad!

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

Recently a radio station was asking people to call in with the story of how they met their spouse. So, I decided to tell my kids how JJ and I met and some of the funny things that happened while we dated. My boys ate it up! They loved hearing all the details.

This reminded me of how important my marriage is to my kids. Telling the story of how mom and dad met and when we decided to get married seems like just a fun way to pass time when we’re running errands. But, I think it goes deeper than that. I think knowing our story reassures my kids that JJ and I really love each other and are committed to staying together no matter what.

And, I think that makes my boys feel more secure as they face all the uncertainties that come their way every day!

For more ideas, visit Proverbs31.org.

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